Powell Gardens in Kansas City works with the recovery plan for federally endangered Asclepias meadii in Missouri. The gardens have collected the species from both their own property and nearby native prairie remnants, and they recently added a bed to maintain Asclepias meadii from various sites in Missouri and Kansas as ex-situ conservation. This collection not only helps preserve the genetic diversity of the species, but it also is being used to support local populations of monarchs. The garden also promotes a pollinator-friendly environment by not using pesticides on lawns to encourage dandelions and white clover, featuring an insectaries garden, and maintaining extensive companion plantings in their Heartland Harvests Garden.
Relevant topics: Pollinators, pollination, habitat, pollinator research, ecological landscape