Looking through seed catalogs can be exciting for the avid gardener… and dangerous. Too often I have bought flower or other seeds that I just don’t get around to planting. I also like to buy seeds that I always plant in larger than packet size quantities that can last for two, three and four years... Continue Reading →
The Power of an Hour
What can twenty people accomplish in one hour? Lots! On Saturday, July 25, Master Gardener volunteers arrived at the Medicinal Garden to lend a hand. So much was done in a short time! The garden looks much better with weeds pulled, paths cleared, plants thinned and wood chips spread. When the work was complete, friends... Continue Reading →
Squash Surgery: A Tutorial (with video!)
When Tom and Arlene Whitten (EMG 2017) noticed the telltale signs of squash vine borer on their squash, they decided to take the unusual route of performing surgery in order to salvage their plants. "I figured I had nothing to lose and everything to gain," said Arlene. Added Tom, "This is what happens when you're... Continue Reading →
Meet the Master Gardeners: Bob and Diane Oakes
When did you start gardening? Diane: I dabbled in things like tomatoes when I was employed, but I didn’t give gardening my full attention until I retired in 2008. Bob: Diane is the gardener. I’ve always just been the hired help. I do the heavy lifting in the projects, like recently creating a new garden... Continue Reading →
For the Love of Iris
Carole Mitchell’s inspiring love of irises was sparked by her grandmother. Mitchell, a Master Gardener since 2000, began growing them in Texas in 1962. Her collection expanded when she moved to Illinois in 1968 because she had the space to devote to the plants and lived there long enough to establish a garden. When Mitchell... Continue Reading →
Master Gardeners and Just Food
Master Gardener Cindy Haines began donating leftover produce to area food banks in 2003. “We lived on a farm,” said Haines. “My husband Jim had a very productive vegetable garden and we were trying to figure out what to do with it.” Rather than compost the extras, they gave it to local agencies who made... Continue Reading →
Monarch Watch Demonstration Garden
The Monarch Watch demonstration garden is maintained and developed by Douglas County Master Gardeners and is situated on the University of Kansas West Campus. Professor Chip Taylor and his staff play a teaching role and instruct Master Gardeners about when to be aware of butterflies and caterpillars. Master Gardeners work with the Monarch Watch organization... Continue Reading →
Meet the Master Gardeners: Laurie McLane-Higginson
When did you start gardening? I didn’t garden growing up, but my parents were enthusiastic gardeners. I started when I bought my first home on Vermont Street here in Lawrence. Owning land for the first time, I was excited to have space to try to grow things. I had lots of sun so I did... Continue Reading →
Baldwin Demonstration Garden
The Baldwin City Demonstration Garden is tucked into a quiet corner of Baldwin’s busy downtown at the intersection of 8th Street and High Street in Tom Swan Park. Master Gardeners work to demonstrate how a wide variety of perennial and annual plants may be grown in a small, heavily used space. “Our focus is to... Continue Reading →
Enchanted Evening Recipes
These recipes were served at the Enchanted Evening in the Garden fundraising event held at Susan and Doug Rendall's home. We are providing them here for you to make at home with your own home-grown herbs and flowers. Enjoy! Tahitian Rose Lemonade 3 fresh lemons (organic) ... Continue Reading →