Thanksgiving at the Arboretum

Rather than napping, watching football or eating more turkey, I spent Thanksgiving afternoon at the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.  There were dozens of families, some walking their dogs, enjoying a stroll that beautiful afternoon.  

The sumac at the entrance to the Arboretum tricked me into believing that there may not be much to see.  

  Pinwheel Felicia, a tough little annual, added color to the edge of seating area close by the Elliott Carlson's sculpture of the Two Frogs. 

 


In the Monet Garden, a couple of the clematis were still beautiful. Ramona Clematis had a single flower.  The seedhead of Belle Nantaise Clematis looks like spun sugar. 

 

Touches of red and burgundy show up in the  gardens with the fruit of the crabs, foliage of the Oakleaf Hydrangeas and the tops of the Dorothy Wycoff Pieris Japonica.  

I'm looking forward to going back for the 10th Annual Holiday Luminary Walk the weekend of December 4-5.

Standing at the corner of 12th & McGee

At 7am on a Saturday morning, I am not usually standing on a street corner downtown waiting for a bus.  However, offering to volunteer for a national youth conference gave me that opportunity.  While waiting to greet busloads of out of town high school students and chaperons, I had time to look around at the streetscape of Kansas City's Downtown.  

The Board of Education building at 12th and McGee has an area with Variegated Maiden Grass planted in front of a wall surrounded by concrete.  It's thriving in this harsh site. To the east, there are planter boxes of steel with maples, liriope and yews.  Not too exciting?

For a more creative streetscape, you have to venture to Kansas City's newest entertainment district. 

At the Sprint Center, the entertainment begins outside.

Created by New York artist, Chris Doyle, the Moons video screens capture the attention of visitors of the adjoining Power and Light District.  Planted at the base of the screens, by a water feature, are Vanderwolf Pines.  The ornamental grasses and evergreens soften the walls and outdoor seating area in the background. 

At the Power and Light District, Ginkgos wrapped in blue lights add to the festive atmosphere and nightlife of the area. 

What is your favorite streetscape? 

Autumn Flowering Cherry

It is such a beautiful day today at the nursery.  We have been swamped with customers and calls and everyone is in a hurry.  Perhaps, it is because the weather forecast hints of cold weather next week.  

While out tagging trees for an order shipping tomorrow, I saw this wonderful Autumn Flowering Cherry.  The clusters of blush pink flowers look so beautiful against the blue sky.

Autumn Flowering Higan Cherry, Prunus subhirtella 'Autumnalis', actually flowers heavily in the spring with an occasional lighter flowering during a warm period in the fall.  The green summer leaves were orange and bronze earlier this fall.  It is a fast growing tree that will mature 30 x 30'. 

Hort NetWORK - The Secret Powers of Social Networking

 

The Secret Powers of Social Networking

Wednesday, November 18
6pm-8pm
St. Andrew's Golf Course
11099 W. 135th St
Overland Park, Kansas

The Hort NetWORK is excited to present "The Secret Powers of Social Networking" presented by Keith Sauro, editor of Kansas City Homes & Garden magazine. 

The Secret Power of Social Networking will present facts and myths about the recent social media explosion. Learn how through practical application, your involvement in social media can help increase your internet footprint and drive direct results for your business in a very different way.

The Hort NetWORK is Kansas City's networking group for green industry professional.  The Hort NetWORK promotes information, education and cooperation and hosts numerous educational, philanthropic & social events each year. If you cannot make it to this event, check out www.hortnetwork.org to get information about our next educational program.  Hope to see you there.  RSVP to lstack@kc.rr.com