Soil and compost selection


Fri. Jun. 8, 2018

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show:  Soil and compost selection

So you’re standing in the garden center thinking, hmmm, what compost or soil should I buy.  Finished compost is a deep, dark brown, almost black, no clumps or chunks. It will feel slightly damp and should have a sweet, fresh, earthy smell, even if it smells a little barnyardy, don’t worry.

If it smells like rotten eggs, it was not finished composting when put in the bag.  WALK AWAY…..

If you see red worms  … [Continue reading]

Annuals for punctuation


Thu. Jun. 7, 2018

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

Punctuate your landscape by stuffing some annuals in with your perennials!  Annuals make great transitions for filling in those “holes” in our perennial gardens.

As the tulips and daffodils fade, don’t pull them out, just put some pretty annuals around them!  Either right in the ground or in pots.

The ‘Wave’ petunias are some of my favorites for sun.  They fill in very nicely, offer a wide variety of colors and generally don’t get as  … [Continue reading]

Wild Parsnip


Wed. Jun. 6, 2018

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

This is the month to deal with this nasty “bite back” invasive.

Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa).  This invasive plant’s poisonous sap, when combined with sunlight, creates a chemical reaction called phytophotodermatitis and is so corrosive that it can cause second degree burns.  And sweat makes it absorb quicker!

The Dept. of Natural Resources recommends wearing full protection including gloves, long sleeves and long pants to prevent irritation.   This is a great news story by my friend,  … [Continue reading]

Shade, shrubs and dogs


Tue. Jun. 5, 2018

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show:  Shade, shrubs and dogs

I had a listener who was looking for a shrub for shade.  Sounded simple except she needed one that was not toxic to dogs.  Her backyard is small and fenced so it’s important to make sure that whatever she plants is safe for her two curious dogs.  Take the Yew, please, it’s toxic to nearly everything.

While it grows in shade, the seed inside the berries is toxic to pets and people.

Hydrangeas are  … [Continue reading]

Winter burn on evergreens


Mon. Jun. 4, 2018

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show:  Winter burn on Evergreens

The long cold winter of 2018, especially the late season cold, did not do our evergreens any favors.  My friends over at Sargent’s Nursery in Red Wing shared information on “winterburn”.

The brown/burnt foliage is almost always on one side of the plant and is usually south or west facing.

Evergreens go dormant in November, storing moisture reserves in the buds, stems, and needles to survive the long winter. The dark green needles are  … [Continue reading]

Kids and gardening


Fri. Jun. 1, 2018

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

Kids and dirt are a natural and now that the school year is nearly over, it’s a great time to think about introducing them to gardening.

Whether you’re an old hand at gardening or a beginner, doesn’t matter, gardening with your kids is a chance to share time and talk!  Keep the kids garden small, about 6 x 10 feet or less, and in a sunny location.  Start with just a few seeds and plants.   … [Continue reading]

Eastern tent caterpillars


Thu. May. 31, 2018

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

The Eastern Tent Caterpillar has been seen throughout much of the eastern United States.

The good news is that this year, they’re not so bad.  For Minnesota, check this LINK.

ooooo, these guys send shivers down my spine!  YUK.  The larvae munches on your shrubs and trees.  MOST of the time they will not kill your plant.  Knock these creepy crawlies off in the morning before they wake up to venture out and feed  … [Continue reading]

Deer resistant plants


Wed. May. 30, 2018

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

While I admire the brown-eyed beauty of the white tail deer, I do NOT admire their munching on my plants!

deer busted

This delightful deer was on it’s way to my Hosta Cafe.  There are deer “resistant” plants.  Notice I said “resistant” not “proof”!

deer double

Due to their toxicity, fragrance or texture, deer seem to be repelled by these plants:

  • Columbine
  • Coneflower
  • Sage
  • Yarrow
  • Lily of the Valley
  • Lenten Rose
  • Bleeding Heart
  • Foxglove
  • Heliopsis
  • Beebalm aka Monarda
  • Boxwood
 … [Continue reading]

Garden workhorse plants


Tue. May. 29, 2018

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

There are some garden workhorses out there, plants that don’t give up!  Some folks may call them invasive and, well, they are.  However, for those with lots of space and not a lot of time, these plants have a lot to offer.  Physostegia also known as Obedient Plant (which is anything BUT) is at the top of my workhorse list.

This native plant’s stems are bendable, that’s why it’s called “obedient plant”.  They will stay  … [Continue reading]

Remembering our Fallen Soldiers and the Poppy


Mon. May. 28, 2018

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show:  Remembering our Fallen Soldiers and the Poppy

Garden Bite would like to thank all those who serve in the United States Military and their families.  We honor those who gave everything.

Today is the day we reflect and remember our Soldiers.  Memorial Day, which is celebrated every year on the final Monday of May was formerly known as Decoration Day and originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died.  By  … [Continue reading]