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Grasses for 2023
When a new plant is introduced into the market, it is more than just a fancy name. Plant breeders work for years, sometimes decades, to perfect and patent a distinct new plant variety. Sometimes this...
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Keystone Natives for the Food Web
I have been reminded over the past few weeks about about the importance of keystone natives. There is a growing body of research that touts the benefits of keystone species of trees, shrubs,...
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Plant Profile: False Solomon’s Seal
Originally published in the Winter 2022 issue of the newsletter of the Kansas Native Plant Society. It started with seed collection. Throughout this past spring, summer and fall, I’ve been collecting...
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Echinacea Hybrids
I read an interesting article about Echinacea (coneflowers) the other day. It highlighted the highs and lows of the newfangled coneflower cultivars over the last decade or so. You know – the ones in...
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Tree loss at the Arboretum
One of the hardships of being a gardener is the loss of a long established tree. It is no different here at the Arboretum. We have lost a few trees that were planted at the founding of the Arboretum....
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Butterfly weed: Fun Facts
One of the most iconic prairie wildflowers is Asclepias tuberosa, commonly referred to as butterfly weed or butterfly milkweed. From May to July, its bright orange flowers dot the prairie landscape....
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Hard To Find Plant Species Available This Fall
Due to the diligent nursery work of our suppliers, and a bit of searching on my part, we will have interesting new species to offer at our fall FloraKansas event, as well as some old favorites that...
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Plants for hillsides and slopes
One of the more common landscaping conundrums is deciding what to plant on steep slopes or hillsides. These areas require plants that can establish quickly, have fibrous root systems, that hold soil...
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To the Pond and Beyond
Many people think that the phrase “native plant” is synonymous with “drought tolerant plant” or “dry prairie species”. But not so! Kansas is a place full of sunny skies as well as quiet, shady...
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Plant Profile: Pitcher Sage, Salvia azurea
During the doldrums of late summer, light blue flower spikes thrusting skyward along Kansas roadsides and prairies provide welcome contrast to the yellows of the state’s many sunflowers. Pitcher...
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Plant Profile: Pink Muhly Grass
Fall is the best time of year to admire the beautiful regalia of native grasses. During the spring and summer, these grasses blend into their surroundings. As autumn deepens, the wonderful fall color...
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Winter Food for Birds
This winter has been one of the harshest Kansas has had in quite some time. Plants and animals have been tested with extreme cold, frozen soils and snow. It’s incredible to imagine that anything can...
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Plant Profile: Ozark Witchhazel
This time of year we are looking for any hint of spring. Often we can find tips of green from bulbs or swelling buds of the silver maple. On other trees, such as birch, hazelhut, alder and later...
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Gardens of France: Seaside Plants of St. Malo
St. Malo is known as the corsair city; a place of pirates and lighthouses, rocky islands and medieval walls. Besides great history (and excellent pastry!), a botany-minded visitor in St. Malo can...
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Gardens of France: American Cemetery at Normandy
When most people visit Normandy, they aren’t coming for the gardens. World War II historians flock here from all over the world to learn, explore, and pay tribute to the thousands who died here...
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Early May Blooms at the Arboretum
As we work further into spring, I thought I would share some rare and some common prairie plants in bloom at the Arboretum the first week of May. Enjoy! Prairie Iris-Nemastylis geminiflora Wild...
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Plant Spotlight: Spigelia marilandica
Bright red, versatile, compact habit and attracts hummingbirds…why has the landscaping industry so often overlooked this plant? Spigelia is a lesser known and underutilized species for native gardens....
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Plums, Cherries, and Very Bitter Berries: A Prunus Profile
In honor of all the wild plums ripening right now, this week’s blog is all about the Prunus genus of plants. There are several common Prunus species found in Kansas. All are excellent choices for...
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Right Rudbeckia, Right Place
Rudbeckia is a very recognizable flower. Its bright yellow blooms appear when summer reaches its peak, and flowers steadily through the hottest part of the summer when we all need it most. Also known...
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Think Pink
Muhly grass is in its prime this time of year, and all our regular visitors are asking about it. This native grass is unforgettable once you see it in bloom, and we are lucky to have multiple types...
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