When we work together to make changes that limit polluted runoff, we also reduce flooding, keep our water clean, provide habitat and beautify the city. Kansas Healthy Yards and Communities is a Kansas State University Research and Extension program that educates the public on environmentally conscious lawn-and garden-care techniques. Lenexa is partnering with the Johnson County K-State Research and Extension office, the cities of Overland Park and Shawnee and the Johnson County Stormwater Management Program in this effort. As part of the program, residents can use a self-assessment to evaluate the maintenance practices of their yard.
Healthy Yards Expo
Get the real dirt on growing green Saturday, March 31 at the Johnson County Healthy Yards Expo, a lawn and garden event that aims to help residents make greener choices in their yards and homes. This free event is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lenexa Conference Center, 11184 Lackman Road.
The expo is a great place to get new ideas from experts for eco-improvements for yards. It’s a one-stop learning event on green ideas, products and services. Visitors to the Expo can:
- Enter to win door prizes including a rain barrel and a compost bin. Other limited quantity giveaways will be available while supplies last.
- Visit with Johnson County K-State Research and Extension Master Gardeners and local plant societies. They’ll offer expert advice on gardening and plant cultivation.
- Listen to informative speakers on topics such as composting, water conservation, vegetable gardening and sustainability.
- Participate in free, fun and educational activities for children.
This year, Johnson County residents can get a free soil test, compliments of Johnson County Stormwater Management and Johnson County Extension. A soil test determines the amount of nutrients in the soil, as well as the pH, or acidity of soil. It is important to know the nutrient levels in order to grow healthy plants and protect the water quality in our local streams and lakes.
Learn how to take a soil sample and bring the sample to the Expo to receive the free soil test. (One per Johnson County household, while quantities last.)
Free Seminar Schedule
9:30 a.m. Success with Container Gardeners
Johnson County Extension Master Gardeners
10:15 a.m. Water Quality Starts in Your Backyard
Nico Cantarero, City of Overland Park Water Quality Specialist
11 a.m. Managing Lawn and Garden Waste at Home
Johnson County Extension Master Gardener
11:45 a.m. Incorporating Vegetables into the Landscape
Johnson County Extension Master Gardener
12:30 p.m. Rain Barrels – Making Every Drop Count
Jenny Doty, City of Lenexa, Park Naturalist
1:15 p.m. Growing Great Trees
Sarah Patterson, City of Overland Park, Forester
2 p.m. Creating a Beautiful Lawn with Less Input
Dennis Patton, Johnson County Extension, Horticulture Agent
Learn more about the Healthy Yard Expo.
How the Healthy Yards program works
Points are awarded for practices like conducting a soil test, planting trees and shrubs that are adapted to the local environment and require minimal fertilizer, rain shut-off devices for irrigated lawns, leaving grass clippings on the lawn, using an electric lawnmower, installing a rain barrel, providing shelter for songbirds and more.
Residents can take the assessment, calculate their points and submit the assessment to Mandy Stark, outreach and education specialist to receive a yard sign.
What can you do?
With a few simple steps, you can make your lawn earth-friendly — and save time and money.
- Mow high and mow less often. Cutting your lawn higher (two to three inches) encourages a stronger root system and reduces evaporation. Or consider a mulching mower that chops grass and leaves it on the lawn as natural fertilizer.
- Landscape with native plants. Decrease the mowing area by planting native flowerbeds and shrubs. Native plants require little or no maintenance, and less water, fertilizer and pesticide than grass.
- Avoid over watering your lawn, the most common problem in the home landscape. Lawns need an average of one inch of water per week. Use a flow meter to determine the ideal rate for your lawn, and you’ll conserve water and save money on your bill.
- Water lawns and gardens before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. to slow evaporation. Don’t water on windy, overcast or rainy days. Taking these steps can save as much as 300 gallons of water per month, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
- Compost yard waste. Composting reduces strain on our landfills, water pollution, and provides a nourishing additive for your garden.
- Follow fertilizing instructions. Read labels on lawn chemicals carefully and always apply products sparingly. Over applying fertilizers can result in harmful runoff into our lakes and streams.
- Get tested. Use a soil test to determine what your lawn really needs.
- Skip the P. Phosphrous, or “P,” is a significant nutrient found polluting lakes and ponds in Lenexa. While it comes from several sources, using P-free fertilizer will help reduce its presence in our freshwater.
- Watch where you fertilize. Use caution on slopes and keep fertilizer off sidewalks so it doesn’t wash off.
- Time it right. Allow proper drying time for liquid chemicals, and never use lawn chemicals before a heavy rainfall.
- Ask questions. If you utilize a lawn care service, find out if they’re following green practices.
Questions?
Contact Mandy Stark, outreach and education specialist.