Monarch butterflies and migration


Mon. Sep. 17, 2018

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show:  Monarch butterflies and migration

The annual Monarch migration is beginning. And for much of the summer I saw plenty of posts on social media of folks raising Monarchs at home.  It’s amazing!  (Special thanks to my neighbor, Connie Erickson, for her devotion to these beautiful little masterpieces)

Nearby, a college arboretum released hundreds of Monarchs.

While their numbers are still well below what we’d like to see, it would appear that folks are making some good choices and  … [Continue reading]

Salt tolerant plants


Fri. Sep. 14, 2018

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show:  Salt tolerant plants

I’m sorry but we’re going to talk about winter. I’m not trying to rush you, just prepare you! Prepare you for all that gunk the salt trunks will heave onto your landscape and to tell you there’s help!

Of course, it’s not just the salt trucks but the passing cars that season your yard. In fact, fast moving cars can throw road spray up to 60 feet! Holy cow, slower cars can throw it to  … [Continue reading]

Mighty tiny evergreens


Wed. Sep. 12, 2018

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show:  Mighty tiny evergreens

Yesterday I talked planting practices this time of year, today let’s talk mighty tiny evergreens!  

My new Northern Gardener magazine came with an article by Susannah Shmurak, who happens to live in the same town I do!  She also blogs at healthygreensavvy.com.  Her article is titled “Small but Mighty evergreens” and includes some darling little beauties for smaller landscapes.  

While there’s been much talk, and with good reason, about the winter damage of many  … [Continue reading]

Last chance to plant


Tue. Sep. 11, 2018

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show:  Last chance to plant

The kids are back in school, the sweatshirts are out of storage and we’re gearing up for Fall. 

I love this time of year. The crisp air, great sleeping weather, the color changes of leaves… and the last opportunity to plant some trees, shrubs and perennials!

  • If you plant through this month, water the plants well, they still have time to establish their roots.
  • Always work in some compost when planting
  • Never plant too
 … [Continue reading]

Stone fruits for cooler climates


Mon. Sep. 10, 2018

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show:  Stone fruits for cooler climates

The plums in zone 4b have been abundant this year!  A friend of mine was handing out bagfuls last weekend to any takers….  including the dogs!

Plums are one of the hardiest stone fruits for cooler climates but that doesn’t mean we can’t grow apricots and peaches in zone 4, you just have to plant the appropriate cultivar!  The University of MN Extension has a ton of information on Growing Stone Fruits in  … [Continue reading]

Fall foliage 2018


Fri. Sep. 7, 2018

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show:  Fall foliage 2018

Weather plays a large role in what our Fall colors look like.  In particular, we get more vibrant reds when we have warm, sunny autumn days and cool nights.  Yellows and oranges tend to stay pretty consistent from year to year but all colors will be duller if we have a warm wet period during the Fall.

For the best color we need a warm wet Spring, a drought free summer and a Fall with  … [Continue reading]

Fall plant picks – Assorted varieties


Thu. Sep. 6, 2018

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show:  Fall plant picks – Assorted varieties

As we work our way into Fall there are some plants that we all associate with that time of year.  I talked about some Fall picks last week, but there are more!   From nurseries to grocery stores, you’ll find annual mums.  I’ve even see GAS stations selling them.  Hmmm, best bet is your local nursery!

But what about perennials. Smooth Blue Aster is a true native plant with sturdy growth habit of  … [Continue reading]

Sedum aka Uncle Charlie plant


Wed. Sep. 5, 2018

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show:  Sedum aka Uncle Charlie plant

My sister and I called Sedum, “Uncle Charlie plant” for years.  Years ago, and I’m talking DECADES ago, he gave my mom a few slices of his ‘Autumn Joy’ sedum, who gave my sister some, who gave me some and to this day, some of them still survive in other peoples landscapes.  Remnants of “Uncle Charlie Plant” are scattered from northern Illinois to northern Minnesota!

When I moved into my home in 2012,  … [Continue reading]

Lawn renovation


Tue. Sep. 4, 2018

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show:  Lawn renovation

Lawn time!

Our lawns are in prime growth period right now, the cooler temps and, usually, more frequent rainfall create this growth spurt.

It’s the second best time to dethatch and aerate your lawn. Thatch is that brownish looking layer of dead tissue between the green grass and the soil. If left alone, thatch can eventually kill your lawn. Renting a mechanical dethatcher is the best and easiest way to rid your lawn of thatch.

  … [Continue reading]