Kansas City yard care services
Kansas City, Missouri is known for jazz, barbecues, and fountains. Of those three claims to fame, it is perhaps best known for its jazz music. There is even a jazz district in the city and a museum dedicated to American jazz. With a bustling town center, shops, and other attractions, the city is a popular destination for visitors. It's also a place that residents are proud to call home. As a resident of this beloved city, the chances are good that you want to help make it the best it can be, too. An easy way to do so starts right at home by fixing up your lawn and garden. If you're looking for some suitable species to plant, we have some suggestions.
Native Plants
The Missouri Conservation Department notes that many of the native plant species you find growing in Missouri today have been around since the last Ice Age, which is about 10,000 years ago. Instead of dying out like some species of the time, however, several hardy plant species have flourished. They are a vital food source for many animal species, and they are also resistant to drought. Best of all, they produce a variety of beautiful flowers and make an excellent, scenic addition to your property.
- Prairie Blazing Star
- Butterfly Milkweed
- Missouri Coneflower
- Golden Alexanders
- Crested Iris
Prairie Blazing Star is a native Missouri flower that needs full sun. It is commonly found in domestic gardens statewide, but it also grows wild across Missouri. Prairie blazing star produces bright purple flowers in July, and its blooms continue through October. The plant attracts many pollinators too, including butterflies, insects, and bees.
Butterfly Milkweed produces picturesque red flowers from May through September. When fully grown, it reaches a height of 18 to 24 inches. Naturally, it grows in prairies, glades, and open places that get plenty of sunlight. Collectively, there are more than 15 species of milkweed that grow in Missouri.
Missouri Coneflower is another variety that thrives in full sunlight. It also goes by the name of "black-eyed Susan." This species produces bright yellow flowers from June through October. It reaches a full height of 12 to 30 inches. Missouri black-eyed Susan grows well in rocky areas and prairies. It is used in home landscapes to add color and attract pollinators.
Columbine reaches a mature height of two feet. It is best known for its bold, beautifully colored bold red flowers. Columbine produces flowers from April through July. In home landscapes, it thrives in flower beds and can tolerate minimal watering. Its flowers are a popular source of nectar for hummingbirds.
Golden Alexanders develops clusters of small yellow flowers in April, and it continues to bloom through June. Golden Alexanders reaches a height of one to two feet, sometimes more, when it's fully grown. This plant belongs to the carrot family. In addition to producing attractive flowers, it is also a source of food for hummingbirds.
Crested Iris develops quaint purple flowers. It blooms quickly between April and May. Crested iris lives along streams and rivers in lowland wooded areas. Since it grows rapidly and low to the ground, it is a popular species to use as a groundcover. Fragrant and attractive, it is a good source of food for hummingbirds and thrives in well-drained soil. Although it grows naturally in the wild, it is a common addition to home landscapes, too.
Common Grasses
As with plants, several common native kinds of grass make for an equally stunning property in Kansas City. Fortunately, you can find both cool season and warm season grasses to create a perfect yard.
- Buffalograss
- Tall fescue
- Zoysia
- Bermudagrass
Buffalo grass is an excellent choice if you are looking for low-maintenance native grasses that require minimal watering. Buffalo grass only needs about .5 inches of water each week, which is less than half of what most grasses require. Unlike other fertilizers, it does not require fertilizer to grow. Buffalo grass only reaches a mature height of six inches, so frequent mowing is not necessary.
Tall Fescue is popular for its longevity. It starts to grow early in the spring and remains active through the first frost. Tall fescue is a cool season grass, which means it's not as heat or drought tolerant as some other species.
Zoysia is a warm season grass. It remains green for most of the year and turns a light tan color during the winter months. Zoysia creates a thick, dense carpet of grass once established. It can withstand moderate amounts of foot traffic, and it can also survive exposure to heat and direct summer sunlight.
Bermudagrass shares many commonalities with Zoysia. It is a warm-season grass that grows into a dense, lush groundcover and supports moderate to high volumes of foot traffic. It survives Missouri's hot summers and grows quickly during the summer.
Attractions in Kansas City
Along with getting your yard in top shape, you can show pride for your city by visiting its standout attractions.
American Jazz Museum
The American Jazz Museum is a lively museum dedicated to celebrating jazz. Educational programs, interactive displays, and live performances are all part of the museum's attractions.
National Museum of Toys
You don't have to be a kid to enjoy this museum. Antique toys, marbles, collectibles, and famous toys in American history are all collected at this museum. Exhibits, displays, and rotating collections await visitors.
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
This museum features galleries of artwork that span thousands of years. Modern artwork and historic paintings are on display within the museum's walls. Asian art is particularly well-represented at this museum. Outside, a marvelous sculpture garden entices visitors.
Kansas City is home to nearly 489,000 people. It gets even more visitors each year. Many great sites make Kansas City a popular place to spend time. With a little yard maintenance and TLC, you can make your yard a nice place to spend time, too. Just contact Lawn Love for assistance with all your lawn care needs.
