now - Gardening in the Ozarks

Community Free Press
Lifestyles
| www.cfpmidweek.com
home&garden
Why So Many Gardeners?
his
week’s
the
garden
feature notes
Springfield in 2005 was third in the
nation in per capita lawn and garden
spending.
A friend who marvels at that fact
recently asked me,“Why do you think
so many people here garden?”
“Beats me,” I said.
I decided to look into it. In time, a
little research and more than a little
back-fence chatting turned up these
possible reasons for our lively Ozarks
gardening scene:
T
GARDENER
April 9 - 22, 2008
fast
fact:
|
21
President George Washington
was the first U.S. rose breeder.
Botanical Center Will Soon Be
With fundraising nearly complete, the
center should be ready for the public in 2010.
■
A Reality
Heritage: Many people in our region
are only a generation or two removed
from the farm. Their parents or grandparents or great-grandparents grew vegetables, flowers, shrubs, and trees.They
know from experience the mental, spiritual,and physical rewards of gardening.
Space: We have lots of space in the
Midwest. Our homes are on larger lots
than those in densely populated cities
and afford plenty of room for gardens.
Opportunity: Our region has a
great many outlets that sell plants and
other garden supplies. Springfield
alone has over 100 retail plant outlets.
The Plant Market: Gardeners,
would-be gardeners, and landscapers
have more to select from in plants
than ever before. New hybridizing
techniques have produced a staggering number of new plant varieties in
an amazing diversity of colors, hues,
sizes, shapes, textures, and maintenance requirements.
Economics: Competition among
so many plant sellers and garden supply outlets keeps costs low.
Temperament: Midwesterners
like to beautify their surroundings.
They also tend to prefer doing things
for themselves, and aren’t afraid of
physical work. These are all qualities
that make successful gardeners.
Environmental Awareness: Many
Midwesterners have a deep appreciation of nature and a desire to protect,
enhance, and nurture the environment.
Value: Midwesterners know that the
rewards of spending money on plants
and garden supplies are not short-lived,
that a modest investment in annuals
brings pleasure for an entire season and
perennials can be enjoyed for years.
Health and Well-being: As one
local gardener put it,“I just feel healthier and happier when I garden.”
Aesthetics:As another local gardener
put it,“I just like being around flowers.”
It isn’t a scientific study, but it’s a
start. Happy gardening, whatever your
reasons.
Photo Courtesy H. Design Group
From a hillside on the north, visitors will enter the Botanical Center by stairs or elevator at the right rear. The rooftop plaza provides an open
vista and may be used for a roof garden, weddings, meetings, and outdoor classrooms. The railing system will be cable rail or glass to allow
the maximum view. Artist's rendering by the Center architects, H Design Group of Springfield.
By Frank Shipe
CFP Contributor
Spring in the Ozarks seems more welcome than ever this year.
It’s hardly a wonder, after a winter of
rain,sleet,hail,snow,lightning,high winds,
a train of tornados and, for bad measure,
another near-paralyzing ice storm.
Spring is especially heartening to the
region’s gardeners, and they are many.As
it happens, Springfield is one of the liveliest gardening communities in America.
The “2005 University of Missouri Annual
Report” states the city ranked third in
America in per capita lawn and garden
expenditures in 2005,just behind Seattle,
Washington, and Portland Oregon: no
mean distinction in a nation with a $32.5
billion garden industry.
This spring, the Ozarks gardening
community has another reason for optimism. Springfield is at the threshold of
having its own Botanical Center. The
plans are ready, construction is set to
start in 2009, and the facility is set to
open in 2010.
The funding of the $4.3-million center is
nearing completion,thanks to $3 million from the quarter-cent sales
tax approved by voters in 2006,
private donations,
and
grants
from
public
agencies and founbotanical centers condations.
tribute strongly to
At this point,
the “quality of life”
$523,898
that sustains citiremains to be
zens and attracts
raised before
visitors, new busiconstruction
ness, new industry,
can begin.
and new residents.
