Reno County Extension Master Gardeners

06/17/2026

The June K-State Horticulture Newsletter is out with lots of great gardening information.

06/13/2026

If you see a bright yellow garden gate on the side of the road this Sat, JUNE 13,
please stop, take notice and TAKE THE TOUR!

RCEMG Annual Garden Tour
JUNE 13 9am-2pm
Tickets now $13, available at any participating garden.

SEE YOU IN THE GARDENS!

Our RCEMG group gathered around Tour Director, Dave Mencl as we gave thanks for the special folks who open their homes and yards to those who enjoy the gardens! Have a great tour!
And do not forget to check out the Demonstation Garden on Hutchinson Community College's campus! There are vendors and food trucks.


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06/10/2026

What a joy it was to learn about the history of Riggs Aboretum at the June meeting of RCEMG.
Our guest speaker was its owner Judith Clubine of McPherson. Located in Waterloo, Kansas, the arboretum was designed by John W. Riggs, a city planner who drew all his renderings by hand! Founded in 1887, the arboretum was the first Experimental Tree Station west of the Mississippi.
Though the property had been in the family since the 1850's, Judith shared how they cleared 22 acres of woods and misquitos! Currently there are about 11acres of trails on the arboretum side and 11 acres on the family side.
Judith is quite proud of the research and conservation efforts by her grandfather and father. The aboretum's development included the 1st Southern Magnolia, 1st Bald Cypress and 1st Russian Olives to be brought to Kansas.
In the fall, Riggs Arboretum hosts "Walk in the Woods" for all area 5th graders. The Kansas Forest Service , USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and many other organizations set up stations for young people to learn about the importance of trees and their impact on the Kansas economy.
Judith thanked members of our group who have volunteered at Riggs this past year.
They included: Rick Upshaw, David Mencl, Carolyn and Darrel Willson, Pat Droste and KSU Research & Extension Horticulture Agent Pam Paulsen.
The next work day will be September 2, 2026. All volunteers are welcome but you must pre-register on the Riggs Arboretum website.
Thank You Judy for sharing your family's legacy with us!

Special Note to Our Readers: If you want to learn more about unique trees&shrubs, plus other plants&flowers in Hutchinson area join us for our annual Reno County Extension Master Gardeners Garden Tour.
Sat, June 13, 9am -2pm
Tickets: $10 advanced sales thru Fri, June 12
$13 on the day of the tour
Available at: Absolutely Flowers, Bornholdt Plantland, Dillon Nature Center, Stutzmans Greenhouse and Reno County Extension Office
Online at www.reno.ksu.edu

HOPE TO SEE YOU IN THE GARDENS!

05/29/2026

🐝 Kansas needs your help!

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is looking for volunteers to help survey and document bumble bees across the state as part of the Great Plains Bumble Bee Atlas.

Over the past four years, Kansas volunteers have recorded more than 2,300 bumble bees and helped identify six species, including two that are considered at risk of extinction.

No experience is required. Just an interest in pollinators, conservation, and exploring Kansas' wild places. Training is available online and in person.

👉 Learn more https://www.ksoutdoors.gov/Home/Components/News/News/32/346

05/20/2026

Our bees have been busy. Eric, Ross and Pam, under Dale's guidance, completed our first full hive inspection last week. Our girls are doing well!

05/18/2026

05/17/2026

Reno County Extension Master Gardeners are preparing their Demonstration Garden located on the Hutchinson Community College Campus.
The RCEMG Annual Garden tour is Sat. June 13, 9am-2pm.
Tickets are now on sale!