What’s Growing On... The latest news from the Marais des Cygnes Extension Master

SEPTEMBER 2020 | 104 S. Brayman St., Paola, KS 66071 | 913-294-4306 | www.maraisdescygnes.ksu.edu

CALENDAR A New Home for the Extension Office September 21 The Paola Extension office will be moving to the Sutherlands Shopping 2021 Tour Planning Meeting, Center on 913 N Pearl (Old KC Rd) in Paola. Our last day at the 104 S 10 am at Wallace Park (see page 2) Brayman location will be January 31, 2021. OCTOBER 13 The MdC Paola staff are very excited to be moving to a location that is 3rd Quarter General Meeting, easier to get to, more visual to the public, and has a bigger parking lot. 6:30pm, Extension Office (details on There is some remodeling that needs page 2). to be done to the location before we The following classes will be on can move in, so we are not looking Zoom. Katelyn will be sending links. to move items just yet. Our storage It is recommended you participate space at the new location will be tight, from home, but both will be avail- PAOLA New Extension Office so I am asking you all to help with able to view at the Paola Office. “cleaning” the EMG office. September 22 We have permission from our new Nancy Chapman presents “Organic landlord to put flower pots/containers Practices,” 6:30 pm on on the sidewalk in front of the office Zoom. (Details on page 8) and a small garden around the October 27 signage sign near Old KC Rd. There Judy Sharp presents “Drought is no water hook up there, but we can Resistant Perennials,” 6:30 pm on try something new—drought-tolerant Zoom. . Advanced Training Online: See We have permission to remove plants from the at the current K-State Garden Hour on Facebook office. So we will be having a “transplant party” before the next Quarterly meeting on October 13. No plants will be removed before this date. Garden workdays are as follows: Details about the event will be sent later. I will keep you all updated on our Courthouse: progress.—Katelyn Barthol Workdays: Wednesdays at 9 am, 8 am on really hot days IMPORTANT NOTES Phyllis Benedict 913-294-4751 [email protected] Extension Office: • The Symposium has been and $100 for Supporters. Work days: Tuesdays at 9 am cancelled for 2021. Tentative plans • FREE POTS! Richard Piezuch, a Sue Burns 816-510-5291 for the 2021 Awards Banquet and former EMG, has lots of pots to give [email protected] Spring Sale are in the works. away—all types and sizes, including Trial Garden: • Tentative dates for the 2021 starter pots. Many have been cleaned Work days vary Garden Tour are September 10-11. and stored in plastic bags. Call him at Call Chet McLaughlin for info The board voted to change the ticket 913-557-6940 to arrange for pickup. 913-963-7187 price to $15 (good for both days). He lives just off Highway 68, near [email protected] Sponsorship levels will change to Hillsdale Lake. $350 for Patrons, $200 for Sponsors, Follow the Marais des Cygnes EMGs on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mdcemg 2 N E W S

Advisory Board Garden Tour Planning Meeting Come join us Monday, September 21st, 10:00 a.m., at the Wallace Park Chairman — Betsy Hasselquist pavilion for an organizational meeting of the MdC EMG 2021 Fall Garden Vice Chairman — Phyllis Benedict Secretary – Anita Boyett-Voke Tour. It’s exciting to start planning such a positive occasion. Save the date Treasurer – Laraine Crawford for the “A September to Remember” garden tour September 10 and 11, 2021. We have five wonderful prospective gardens. Members at Large Sue Burns We need folks to sign up for various committees/tasks and of course Cathy Stainbrook volunteers at each garden during the tour. We will arrange pre-tour tours Judy Moser for all of the volunteers to experience and learn about the gardens. We will adhere to social distancing guidelines with masks advised. Feel free to Committees bring your own chair. Courthouse Garden Hope to see you September 21! If Phyllis Benedict & Kathy Doherty you are unable to attend and interested Trial Garden in being involved, contact Betsy Shirley New & Chet McLaughlin Hasselquist at [email protected] KSU Extension Office Garden and/or Jan Thompson at jkg.thompson@ Sue Burns & Debbie Kitchell gmail.com. Lakemary Liaison Becky Thorpe Advanced Training Laraine Crawford Awards Banquet Donna Cook & Susan Thompson Symposium Chair(s) Needed Plant Sale Sondra Dela Cruz & Lenora Larson Laraine Crawford’s beautiful Garden Tour 2021 garden will be on the tour. Jan Thompson & Betsy Hasselquist Publicity Judy Moser & Lenora Larson Bring a Shovel—or at Least Yourself... Seeds for Kids ...to the 3rd Quarter General Meeting on October 13, 6:30 pm, at the Kathleen Brady-Francis & Paola Extension Office. Janette Bennett With the prospect of the Extension Office moving, we are proposing that Social Media EMGs attend the October General meeting to help with digging up and Anita Boyett-Voke saving numerous plants that will need new homes. EMGs are welcome to Miami County Fair reap the benefits. Donations appreciated. Chet McLaughlin & Michael Poss Bring your muscle or supervisory, cheerleading, organizational, and Pat Trachsel & Sue Burns conversational skills—and containers to help and take advantage of quality Linn County Fair transplants. Mike Brown New Recruits/Mentors A truly diverse array of plants, including peonies, irises, sedums, Jan Thompson & Betsy Hasselquist coneflower seeds and much more. Lots of lily bulbs from the Court House Gardens will also be available. Newspaper Articles Katelyn Barthol, Extension Agent AGENDA: Work or just enjoy the gardens 6:30-7:30 p.m., then gather in the Extension Office for updates. Although it’s difficult to plan, things are Send news and photos to: happening! Judy Moser, Newsletter Editor The October EMG Board Meeting will be held that day at 5 p.m. at [email protected] the Paola Extension Office. EMGs are always welcome to attend board meetings. We always try to respect social distancing and safety guidelines. 3 FROM THE CHAIR

