HAYSVILLE — For more than 50 years, the John C. Pair Horticultural Research Center has been studying trees, shrubs, flowers, turfgrass, fruits and vegetables to see which varieties grow best in the weather extremes of southcentral Kansas.
Kansas State University plant researchers at the center look for the greenest turf grasses, maple trees with the best fall color, the toughest evergreen trees, the most drought tolerant plants and more.
“This is a one-of-a-kind facility that many residents of Kansas don’t even realize is tucked into their own back yards,” said Matthew McKernan, K-State Research and Extension agent in Sedgwick County.
The public can get a look at the research during an open house on Saturday, Aug. 6 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is designed for all ages and will include tours, interactive booths, kid’s activities, tram rides and more.
Highlights of various research trials will be given throughout the day, including:
• Best tree recommendations for Kansas.
• Best evergreen trees for Kansas.
• Industrial hemp trials and uses.
• Cover crop benefits.
• Tree research on Maples, Elms, Crabapples, and Pines.
• Organic sweet potato
production.
• Turfgrass varieties.
“We want to invite people to come out and discover everything that the Pair Center has to offer in order to help them be more successful gardeners,” McKernan said.
McKernan added that “whether you are growing trees, lawns, food crops, or flowers, the research that happens every day at the Pair Center supports the success of local greenhouses, nurseries, sod farms, landscape companies, and ultimately the success of every single home gardener.”
Admission is free and experts will be on hand to answer questions.
Derby Library sale
Get a bag of books for $5, books on CD for $2 each and more bargains at the Derby Friends of the Library sale. Other deals include paperbacks for $.25, hardbacks for $.50 and DVDs for $1.
The sale takes place at the Derby Public Library, 1600 E. Walnut Grove, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, and 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7.
A story in July’s issue gave the incorrect dates and times for the sale.
Veterans Awareness expo
The 6th Annual Veterans Awareness Expo will be held from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, at the Mid-America All-Indian Museum, 650 N. Seneca. The free event features over 60 veteran service providers, military vehicle displays, food trucks and more.
For information, please contact Patty Gnefkow at 316-992-2247 or patty@v2vsc.org, or visit Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/v2vsc
East High class of 1972 reunion
The Wichita East High class of 1972 will hold its 50th reunion on Saturday, Oct. 1, at The House of Schwan, 3636 N. Comotara.
Event updates and other activities will be communicated via email or Facebook. To buy tickets, go to http://www.eventcreate.com/e/wichita-east-high-school-cl. To join the Facebook group, search Wichita East High Class of 1972.
Bishop Carroll 50th class reunion
Bishop Carroll’s class of 1972 is holding its 50th reunion at the 7 p.m. homecoming game Friday, Sept. 23, and with a mixer at the Candle Club, 6135 E. 13th St., at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 24. There’s also a mixer inside the school after the game. For more information, contact Debbie Lieurance at dlieruance@gmail.com or Diane Loehr at diane80@cox.net.
