Nurturing Native Plants and Community: An Interview with Kathy Beijen, Master Gardener at Project Living Proof
By Kasi Darnell
For more than three years, Kathy Beijen has been the heart and hands behind the flourishing gardens at Metropolitan Energy Center’s Project Living Proof (PLP). A Master Gardener and lead gardening coordinator since 2020, Kathy has cultivated not only plants, but a deeper connection between the gardens, environment and community.
Now, as she prepares to step away from her role, Kathy reflects on her time tending PLP’s gardens, her journey with gardening and her vision for the future.
Creating a Haven for Pollinators and People
Kathy’s efforts at PLP have been marked by a dedication to intentional gardening. She focused on growing native plants to create a haven for pollinators and ensure sustainability.
“Native plants are adapted to the local climate, making them incredibly drought-tolerant and efficient at conserving moisture,” Kathy explains.
Her choices weren’t just practical — they were deeply thoughtful, aimed at supporting the environment while creating beautiful, resilient gardens.
One of her favorite native plants, the purple poppy mallow, blooms extensively in the PLP gardens each spring. These vibrant blossoms, along with other native species like Virginia sweetspire (known for its stunning red foliage in fall), provide essential habitat for beneficial insects while adding charm to the landscape.
Kathy also introduced sustainable gardening practices to combat challenges like bindweed, a tenacious invasive species.
“Bindweed is relentless,” she said. “It climbs up plants and chokes them out.”
To tackle this, Kathy and her team laid down two layers of cardboard topped with mulch three years ago, successfully suppressing the weed’s growth in key areas.
Gardening with Purpose
Beyond the native plant beds, Kathy takes special pride in the raised beds she helped cultivate. These beds are more than just productive plots — they are a lifeline for the community. The vegetables and herbs grown here are donated to local food pantries.
“It’s one of the most rewarding parts of the garden,” Kathy said.
Her approach extends into fall, when the beds are mulched and left undisturbed to provide cover for beneficial insects during the winter. This careful stewardship reflects Kathy’s commitment to nature and community.
A Lifelong Journey with Plants
Kathy’s passion for gardening didn’t come easily. Growing up on a farm in Illinois, she recalls pulling weeds as a chore she dreaded.
“I hated gardening as a kid,” she laughed. “But we’ve gotten smarter about it now — mulching makes a world of difference.”
Over the years, Kathy has formed a deep bond with the plants she nurtures.
“You get attached,” she admits.
From fruit trees sourced through partnerships with Kansas City Community Gardens to the herbs and vegetables scattered throughout the property, each plant has a story, a memory and a purpose.
Looking Ahead
As Kathy transitions away from her role, her legacy will undoubtedly remain rooted in the PLP gardens. The Master Gardener program, facilitated by the Missouri Extension along with Kathy’s unique touch, will be missed. While she’s excited to pursue new endeavors, Kathy leaves behind a thriving garden and a model for sustainable, community-centered gardening that will inspire others for years to come.
Kathy’s dedication has transformed the gardens at Project Living Proof into a vibrant ecosystem that feeds both pollinators and people. Her thoughtful stewardship and deep connection to the land have created a lasting impact on the Kansas City community and beyond. As she steps into the next chapter, the seeds she has sown will continue to grow, ensuring that PLP’s gardens remain a testament to the power of purposeful gardening.
Get Involved: Want to volunteer to help maintain the gardens? Call our office at 816-531-7283 or contact Royce Martin.
About Metropolitan Energy Center: Metropolitan Energy Center is a non-profit organization based in Missouri, established in 1983. By leading the responsible use of natural and economic resources, MEC’s work benefits communities through increased energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and economic prosperity. MEC works so that the benefits of clean energy use are available to all people. Our mission is to create resource efficiency, environmental health, and economic vitality in the Kansas City region and beyond. Find out more about our work at MetroEnergy.org.
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