New Normal? Nobody Knows By Betsy Hasselquist, MdC EMG Chair

all is approaching. Venture People often yoga classes), less driving, reducing out and appreciate nature resist change, but carbon footprints, increased online and this cooler weather. At changes can be purchases, although who cares what Fleast gardening remains a constant positive. We’re I wear (convenient, but not so great in these times of uncertainties, experiencing for retail stores, both big and small), granting beauty, inspiration, serenity, challenges we online grocery shopping and delivery creativity, productivity and exercise— never dreamed (advantageous for busy working with just a few uncertainties as part of with losses, traumas, anxieties families and elderly folks particularly), of the process. I’m enjoying lots of and increased awareness of social restaurants offering creative options, delicious homegrown tomatoes. I justice… and inequities throughout an increase in outdoor activities… don’t eat much bacon, but relish our country and the world. Who Support our local businesses. that first garden BLT. Have enjoyed could have imagined so many sports Back to school, back to school… growing and eating bok choy this might be cancelled? So many decisions, with each family, year. Time to purchase and start The new “normal”: Adaptations district and university trying to figure planting garlic and flower bulbs are evolving with pros and cons, it out. Our school systems have soon. although some will likely carry on in never dealt with a pandemic before. The new class and mentors various forms: working from home, How does one prepare for the enjoyed a meet-and-greet at Zoom for business and pleasure unknowns? Time will tell how things Lenora’s fabulous gardens. We plan (have connected more often with evolve...but I believe children are to meet at the Court House gardens long distance friends, love my Zoom resilient. My five- and seven-year- September 16 at 9 a.m. Delighted old granddaughters are attending to have nine new garden-lovers this school. Wearing masks doesn’t seem year! Excited to start planning the to be a problem for them. Seems 2021 fall garden tour, engendering they adjust better than we adults. hope. Teachers are our new heroes. What is normal? We are Are you registered to vote? comfortable with what’s usual, I’ve never been a germophobe, but ordinary and customary, but am definitely more aware of potential redefining “normal” has been thrust risks these days when out “in the real upon us and we’re not done yet. world.” Stay healthy. Stay safe. Be Change is actually a constant. kind to yourself and others. ✿ History in the Making he MdC EMG History Project EXTENSION OFFICE by OCT. 7 and then have a committee meeting resumes. Patti Armstrong, and place them in the file cabinet in for implementation. Let Patti know if a founding member, is the office just inside the front door. you’re interested in writing about a Tspearheading these efforts. Our goal Committee members who have special project ([email protected], is to develop a book on the history worked on specific years should or 913-533-4043). Judy will help of our program. Founded in 1996, include your collected information with writing, editing and formatting our 25th anniversary is next year! as well as any completed data forms to make it happen, possibly in “first In order to get back on track, and your name on your work. draft” form, in time for the January banquet (if we are able to have it). EVERYONE, PLEASE, bring ALL We plan to get an idea of what your accumulated materials, we have overall and what might be Remember to drop off your data including pictures to the Paola missing to make a plan on format to the extension office by October 7. 4 BOARD CANDIDATES

