The best source for accurate lawn and garden information in Johnson County, Kansas.
April 2017
Spring is finally here, in all its glory! With its arrival we are eager to get outside and tackle lawn and garden chores. Here are some tips on taking the mystery out of pruning your hydrangeas, planting vegetables in containers, and extending the season of color into summer with easy-care shrubs.

Also in this issue; how to deal with pond scum and noxious weeds, the benefits of eating a Mediterranean diet.

Have questions? Call our office at 913-715-7000.
Pruning Hydrangea
Pruning hydrangea can be a bit of a mystery. You must first identify the species in order to know when and how to prune your plant. Otherwise you could be cutting off all the blooms. Here are guidelines for identifying and pruning hydrangeas commonly grown in Kansas City.
Growing Vegetables in Containers
The size of suburban lots have shrunk. Baby boomers are downsizing and moving into smaller accommodations. And many millennials live in apartments or shared housing. But the trend in growing your own vegetables is soaring. Growing vegetables in containers is an easy way to get fresh produce without having to have a large garden.
Shrubs for Summer Color
Summer in KC can be a bit of a snooze after the glorious  crescendo and climax of spring's symphony of color. But you can extend the composition with the addition of these hearty, easy-care colorful shrubs.
Saturday, April 1
Healthy Yards Expo
If you want to make conscious choices about your lawn and garden care, this free environmentally-friendly lawn and garden event is just for you.
  • Register for door prizes
  • Get free tree seedlings and native plants
  • Attend free seminars
  • Visit with green vendors
  • Free puppet shows for the kids!

Come get simple and easy tips to achieve a nice yard while maintaining clean water, air and healthy soils.
Saturday, April 15
Pond Workshop
Spring's warm temps can trigger pond issues.  Whether you are 1) a small acreage landowner who wants to improve a private pond, 2) a suburban homeowner with questions about a pond in a housing development, or 3) a commercial property manager in charge of maintaining a pond, this workshop is for you.
Noxious Weed Control Resources in Johnson County
A noxious weed is any plant designated by a Federal, State or county government as injurious to public health, agriculture, recreation, wildlife or property. In Kansas, field bindweed and musk thistle are noxious weeds. Johnson County has a great resource to help landowners identify and manage noxious weeds.
The Mediterranean Diet
There's confusion about Mediterranean eating. One thing it's not is endless pasta, olive oil, and bottom-less glasses of wine. Studies show that eating the diet can have a positive impact on one’s high blood pressure, risk for cancer and obesity, along with other chronic diseases.
Extension Foundation Grants Awarded
The Johnson County Extension Education Foundation (JCEEF) Board of Directors is happy to announce that 11 grants were approved for a total of $10,480. Some of the subjects for these monies were:
  • VITA (program to help with financial literacy and tax preparation assistance to the elderly and low to middle income families in the community),
  • Garden Gallery expansion,
  • Monet Garden improvements,
  • Pollinator Prairie improvements,
  • 4-H Shooting Sports,
  • Revitalizing Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK),
  • Junior Master Gardener programs, and more.
Extension Staff Changes
Lee Sigley has joined Johnson County Extension as the new 4-H Youth Development agent.

Kelli Ludlum has resigned her position as  director with Johnson County Extension.
Free Tax Preparation Ends April 15
April 15 is the last day the county's Sunset Drive Office Building Vo lunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site will be open. Are you eligible?


Classes & Events
To register online click on the class link or call 913-715-7000.
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