MU Extension salutes its volunteers
During National Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 20-26, we celebrate the people who help University of Missouri Extension carry out its mission. From mentoring young people to restoring landscapes and guiding local programs, MU Extension volunteers extend our reach and deepen our impact.
Highway 13 Butterfly Trail: Bethany to Branson
The Highway 13 Butterfly Trail is an integrated ecological restoration and community revitalization initiative designed to enhance pollinator habitat, support rural economic development and strengthen connections between communities and their surrounding natural systems.
Browning arborvitae may be result of lack of water
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialists are getting reports of browning arborvitae across the state. If your arborvitae is turning brown, it might be a sign of drought stress that began last fall, says Debi Kelly, University of Missouri Extension field horticulturist.
Annual historic garden walk set for May 16-17 in Ste. Genevieve
The annual garden walk and plant sale sponsored by Ste. Genevieve Master Gardeners will feature 20 gardens 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 16-17 in Ste. Genevieve’s historic district. MU Extension Master Gardeners will open gardens with prized roses, peonies, foxglove, iris and more against a backdrop of historic French colonial homes typical of the 18th century.
How gardens help children thrive
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Of all the things growing in a garden, children are the most important. April is National Gardening Month and an ideal time to discuss the need to teach youngsters about what unfortunately is becoming a lost art, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. “The benefits of encouraging a child to plant their own garden are numerous, long-lived and transformational,” said Trinklein.
Old pots can hurt new plants
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Gardeners are well known for their thriftiness and commitment to protecting the environment. However, according to University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein, a false sense of economy can sometimes work against the health of the garden.
Pollinator-friendly plants that are easy to grow, maintain
This spring, fill your garden with annuals that look great, work hard and roll out the welcome mat for pollinators, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Kathi Mecham. Many pollinator-friendly annuals are easy to grow in gardens or containers, readily available at garden centers and bloom nonstop until frost.
Cultivating calm: Zen gardens bring peace home
While any chance to work with plants can boost one’s mood, Zen gardening is a garden style specifically designed to reduce stress and foster creativity.
Celebrating service to Missouri during National Volunteer Month
Whether through local organizations or simple acts of neighboring, volunteering creates connection, purpose and stronger communities across Missouri.
Plant a garden and believe in tomorrow
National Garden Month is observed in April, when gardeners are impatiently waiting to exercise their green thumbs, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein, who explains some of the benefits of planting a garden.
Missouri Master Gardeners boost state's economy
In 2025, more than 2,000 volunteers in Missouri's Extension Master Gardener program contributed nearly 150,000 hours of service valued at over $5 million.
Plant these 'Fab 4' for flowers galore
Jump-start your spring garden by starting four easy, inexpensive tender bulbs indoors before the weather warms. MU Extension horticulturist David Trinklein suggests tuberous begonia, caladium, achimenes and calla lily. All are available in bulb or tuber form from retail outlets that feature plants.
Sedum: A durable, perennial pollinator
This drought-resistant succulent blooms after most garden flowers have faded. A favorite among gardeners, sedums are recognized for their durability, drought tolerance and ability to thrive in even the most challenging environments.
Spring color bursts with 'crown jewel' pollinator
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The National Garden Bureau has selected azalea as its 2026 shrub of the year. Renowned for their colorful seasonal displays, azaleas are becoming the crown jewel in landscapes nearly everywhere, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
Youth gardening offers creative learning opportunities
Growing plants teaches kids more than just gardening skills, says MU Extension horticulture specialist Donna Aufdenberg.
Seed selection is important spring decision
With gardening time right around the corner, gardeners have many seed sources to choose from. Picking the right seeds can make a big difference in the success of your garden.
Ring in St. Patrick’s Day with Bells of Ireland
COLUMBIA, Mo. – St. Patrick’s Day is a time to celebrate Irish culture and all things green, including leprechauns and shamrocks. While shamrock is a well-known symbol of good luck, Bells of Ireland (Moluccella laevis) is another interesting plant associated with good fortune, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
Pollinators: Patience pays off
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Don’t get too anxious about cleaning your yard for spring, says Gwen Funk, University of Missouri Extension field specialist in horticulture. “Warmer temperatures may entice you to rake leaves, trim back flower stems or remove mulch, but both plants and insects are still sleeping and are not fooled by mother nature’s teasing temperatures,” she says.
Better gardens begin with a soil test
When soil is workable, start your gardening season off right with a soil test to reveal nutrient levels and pH balance, which are critical factors for successful gardening.
Prevent herbicide injury in residential neighborhoods
CARROLLTON, Mo. – Kathi Mecham, a field specialist in horticulture with University of Missouri Extension, says herbicide injury isn’t limited to agricultural areas. Garden and landscape plants can also be harmed, and reports from Carroll County last season illustrate the problem.
Give Valentine's Day flowers TLC for extended enjoyment
Learn how to extend the life of Valentine's Day flowers with a simple homemade preservative and expert tips to keep them fresh longer.
Plants begin to stir underground in February
Take heart, plant lovers. Winter rest is almost over, spring renewal begins.
Show your love with these heart-shaped houseplants
While red roses might be the iconic gift for Valentine’s Day, houseplants with heart-shaped leaves represent a longer-lived expression of affection for a special person in your life, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein, who shares several good candidates for Valentine’s Day gifts.
MU, LU Extension offer free vegetable gardening courses
GREENFIELD, Mo.– University of Missouri Extension and Lincoln University, in partnership with the Greenfield City Garden, will offer two series of free spring gardening classes.
Orchids: A cure for winter doldrums
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Winter’s cold, dreary days have many daydreaming about jetting away to basking in a tropical paradise. “Such a getaway is not possible for most, but orchids can transport you to an exotic place without ever leaving home,” said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.