Candidates for the EMG Board Have Been Announced Sue Burns: Eight years ago we noticeable to everyone driving by. wonders at the National bought a 20 acre farm south of When we moved out to the country, and National Zoo. Going to KU Paola because once again it started off slow but was a real experience. I became we wanted room after a few years it became more concerned with the environment for our horses and more noticeable. while working for Pittsburg Plate “and a little Twenty-five or so years ago I Glass Company and returned to garden.” And it bought a grow light. It had three KU for a masters in environmental snowballed from shelves. I could start lots and lots engineering. I worked for KDHE there. of plants. It was about this time and US EPA for 40 years trying to One day, six that I became interested in raising protect the people and land. I also years ago, I butterflies. Once again I started off spent six years in the Navy. was driving into slow, planting a few milkweeds and My grandfather and grandmother town and saw that life-changing watching to see if I could entice rented land sign, “Master Plant Sale.” a monarch to lay some eggs. It near Basehor, Everyone at the sale was so nice worked! And I became hooked on Kansas where and so helpful that I knew I had to raising butterflies. they grew join the program. Three years ago I planted a a beautiful I love learning and teaching, and “lasagna garden” (where you cover garden, and that’s the basis of EMG. Five years the ground with newspaper and preserved ago, after graduating, my class put mulch on top). It was super much of the took over one of the small gardens successful. This was also the year I produce in a at the Extension office, and that became a Master Gardener. Some cold cellar. I commitment has extended to all of of my plants are from the Master spent most of my summers with the gardens surrounding the office Gardener plant sale, and that has them. They were both president of building. I believe in what we offer improved my garden’s ability to the Wyandotte County Garden Club to the community and will continue attract new species. Each year I at different times. to be involved in any way I can for seem to add Jane and I built an energy as long as possible. another but- efficient, solar panel covered Janette Bennett: My Journey terfly species house with multiple gardens. As to becoming a master gardener— to my list. This an environmentalist I serve on the where do I begin? I guess with my year I had three board of the Heartland Renewable love of gardening. I remember in new ones: Energy Society and volunteer at two my sophomore year, I asked the Pipevine Swal- recycling centers each week. teacher if I could do an experiment lowtail, Giant I learned everything I know about on growing peas. I bet he didn’t Swallowtail, gardening from my grandparents hear that too often. Then when my and one that I and from Miami County Master husband and I were newlyweds I have not yet identified. But it seems Gardeners. Shirley New and I have convinced my in-laws to plant a I am never satisfied; the more I get lead the KSU Trial Garden efforts for vegetable garden. the more I want. the past six years and we donate But it probably was in my genes. If you want a butterfly experience the proceeds to the Osawatomie My grandmother had a big flower I’m your gal! student-led community garden, garden. It took up about a fourth Chet McLaughlin: Howdy. I since they do not have a grocery of a block. There was of course a grew up outside Washington DC store in town. pathway, a meandering pathway in a neighborhood of homes built I have helped with many of the through the garden. It was super in the 1800s with little lawn or Master Gardener’s projects since neat. My mom was also big into garden space and big old trees. becoming a member in 2013. gardening. My experience with plants included Hopefully, I can contribute to our My first garden started off hospitalization for poison ivy and growth and fun over the next two slow but pretty soon it became going gaga at Mother Nature’s years by participating on the Board. 5 N E W S

Putting Art in Your Garden

By Lenora Larson

e EMGs love plants, and payment will be made to each artist there’s never enough rather than at a central checkout. room for all the plants Do you need a Christmas gift Wthat we crave. So, why would you for a gardening friend? Or a gift to give up valuable real estate to an your garden? This is the perfect art object rather than one more opportunity. plant? Please visit “Art with Myrna” on Because garden art enhances the web or Myrna Minnis on Face- your beloved plants as a dramatic book for more information. contrast to their flowers and foliage. A sculpture can also provide clues about the garden space, such as a bee sculpture in your or a bronze blue heron guarding your . Other useful functions Lenora commissioned “the Purple Rumpus” include providing focal points to match her garden’s color motif. and solving design challenges

Getting Artistic The best source of garden art is a gardening artist! Many of you remember Myrna Minnis who spoke about garden art at our 2019 Garden Symposium. Several of us MdC EMGs have been filling our gardens with her Vickie commissioned this happy Buddha to welcome visitors to her unique creations. garden. Fortunately, Myrna opens her This tadpole planter is perfect for succulents. charming garden to visitors twice a such as hiding the air conditioner year. The next opportunity or reinforcing the house’s entrance. to purchase garden art from You can also use art to share your Myrna and ten other artists personality. Do you like the whimsy will be October 10 and 11. of a rabbit statue or the grandeur Wine will be served at the of a large fountain? Additionally, Friday night opening from garden art has an unlimited color 4:00 pm to 7 pm. On Satur- palette, never needs watering or day the garden will be open , and can add winter interest from 10 am to 4 pm. 9700 to your yard. Canterbury in Overland Park, 66022 This outdoor Nine ceramic fish swim through the Catmint and All art sculpted by Myrna Minnis garden setting will allow Prairie Dropseed Grass in Lenora’s garden. for social distancing and 6 Our EMGs-To-Be

