TS10 -Session Full!-SOLD OUT!!–Midtown Gardens: From Prim and Proper to Wild and Woolly

Don’t miss touring four inspirational gardens in the heart of Kansas City that provide a study in contrasts.

First, go back in time as you explore the Shawnee Indian Mission, a National Historic Landmark. Learn about its 180-year history, which reflects the changing times in the history of Kansas. Listen as your guides tell the story and historical significance of the four demonstration gardens planted and maintained by Master Gardeners. These gardens are a reminder of the expansive fields once planted at the Mission.

Next stop is the beautifully curated Rose Garden at Loose Park featuring close to 3,000 roses of nearly 150 varieties on 1.5-acres. You’ll instantly understand why over 250 weddings are held here each year. For you history buffs, Loose Park was the site of the Battle of Westport, the largest Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi.

After lunch, continue to a garden that’s right out of a storybook, the stunning Kauffman Memorial Garden. This lush, European-style garden features 7,000 plant varieties. They include vintage and modern perennials, annuals, shrubs, bulbs and trees, as well as playful fountains and elegant pieces of sculpture. Be assured there’s surprise and delight around every corner. You’ll feel like you’ve been whisked away to another world.

Now, imagine a special spot in the heart of Kansas City’s urban core where city dwellers can connect with nature and take a break from the fast pace and jarring sounds of city living. That special place is the Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center. In contrast to the classical style of the Kauffman Memorial Garden, the Discovery Center offers eight acres of natural areas with paved and natural trails through forest, woodland, wetland, prairie habitats and wildlife. Step in and step closer to nature and local wildlife.

Cost: $105

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Tour Length: 7.5 hrs

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Departure Time: 8:15 a.m., Monday, June 19

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Max Participants: 50

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Included

• Be sure to bring your conference water bottle. Water will be provided on the bus
• Lunch

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Accessibility

Tour is handicap accessible. For who those who prefer not to take the short walk between the Kauffman Memorial Garden and Anita Gorman Discovery Center, the bus will take you between the two.

ITINERARY

Shawnee Indian Mission

Start the morning with a 25-minute ride to the Shawnee Indian Mission, a National Historic Landmark. Catch a glimpse of the past as you enter the 12-acre grounds that include three historic buildings, period rooms and exhibits, as well as demonstration gardens created and maintained by the Johnson County EMGs.

You’ll start with a short video explaining historic aspects of the Mission. During its 180-year history, these buildings and grounds served many purposes that reflect the changing times in the history of Kansas.

Follow your Master Gardener guides as they tell the story and historical significance of four demonstration gardens. The Mission was once 2000 acres, with 500 acres used to grow crops, fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Today, the demonstration gardens serve as reminders of the expansive fields once planted at the Mission. The vegetable garden produces hundreds of pounds of produce yearly that’s donated to local food banks.

Loose Park Rose Garden

Next, head to the beautifully curated Rose Garden at Loose Park, just a short jaunt from the Shawnee Indian Mission. This garden is maintained by the Kansas City Rose Society and the Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department. It features close to 3,000 roses of nearly 150 varieties on 1.5-acres. Over 250 weddings are held here each year.

Rose Society guides will lead you through the garden and gladly answer your questions as they describe the various roses, their significance and uniqueness. Each rose section also has QR codes to scan them with your phone for more information about a rose’s variety, class or color.

You’ll also learn about the history of the Rose Garden and the park it calls home. Loose Park was the site of the Battle of Westport, the largest Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi.

Around noonish, you’ll enjoy a lunch in the peaceful setting of the Loose Park pavilion.

Kauffman Memorial Garden and Anita Gorman Discovery Center

After lunch and a bit of relaxing, you’ll head to the Kauffman Memorial Garden and Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center.

Prepare to fall in love with the Kauffman Memorial Garden. This 2-acre garden is a serene and tranquil jewel in European style in the heart of the city. Enclosed by beautiful limestone walls and lined with brick paths, it offers visitors many places to sit and relax. The garden features 7,000 plant varieties that include vintage and modern perennials, annuals, shrubs, bulbs and trees. It also has playful fountains and elegant pieces of bronze sculpture by local artist Tom Corbin. Five distinct garden rooms, including a “Secret Garden” and a conservatory, deliver surprise and delight around every corner, in every season.

This lush garden is an enduring gift to Kansas City from Ewing and Muriel Kauffman, a prominent Kansas City couple beloved for their philanthropic and civic contributions.

In contrast to the classical style of the Kauffman Memorial Garden, the Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center is eight acres of wild and woolly natural beauty and native plants. Paved and natural trails take you through forest, woodland, wetland, and prairie habitats. The area also has demonstration beds showcasing how native plants can be used for home landscaping.

The Discovery Center is a short walk from the Kauffman Memorial Gardens. However, if you prefer, a bus is available.