What will
For many, a local
the
Botanical
botanical center has
Center do for Springfield
been a decade-long
and the Ozarks?
dream. It began in 1998 when
Botanical centers are
volunteers of varying backeducational facilities. They
grounds, livelihoods, and life experiprovide people who care for plants, gar- ences organized the nonprofit organizadens, gardening, and nature a place to tion Friends of the Garden. The group
learn about plant life.They provide class- adopted a mission statement “to estabrooms, workshops, and demonstrations lish and facilitate a Botanical Center, garin identifying, growing, and caring for dens, and an arboretum at Close
plants of all kinds. They also provide
see BOTANICAL CENTER, 23
botanical gardens where people can see
plants that thrive
in their region,
how they can be
used to beautify
one’s surroundings, and how best
to grow them.
While botanical
centers are invaluable resources for
individuals, proponents point out
they also benefit
communities and
regions at large.
Studies
have
established that as
major
components of green
■ This beautiful ‘Ultimate Pink’ Rose is a winner in the Ozarks
infrastructure —
and a bright reminder that the free Pruning Workshop of the
open spaces, parklocal Rose Society happens at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 19th,
lands and botaniat the pavilion in Phelps Grove Park.
cal resources —
PLANT of the Week
The ‘Ultimate Pink’ Rose
Community Free Press
Lifestyles
| www.cfpmidweek.com
April 9 - 22, 2008
|
23
Sixteen of the Botanical Gardens Already Exist and Can Be Visited Today
BOTANICAL CENTER, from 21
Botanical Gardens and Lake
Drummond to inspire the discovery, understanding, and
appreciation of nature.”
Aided by the SpringfieldGreene
County
Parks
Department, University of
Missouri-Greene
County
Extension, and other agencies,
the group set to work raising
funds and with the help of volunteers, garden clubs, and businesses began creating the
botanical gardens.
The setting for the new
Botanical Center is the 114 acres
of Nathanael Greene/Close Park.
The center will overlook Close
Park’s Lake Drummond and in
time will be surrounded by 34
botanical gardens.
Many are surprised to learn
that 16 of these gardens already
exist and can be enjoyed today.
They include an Entrance
Garden; English Garden; English
White
Garden;
Butterfly
Garden; Rock Garden and
Waterfall; Restored Prairie; the
7-1/2-acre Mizumoto Japanese
Stroll Garden; the Master
Gardeners
Demonstration
Garden; a Federated Garden
For More
Information
More details on the
Botanical Center, including
links to photographs of the
botanical gardens, can be
found online at www.friendsofthegarden.org,
www.extension.missouri.edu
/greene, and www.ozarksgardens.com.
■
Clubs cottage garden; and individual gardens devoted to
roses, hostas, ornamental grasses, turf, lilies, daylilies, iris, and
wildflowers.The gardens are all
free to visitors, except for the
Japanese
Garden,
which
charges $3 admission.
The 12,700-square-foot building will house offices for the
Parks Department, county
extension and its Master
Gardeners, 4-H, and other programs, and Friends of the
Garden and other citizen
groups that promote and support the parks. It will also have
a library, a combination gift
shop and bookstore, and space
for many horticultural programs and exhibits previously
not possible for lack of a forum.
LIFESTYLE EVENTS
Saturday Morning Art Club
2nd Saturdays, through May
10, 9 a.m.- noon
The Creamery Arts Center, 411 N.
Sherman Pkwy. Instructed by
Michele Lucas. Cost is $15. For
grades K-5. Call 417-862-2787 or
visit www.SpringfieldArts.org.
Nixa Parks and Recreation will
offer drawing classes for all age levels. If you have ever wanted to
become a better artist and are interested in leaning how, this is your
chance. Call 417-725-5486.
THEATRE AND FINE ARTS
“The Wily Ray Riley” and
“Drums of Doom”
April 10-13,
Thurs., Fri., Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m.
DU Studio Theatre in Springfield
Hall, 900 N. Benton. World premieres of the winning plays from
Drury’s 2007 One-Act Play
Competition. Tickets are $9 general
adm.; $7 student; $4 seniors. Call
417-873-7255 M-F, from 1-5 p.m.
