Christmas tree shopping


Fri. Nov. 26, 2021

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

Is it Black Friday? I saw ads for so many “early” black Fridays beginning a few weeks ago that I’m not sure it’s a thing! I DO hope you get a chance to shop your local businesses! 

Local nurseries are stocked with fabulous fresh greens and copious amounts of Christmas trees. 

The scent of a real tree has created many a lasting memory for most of us. Although there was that period in the 60’s with metal trees  … [Continue reading]

Happy Thanksgiving


Thu. Nov. 25, 2021

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Happy Thanksgiving

 It’s Thanksgiving. While things have been opening up, we’re still in a pandemic. Many of you may be gathering and for that, I wish you a full house and a full belly.

For those of you who may not be, I wish you a full heart of gratitude for the blessings you have and those to come. Perhaps you’re gathering once again, around Zoom or FaceTime or Google Duo, I pray you see those you love  … [Continue reading]

A peek at 2022 plants


Wed. Nov. 24, 2021

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: A peek at 2022 plants

As we move into our holiday season still dealing with pandemic issues, I wanted to look forward and share some plants that will be offered up in 2022! Wahoo!

A new Astilbe called ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ has bronzy leaves that carry purple flowers in shade. It grows to 16 inches tall with the scape, or flowers if you will, growing above to 24 inches and the spread of the plant about  … [Continue reading]

Worst trees! Says who?


Tue. Nov. 23, 2021

Click below to listen to my  2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Worst trees! Says Who?

 I discovered a list of trees that a site says are the WORST. After reading it I took issue with some of their “worst”. Frankly, one person’s “weed”, is another person’s “flower”. Take the dandelion.

That said, I’ll share some of their “worst” and my “not so”. There are a lot of reasons a tree isn’t fun to have around. They may be messy or weak and prone to damage… maybe they’re susceptible to  … [Continue reading]

Controlling ants in the garden


Mon. Nov. 22, 2021

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Controlling ants in the garden

 This past summer I had a terrible ant problem in my garden. Those little nasty biters even lifted some plants right out of the ground.

I tried diatomaceous earth, then just moved for a while. I tried traps like the Hotel California kind, they just reproduced. UGH.

While “technically” they’re not a garden pest, I know I’m not the only one that takes issue with them!

I found a few options to try  … [Continue reading]

Oriental Bittersweet


Fri. Nov. 19, 2021

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Oriental Bittersweet

As we approach the holidays, this is a perennial topic now. Oriental bittersweet is pretty obnoxious… see how I did that? Pretty, yes, obnoxious, most definitely!

Used so often in decorations, this lovely looking vine is deceitful as it’s invasive qualities haunt our  forests, grasslands, and parks!  Sounds a bit harsh for such a well used holiday decoration but it’s true.

This invasive has penetrated our native areas to the point that it’s at the top  … [Continue reading]

Festive Containers


Thu. Nov. 18, 2021

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Festive Containers

 I love creating my festive containers! I normally go to my local nursery and buy the “ingredients”, spruce tops, cedar branches and various other evergreens and fresh accents.

This year I am laying low due to some scheduled surgery. No worries, I’ll be kicking around like crazy in a few months. That said, I DID purchase some “starter” containers and added my own flair! The plastic container in the photo below broke (I dropped it), so  … [Continue reading]

Infused sugars


Wed. Nov. 17, 2021

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Infused sugars

Inching out of a pandemic, we’re gathering again. That means host/hostess gifts! Rather than last minute, consider something a little different that’s easy and just takes a couple of weeks.

Start with organic sugar, be it cane, beet or coconut;  and a dried herb or spice. Or a mix! Make sure your container remains dry.  Combine the sugar and herb or spice into an airtight container in a 4 to 1 ratio of sugar to spice.  … [Continue reading]

Top 10 performing annuals of 2021


Tue. Nov. 16, 2021

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Top 10 performing annuals of 2021

Each year, hundreds of annual flowers are on public display as part of the annual flower variety trial at the University of Minnesota Horticulture Display Garden in Morris, MN. 

In 2021, they trialed over 500 varieties ranging from ageratum to lantana to petunias to salvia, representing plant breeding companies from around the world. The top 10 winners were just announced.

Angelonia ‘Angelissa™ Rose’, also known as a “Summer Snapdragon”. It grew  … [Continue reading]

Bringing houseplants back in the house


Mon. Nov. 15, 2021

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show; Bringing houseplants back in the house

Your houseplants that spend the growing season outdoors should be inside by now or they’re likely toast. My area south of Mpls/St. Paul had just a smidgen of snow but Up North, you guys had a bit more! 

Hopefully you brought them indoors and checked for “travelers” such as plant debris and bugs. Use a loop or magnifying glass with a light to check under the leaves.

If you find webbing, egg  … [Continue reading]