From the Fort Leavenworth Lamp:
Located in the far northwest corner of the state in Colby, KS, the Northwest Research-Extension Center is a facility primarily used for agricultural research, but is also a trial site for Prairie Star flowers. This year marks the Center's 100th Anniversary as a site for agriculture research and outreach!
With Kansas being such a big state, the climate and growing conditions for the flowers at this site are quite different from the eastern or southern parts of the state. While the days are very hot and rain is scarce, the higher elevation and drier atmosphere lead to much cooler night temperatures. Under the cooler nights the flowers store more sugars in their petals, resulting in deeper, darker, richer and more vibrant colors.
The highly landscaped grounds and flower trials are a wonderful respite for travelers. Visitors are encouraged to stop and stroll through gardens. The grounds of the research & extension center are open during daylight hours 7 days a week.- See more at: http://www.ftleavenworthlamp.com/article/20140808/BLOGS/308089995/-1/fortnews#sthash.rliqISjS.dpuf
Located in the far northwest corner of the state in Colby, Kan., the Northwest Research-Extension Center is a facility primarily used for agricultural research, but is also a trial site for Prairie Star flowers. This year marks the Center's 100th Anniversary as a site for agriculture research and outreach.
With Kansas being such a big state, the climate and growing conditions for the flowers at this site are quite different from the eastern or southern parts of the state. While the days are very hot and rain is scarce, the higher elevation and drier atmosphere lead to much cooler night temperatures. Under the cooler nights the flowers store more sugars in their petals, resulting in deeper, darker, richer and more vibrant colors.
The landscaped grounds and flower trials are a wonderful respite for travelers. Visitors are encouraged to stop and stroll through gardens. The grounds of the research and extension center are open during daylight hours seven days a week.
To read the full article, visit the Fort Leavenworth Lamp's website.