“The Odd Couple”
Through April 13, Fri.-Sat., 7:30
p.m.; Sun., 2:30 p.m.
The Skinny Improv, 301 Park Central
E. Classic Neil Simon comedy set in
the apartment of divorced and messy
Oscar Madison. Tickets are $18
General Adm.; $15 Student with ID;
$12 group rate; $9 Student rush 15
mins. before show. Call 417-8315233 or e-mail: [email protected].
“Anne of Green Gables”
April 10-12, Thurs.-Sat., 7:30
p.m.; Sat., 2:30 p.m.
EU Barnett Theatre, 1111 N.
Glenstone. One of the most treasured classics in Canadian and
American literature. Call 417-8652815 ext. 8640.
“Jacques Brel is Alive & Well
& Living in Paris”
April 11-12, 17-19, 7:30 p.m.;
13, 2 p.m.
Vandivort Center Theatre, 305 E.
Walnut, 4th Fl. Tickets: April 4 preview: $15; Fri. & Sat.: $20/$18;
Thurs. & Sun.: $18/$16. Call 417831-8001.
“Picasso at the Lapin Agile”
April 11-13, Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun,
2 p.m.
Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central E.
First ever theatre production presented by OTC College fine arts
department. Tickets are $10 adult;
$8 senior/student. Purchase at
www.missouristatetix.com, at Gillioz
box office 1 hour before performance, or call 417-836-7678.
Springfield Ballet’s “Little Red
Riding Hood”
April 12, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Springfield Little Theatre, 311 E.
Walnut. The classic children’s tale of
a young girl who walks through the
woods to visit her sick grandmother.
Tickets are $10 adult; $8 senior/student; $6 child 12 and under. Call
417- 869-1334 or visit www.springfieldlittletheatre.org.
Springfield Ballet’s “Swan
Lake”
April 12, 7 p.m.; 13, 2 p.m.
Springfield Little Theatre, 311 E.
Walnut. An enchanted performance
filled with a timeless classic and
three world premieres. In addition to
Swan Lake, Act II, the Ballet will
present three contemporary ballet
Photo by Frank Shipe
The English Garden is one of many botanical gardens already in existence in Springfield. All of the current botanical gardens are free to visitors, except for the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden, which charges $3 admission.
Owned and operated by the
Parks
Department,
the
Springfield-Greene
County
Botanical Center may in time
bear the name of a donor
through a fundraising “naming
opportunity.” Susan Boswell,
who leads the Friends of the
Garden fund drive, emphasized
that naming opportunities are
available for many of the
Center’s features. Those who
premieres entitled “A Special Place,”
“Masquerade,” and “AntiCongruence.” Tickets are $22 adult;
$19 senior/student; $16 child 12
and under. Call 417- 869-1334 or
visit www.springfieldlittletheatre.org.
“The Hiding Place”
April 13, 7 p.m.
Hammons Hall, 525 S. Hammons
Pkwy. A portrayal of courage, morality, and love in the midst of desperate and unimaginable circumstances, set in the war zone of Dutch
Harlem in 1944. General admission
tickets are $10 student/senior; $15
adult; Gold Circle tickets with
reserved seating are $25. Call 417883-5274.
“Marat/Sade”
April 17-19, 21-22, 7:30 p.m.
MSU Craig Hall, 1147 E. Grand. A
musical play presented by the theatre and dance department. Tickets
are $12-$18 Call 417- 836-7678 or
(toll free) 1-888-476-7849.
“Movin’ Out”
April 18-20, Wed. 8 p.m.; Thurs. 2
p.m. and 8 p.m.; Fri. 2 p.m.
Hammons Hall, 525 S. Hammons
Pkwy. Based on 24 classic songs by
Billy Joel. Tickets are $20-55 and can
be purchased by calling 417-8367678 or (toll free) 888-476-7849.