Meet Three More EMGs-in-Training

e asked our new EMGs- My name is Rhonda Lewis. I am Randa to-be to write a few words a life-long resident of Miami County. Lewis: For about themselves to help I grew up on an acreage west of the past Wus get to know them. (The other six Louisburg. I always loved working two years I were in the August newsletter.) outside in the vegetable and flower have been I am Shelli Shockey-Bichel, an gardens alongside my parents, who studying animal, nature, and outdoors lover also had a love for the outdoors and biology known for plants. at Pitts- laughing and I am married to Chris and have burg State enjoying life. three children. We have recently University with the I work a moved and have lots of garden ideas for our property south of hope to one day practice naturo- fulltime job pathic medicine. With the current at the Olathe Louisburg. This spring we have added beekeeping to our hobbies. state of the world, I have decided to School Dis- take a semester break from school trict (Service We put in a garden this spring and it has been wonderful to have those to work and take part in the Master Center) and ­Gardener program. have for 15- fresh veggies and herbs available. plus years. I love being outdoors and working I am excited for this journey and grateful I am able to share this time My husband Jeff and I live in on my gardens or taking care of the yard. I have worked at a local and appreciation of gardening with Paola and love our little 7 1/2 acre my mom, Rhonda Lewis, who is Rusty Fence Ranch. Horseback for several years, seasonly. also apart of this year’s program. riding, kayaking, bicycling and Currently, I am working at Swan’s hiking are a few of my favorite Now that our children are older, I Water gardens. It has been so activities. finally feel like I have the time to put interesting to learn more about I have gardened off and on into the Master Gardner program. aquatic plants and ecosystems. for years. Flowers, herbs and My oldest daughter is actually doing In the past, I spent several years vegetables. I am not sure what I like the program working at Louisburg Greenhouse the best because I enjoy watching alongside and Nursery. During that time all seeds and plants grow. I make me. I am I found my love for succulents salves, tinctures, soaps and lotions not only and small container gardening. with herbs and find it relaxing to excited to This season, my mom and I had make them. expand my a successful garden, growing knowledge I look forward to learning more watermelon, kale, a few surprise of gardening pumpkins and more. from the Master Gardeners and but to also being able to return the knowledge be able to I am excited for this program to to others who love gardening. I am pass this on further my knowledge and develop also interested in soil and water to the next generation. I am also new skills that will provide for a improvement. excited to get back to volunteering better harvest next season. I look and helping with different projects forward to sharing what I learn around our area. with others who are interested in gardening and food independence for themselves and their families.

Follow the Marais des Cygnes EMGs on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mdcemg 7 N E W S

New EMGs-to-Be and Mentors Visit Lenora’s Garden

PHOTOS BY JAN THOMPSON 8 N E W S

Organic Gardening Practices September 22, 6:30 pm, on Zoom The term organic has been so overused, not everyone is clear about what the term actually means. Nancy will discuss the matter in- Lenora Larson’s August 25th presentation “Ten Ways to Kill Your Plants” was depth, so hopefully by the end of well-attended (socially-distanced) and delightful, as always. this training you will be able to share the organic concept with more confidence. Nancy Chapman: Growing up in Southern California raised by Midwestern parents, Nancy learned early that you can blend a modern lifestyle the natural way, by respecting Mother Nature. Riding in the car every summer visiting family from Los Angeles to Lenora Larson’s South Dakota gigantic yellow and Omaha, Candlestick Senna in Nancy had seen just about every bloom (above). National Park and historical marker Zinnias at new EMG along the way. Those early years Janette Everhart’s really shaped Nancy’s gardening property (left). philosophy. Debbie Kitchell’s Nancy has been a part of the EMG “beautiful Surprise family since 2007 and loves every Lilies (Lycoris) in minute. Her own gardening activities August. Also called bring back fond memories of seeing Naked Ladies and Magic Lilies,” says Deb. her father around the house with his vast collection of houseplants and tending his vegetable and fruit garden in the yard. From what she learned and experienced, Nancy came to respect the importance of healthy soil in order to have success in the garden. “No matter what you are growing, if you make the roots happy, the top will turn out just fine.” Nancy says that combining that with planting the Right Plant for the Right Site, it’s the recipe for success!