August 2008

Dinosaur gourds (Cucurbita siceraria"Maranka") are growing long and fat in the Herb and Vegetable Garden. This heirloom gourd is often used by crafters to create swans.

February 2009

Bright yellow "Golden Bunch" are in bloom in the Rock and Water Garden. These cheerful blooms are a prelude to a show that will last through May as more than 36,000 spring bulbs come into bloom. Don"t miss it!

April 2009

These tulips and 36,000 other spring bulbs are in bright bloom. Many of the bulbs are a gift of Brent and Becky"s bulbs.

May 2009

Horned Poppy Glaucium flavum var. aurantiacumis blooming in the Nooncaster Entry Garden. This perennial has wavy bluegreen leaves, coral blooms, and distinctive long seed pods.

May 2009

Larkspur, (Delphinium) are in full bloom and can be seen in many of the gardens. These welcoming flowers greet visitors with vibrant colors of dark purple, lavender, pink, white, and light blue.

June 2009

These jaw-dropping "Triumphator" lilies are in bloom near the Rotary Peace Arbor. Horticulturist Jackie Jasper says that "Triumphator" is incredibly sturdy, and blooms relentlessly without staking. These lilies, and others throughout the Garden, are a gift of Brent and Becky"s Bulbs.

August 2009

Millet has been cultivated in East Asia for over 10,000 years. It is eaten as a staple in diets in Western India, Russia, Africa and China even today. It is used as porridge, ground into flour, and used to make beverages. Those who suffer with wheat allergies can eat millet as a substitute. It is an ingredient in wild bird food mixes, and is also used for stuffing juggling beanbags. Keeping the ripe seed heads cut off will cause more seed heads to be produced, and the plant will last until the first frost.

"Jade Princess" Ornamental Millet (Pennisetum glaucum) is the latest introduction from Ball Seed Company. "Jade Princess" is featured in the entry beds near the gatehouse. Another more familiar variety, "Purple Majesty," has dark purple narrow leaves and dark seed head is growing in the Herb and Vegetable Garden.

October 2009

Helianthus angustifolius, Narrow-Leaved Sunflower, is a spectacular, tall flower for the late summer garden. This 5-6 foot perennial looks great at the back of the border with ornamental grasses and other natives. Pictured here with Aster oblongifolius 'Raydon's Favorite' in the Ozark Native Garden. Butterflies and birds enjoy the abundant, sunny yellow flowers.