It’s hot! It’s dry!! And a lot of our lawns, trees, shrubs and flowers are struggling. If you planted varieties not recommended for our growing region you are probably desperately trying to keep everything alive. Some of you may have already lost the fight.

Did you know that K-State Research and Extension develops lists of recommended grass, flowers or vegetable varieties for Kansas City and the surrounding area? University research conducted right here in Olathe helps to determine what grows best in our landscapes. 

The K-State Research and Extension Horticulture Center’s Field Day, Saturday, July 28, is the public’s opportunity to peek behind the scenes. From 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. you can talk with the experts and learn about the latest plant varieties and growing methods for achieving success. Admission is $5 per person, which includes cold bottled water, seminars, classes and demonstrations. A complete listing of educational classes is available on Johnson County Extension’s website.

The Center conducts research in turfgrass, vegetable production and flowers. Visitors can speak with university professors heading up the research and Johnson County Extension Master Gardener volunteers.

Highlights – Flower Area

• Annual flower trials - Companies from around the world submit their newest developments. The research trials show which flowers can withstand the Kansas City climate. The trials illustrate that not all varieties are created equal.
• Container Garden Trials – Over 300 new plants for patio planters and front porch use.  Performance in a planter is much different than in the ground.  See which flowers are best for pots and which ones are best planted in the ground.
• Display Beds – Annual planting combinations, see great designs to use in your landscape.

 Highlights – Vegetable Area

• Vegetable research – See the latest in production including the new and trendy grafted tomatoes.
• Backyard Garden – Get ideas to how to incorporate vegetables into your home. The garden demonstrates a number of crops for the garden and inventive ways to efficiently use space.  Don’t miss the fruit crops and how flowers have been incorporated for more color.  Composting is also featured in this garden.
• Cutting garden – New this year EMGs have created a flower cutting garden using a mixes of annuals and perennials planted in color waves. Fresh flowers can then be brought and used indoors in decorative arrangements, just another way to enjoy the garden.
• Plant clinic - bring your ailing plant samples and get your questions answered.
• Tomato tasting – sample fresh garden tomatoes and see which one tickles your taste buds.  (This event will be held depending on supplies at the time of the field day.)
• Grilling demonstration – Learn tips for grilling fresh vegetables to savor the summer flavor.
• Pressure Gauge Testing - EMFVs will offer free pressure gauge testing at their booth.  Pressure gauges should be tested once a year to ensure that the food your preserve is safe to consume.  Get your pressure gauge tested to keep you and your family safe. *NOTE*: We cannot test weighted gauges. 

Highlights – Turf Area

• Grass versus Trees – It’s a war for survival.  Learn how to grow better turf in the shade or when to give up and switch to ground covers.
• Ground Cover trials – Numerous shady ground covers are under observation. See which ones are making the cut after the horrible summer 2011.
• Turf Research – Learn more about university level research such as variety trials and new and improved methods to achieve a nice lawn.

 Free soil tests

Johnson County residents can bring their soil and get one free soil test, complements of Stormwater Management. A soil test determines the nutrients in the soil. It is important to know the nutrient levels to grow healthy plants. Go to www.johnson.ksu.edu/soiltest to learn how to take a soil sample.  At least 2 cups of dry soil are needed for a proper test.

The Research Center is located at 35230 West 135th Street, Olathe. The entrance is approximately nine miles west of Highway 7 on 135th Street. Admission is $5 at the gate. Lunch will be available for purchase during the event.  For information call (913) 715-7000, or visit www.johnson.ksu.edu.