April 1, 2024

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Today’s Forecast

73º | 76% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:01 a.m. | Sunset 7:42 p.m.

🌱 Your thumb just got greener

A field of sunflowers under an orange sky at sunset.

For Kansas-native sunflowers to flourish in the fall, they should be sown in mid-April. | Photo by @mikedayphotography

Recently, the US Department of Agriculture released an updated Plant Hardiness Zone Map — a resource that gardeners and growers across the country can use to determine which perennial plants can grow in their area. The interactive map was last updated in 2012, so this newest version has been 10+ years in the making.

The map can be utilized by novice gardeners and seasoned farmers alike. Before you dive in, here are some pro tips on how to read + navigate it.

A location’s zone is determined by its average annual extreme minimum winter temperature.
On the map, zones range from 1a to 13a, with zone 1a representing -60º to -55º F and zone 13a representing 65º to 70º F.
The map is interactive, and you can find your exact location’s zone by typing in your zip code.

Recommendations on when to plant are based on a city’s zone. However, this may vary based on the type of plant, geography, weather conditions, and soil temperature.

A map of plant hardiness zones in Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. — This region includes the states of Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
|
Map by Oregon State University College of Engineering’s PRISM Climate Group via USDA

Kansas City’s plant hardiness zone

Plant Hardiness Zone: 6b (-5º to 0º F)
When to plant: Mid-April
What native plants to grow:

Common blue violet
Missouri ironweed
Wild red columbine

Looking for tips to start your garden? We’ve got a guide to native gardens just for you.

Plant hardiness zones across the US

Events

Monday, April 1

Opening Day | Monday, April 1 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, 13800 Switzer Rd., Overland Park, KS | $0-$5 | Saddle up for a barnyard bonanza with over 250 animals, hands-on activities, and live entertainment from Mr. Stinky Feet himself.
Remo Drive | Monday, April 1 | 8 p.m. | Uptown Theater, 3700 Broadway Rd., KCMO | $40 | Catch energetic rock band Remo Drive as they stop in KC on a national tour.

Tuesday, April 2

Stammtisch German Language Practice | Tuesday, April 2 | 6 p.m. | Kansas City Bier Company, 310 W. 79th St., KCMO | All levels welcome at this casual evening of bier drinking and German speaking.
Clue by PNC Broadway | Tuesday, April 2-Sunday, April 7 | 7:30 p.m. | Kauffman Center, KCMO | This classic whodunit’s stage adaptation promises to keep you guessing — perhaps it was you... with a ticket... at the Kauffman Center?

Wednesday, April 3

Orchid Delirium | Wednesday, April 3-Friday, April 5 | Powell Gardens, 1609 NW US Hwy 50, Kingsville, MO | Hundreds of rotating blooms burst from this 2000-piece orchid exhibit.

Thursday, April 4

Alive After 5 Art Crawl | Thursday, April 4 | 5-8 p.m. | 416 Cherokee St., Leavenworth, KS | $5-$15 | Grab some provided pony punch + cowboy crunch, and saddle on up to this interactive adventure.
The Prohibition Pub Crawl | Thursday, April 4 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Shawnee City Hall, 11110 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, KS | $36 | Drink your way through history with a zany tour and craft brew tasting in Downtown Shawnee.

Events calendar here

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Plan Ahead

You’re invited to Starlight Theatre’s 2024 Broadway season

Nolan Almeida as Peter Pan, Cody Garcia as Captain Hook, Hawa Kamara as Wendy and the cast of Peter Pan. | Photo by Matthew Murphy

Summer is right around the corner — and so is Starlight Theatre’s Broadway season.

We’re giving you the 4-1-1 on upcoming shows at KC’s oldest and largest continuously-operating performing arts organization. From family fun to the “Goddess of Pop,” there’s something for everyone, including:

“The Cher Show” | May 28-June 2 | Pay homage to the life and career of this legendary trailblazer.
“The Little Mermaid” | July 9-14 | Dive beneath the waves with a young mermaid who dreams of a world beyond her own.
“Shrek the Musical” | July 26-28 | Follow the journey of Shrek and his companions as they remind us that true beauty lives within.
“West Side Story” | August 20-25 | Experience the romance of a tale of love and the consequences of division.
“Peter Pan” | September 17-22 | Set sail with Peter Pan and his magical escapades in Neverland.

