5550 KTRS Inside Out Show Saturday March 19th Plant of the Week and answers to caller Kevin looking for Dimension®

Well I had thought things went well last week while on location at Greenscape Gardens but maybe not as well as I assumed since once again they have placed me on "probation"-ha ha!

There are some challenges working with such "high caliper "professionals.

Minutes after welcoming Jim back to the show after his 9 week vacation, he fired me on air because I “interrupted” their chatter.

Am I the just too much for these guys? Maybe I sound too serious sometimes? I have to find a way to to lighten up-pray for me as this apparently very difficult for me!

While I attempted to take a caller’s interest in accurate information seriously, I added a tiny little comment to Jim’s answer. As I turned around I was just in time to see John’s artwork, a kindergarten level effort of a sign that read “MaryAnn Fink’s Last Show!” thanks boys!

It’s OK, I know it is just for fun - so I call in today and surprise, I caught more grief- oh they are such funny boys!

Now once again, in an attempt to provide what they tell me is “useful information”, I will try here on my blog to link horticulture information, without their interruption! This segment is by the way, in my opinion, the high point of the Inside Out Show! (no offense Debbie!)

The KTRS 550 Inside Out Show “Featured Plant of the Week”is Chionodoxa luciliae and the bonus add on plant is Epimedium x versicolor 'Sulphureum' - bishop's hat.

We has so much interest for more low care shade tolerant ground covers that can grow under trees that I was happy to include this slow growing but easy and reliable performer as an extra bonus! It also does well with Lenten rose and Hosta!

My ground cover advice- don't limit yourself to one ground cover-keep it interesting and diversify!

And to poor caller Kevin, who was still driving around in a blizzard at the end of the show, looking for the weed control Dimension -here is my "goto" Turf Man for Best Management Practices For TURF- Glenn Kraemer.

And yes he has it and yes he is open on Saturdays, just mornings I think, but call and check and Kevin- tell him hello and thank you for helping out on the show from time to time! I appreciate anyone who knows so much and is still willing to sit with these comics for any lenght of time!

Also watch here and in The Gateway Gardener for Glenn's recomendations on turf care throughout the season! He does periodically teach some classes around town so ask him where he is next and let me know-I will post it here on my blog!

Well cross your fingers all of you who cleaned up your gardens already and cut back your ornamental grasses- there may be consequenses! God has used years of gardenening to teach me patience so I am being as "still" as possible- waiting!

G.R. Robinson Seeds & Service Co.8674 Olive Street St. Louis MO. 63132 314.432.0300 314.432.0388

Contact Person: Glenn Kraemer: gmmseed@sbcglobal.net

Key products are: Grass seed, fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides & herbicides for turf and landscape. Turf grass consulting for commercial & residential clients.

Glenn Kraemer is owner/operator of the G.R. Robinson Seed & Service Company, home of "George’s Magic Mix." This grass seed mix is specially formulated for St. Louis-area lawns, and is available in three types: sun, shade and heavy traffic.

A native of St. Louis, Glenn specializes in practical, hands-on advice for residential, commercial and athletic fields. You can reach him by email at gmmseed@sbcglobal.net.

5550 KTRS Inside Out Show Saturday March 19th Plant of the Week

While on location at Greenscape Gardens this Saturday for their Spring Festival and to welcome Jim McMillan back after his 9 week 50th wedding anniversary vacation, I was struck with all Jim and I have in common (there would be too much to list, but I think it is why we “get along” so well!)

It was so obvious that we both had caught our annual case of spring fever. (Read older blog post for Jan 8th 2011 on Spring Fever for description of symptoms-it can be quite contagious)

Did I mention one of the symptoms is difficulty in decision making? (Guess I better reread my own blog and be sure I had added forgetfulness!)

The point being, I could only narrow my favorite plant of the week focus down to three, dill, strawberry (I prefer the June bearing cultivars)and of course Old Fashioned Bleeding Heart. (I didn’t get to mention my favorite native butterfly magnet for black swallow tail butterflies or where to buy it- Zizia aurea (Golden Alexander). This has been a very nice Missouri native plant that is prettier once it is planted in the ground and of course the swallowtails love it!

I even squeezed in a quick comment about my signature combination of succession partnering of bleeding heart with fall blooming anemones-(one of my favorite POM) follow links for cultural information. I admittedly I am having difficulty following instructions! (I guess I better add that to the symptoms, through I think spring fever just exaggerates the problem if it is already a tendency)

Also when I am having a bout of spring fever, rampant impulsiveness and sever hortarrhea (like diarrhea of the mouth only with a horticulture flavor) becomes a problem. I then have a tendency to butt into the Q&A segments, without invitation- without regret!

