Help Us Count Butterflies

Posted on June 17, 2020 by Brad Guhr

Help us count butterflies on June 27, 2020 at the 21st Annual Harvey County Butterfly Count. Contribute to citizen science and have fun in the process!

After the First Year: Words of Encouragement

Posted on June 10, 2020 by Scott Vogt

Thinking about starting a new garden using native plants is one thing, but putting in the time to get it established is another thing altogether. I was reminded today of the rewards you receive after working hard that first year to get your garden properly established. A design I had put together for a local […]

Mantises in the Greenhouse

Posted on June 4, 2020 by Katie Schmidt

In our greenhouse and nursery, I work very hard to create a hospitable environment for pollinators and wildlife. This means limited use of pesticides and herbicides. Unfortunately, greenhouse pests flourish when uncontrolled and can lead to devastating crop losses. They affect the appearance of our plants, which in turn affects how well they sell. This […]

The First Year: Getting Native Plants Established

Posted on May 27, 2020 by Scott Vogt

The prairie communities we see are diverse and complex. Plants, intricately woven together, crowd out weeds and harmoniously coexist. When you look at a prairie, you only see about 1/3 of the plant. The root systems that sustain these native plants make up the remainder, because they reach deep into the soil. The first year is […]

Visit Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park

Posted on May 20, 2020 by Brad Guhr

I would highly recommend that you visit Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park, a new gem in the crown of great destination places to visit in Kansas. The High Plains and western Smoky Hills landscapes of Western Kansas are too often overlooked as a flyover region or burden of windshield time to endure as Kansans head […]

Make Our Garden Your Home

Posted on May 13, 2020 by Scott Vogt

May 8 to 17 is National Public Gardens Week and we want you to celebrate with us. The Arboretum grounds are open for visitors to stroll and enjoy the many spring flowers in bloom. Plan your visit to the gardens through the Arboretum website and social media channels. These are challenging times, but public gardens large […]

Butterflies in the Greenhouse

Posted on May 6, 2020 by Katie Schmidt

One of the best parts about my job is working in the greenhouse. Yes, it is usually hot and humid in there, and yes my feet are always wet. But none of that seems to matter when I am surrounded by butterflies! With little wind and lots of native blooms, the greenhouse attracts butterflies of […]

Gardeners make EVERY DAY Earth Day

Posted on April 29, 2020 by Lorna Harder

One week ago today was the 50th Anniversary of the first Earth Day demonstration in 1970. The Environmental Protection Agency, the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts are lasting results of that first Earth Day! Yet much more remains to be done, and it can’t happen on just one day of the year. […]

Celebrating Earth Day Through Native Plants

Posted on April 22, 2020 by Brad Guhr

Everyday can be Earth Day when you garden with native plants. Spring bloomers in April and May are especially helpful in breaking the doldrums of winter.

Three Kansas Garden Kits

Posted on April 15, 2020 by Scott Vogt

Gardens of every size are important to wildlife, including pollinators. A patchwork of small native plant gardens throughout our cities and towns are the harbor for migrating pollinators or permanent residents to our area. They provide habitat, a safe haven and vital food for survival. From vignettes such as balcony gardens or a corner in […]