Explore more performances + grab tickets

News Notes

Festival

Tickets are on sale for the 2024 Parade of Hearts Kickoff Event on Saturday, April 13 at the American Royal Governor’s Expo (1701 American Royal Dr., KCMO). In addition to games, workshops, live music, and an artisan marketplace, the event will feature all 100 heart sculptures on display.

Biz

The Porter House KC, which provides resources for small business owners and those looking to break into local industry, plans to open its 811 Retail Incubator in May. The space will house eight select retail concepts on a temporary basis, allowing new businesses to work their way up to a permanent location. (Startland News)

Legacy

Adriana Galvan, daughter of Chiefs rally shooting victim Lisa Lopez-Galvan, is carrying on her mother’s musical legacy. The 19-year-old is now “DJ Nana G,” and performing shows previously booked for Lisa. Keep an eye out for her next gig on Sunday, May 5. (Kansas City Star)

Arts

Head to the Nelson’s Bloch Building to catch a glimpse of the Grand HexaNet, a new floating sculpture built from 90 metal tubes raised and lowered by wires. The 38-minute program that moves the sculpture is meant to symbolize order and chaos. (FOX4)

Coming Soon

A new home furnishings store will come to Gillam House Antique’s on Friday, April 19. Diebolt’s is founded in part by Mary Carol Garrity of Nell Hill’s in Brookside, and will feature an eclectic mix of art and linens in a cozy 400-sqft space. (Flatland)

Announced

Texas-based shaved ice chain Bahama Buck’s plans to open its first metro location at 135th Street and Nieman Road next spring. The shop is known for its menu of 100+ flavors, plus fruit smoothies, acai bowls, and iced coffee. (Johnson County Post)

Kansas Citian

Tim Brown hasn’t missed a Royals Opening Day — not for the last 47 years. He attends games with his wife, who he met at a game in 2002, and his daughter, who’s on an 18-year streak of her own. (FOX4)

Wellness

Designed with conversation in mind, these game-changing hearing aids feature crystal-clear sound in a sleek, discreet design. Enjoy clear speech with minimum background distractions — even in the noisiest environments. Join 385,000+ happy customers and start your 45-day, no-risk trial today.*

Try This

💎 KC’s hidden gems

If you look closely, you can see one of the metro’s little-known wonders. | Photo by @shotsbyrforee

Whether you’re a lifelong local or showing someone new around town, these off-the-beaten-path spots are sure to impress.

Western Auto Sign

Address: 2107 Grand Blvd., KCMO

Nearby: Washington Square Park, Crown Center, Grand Coffee Co.

It’s hard to miss this giant marquee-style sign, especially when it’s lit up at night. Fun fact: it used to be a Coca-Cola sign until Western Auto bought the building and replaced the sign in 1952.

Union Station

Address: 30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO

Nearby: National WWI Museum and Memorial, Boulevard Brewing Company

One of the crown jewels of modern-day Kansas City, Union Station opened in 1914 after a flood wiped out the Union Depot in the West Bottoms. Did you know? The bustling building we know today was abandoned in 1989. It reopened in 1999 thanks to a bi-state effort.

WWI Museum and Memorial

Address: 2 Memorial Dr., KCMO

Nearby: Union Station, Penn Valley Park

Finished in 1926, this iconic KC landmark is visible from most areas of downtown. The Liberty Memorial Tower rises 217 ft above the Observation Deck, which provides arguably the best view of the Kansas City skyline. And yes, you can go up to the top.

April Fools

The Buy

The Song of Everything Book to celebrate National Poetry Month. This poetic journey takes an adventure through South Carolina’s State Parks.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Dayten

From the editor

This weekend I got to check out Green Dirt on Oak, a new farm-to-table (or farm-to-rooftop) featuring award-winning cheeses from Green Dirt Farm. See the view — or see it yourself on Wednesday, when the restaurant is set to open for dinner service.

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