Published: March 21, 2009 10:38 pm         

March is the time for garden shows

By Louise Milacek



I always look forward to early March. First, there’s the annual Wichita Garden Show that’s touted as being the best garden show in the Midwest, and I believe they are right. There you can see gardening products, plant materials and beauty galore. The participating nurseries and their landscapers show how to create gardens with balance and harmony of man and nature complementing each other. They use structures, plant selection and placement with both soothing and exciting colors; along with huge boulders and water fountains. I am always amazed at the diversity of color and texture in plants. One can see a hundred shades of green. From bold greens and blue greens, to dark and light greens. Truly, these gardens are a feast for the senses and spirit.

Second, there’s the annual Oklahoma Gardening School held in Oklahoma City. Allan Storjohann, manager of the Myriad Botanical Gardens and Crystal Bridge Conservatory welcomed 400 to a day filled with great information and tips from top gardeners. Astri Wayadande, a “floral farmer” from Perkins, gave tips for growing cut flowers in an Oklahoman garden. Some of her favorite spring flowers are Sweet William “Amazon Neon,” Larkspur and Lisianthus “Echo Series.”

Her favorite summer flowers for the cutting garden are: Celosia “Chief” and Celosia spicata “Flamingo.” She plants Sunflowers, especially “Sunny” “Double Shine,” “Autumn Gold” and the dwarf, “Teddy Bear.” Wayadande said Zinnias are a must in the summer garden. “Benary Giant” and “Oklahoma” being the best producing varieties. Gomphrene, Ageratum, Lemon Basil, Statice, Monarda and Mexican Sage completed her list for sunny locations. Throw out some seeds into a prepared bed when the soil warms and have color all summer.

The second speaker was James Morely, VP of Teleflora, who gave a remarkable demonstration on how to arrange these cut flowers into simple, beautiful flower arrangements.

The highlight of the day was the special appearance of Paul James, the Gardening Guy, nationally acclaimed host of HGTV’s popular show “Gardening By the Yard.” James reminisced about his 16 years hosting the show and told us he’s been cancelled. Now all you see are reruns. He still retains his humor and quirky personality. James answered questions from the audience on gardening problems and gave out his suggestions.

Early March is a time to gear up for a new year of gardening. The Wichita Garden Show and the OKC Gardening School are two events I enjoy. In preparing for a new year, gardeners are the ultimate optimists.

Another opportunity to learn how to get the most out of your landscape is to attend the Garfield County Master Gardeners Workshop coming up this Saturday at the Hoover Building.

For information, call OSU Extension Center at 237-1228.



Milacek is a member of Garfield County Master Gardeners.