Groundcovers to avoid


Fri. Aug. 27, 2021

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

Many years ago I planted Snow-on-the-Mountain aka Bishop’s weed. It handles shade and it spreads. Perfect. Until it wasn’t.

It took over everything in its path including hosta and Jack-in-the-pulpit and astilbe. The list goes on. Snow-on-the-mountain (Aegopodium podagraria ‘Variegata’) IS sold at nurseries but be sure to read how invasive it is and be prepared. 

A groundcover by its very nature risks becoming invasive.  There are some controllable groundcovers like “most” sedum  … [Continue reading]

Plants for clay soil


Thu. Aug. 26, 2021

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Plants for clay soil

I just talked about how to love your clay soil… let’s talk today about plants that “love”/like/tolerate clay soil!

One of my favorites is Aster. The fall blooming, pollinator attracting, native handles clay while delivering plenty of small daisy-like flowers till frost.  AND, they’re hardy to zone 3. There are different kinds of asters, check the tags! 

Rudbeckia hirta, aka, Blackeyed susans are another zone 3 fall blooming plant. There are a  … [Continue reading]

Fall is a great time to plant trees and shrubs


Wed. Aug. 25, 2021

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Fall is a great time to plant trees and shrubs

Despite our current Minnesota drought (as we discussed yesterday)… Fall remains a good time to plant trees and shrubs, the key will be watering.

They love the warm soil and cooler air. They also still have plenty of time to scoot their roots down deep into the soil. For easy growing, Rugosa roses are a good choice.

I have some incredibly easy and beautiful carpet roses that continue  … [Continue reading]

Busting buckthorn


Tue. Aug. 24, 2021

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

It’s not too early to think about dealing with Buckthorn, one of Minnesota’s most damaging invasive plants. Wisconsin’s not real happy with it either!! 

Buckthorn shrubs were originally brought here from Europe in the mid 1800’s and planted as hedges. Since then, they’ve been invading everywhere their seed has dropped. Female buckthorn should be targeted first. They bear fruit which means seeds which means birds eat and disperse them.

Buckthorn seeds in the soil can continue  … [Continue reading]

Avoid pruning trees in drought


Mon. Aug. 23, 2021

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Avoid pruning trees in drought

 While listeners in Wisconsin are faring far better this Summer of Drought, Minnesota is in tough shape. Only far southeastern Minnesota is okay. Most of the rest of the state is in severe to extreme drought.  A map from Aug. 19, 2021

You’ve likely seen your stress on your trees and shrubs. My hydrangeas are unhappy, leaves have started to drop on trees too early. Other signs include leaf curling, wilting and discoloration.  … [Continue reading]

Garden supplies on the cheap


Fri. Aug. 20, 2021

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Garden supplies on the cheap

Gardening can cost money but there are many ways to save.

Years ago I lived on a 5 acre lot with a lovely wooded area. I wanted a wide path of mulch through it to enjoy.

Tree trimming companies often pay to dump their chips at a city-owned facility. If you’re willing to give up driveway space, they will dump it in your driveway for free! We got 4 loads worth. It would  … [Continue reading]

Making a burlap hanging basket


Thu. Aug. 19, 2021

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Making a burlap hanging basket

I love my hanging baskets. I have some unique baskets that I’ve reused…

But a few years ago I decided to make my own “unique” basket. After so many years of cocoa bean shell liners, they were shot so I found some cheap burlap bags.

First, cut a circle just about twice the diameter of your basket.  I cut mine to 24 inches across.

You can trim after you get it all set.   … [Continue reading]

Of cheap shrubs and rock mulch


Wed. Aug. 18, 2021

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Of cheap shrubs and rock mulch

While talking with a neighbor a few years back, I couldn’t help but notice another neighbor on the other side of the fence planting shrubs. She was working very hard, clearing a ton of weeds and junk and placing her purchases. I asked what she was planting. The woman said they were blueberry bushes, she got a deal through work.

My first thought was uh oh, she’s planting in too much shade  … [Continue reading]

Audible garden


Tue. Aug. 17, 2021

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

 I love the sound of birds singing in the morning. I talk often about pollinator gardens but what about planting an “audible” garden?

Follow this LINK for the bigger picture from the UofMN. And more on a native plant list HERE. These lists also work for much of the Upper Midwest. And Native Plants for Native Birds from the Audubon Society.

Birds sing for 2 reasons, for territory and for mating.   Native plants attract native  … [Continue reading]

MUM is the word for Fall


Mon. Aug. 16, 2021

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: MUM is the word for Fall

Fall mums are showing up at local garden centers.

If they’re blooming now, those are early and were forced to bloom to look good in the garden centers. But don’t worry, they will continue to bloom well into the first frost.

There are two kinds of mums. Annuals and perennials. The Latin name for the perennial, fall-flowering form is Chrysanthemum x morifolium.

The perennial, fall-flowering form is Chrysanthemum x morifolium and the  … [Continue reading]