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Prairie Star Flowers, Olathe Hort Field Day

The K-State Olathe Horticulture Research and Extension Center, 35230 W. 135th St. in Olathe will host its annual field day on July 29. | Download this photo.

Flowers and veggies and grass, oh my! K-State Horticulture Field Day is July 29

‘Cultural gardening’ one of the topics to be addressed at annual event

July 18, 2017

OLATHE, Kan. — While urban gardening continues to rise in popularity, another new hot trend has appeared on the horizon — cultural gardening. Urban gardening uses containers, patios, balconies and raised beds on smaller city homes or suburban lots to satisfy peoples’ desire for home-grown fresh vegetables. With cultural gardening, many of these same gardeners are embracing their heritage through plants and creating themed gardens centered on that heritage.

The K-State Research and Extension Horticulture Center in Olathe will feature these two trends along with the newest horticulture introductions at its annual field day Saturday, July 29, from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Each year the research facility invites the public to come see the hottest and newest plants while enjoying cool educational classes in air-conditioned comfort. Attendees can stroll the field trials, talk with experts and learn about new plants that have fared well in the Kansas City area’s challenging growing conditions before they hit the garden centers.

Admission is $5 per person and includes cold bottled water, seminars, classes and demonstrations.

K-State Research and Extension horticulture researchers develop lists of recommended grasses, flowers and vegetable varieties through research conducted in Olathe to determine what grows best in Kansas City area landscapes. Visitors can speak with university professors leading the research and Johnson County K-State Extension Master Gardener volunteers.

Flowers

  • Annual flower trials Companies from around the world submit their newest developments. This year over 500 cultivars have been planted for evaluation. The research trials show which flowers can withstand the Kansas City climate. The trials illustrate that not all varieties are created equal. Check out the container plantings as some annuals are only meant for use in pots.
  • Dwarf Cannas and Coleus – Bigger is not always better. These new introductions are great for in-ground gardens but also shine in containers. Returning all stars include Canna 'Cannova' and 'Under the Seas' Coleus
  • Pollinator friendly plants – more annuals are being introduced for attracting and sustaining butterflies and pollinators. See what’s new to help be pollinator friendly
  • Vegetables to eat or admire – to meet the demands of urban and suburban dwellers, researchers are studying vegetables suitable for small spaces and containers. The center’s research concentrates on tomatoes, peppers and eggplant. One new interesting plant is an Ornamental Oregano 'Kirigami.' There will also be new ornamental peppers, corn, millet and more.

Vegetables – Growing Local Food

Come and find out what K-State Research and Extension is doing to assist local farmers in the growing local food movement. Projects include:

  • All America Selections Variety Trial program – See what’s new in varieties and the trend of using vegetables as ornamentals and combining edibles and ornamentals for that "foodscaping" element.
  • A shade vegetable garden demonstration and a 20-foot "home-built" high tunnel that provides protection and season extension for growing produce in a back yard.

Turf

Research continues to evolve in the turf area. Growing thicker, darker and greener grass with fewer inputs is one focus. A K-State turf specialist will be on hand to answer your questions.

  • New this year – Join the fun as you learn about turning your backyard into a putting green or athletic field. See if you can get a hole-in-one. Participate in a chipping contest, foot golf course and a simulated soccer field. Grass is more than just to look at. Find out how to grow your own playing “field.”

Extension Master Gardeners Backyard Garden Demonstration Garden

Vegetable gardening is as popular as ever. This Extension Master Gardener’s project demonstrates various methods of growing vegetables from raised beds, vertical gardening and a new spin on the square foot concept. The garden also features a variety of herbs, a colorful flowering cutting garden and fruit plantings and plenty of people to answer gardening questions. 

  • Cultural gardening – Discover vegetables commonly used in Mexican/Hispanic, Asian, Italian and Deep South USA cuisine. Also featured are herbs commonly used in those cultures. View plants commonly grown in an early 1900 Kansas farmstead garden (potatoes, beans, corn, rhubarb, peas, squash — all the old-time regulars). Be sure and check out the bee hive demonstrations and sample the fresh comb honey.

Other attractions:

  • Fresh produce market stand from veggie research, they don’t get any fresher than this!
  • Call Hall Ice Cream for sale. A Kansas State University Wildcat tradition!
  • Friendly people to help you grow as a gardener and more.

Free soil tests

Johnson County residents can bring their soil and get one free soil test per Johnson County address, compliments of Johnson County Stormwater Management. A soil test determines the nutrients in the soil. It is important to know your nutrient levels to grow healthy plants. Go to www.johnson.k-state.edu to learn how to take a soil sample. At least 2 cups of dry soil are needed for a proper test.

How to get there

The Olathe Horticulture Research and Extension Center is located at 35230 West 135th Street, Olathe. The entrance is approximately nine miles west of Kansas Highway 7 on 135th Street. Admission is $5 at the gate. Lunch will be available for purchase during the event. For information call (913) 715-7000 or visit www.johnson.k-state.edu.



Source

K-State Research and Extension, Johnson County
913-715-7000
www.johnson.k-state.edu

Written by

Adele Wilcoxson
913-715-7000

At a glance

The K-State Olathe Horticulture Research and Extension Center will feature trends such as urban gardening and cultural gardening and highlight the newest horticulture plants at its annual field day Saturday, July 29, from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

 

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K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the wellbeing of Kansans.
Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county extension offices, experiment fields, area extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan.