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The Prairie Paradox
“Reversing deforestation is complicated; planting a tree is simple.” – Martin O’ Malley, Former Governor of Maryland and Mayor of Baltimore. When I first read this saying, I automatically changed it in...
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Plant profile: Golden Alexander (Zizia aurea)
Several years ago as I was preparing for our fall plant sale, I noted that I had a flat of 32 golden alexanders (Zizia aurea) ready for the sale. I went back three days later and could not find the...
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Native Plant Selection Made Easy
I have found that a beautiful native landscape doesn’t magically appear. It starts with a plan. By choosing the right plants that grow well together in your setting, you will avoid many of the...
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Celebrating Silphiums
Late July to early August is a great time of the year to be celebrating Silphiums. Scott wrote a Silphium post last summer highlighting the four species we can grow well in south central Kansas. I...
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Six Elements of a Beautiful Fall Garden
I have said it before that fall is my favorite time of the year. It means that the hottest days of summer will be replaced by autumn’s cool mornings and warm afternoons. The landscape is transformed...
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Plant Profile: The Gayfeathers
Gayfeathers are truly iconic symbols of the prairie. Also known as blazing stars, these distinctive plants occur throughout Kansas grasslands. Seven species are native to our state, all blooming...
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Five Reasons Why Fall is for Planting
I have people ask me all the time at our FloraKansas plant sale if fall is a good time to establish plants. My answer is “Yes, it is a GREAT time to plant!” In fact, it’s a perfect time to plant just...
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A Kansas Land Ethic: Celebrating 35 years of Dyck Arboretum of the Plains
Can you imagine what Hesston would be like without the Dyck Arboretum of the Plains? Over 35 years ago, Harold and Evie Dyck had a dream to create a garden that reflected the Kansas landscape they...
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With a Voice of Thanksgiving
For each new morning with its light, for rest and shelter of the night, for health and food, for love and friends, for everything Thy goodness sends, for flowers that bloom about our feet; for tender...
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Finding Common Ground with Native Landscaping
In the gardening off season now, you have a chance to think about the big picture of what you want for your landscape. Consider a plan that resonates with the general public by finding common ground...
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Needy Seeds: How to Germinate Prairie Species
January and February can be dull months for a gardener. When the north wind whips and the drizzle freezes, spring seems a lifetime away. But here at the Arboretum these cold months are a busy time for...
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A Native Shade Garden
In Kansas, the benefits of shade are obvious. If you step outside on a summer afternoon, you will quickly move under the canopy of a large shade tree. The sun can be intense. We love the shade that...
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Are Native Plants Really Drought-Tolerant?
I love prairie plants and I encourage people to use them in their landscapes. Native plants have so many excellent qualities. I see their benefits in the plantings we have throughout the Arboretum....
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Five Garden Trends for 2017
Garden Retreats We live in a connected, fast paced digital world. We need places to disconnect and unwind. Green spaces surrounded by nature have been shown to calm the anxiety of a stressful life....
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Six Native Groundcovers That Thrive in the Sun
As you think about your native landscape, taller plants are easier to plug into the design. There are more choices from which you can add diversity, color, texture and habitat. These taller layers...
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Growing Berries in the Backyard
Berries are my favorite addition to the production garden – they are the perfect topping for ice cream and yogurt and make delicious pies! But they can be expensive to source from the grocery store and...
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Spring Native Planting Guide
As winter fades and the warm moist winds of spring begin to blow, or have been blowing, those of us who love gardening are eager to get our hands dirty planting something in the ground. We long to see...
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Do You Want A Native Front Yard?
Something interesting is happening to our front yards. They are slowly shrinking. The typical large expanse of green lawn is being replaced with low-maintenance, drought tolerant shrubs, perennials...
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Partner Perennials
As the weather warms up and perennials begin to sprout I find myself in the gardening mood! Whether filling in gaps in an existing garden bed or planting up a new area, knowing which plants will look...
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Add Your Piece to the Patchwork of Prairie Gardens
We are experiencing a paradigm shift that is sweeping across the country. People are becoming increasingly aware of the natural world and their ability to impact it. If we begin establishing...
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