“A Collection of Tall Tales”
April 26-May 4, Sat.12 and 2:30
wish to make a tax-deductible
contribution to the Botanical
Center project may call Boswell
at 417-882-7439 or David
Burton of Missouri UniversityGreene County Extension at
417-862-9284.
“The public wants it.We want
it. This is a great thing for our
community,” said Jodie Adams,
the Springfield-Greene County
Park Board’s parks and recre-
p.m. and Sun. 2:30 p.m.
The Skinny Improv, 301 Park Central
E. Admission is $5. Call 417-8315233 or 417-869-1334, or visit
www.theskinnyimprov.com.
The Skinny Improv
Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30 and
10:30 p.m.
The Skinny Improv, 301 Park Central
East. A dynamic improvisational
comedy group that creates scenes
and games to entertain and involve
audiences. Call 417-831-5233 or
visit www.theskinnyimprov.com.
“The Cast Party”
Sundays, 6-8 p.m.
Nonna’s Italian American Café, 306
South Ave. A weekly musical theatre
open mic night held every Sunday,
with host Chris Leavy on keyboards.
Free and open to the public. Call
417-831-1222.
Springfield Regional Operazzi
3rd Sundays, 6-8 p.m.
Nonna’s Italian American Café, 306
South Ave. Hosted by The Cast
Party. Use your music or ours if you
want to perform. Free and open to
the public. Call 417-831-1222.
LIVE MUSIC
Ensemble 21: “Minimalism”
April 12, 7:30 p.m.
DU Clara Thompson Hall, 900 N.
Benton. The second concert of the
ation director.
Boswell, like many, underscores that supporting the
Botanical Center now is a gift
not just for the present, but also
for generations to come.
“We are all stewards of the
earth,” she said, “and our children can be led into this path
through the center’s classes and
programs.”
season featuring the work of “minimalist” composers, including John
Adams’ Scratchband and Evan
Ziporyn’s Four Impersonations for
Solo Clarinet. Tickets are $12 gen.
adm.; $6 student. Call 417-8737296.
Devon Hagerla Voice Recital
April 12, 6 p.m.
EU Barnett Fine Arts Recital Hall,
1111 N. Glenstone. Senior Devon
Hagerla is the daughter of Kent and
Debbie Hagerla, of Edina, MO. Free
and open to the public. Call 417865-2815 ext. 7212.
Chapter & Verse: Music on a
Sunday Afternoon
April 13, 2 p.m.
The Library Center, 4653 S.
Campbell. The Riley’s, Charlie and
Ramona, perform traditional hymns,
southern and country gospel, with a
splash of family humor. Free and
open to the public. Call 417-8820714.
A Blues & Soul Jam
April 15, 7:30 p.m.
Hammons Hall, 525 S. Hammons
Pkwy. The Millers are a family band
that features a 13 year old blues harmonica phenomenon. Southern soul
meets acoustic soul in the music of
singer-songwriter Chinua Hawk, and
Chris Cauley. Tickets are $23-$13.
Call 417-836-7678 or (toll free)
888-476-7849.
Gigs at the Gillioz: S-Foil
April 15, 7 p.m. $7
Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central E.
Presented by Children’s Choir of
Southwest Missouri. Tickets available at Theatre box office. Call 417863-9491.
Jimmy Eat World with guest
Paramore
April 17, 7 p.m.
Shrine Mosque 308 E. St. Louis.
Alternative rock, emo, pop, punk.
Tickets are $30 plus service charge,
and available at www.metrotix.com.
Drury Chamber Ensembles
April 17, 7:30 p.m.
Clara Thompson Hall, Drury
University, 900 N. Benton. Call 417873-7296.
Musical Magic Spring
Showcase
April 19, 7 p.m.
Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central E.
Presented by Children’s Choir of
Southwest Missouri. Tickets available at Theatre box office. Call 417863-9491.
Jazz Ensemble I/Combo I Convocation Jazz Event
April 22, 7:30 p.m.
Clara Thompson Hall, Drury
University, 900 N. Benton. Call
417-873-7296.