The fact is I never feel like there is never enough time to ask enough questions or even give a complete answer on air!

What is the best medicine for Spring Fever?

For me it is passing it along to family and friends! I was truly blessed to be with not only my KTRS station friends but with my sweet daughter Holly. She works at Greenscape with Jennifer Schamber, manager of Greenscape, and her many friendly and knowledgeable employees. My “sisters of the heart” June and Dianne were also there- what a wonderful day! (See picture of Holly and Jennifer on this post!)

KTRS 550 Inside Out Show Saturday March 12 2011 Plant of the Week Lenten Rose

The Lenten Rose, Helleborus orientalis, is not a rose at all but a perennial evergreen ground cover that performs well in Missouri.

She is an easy care, slow growing and very polite member of the not so polite “wow that was fast, now there is way too much” buttercup family. It appears she is the one that ended up with the most of the family’s best traits!

Tolerant of shade, poor quality soils, heavy clay and fluctuating moisture, she blooms in early spring in several soft colors. She is most commonly dressed in shades of rosy purple, perfect for the Lenten season.

Her blossomed head is often tucked under a mantle of thick oversize evergreen leaves. There her softness is naturally protected with foliage that wears like leather. Better still, she is not palatable to wildlife, making her a preferred selection where ever deer are problematic!

She is a favorite choice for use in limited space where an evergreen anchor is needed.

Perfect along a prayer walk or in a sanctuary / meditation garden, her humbly bowed head is a quiet reminder to do likewise to prepare for the King.

Follow this link for more informationon Helleborus orientalis: http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/plant.asp?code=D100

Also per Jim McMillian's request- here is a link to rose articles in the Gateway Gardener and some in depth info on Knock Out Roses by the wholesale grower. More details on all the varieties available are at your nursery or garden center:

http://www.gatewaygardener.com/roses-2/romance-of-the-rose

http://www.conard-pyle.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/koplants.splash

KTRS 550 Inside Out Show Plant of the Week Saturday March 5 2011

Lucky Shamrock (Oxalis Regnelli)

Although I believe in blessings not luck, I am reminded annually of the personal importance of this cheery plant and his romantic connection to me and St. Patrick’s Day.

So for no better reason than the importance of having a reminder of life and God’s blessings, I chose this uncommonly interesting houseplant.

With that in mind, I wish to encourage those with a soft heart but not a green thumb to consider gifting with this sweet spring green relative of our native wood sorrel.

This is an uncharacteristic effort on my part
to share my “odd little ode”
a “fanciful write”
to an acceptable gift
that offers me hope
when “winter weary”
either by the calendar or by life!

My Four Leaf Clover

First so nimble and fresh, he fills up his space
youthful and tender growth-delightful grace
So, rapid and bountiful,

he seems well... unstoppable.

As he brightens the day,
My senses overtake me,

something is just... right.
Basic in his needs,

his requirements are like,
minimal nourishment,

warmth, water and light.

Who knows the strength

it takes for each little stem
to push oversized leaves to such lenghts!
Opening and spreading
to catch the sun’s rays.
Out all day, closed tight by night.

On a soundless cue he presents his flowers, his gifts.
And like a school boy waiting

for a sweet first kiss
He stretches and reaches

till he touches my lips

Ah the relief of love,

now given and returned,
He make my life's pleasure

his primary task,

Not his duty, I'm sure

I've done nothing to deserve

His filllings of flowers I've not earned

No weight or measure

the blossoms, oh they are

are more than I asked

Flowers parade by

in a predicatable cycle.
Day in, day out

not one to neglect
He transports and stores

the energy he collects
Why can’t I see the price he pays for me
Invisible is his work,

oh, Love is his theme
Diligent is his effort,

ongoing and routine.

Hidden from view in a world I can’t know,
in what is his storehouse,
where from his goodness, it flows.

Now for all those with worldly eyes
It looks like his purpose is “done”.
In the battles of life, its over, he has lost –not won.
The “I’ve served my purpose” top growth is gone!

Ahh,… but after a time
It seems he was not idle or done,
the new growth emerges
thrives, thirst and reaches for sun!

I can only say this
after this painful attempt
To say this is an entertaining plant,
With most conditions, ....he’s content!

