Spring is finally waking up in Parkville and if you have stepped outside lately you can feel it. The soil is soft again, trees are beginning to bud, and those early bulbs are starting to poke through the ground. In our area, gardening season comes with a lot of excitement but also a few questions. What should you plant right now? What actually thrives in our climate? And how do you make sure your yard looks beautiful from early spring all the way into summer?
If you live in Parkville or the greater Kansas City area, you are gardening in USDA Zone 6b. This means our winters can get cold but our growing season is long enough to support a wide variety of flowers, shrubs, and perennials. The key is choosing plants that are comfortable with our temperature swings, spring rain, and hot Missouri summers.
Spring is a great time to plant because roots have time to establish before the intense summer heat arrives. Many perennial flowers, flowering shrubs, and cool season annuals do especially well when planted during this time of year.
One of the best parts about spring planting in Missouri is the variety of flowers that thrive here. If you are looking for dependable perennials that come back year after year, a few local favorites include coneflowers, black eyed Susans, salvia, coreopsis, and catmint. These plants handle our climate well and also attract pollinators like butterflies and bees, which help support a healthy garden ecosystem.
Peonies are another classic Missouri garden favorite. Many older homes around Parkville already have established peony bushes that bloom every May with huge, fragrant flowers. If you want something that brings structure and long term beauty to a landscape, hydrangeas are also an excellent choice. Varieties like Incrediball hydrangea and oakleaf hydrangea thrive in our region and provide beautiful blooms throughout the summer.
When planning your garden it is important to consider how much sunlight different areas of your yard receive. Some plants love full sun while others actually prefer a bit of shade.
For sunny areas that receive six or more hours of direct sunlight each day, plants like coneflowers, salvia, coreopsis, and lavender will thrive. These flowers love heat and sunshine and they will reward you with long blooming seasons and bright color.
For partial shade areas such as the north side of a house or underneath trees, plants like coral bells, hostas, astilbe, and bleeding hearts do beautifully. These plants add texture and color to spaces that do not get full sun and they help create a layered garden that feels lush and full.
One of the best things you can do if you are new to gardening is visit a local nursery and talk with people who understand our specific growing conditions. Larry’s Nursery in nearby Riverside is a local favorite and has been helping Kansas City gardeners for years. Their team is incredibly knowledgeable and their plant selection is tailored for what actually thrives in our area. You can browse their selection and learn more here: https://larrysnursery.com
Gardening does not have to be complicated. Start small, choose plants that fit your sunlight conditions, and focus on varieties that are proven to grow well in Zone 6b. Before long you will start to see your yard come to life with color, pollinators, and that unmistakable feeling that spring has truly arrived.
If you have been thinking about adding flowers to your yard, this is the perfect time to get started. Grab a shovel, visit a local nursery, and enjoy the process. Spring in Parkville is short but incredibly beautiful, and a well planted garden lets you enjoy every moment of it.
