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Fragrant plants invite pollinators to your garden
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Fragrance gardening is an easy way to enhance the enjoyment of gardens, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Our sense of smell has the power to evoke deep emotions, Trinklein said. Fragrance is an extension of a plant’s charm, transcending its physical space.
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Butterfly Festival is June 13 at MU Jefferson Farm and Garden
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri’s Jefferson Farm and Garden in Columbia will host its ninth annual Butterfly Festival 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, June 13. The free event offers visitors the chance to learn about native butterfly species, their life cycles and the importance of pollinators in our ecosystem, said Debi Kelly, coordinator of Missouri Extension Master Gardeners.
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Viticulture field day highlights latest grape research
MOUNT VERNON, Mo. — Grape growers, winemakers and enthusiasts are invited to attend a viticulture field day at the University of Missouri Southwest Research, Extension and Education Center on Friday, July 17. The free event, 1-5 p.m. at 14548 Highway H, Mount Vernon, will focus on grape production, research and industry updates.
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Master Gardener state conference offers tours, workshops and breakout sessions
Gardeners of all experience levels can explore new techniques and ideas at the 2026 University of Missouri Extension Master Gardener State Conference, June 4–7 in Springfield. Attendees do not need to be certified Master Gardeners to participate.
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Summer wildflowers bring color to roadsides and backyards
For many, the term “wildflower garden” conjures images of a delicate spring native to lightly shaded woodland sites or moist meadows. But there are may summer-blooming wildflowers native to dry, sunny hillsides, glades and other places with more austere growing conditions.
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Floating gardens on display at Master Gardener state conference
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Learn how to build a garden that floats on water at the 2026 University of Missouri Extension Master Gardener State Conference, June 4-7 in Springfield. During one of the tours at the home of a local Master Gardener, attendees can learn how floating gardens improve water quality, filter pollutants naturally and create habitat for pollinators and wildlife
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Master Gardener state conference offers tours of Baker Creek seed packing facility
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Attendees can tour Baker Creek seed packing facility during the University of Missouri Extension Master Gardener State Conference, set for June 4-7 in Springfield.
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London-born chef, author to give keynote at Mo. Master Gardener conference
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – London-born chef-turned-gardener Mitch McCulloch will be the keynote speaker at the 2026 University of Missouri Extension Master Gardener State Conference, June 4-7 in Springfield.
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Flowering plants are a meaningful Mother’s Day choice
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Giving outdoor flowering plants for Mother’s Day provides a lasting alternative to cut flowers, allowing the gift to bloom for seasons rather than days, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Living gifts such as perennials, shrubs or roses represent a growing relationship, often reflecting the effort and care a mother puts into her family.
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New toolkit helps community gardens take root
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Community gardens are thriving across Missouri by pairing shared land with shared purpose, but long-term success requires more than good intentions.
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Edible flowers: Beauty you can eat
For centuries, people around the world have used flowers for cooking, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Youth gardening offers creative learning opportunities
Growing plants teaches kids more than just gardening skills, says MU Extension horticulture specialist Donna Aufdenberg.