More species of plants exist in the Ozark Highlands (one of the oldest mountain ranges on the planet) than anywhere in the lower Mid-west. Why? By Scott Woodbury (This article was first published in The Gateway Gardener April 2021 issue.) It is said that blues musician Robert Johnson (Tommy Johnson in the movie, O Brother Where Art Thou) sold his
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Just like the standard and the teacup poodle, we like some of our plants big and we like some of them small. Explore these beauties that come in contrasting sizes. By Abby Lapides (This article was first published in the Gateway Gardener April 2021 issue.) Just like the standard and the teacup poodle, we like some of our plants big
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After a long, chilly winter, there’s nothing that gets gardeners more motivated to plant than the flowers of spring. The first bulbs grace us with their presence in March, followed by a progression of color throughout the entire month of April. By Jennifer Schamber (This article was first published in The Gateway Gardener April 2021 issue.) After a long, chilly
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During the dregs of winter when most perennials are quietly asleep underground it can be difficult to see life in the garden. Plant a few of these evergreen perennials for a reminder that spring is right around the corner. Photos (except as noted) and text by Abby Lapides [This article was first published in The Gateway Gardener Nov/Dec 2017 issue]
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Did you know Pelargoniums and Geraniums are two different plants? Geranium refers to the genus of hardy perennials that is commonly called cranesbill. One of my highest recommended perennials; it always seems that a cranesbill can fit into just about any planting. By Abby Lapides [This article was first published in The Gateway Gardener March 2020.] Did you know Pelargoniums
» Read moreBy Justin Keay [This article was first published in The Gateway Gardener Winter 2019 issue. It is part of a 4-part series of articles on how to test soil, get the sample analyzed, understand the report and use it to apply the correct type and amount of fertilizer.] Before you take on the task of analyzing a soil test, it
» Read moreBy Justin Keay [This article first appeared in The Gateway Gardener Winter 2019 issue and is part of a 3-part series on how to take a soil sample, receive a test report, and how to understand it and fertilize properly. Links to the other articles in the series can be found at the end of this article.] Having your soil
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Soil testing is an important practice for anyone trying to grow healthy and productive plants. By Justin Keay [This article was first published in The Gateway Gardener Winter 2019 issue.] MU Extension offices across the state processes thousands of soil samples every year and MU Extension Specialists are always happy to help you understand your soil test results. Soil testing
» Read moreBy Justin Keay [This article was first published in The Gateway Gardener Winter 2019 issue, and is part of a 4-part series on how to take a soil sample and how to analyze a soil test report and then use that information to purchase and apply the appropriate fertilizer.] Now that you’ve taken a soil sample, had it analyzed and
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For many of us, there’s nothing like the joy of holding a packet of seeds in the winter. Seeds are little morsels of hope that have such potential, especially on cold, wintery days. By Jennifer Schamber [This article was first published in The Gateway Gardener Winter 2019 issue.] For many of us, there’s nothing like the joy of holding a
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