Upcoming Episodes:
Growing Native Plants Sustainably
September 17 · Thursday · 12-1pm
Sow Wild Natives is one of Kansas City’s oldest native plant nursery who grows ethically sourced native plants from seeds in our ecoregion. Not just what, but how they grow contributes to a more sustainable and beautiful world. Take a virtual tour with founder, Tracy Twombly as we glean the process of growing native plants from seed and walk through demonstration gardens with varying goals. Gain inspiration on which plants to add to your garden this fall.
Fear, Facts, and Fascination: Changing How We See Insects
October 1 · Thursday · 12-1pm
Insects play essential roles in ecosystems, yet many are misunderstood, especially in our gardens during the fall. This presentation by Tamra Reall of MU Extension Office, invites you to look beyond fear and learn what insects need to survive seasonal changes. We’ll explore commonly misunderstood arthropods and learn how fall practices, like early garden clean-up, can unintentionally harm beneficial species. We will also discuss when intervention is appropriate, including insects that pose real health risks or ecological concerns. This presentation will share practical, research-based guidance for making fall garden decisions that support insects while maintaining healthy landscapes.
Fall Maintenance for Native Gardens
October 15 · Thursday · 12-1pm
Conventional gardening practices encourage fall clean up, but wildlife depends on standing plant material through winter. Join Deep Roots “native plant nerds” as they demonstrate nature-minded ways to maintain your gardens at the end of the growing season. Enjoy an engaging educational webinar where you can ask your gardening questions to the experts!
Rain Gardens for Residential Spaces
November 5 · Thursday · 12-1pm
Native landscapes are excellent at managing stormwater, even in their most low-tech applications. While a designed rain garden, or a comprehensive site plan might be beyond the scope of many gardeners’ goals, a simple ‘plop and play’ approach to mitigating runoff and “Containing the Rain” can yield big results with simply the right plants in the right place. Chris Cardwell of Deep Roots will share his own home approach to downspout solutions that are easy and effective at on site stormwater control for residences.
Nature in Urban Areas
November 19 · Thursday · 12-1pm
Studies show that we’re living in an increasingly residential world. Across the United States, more than 80% of the population lives in urban areas. Because of this, urban landscapes have an important role to play in supporting biodiversity. Learn about wildlife that has adapted to life in the Anthropocene era and ways to support nature at home. See parks that strike the balance between outdoor recreation and habitat restoration with Deep Roots and Johnson County Park and Recreation District.
Longer Blooms
December 3 · Thursday · 12-1pm
Native gardens are cultivated spaces steeped with intention and brimming with life. Selecting the right plant for the right place and purpose can extend wildlife resources throughout the seasons. Join Cydney Ross of Deep Roots to learn strategic plant pairings and practical maintenance tips to extend bloom times in your garden. Gain inspiration and advice for best approaches to support nature in a residential garden setting.
Native Plants for Containers
December 17 · Thursday · 12-1pm
Discover how easy and rewarding it can be to grow native plants in containers! Native plants aren’t just for large gardens—they can thrive in pots and planters, bringing beauty and ecological benefits to small spaces. In this episode, Kay Thomason of Deep Roots explores how to select the right native species for containers, choose appropriate pots and soil, and discover plants that will add color and texture to your outdoor spaces. Whether you have a porch, patio, balcony, or just a sunny doorstep, you’ll learn how native plants can turn even the smallest space into a vibrant, pollinator-friendly garden.
About Curious by Nature
Explore the wild and wonderful native plants and landscapes across the Midwest each first and third Thursday at 12pm CST.
Choose your own adventure! Register to the entire series or scroll down to register for individual episodes.
Questions? Contact cydney@deeprootskc.org
CBN is sponsored by:
