I'm looking for recommendations on spots to view the Corporate woods fireworks. I'm on the South side of 435 and would prefer to stay on that side to avoid extra traffic. I was looking at JCCC, but I read that a portion of their lots are closed for construction, leaving me concerned that an already busy spot will be even worse.
I have a few trees that I'm not sure if they are dying. We recently bought this house and we have some less than happy looking evergreens. I don't know if this is a normal shedding process or if they are sick. I'm looking for an arborist (not just someone who wants to take my money and cut down my trees). Recommendations?
I have a 2.5 year old boy that is babysat by his grandparents and gets virtually no socialization. I'm trying to come up with ideas for programs or lessons that would get him into some forced social interactions. I've heard of some early preschool programs and would love recommendations - preferably non-religious. Any other ideas or recommendations?
I've also wondered about more "sporty" activities like soccer or gymnastics?
I took on a massive landscaping project at my house and made the tragic error of choosing some unusual plants in my plans, leaving me in the position of needing to find plants online. I ended up purchasing from 9 different sites and had lots of different experiences. I thought I'd leave my reviews here in one place. I'd love to hear others experiences too. I live in a Zone 6 area and started ordering in March. Some of the plants had intentionally delayed shipment until the start of planting season, most likely to avoid cold damage during shipping.
Fast Growing Trees - They provided an estimated ship date. The Banana Tree listed a later shipping date, due to cold temperatures. All plants arrived during the estimated ship window listed.
- Cold Hardy Banana Tree - The tree arrived with a large, healthy root, some leaves bloomed out. The leaves were beat up a bit, but I don't think there was any avoiding that. The plant quickly thrived with lots of new growth and the damaged leaves withered. So far, it looks great.
- Hydrangea - shipped while just coming out of dormancy. I think this might have stunted the plants growth this season. Otherwise seems fine and I have no concerns that it won't thrive.
- Butterfly bush - Shipped in good condition. Healthy plant, no concerns.
Spring Hill Nursery - Not a good experience - All of these plants were listed as "Shipping in Spring", but with no defined date. I called the company after a number of weeks to find out when I should expect these to be shipped. I was informed that the Hibiscus would not be sent until the following February (10 months in the future) as it was backordered. They indicated the other two plants would ship in a couple of weeks. They did not provide any email that included these details. I told them I did not want the Hibiscus, as I wasn't looking for plants for next year. The customer service person told me that they would email me details on how to cancel the order. That email never arrived.
After a few days, I contacted them through email and indicated I wanted to cancel the whole order. I only got the other two plants to spend enough for free shipping. After a couple of days, I received a response that it would not be possible to cancel those items as they were already prepped for shipping. I received my two other plants, in small bags - simply root balls, barely alive at all. I have included a picture for entertainment, so you can see what $50 worth of plants looks like. I did plant them, but I have no confidence in whether they will thrive. I have requested a refund for these two plants (along with the hibiscus) as they are in terrible condition. I was told my message would be sent to their "credit department". Still no refund after a couple of weeks.
Lowes (Online) - I rolled the dice and ordered a couple of Laurel Cherry's from Lowes. Delivered on time, well packed and the plants looked fabulous. No complaints.
Conifer Kingdom - I ordered two Euonymous'. They were delivered on time, packed will and in great shape. No complaints.
The Tree Center - I ordered 3 different types of Rhododendrons. This company is a bit unusual in that they have a special "club" that I think you kind of have to join. As a club member, you get free shipping, and the club costs $10 a month. You can cancel at any time, so it's really just $10 for shipping and then cancel the "club". They additionally gave me a $50 gift card for signing up for the "club", to use on a future order. All three plants arrived on time, packed well, good condition. No complaints.
Encore Azalea - This is the same Azalea brand that you see all over the place. They also ship direct to home. I ordered two azaleas from them. They both came on time, were well packed and healthy - sort of. One of them looked like a brick had been thrown in the middle of the plant. Honestly, I don't think it was from shipping. I think it was damaged before it was packed. The plant was otherwise in good condition. I contacted them and they sent me two more for free (even though only one was damaged). There was no arguing or questioning - they just sent them.
Longfield Gardens - I ordered various tubers from this company. Shipped on time. None of them have popped up from the ground yet. I will update later on.
Nature Hills Nursery - I ordered a Hardy Hibiscus, two ferns and a Franky Boy Arborvitae. All plants arrived on time and were well packed.
The Hibiscus arrived in a dormant state. Shipped on time with a large root ball. Will update once it emerges.
The ferns and the arborvitae look good, no complaints.
Almanac Planting Co - Hinoki False Cypress - TBD. Order just placed. I will update upon arrival.
