Powell Gardens is a place for learning and reflection and it is with a mix of deep sadness that we announce that Andy Klapis, the longtime Raytown educator and nurseryman has passed away a month short of his 90th birthday. Andy was the donor of the original collection of azaleas that grace the Rock & … Read More
The Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel set between seasoned prairie grasses, early fall woodland and placid lake epitomizes Powell Gardens’ tranquility. There is a reason the gardens are a road trip for the soul. I rarely get a chance to photograph Powell Gardens in the morning but finally got that opportunity today. It was one of … Read More
This flower is a botanical first! It is the first hybrid between China’s Red Lotus Tree (Manglietia insignis — now lumped with magnolias by taxonomists) and the ‘Colossus’ cultivar of Oyama Magnolia (Magnolia sieboldii). Dennis Ledvina, renowned magnolia hybridizer, made the cross to get the rich color of the unhardy Red Lotus Tree into the … Read More
What an incredibly lush summer season we have had in 2010! Powell Gardens official weather station received 24.00 inches of rain in June-August: three-quarters of our normal ANNUAL rainfall! The gardens’ plants have responded with incredibly lush growth and are currently at their peak as we edge closer to the Autumnal Equinox (less than 2 weeks … Read More
Under A Harvest Moon, our October 3rd fundraiser, celebrates the bounty of the Heartland Harvest Garden as interpreted by our celebrity chef, Michael Smith. The harvest is in, the bushels of squash, parsnips, elderberry and currant are being picked and stored in anticipation for our big party. Playfully, Michael has experimented with many of the items … Read More