Star Annuals for the Central Great Plains
What are star annuals? Many years ago, Kansas State University developed their Prairie Star List, a list of Annuals for the state of Kansas. However, this list is no longer being presented, as the main testing location for annual flowers has been shut down due to lack of funding. Several years ago, I started evaluating […]
2020 Year in Review – Annual Color
Each year I love doing annual color plantings more and more. In the past, I used to hate annuals, but I have learned how much of an impact and statement they can make. With our ever-changing weather patterns, it can be difficult to choose annuals that will withstand heat, drought, flooding, and cool spells. However, […]
Annuals for Shade
Shade loving annuals can be a bit tricky, especially here in Northeast Kansas. Our summers can be hot and dry or hot and wet. These are difficult conditions for annuals, whether in shade or sun. Shade Annual Care Fortunately, we do have some annuals that will work very well in shade and thrive in the […]
Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is right around the corner, this corner to be exact. When I think back on all the things that my mom has done for me and is still doing for me, I think also of the ways in which she has influenced my life. When I go home, we walk and discuss the […]
Xeri-Pot Containers
The Xeri-Pot was a creation of mine during the summer of 2012 when the weather proved to be extremely dry and hot. It was so hot that the nights did not cool down, and often roasted plantings overnight. Annual plantings wilted and dried up quickly, providing for the opportunity to create something that could live […]
Mum’s the Word
Fall is such a lovely time of year! I love watching the birds look for berries, the wind blowing red, yellow, and orange leaves across the drive. I even enjoy raking leaves. The rich earthy hues that the world takes on are so wonderful. I like watching the sway of grasses in the wind, the […]
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, […]
What can I do with my herbs?
This is a beginners guide to cooking with fresh herbs. Use the following chart as a guideline to begin experimenting with new flavors in your recipes. This is an excellent way to ‘spice up’ your favorite dishes so that they seem like new! Basil Magical Michael Annual Ornamental; use to flavor Italian dishes Basil Purple […]
Common Landscape Plants with Unusual Edible Qualities: Not Your Typical Fruit or Vegetable!
We all want a landscape that is easy to maintain, provides beauty all year round, and provides benefits for our families, right? What if we create landscapes that are even more beneficial to our families and to wildlife, where we could, in season, simply pick fruit right off the tree in our backyard? And what […]