OK I’ll stop---- with relative long life- longer than this write... and with far more potential. He is in my humble opinion, entertaining and easy to maintain through his bloom and dormant cycles. He is likly to last much longer than this posting- awkward moment confessed- must stop soon!

oh well...This cheery fellow can brighten the window sill of an experienced plant collector or the newbie that has killed everything except maybe a peace lily. Yes I am referring to my dear Irish friend John Shea, who has learned much about "living", being " green"-inside and outside, while co-hosting KTRS’s Inside Out Show with Jim McMillian on 550, Saturdays).

Here are a few links plus a warning: much more time can slip away while following these links and learning about the many interesting members of this family. My hope is you will come to appreciate the range and delicate beauty of all of these including the perhaps less showy but durable even under foot traffic but possibly not appreciated and even considered headachy ones in your landscape.

And now and equally uncommon – a “RANT”

It amazes me how often we produce a list of plant attributes that seem desirable until we are “lucky" or "unlucky” enough to met up with one that has many of them. Once we experience personally the tenacity of the genetics we have wished for, we might realize one or all of the following:

There are no "perfect" plants
We are not qualified to define "perfect"
All plants are "perfect"wwin the right place

Side note for those who are interested in native plantings, the North American wood sorrels might need more shade or filtered sun

http://www.kingdomplantae.net/yellowWoodSorrel.php

http://www.gardeninggonewild.com/?p=6332

KTRS 550 Inside Out Show Plant of the Week Saturday February 26 2011

Person of the Week and Plant of the Week (hey I can do both if I want!)

On air today will be one of my all time favorite people, Glenn Kraemer. He is amoung the few worthy of early morning attention on a Saturday when I could have slept in! So here is my blog before the show!

Glenn shares my passion for the environment with his own speciality- great looking lawns. This topic of interest opened our dialogue and gave us a starting point that has “grown” into a life long friendship as well as a mentoring relationship for BEST Management Practices for any type of TURF projects.

He is the owner and operator of GR Robinson Seed and Service. He has walked me though the ins and outs of turning Missouri Botanical Garden’s Bird Garden turf into a living masterpiece during my years as caretaker at the Kemper Center For Home Gardening.

His methods have drawn attention to every plot of turf I have ever hand a hand on including my own home landscape that was featured several years ago in the St. Louis Post Dispatch. It has been so fun having great success. Once I had someone who understands both grass as plants, and the homeowner who truly wants to experience success, it became economically and environmentally possible!

As far as featured plant of the week- let’s talk pansies. After years of managing the Missouri Botanical Garden’s annual trials and creating beautiful seasonal displays, it is apparent there is lots of potential uses and choices for spring annuals with pansies leading the list. For years I have grown baskets full of cool season pansies to decorate my deck and door step.

Probably one the best MoBot spring class ocassionally offered is taught my dear friend Jill Schroer, who does a hands on demo with the little viola frequently known as Johnny jump-ups! Watch for it and when you see it, sign up as it fills fast consistently!

The Pansy – Plentifall Viola is a new pansy bred touted to have large flowers, a true trailing habit with branching stems a mass and fragrance! They are mentioned on Sugar Creek Nursery’s website so call Ann and see when she’ll have them!

Here is a link with some details on this newbie coming to us soon: http://www.blogger.com/www.vanmeuwen.com/flowers/flower

Also while we are people and great info- visit Gateway Gardener’s new website. Robert’s new site will make regionally correct information fast and easy- who is smart now? He will post the link to his Spring Flower Basket article featured on this month’s cover on my face book page- watch for it!

He is even using a QR Code for those smarties with the smart phone! Hey finally a smart reason for a gardenner to get more high tech! (Ok any more using the word" smart" and I will sound stupid-just trying to get the point across!)

http://www.gatewaygardener.com/category/lawn-care

Follow this link to Garden Height’s blog and Steffie’s starting seeds article for some suggestions on how to “harden off” seedlings as this is useful for any new plants grown in a protected environment!

She has a great list of particular plants and a guideline for the amount of time needed to toughen them up. This will help you consider how to harden any of your “ they were still in the green house when I bought them” new purchases!
http://gardenheights.com/blog/?p=489

Also some perennials have held on to some green this winter or have new some growth showing. Although it is too early to get them in the ground- it is a good time to think about purchasing those” hard to get when you want them perennials” and include them in your mixed spring planter. Do this with the intention of moving them into the ground went the ground warms and you are ready to redo your baskets!

