Garden News
Latest media, press and garden updates from Powell Gardens, Kansas City’s botanical garden. Media inquiries and requests should be directed to Louise Forster (Manager, Marketing & Communications) at marketing@powellgardens.org.
In response to COVID-19, Powell Gardens reimagines the visitor experience to provide a space for release this summer.
May 20, 2020 – Powell Gardens announces partnership with Chef Michael Foust and site-specific digital exhibition commissioning new work by regional artists, musicians, and creatives.
2020
April 1, 2020 – Home garden Q&As with horticulture staff, weekly educational activities for kids, and beautiful updates from the Gardens to remind KC that spring is not cancelled.
Media & Mentions
Feast magazine – May 28, 2020
Kansas City Star – March 26, 2020
Daily Star Journal – October 2, 2019
2019
Festival of Lights returns to kansas city
Kingsville, MO, November 26, 2019 – Powell Gardens will host the 3rd annual Festival of Lights. A new holiday tradition, this botanical-themed lights display has something for the whole family this holiday season.
2018
Powell Gardens Files Appeal and Injunction Against Controversial CAFO
Kingsville, MO, June 19, 2018 – Powell Gardens has filed for an injunction and will be filing an administrative appeal in response to the Missouri Department of Natural Resource’s issuance of an operating permit to Valley Oaks Steak Company for a confined animal feeding operation (CAFO).
Jill Silva Talks Upcoming Food Events on LIVE from Jasper’s Kitchen.
Powell Gardens Rallies Community Support to Oppose Feedlot
Kingsville, MO, February 28, 2018—Powell Gardens, Kansas City’s botanical garden, is pressing the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to grant a public hearing in regards to the expansion of a confined animal feeding operation just three miles west of the 30-year old community treasure. Valley Oaks Steak Company, LLC, located on 50 Highway in Johnson County, has plans to expand their 400-acre operation from nearly 900 head of cattle to 6,999. Concerned about potential effects the expansion could have on the purity of local waterways and air quality, community members and Powell Gardens’ supporters began a campaign last week to convince the Missouri Department of Resources of the need for a public hearing. Powell Gardens is asking for continued support in contacting the Missouri Department of Natural Resources with concerns.
2017
Powell Gardens Names New Vice President of Gardens
Kansas City, Mo, December 12, 2017–After an extensive search, Powell Gardens, Kansas City’s botanical garden, is pleased to announce the appointment of Kunso Kim as vice president of gardens, a new role marrying the duties of director of horticulture with maintenance oversight, in addition to garden and collections management. Kim will strengthen the strategic future of the gardens when he replaces former Director of Horticulture Alan Branhagen, now Director of Operations at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Kim joins the team at Powell Gardens in early January 2018.
A New Holiday Tradition Emerges at Powell Gardens
Kansas City, Mo. November 28, 2017–Serene settings, botanically-themed light displays and a mile-long walking path, set the new Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens, opening Friday, December 1, apart from its competitors. With nearly 15-miles of lights installed in six of the seven-themed garden areas and a location set away from the light and noise pollution of the city, this new holiday festival offers a chance to see Powell Gardens in a whole new light. Visitors can experience the gardens from 3-9 p.m., Thursday to Sunday, through January 7, 2018.
New Docent Program and Family-Centric Summer Fun Gives Powell Gardens an Educational Edge
Kansas City, Mo. June 20, 2017—Powell Gardens is ramping up educational offerings in the Gardens with a new intensive docent program and additional programming designed to immerse adults and youth in the many facets of a botanical garden. The education department is currently seeking garden enthusiasts to join the new volunteer docent group, Garden Guides, a committed group of tour guides who will engage with Powell Gardens K-12 student and adult tour groups and help them discover the many aspects of the Gardens, while discussing unique plant collections and landscapes. Volunteers selected for this special role will participate in an intensive once-a week, three hour training course at Powell Gardens beginning in October 2017. This program will grow under the direction of Powell Gardens new Director of Education, Outreach and Interpretation, Kristy Peterson.
Powell Gardens Spring Forecast: New Events and Better Member Benefits
Kansas City, Mo. April 11, 2017—Powell Gardens offers exciting new reasons to visit the Gardens this spring. Two new events have been added: Doggies & Dogwoods Days, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 29-30 and the Fungi & Fermentation Festival, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 6-7. Also during may is the “Join Our Family Tree” membership drive, which offers new levels and heightened benefits in 2017 including free general and festival admissions year-round.
James H. Houx II Joins Powell Gardens’ Board of Directors
Kansas City, Mo, March 7, 2017—James Henry Houx II, prominent real-estate developer and civic leader in Warrensburg, Mo., was appointed to the Powell Gardens Board of Directors at the February board meeting.
Powell Gardens Offers One-Hour Weddings on Valentine’s Day
Kansas City, Mo. Jan. 23, 2017 – Powell Gardens, Kansas City’s botanical garden, is offering couples the chance to say “I do” in the iconic Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel on Valentine’s Day with a new one-hour wedding package.