Overall, most of my experiences have been good (with one really bad one thrown in). I will also say that the prices have been close to what I would expect at a local nursery. Some have been a bit higher, but not by a lot. You are typically a bit more limited in size. Most of the online retailers sell shrubs in no more than 3 gallon pots. From a logistical shipping standpoint, I think it's understandable.
I took on a massive landscaping project at my house and made the tragic error of choosing some unusual plants in my plans, leaving me in the position of needing to find plants online. I ended up purchasing from 9 different sites and had lots of different experiences. I thought I'd leave my reviews here in one place. I'd love to hear others experiences too. I live in a Zone 6 area and started ordering in March. Some of the plants had intentionally delayed shipment until the start of planting season, most likely to avoid cold damage during shipping.
Fast Growing Trees - They provided an estimated ship date. The Banana Tree listed a later shipping date, due to cold temperatures. All plants arrived during the estimated ship window listed.
- Cold Hardy Banana Tree - The tree arrived with a large, healthy root, some leaves bloomed out. The leaves were beat up a bit, but I don't think there was any avoiding that. The plant quickly thrived with lots of new growth and the damaged leaves withered. So far, it looks great.
- Hydrangea - shipped while just coming out of dormancy. I think this might have stunted the plants growth this season. Otherwise seems fine and I have no concerns that it won't thrive.
- Butterfly bush - Shipped in good condition. Healthy plant, no concerns.
Spring Hill Nursery - Not a good experience - All of these plants were listed as "Shipping in Spring", but with no defined date. I called the company after a number of weeks to find out when I should expect these to be shipped. I was informed that the Hibiscus would not be sent until the following February (10 months in the future) as it was backordered. They indicated the other two plants would ship in a couple of weeks. They did not provide any email that included these details. I told them I did not want the Hibiscus, as I wasn't looking for plants for next year. The customer service person told me that they would email me details on how to cancel the order. That email never arrived.
After a few days, I contacted them through email and indicated I wanted to cancel the whole order. I only got the other two plants to spend enough for free shipping. After a couple of days, I received a response that it would not be possible to cancel those items as they were already prepped for shipping. I received my two other plants, in small bags - simply root balls, barely alive at all. I attached these pictures, for the sheer entertainment of what $50 of plants looks like with this company. I did plant them, but I have no confidence in whether they will thrive. I have requested a refund for these two plants (along with the hibiscus) as they are in terrible condition. I was told my message would be sent to their "credit department". Still no refund after a couple of weeks.
Lowes (Online) - I rolled the dice and ordered a couple of Laurel Cherry's from Lowes. Delivered on time, well packed and the plants looked fabulous. No complaints.
Conifer Kingdom - I ordered two Euonymous'. They were delivered on time, packed will and in great shape. No complaints.
The Tree Center - I ordered 3 different types of Rhododendrons. This company is a bit unusual in that they have a special "club" that I think you kind of have to join. As a club member, you get free shipping, and the club costs $10 a month. You can cancel at any time, so it's really just $10 for shipping and then cancel the "club". They additionally gave me a $50 gift card for signing up for the "club", to use on a future order. All three plants arrived on time, packed well, good condition. No complaints.
Encore Azalea - This is the same Azalea brand that you see all over the place. They also ship direct to home. I ordered two azaleas from them. They both came on time, were well packed and healthy - sort of. One of them looked like a brick had been thrown in the middle of the plant. Honestly, I don't think it was from shipping. I think it was damaged before it was packed. The plant was otherwise in good condition. I contacted them and they sent me two more for free (even though only one was damaged). There was no arguing or questioning - they just sent them.
Longfield Gardens - I ordered various tubers from this company. Shipped on time. None of them have popped up from the ground yet. I will update later on.
Nature Hills Nursery - I ordered a Hardy Hibiscus, two ferns and a Franky Boy Arborvitae. All plants arrived on time and were well packed.
The Hibiscus arrived in a dormant state. Shipped on time with a large root ball. Will update once it emerges.
The ferns and the arborvitae look good, no complaints.
Almanac Planting Co - Hinoki False Cypress - TBD. Order just placed. I will update upon arrival.
Overall, most of my experiences have been good (with one really bad one thrown in). I will also say that the prices have been close to what I would expect at a local nursery. Some have been a bit higher, but not by a lot. You are typically a bit more limited in size. Most of the online retailers sell shrubs in no more than 3 gallon pots. From a logistical shipping standpoint, I think it's understandable.
I have a 2 1/2 son and up until now, I've been cutting his hair. I think its time to take him to get it done by a pro. Any recommendations for a kids hairstylist in the Olathe/Lenexa/OP area? He gets easily overwhelmed, so looking for someone who is really good with the little ones!