Ann at Sugar Creek Gardens is running some preseason perennial specials worth checking out! I noticed they are taking some special orders RIGHT NOW! I have a yellow peony I waited two years for at my front door that stops visitors in their tracks- check out their website at: http://www.sugarcreekgardens.com/Sales.htm

And finally, take some time to really see, feel and enjoy the life you've been given- I know I have been blessed!

KTRS 550 Inside Out Show Plant (s) of the Week Saturday February 19th 2011

Think Summer? (BULBS)

Well I know everyone is in a rush for Spring- but hold on-early springs have their own set of issues including the effect they have on the summer garden. One of the easiest quick fixes is to plan for having “extra inventory” such as summer bulbs, on hand growing in attractive pots. This gives you the pleasure of “growing on” some of your own favorites which should include a few of these novelty bulbs.

These "summer bulbs" include mostly not winter hardy but fast growing tropicals with bulb-like root structures. Some you may be familiar with as plants but perhaps you have never thought of them as bulb purchases.

To name just a few that are frequently listed: begonias, caladium, cannas, dahlias, gladiola, gloriosa lilies, elephant ears,and sometimes even liatris (although it is perfectly winter hardy for us). These end up listed in summer bulb catalogs, hense they end up grouped together under the term “Summer Bulbs”.

A few well chosen summer bulb combinations mixed with some summer show stopping annuals can play a leading role in carrying on color after the spring rush and during the lulls that can happen when Spring pushes everything along fast. Order now, start these in individual pots and then replant them combined with a few good annuals when warm air is the norm and keep them on your deck or patio where they can be enjoyed and still be promoted to stardom in the summer garden when openings finally do occur.

Because most summer bulbs grow slow till the heat kicks in, pot them with a few appropriately selected annuals. Use at least moderate size pots- and wait! Remember, keep the pots situated for easy access and viewing- once they start growing, the fun begins!

When the gaps open out in the garden (and they will) transport one of your “pot beautiful” successes to the vacant area and either situate the already growing potted container in the clearing or dig a hole and drop the whole combination planting into the ground!

Many are Missouri Botanical Garden favorites. These may also arrive as growing plants at your local garden center/ nursery. Take this short cut if it is offered as some summer bulbs can be challenging. Early watering and temperature requirements can be specific.

Here is a link and go ahead- think Summer-it will be here right on the heels of Spring!

www.bulb.com. And http://www.flower-garden-bulbs.com/summerflowerbulbs.html#ixzz1EcxcPvcY

pictured Canna 'Striata' / Mobot

KTRS 550 Inside Out Show Plant of the Week Saturday February 12th 2011

Potted Bulbs

by MaryAnn Fink

Conservation Specialist

copyright 2011

This is the time of years many gardeners, anxious for spring, purchase green house forced potted bulbs for their homes, offices and as gifts.

FYI although some are more familiar than others, the most popular bulbs used are tulip, hyacinth, narcissus (daffodil), grape hyacinth, iris and crocus.

For your maximum enjoyment, purchased these beauties just after their buds are evident but are still closed tight. Don’t wait till they are fully opened! I agree it is hard to tell what color you are purchasing, but better to be surprised for a while than surprised the fun is over so soon!

Here are a few tips on how to take care of your new plant:

1) Place the pot in a cool spot where temperatures at night are about 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Do not place it a sunny location, the warm temperatures in sunshine will speed flower development and shorten the life of the flowers!

2) Remove the foil wrapper if there is one to avoid standing water. Keep the plants slightly moist but do not fertilize!

3) Do not try to keep them growing indoors for another cycle of flowers. A few bulbs are garden worthy for a few more seasons if planted in the garden – particularly daffodils!

4) Tulips do not do well after forcing! Also discard any bulbs that have been forced in water such as hyacinths or paperwhite narcissus.

5) When the bulbs have finished flowering indoors, remove the flower stem so no energy is wasted trying to produce seed.

6) Move the plant to a sunny location and keep them wet enough so that leaves are able to mature and dry gradually. If spring arrives before the natural ripening process is finished- plant them as they are “in the green”- this is while the foliage is still intact and growing! This is easy and the way I have had the most success.

7) If this is not possible, allow the tops to die away naturally, remove the dry foliage and soil from around the bulbs and store them in a dry place until fall. Plant them outdoors in the garden in the fall when it is the right time for your area.

8) If you have determined disposal is your only option-remember the soil, roots and foliage can be added to your compost pile!

For more information follow this link:
http://www.finegardening.com/how-to/qa/forced-tulip-bulbs.aspx