A new sunflower for bees and a “parasol” for humans!


Fri. Feb. 3, 2023

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show/podcast: A new sunflower for bees and a “parasol” for humans!

Last year I planted several sunflowers in support of Ukraine and also for bees and the finches too!

This year, as I was perusing my Burpee catalog, I noted a new sunflower they’re offering for 2023 called ‘Creme Brulee’.

This is their description: Elegant crowns of golden-yellow petals surround fluffy, amber-bronze centers, a floral reflection of the caramelized sugar atop that fabulous dessert, crème brulee! It really  … [Continue reading]

Native salt tolerant plants


Thu. Feb. 2, 2023

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show/podcast: Native salt tolerant plants

 Minnesota has had one of the snowiest winters in a long while. The ice has been awful.

400 crashes reported on icy roads one morning in the Twin Cities! The salt truck was BACKING UP my hill so the salt preceded the truck! YUP, those salt trucks are necessary to help prevent more crashes and falls.

I expected it and finally received it… a note from my poor mailman to get rid of the  … [Continue reading]

EAB 2023 update and Ash tree alternatives


Wed. Feb. 1, 2023

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show/podcast: EAB 2023 update and Ash tree alternatives

As of January 5th, 2023, the USDA reports that Emerald Ash Borer has been located in 36 states across the country. First discovered in 2002 in Michigan, it is believed to have actually arrived in the 1990’s on infected wood used in shipping. It is native to northeast Asia where it only attacks dying Ash trees.

Here in the US, it is responsible for killing tens of millions of once healthy

 … [Continue reading]

Pericallis – a must-have annual


Tue. Jan. 31, 2023

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show/podcast: Pericallis – a must have annual

Suntory is a world wide family of companies involved in a lot of areas including flower breeding. I shared last week about a beautiful new pericallis they developed in their Senetti series called ‘White Red Heart’. It’s a lovely annual.

Pericallis are plants you’ll instantly know but their name doesn’t really roll off the tongue! They remind me of daisies but come in many colors and are annuals.

Pericallis are  … [Continue reading]

Prairie up – your lawn converted


Mon. Jan. 30, 2023

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show/podcast: Prairie up – your lawn converted

Many years ago I interviewed Benjamin Vogt on his book “A New Garden Ethic’. Last December I mentioned his latest book, “Prairie Up – an Introduction to Natural Garden Design”. It was just released last Tuesday, January 24th.

Vogt is a native to Minnesota, growing up in the western suburbs when they were NOT suburbs. He talks about when, during an exploration of the undeveloped land, a flock of geese flew  … [Continue reading]

Plant catalog terms


Fri. Jan. 27, 2023

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show/podcast: Plant catalog terms

The plant catalogs have been arriving or you’ve been googling and finding all kinds of fun plants. Every year, and 2023 is no different, I grab a hot chocolate and enjoy perusing plants.

One question I get every year, and generally when people are looking to plant vegetables, is what those terms mean.

If you’re looking up lettuce and see the term “slow to bolt” – that’s a good thing. It means that your lettuce  … [Continue reading]

Companion planting


Thu. Jan. 26, 2023

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show/podcast: Companion Planting

Gazing out at a winter wonderland, I made soup using herbs from last year.

I dry them in my dehydrator and LOVE having them on hand. Oh the Rosemary!

Herbs offer fragrance, taste, medicinal properties and they repel some pests.  While not always substantiated by University based information, there are a number of books and articles, as well as old gardeners around that swear by the use of herbs and companion planting. 

A book I’ve used  … [Continue reading]

Rabbits and your shrubs 2023


Wed. Jan. 25, 2023

Click below to listen to my 2 min Garden Bite radio show/podcast: Rabbits and your shrubs

Ugh, they really nailed my dwarf Burning Bush… it’s now REALLY a dwarf.

It’s always a good idea to monitor your shrubs and newly planted trees this time of year to see if there’s been bunny, vole or deer damage!

This year, 2023, is starting with plenty of snowpack for many of us, including me. I’ve seen those rascally rabbits making a beeline for under my porch when I approach. Next year I gotta  … [Continue reading]

Air plants trend for 2023


Tue. Jan. 24, 2023

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show/podcast: Air plants trend for 2023

Last week I talked about the latest popular plants including Strings of plants and succulents and cacti, so great for the office.

Air Plants have been trending for a while and remain very popular in 2023.

Their Latin name is Tillandsia and they are native to South and Central America with about 500 species!

Do they really grow with no soil? Yes, they are epiphytes, meaning they grow on other plants, usually tree  … [Continue reading]

More new plants for 2023


Mon. Jan. 23, 2023

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show/podcast: More new plants for 2023

The best part about this time of year, besides enjoying some winter sports, is sitting in my favorite chair and gazing at all the new plants.

Today I’m sharing an annual, a perennial or shrub, if you prefer, and an edible. I discovered these 2023 offerings I found through the National Garden Bureau where I’m a member. 

A beautiful early spring bloomer, this plant has multiple names. I’m going with Cineraria Senetti ‘White  … [Continue reading]