SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — When it comes to blossoming trees, the magnolias are in a class apart from other trees. Spectacular blossoms, heady fragrance, and lovely tree form of magnolias all combine to make them standout in the landscape.

Magnolias will vary in size according to Patrick Byers, horticulture specialist with University of Missouri Extension.

Star magnolias grow as shrubs, saucer magnolias are small trees, southern magnolias are medium sized tress and the cucumber tree variety is a very large magnolia.

“The blooming season ranges from very early spring for saucer and star magnolias to late spring or summer for southern and sweet bay magnolias,” said Byers.

The flowers on magnolias also vary, from pink to reddish to white or even cream color.

The foliage is of interest and some varieties will lose leaves during the winter while others are evergreen and maintain foliage all winter.

“When planting a magnolia it is always best to plant a nursery grown tree, either a container grown variety or a balled and burlaped tree,” said Byers.

Byers recommends picking a hardy variety like Edith Bogue.

“The southern magnolia is somewhat tender for the Ozarks,” said Byers.

For more information on magnolias, call University of Missouri Extension in Greene County at 417-881-8909 or visit them online at http://extension.missouri.edu/greene.

Information provided by MU Extension Southwest Region News Service.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – “Vegetables the Healthy Way” is a new class being offered by Greene County Extension 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday, June 11, at the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center, 2400 S. Scenic, Springfield.

The emphasis of the class will be on growing vegetables using less chemicals and then cooking using less salt and fat.

Topics will include: “Container and Organic Gardening Techniques” by Brie Menjoulet, an agronomy specialist with MU Extension; “Nutrition Information and Food Preparation Demonstrations” by Christeena Haynes, a nutrition and health specialist with MU Extension; and “Including Children when Gardening and Cooking,” by Velynda Cameron, a 4-H youth development specialist with MU Extension.

Participants will be offered a variety of vegetables to sample, prepared using less salt and less fat. The “Seasonable and Simple” cookbook will also available for sale.

The cost of the program is $15 per person. Advanced registration is needed (space is limited to the first 40 reserved and paid participants) and can be made by calling the Greene County Extension Center at 417-881-8909. A registration form is also available on the office website at http://extension.missouri.edu/greene.

This class is being offered as part of a new program effort at the Greene County Extension Center called “Urban Homesteading.” Future educational programs will focus on various aspects of urban (and suburban) homesteading.

Check out our new information link about Urban Homesteading of Southwest Missouri online at http://extension.missouri.edu/greene. There is also a Facebook page with the same name. Just search for Urban Homesteading of Southwest Missouri to receive regular posts and updates about coming programs in the region.

Information provided by MU Extension Southwest Region News Service.

Congrats, to the Master Gardeners of Greene County and their volunteer team!

They produced an excellent Young Sprouts in the Garden event yesterday at the Springfield Botanical Garden, 2400 S. Scenic. Excellent comments from all of visitors and volunteers alike. Everyone seemed to enjoy the day with so much to do that included visiting the Bill Roston Native Butterfly House. The Young Sprouts, their parents and grandparents enjoyed their day at the park with smiles all around!

If you were not able to attend this year’s event I hope you will make it next year!

Next up, the Friends of the Garden Butterfly Festival on July 21st.  George

For more information on the Master Gardeners of Greene County visit: http://mggreene.org/

I’m always amazed
by Mark Hay

I’m always amazed at what a motivated small group of people can do. Today, Rita W. brought some of the boys from the Sunday School class she teaches at Glenstone Baptist Church (I think they are 8-10 years old). They collected bags of shampoo, conditioner, tooth brushes, toothpaste, body wash and bags of clothing items.

If I heard it right, there are six kids in the class and they brought quite a haul! My hat is off to Rita for teaching the kids to think of others and provide help. Rita and her husband provided a home for scores of foster kiddos through the years. Today these guys asked some very good questions, which told me they were really interested. Most of them told stories of kids they know that are foster kids.

Rita has the right idea, start them off early caring about those who can use a hand up!

Thanks, you all are great! Mark Hay

Note from George: Sammy’s Window is a not-for-profit organization, whose special purpose is to help foster children enter the foster system with some sense of dignity, and assist foster parents with the transition. Mark, the founder and director, is also a member of Friends of the Garden and a FOG volunteer.

Sammy’s Window does have a group Facebook page, click here> http://www.facebook.com/friendsofthegarden#!/groups/53740542338/

For more information on how you can help, contact:
Mark Hay, Director Sammy’s Window
Tel: 417.849.7941 Email: haym97@yahoo.com
Location: 3757 N. Glenstone (call before dropping by) Springfield, MO 65803

Southwest Chapter of the Missouri Native Plant Society monthly meeting Tuesday, May 22, 5:00pm

Tuesday, May 22, 5:00pm, the Southwest Chapter of the Missouri Native Plant Society will hold its monthly meeting at the Springfield – Greene County Botanical Center, 2400 S. Scenic.

Work in the native plant gardens will start at 5pm. We’ll be assessing the recent additions as well as weeding some areas.

Around 6:30pm, Bob Ball, nature photographer extraordinaire, will show some wildflower photos from several of our field trips this spring. During this meeting, we’ll discuss some upcoming field trip dates.

The meeting is open to anyone with an interest in native plants.

Questions, email Brian S Edmond BrianEdmond@MissouriState.edu or Larry Wegmann lwegmann@sbcglobal.net