Garden The Plains

11/14/2025

Birch in the Landscape

Birch in front of Colorado Blue Spruce can create a stunning effect in the landscape. Paper birch, Betula papyrifera, though it is native to North America, is water-loving and not resistant to drought.
As our climate begins to bring us warmer and drier winters, these birch may have a harder time surviving.

Photo Credit: Linda Langelo

11/13/2025

KODIAK® Orange Diervilla-- A Pollinator Plant
This plant tolerates dry shade, which we have a lot of on the plains. This grows in zones 3-8. It is a native bush honeysuckle.
In the fall, it turns bright orange -reddish foliage. It has brilliant color in the spring, is the yellow flowers.
It does well in full sun, part shade, or full shade.
It is 4'tall x 4' wide in maturity.
This attracts pollinators such as native bees.
Photo credit: Proven Winners

11/13/2025

Plant Select - Jim Klett

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11/12/2025

How Do I Overwinter Plant Select Plants

Here are 3 simple tips to help your fall-planted perennials, shrubs and trees better manage their first winter, so they're more likely to thrive next spring.

11/11/2025

Plant Select Grasses
Watch this video by Grace Johnson from Chatfield Garden/Denver Botanic Garden

Best Ornamental Grasses for Waterwise Landscaping

https://youtu.be/Pa2jxkWHYE4?t=39

Looking for beautiful ornamental grasses that use less water and are tough as nails? In this video, Horticulturist Grace Johnson of Denver Botanic Gardens Ch...

11/10/2025

KODIAK® Orange Diervilla-- A Pollinator Plant

This plant tolerates dry shade, which we have a lot of on the plains. This grows in zones 3-8. It is a native bush honeysuckle.
In the fall, it turns bright orange -reddish foliage. It has brilliant color in the spring, is the yellow flowers.
It does well in full sun, part shade, or full shade.
It is 4'tall x 4' wide in maturity.
This attracts pollinators such as native bees.
Photo credit: Proven Winners

11/07/2025

Backyard Pest Monitor

Yes, chickens! They are natural pest control. This chicken is eating beetles that are attacking this tree. This tree is a mulberry. Do you use chickens for pest control? Grasshopper control?

Photo credit: Linda Langelo

11/06/2025

Elephant Ears
‘Frydek’ Alocasia takes bright indirect light. It will do well in an east- or west-facing window in the morning or in the late afternoon. If all you have is a south-facing window, then use a sheer curtain to filter the light. Because the leaves will scorch if they stay in direct sunlight.
It needs well-draining soil. It is susceptible to root rot. And keep it in a room with temperatures between 60-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid cold drafts.
In the spring, fertilize once a month with a balanced fertilizer. When elephant ears do not grow any new leaves, do not fertilize them.
Photo credit: Proven Winners

11/05/2025

We know it’s early... but it’s never too early to plan the best event of the spring! 🌿
The Sedgwick County Home & Garden Show is BACK!
📅 March 28 & 29, 2026
📍 Sedgwick County Fairgrounds – Conveniently located near the I-80 & I-76 Junction
Calling all home, garden, lifestyle, and outdoor living vendors! We’re thrilled to announce the return of this growing regional event — and we’re expanding in a big way!
✅ Last year we featured 20+ vendors and welcomed 100+ attendees in our first year.
✅ This year, we’re planning an even bigger experience with:
🌸 Food & coffee trucks
🌸 Hands-on kids’ activities
🌸 Workshops & demonstrations
🌸 Expert speakers
🌸 Door prizes & giveaways
🌸 NEW interactive features for all ages!
Whether you create, grow, build, decorate, or inspire — we want YOU to be part of this exciting event!
🌱 Ways to Get Involved:
• Become a vendor
• Host a workshop or demo
• Donate a prize
• Apply to be a speaker
• Or share your own unique idea to bring value to attendees!
👉 Fill out our interest form to receive full details as they are announced:
🔗 https://forms.gle/kYj9NLnRVVybcvi56
Let’s grow something BIG together this spring! 🌷

11/05/2025

Spruce

Other arborists have been finding that the extreme cold is affecting blue spruce.

This browning is on the southwest side of the spruce, suffering from extreme weather conditions.

Photo Credit: Berkelhammer

11/04/2025

What Trees Are Sensitive 2, 4-D?

Broadleaved trees are more sensitive than conifers.

Here are some that are most sensitive:
Mulberry
Linden
Maples
Oak

Photo credit: Master Arbor, blogspot.com