Gardening has always been a hobby of mine - mostly vegetables. But in 1997 I was introduced to the idea of using native prairie wildflowers and grasses in the home landscape, because of their hardiness.

In the past I had purchased typical perennials and watched them die in our hot summers. It made sense to me to use plants native to a region instead of exotic plants that were not adapted to the rigorous climate of Kansas. I started researching the topic, bought a few field guides for identifying Kansas wildflowers.

I began searching for seed in road sides and public areas that fall. After a few years of experimenting, I learned how to grow wildflowers and grasses from seed; and incorporate them into my naturally landscaped yard. I learned what plants work well in the landscape and which ones were too aggressive. I also learned that some plants don't do well in cultivation and do not persist.

As I became more interested in native plants, I began to learn about our woody plants: trees, shrubs and some vines. I expanded my yard to include many of these species - especially our native shrubs.

When I first started searching for various species to collect seed for propagation, I kept encountering plants I didn't recognize. I would consult all of my field guides and usually determine what the plant was. Some plants I didn't know, so I would take a specimen to the herbarium at KU. The botanist there would identify the plants for me. Over the years I kept increasing my knowledge and now I have become a well trained botanist.

With my enthusiasm for native plants, I was asked to serve on the board for the Kansas Native Plant Society. Representing KNPS, I decided to lead some of their wildflower walks at various prairies in northeast Kansas. Finally I was elected to serve as president of the organization.

Just when I thought there was no more to learn about native plants, I was introduced to making paper from their fiber. Now I am teaching classes on this technique.

I really like sharing my knowledge of native plants with others and hope I can assist you with landscaping, identification, and any other plant related topics.

Jeff Hansen