Plant Perennials (and Trees) Now!
Autumn is finally here with the advent of some much wanted and needed cooler temperatures, and lovely fall rains. When the weather cools down to daily temperatures in the 50s, 60s, and 70s, and the night-time temperatures stay around the 50s, then it is the best time to plant most of our perennials, shrubs, grasses, […]
Small Trees for Small Gardens
There are many small trees that may fit into any sized garden, but are they better in small gardens? Small gardens may be defined as those that are on a small lot in town, or have a small amount of useable space. Or even a garden room that needs a small tree. Small trees fit […]
Garden Bones
Just the other day I remarked to a colleague about his garden and how we designed gardens with the “bones” in mind. Garden bones of course, are not the bones of any animal, but the strong plants that hold the garden together through all seasons, when perennials have faded and annuals are put to rest […]
The Ohio Buckeye
The Ohio buckeye (Aesculus glabra) is not what most people think about when they think of spring in Kansas, or maybe anywhere. Most think of the bulbs of Holland, planted here or there in a landscape bed, or the redbuds of the oak-hickory woodlands of eastern Kansas. However, here in the northeast corner of the […]
Landscape Lighting
Landscape lighting is one of my favorite parts of the landscape. This may seem like an odd comment coming from a horticulture graduate, but it is true. There is something about landscape lighting that finishes the look of a professional landscape if it is done right. This is especially important for anyone who works 8-5 […]
What Will Grow Near a Black Walnut Tree?
Black Walnut trees are wonderful if you are a cabinet maker, eat the walnuts, or leave them as forage for wildlife, or use the husks to make a colorfast dye. But if you are a gardener, they provide a challenge, to say the least. A toxic chemical, juglone, diffuses from the roots into the soil, […]
October
Lawn • Fall leaves should be removed to prevent suffocation and death of the grass. Rake them if they are piled heavily or mow them. A mulching mower will chop them finely and add humus to the soil. • Spray for weeds. Dandelions, henbit and chickweed are best controlled in the fall when the plants […]
April
Lawn • Apply crabgrass preventer when redbud trees are in full bloom. The preventer needs to be watered in before it will start to work. Remember that a good, thick lawn is the best weed preventer and may be all that is needed on a healthy, vigorous lawn. (Note: Use Barricade for one application.) • […]
