Zone envy for American native plants


Thu. May. 6, 2021

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Zone envy for American native plants

 Those of us with northern gardens sometimes have zone envy!  As I’ve talked about before, climate change is changing our frost dates, temperatures are rising and I’m thinking we could test the waters for zone 5 native plants.

There are a few that really caught my eye. Indian Pink (Spigelia marilandica) (pretty sounding name), is a tropical looking plant that grows to about 18 inches.

It’s the flowers that really  … [Continue reading]

Dividing perennials


Wed. May. 5, 2021

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

Spring is a great time to divide summer and fall blooming perennials. (Divide spring bloomers in fall) GENERALLY speaking, many perennials can be divided every 3 years or so. Divide perennials when they are peeking up about 3 to 6 inches or so. You can divide when they’re larger but they’ll look floppy for longer.

Hostas and daylilies are two of the easiest and most prolific plants to divide.

I really like to use a garden  … [Continue reading]

Permeable pavers


Tue. May. 4, 2021

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

I’ve talked many times before about reducing our lawns, today I’m going a step further by talking about permeable pavers. 

When most of our neighborhoods were built, the idea was to get the water off our paved surfaces as quickly as possible, neglecting the fact that that water has to go somewhere. It goes into our storm drains and directly into our lakes and streams. That means that it carries with it, our lawn fertilizers and  … [Continue reading]

Jumping worms – a “B” movie?


Mon. May. 3, 2021

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Jumping worms – a “B” movie?

Jumping worms have become a big topic lately. This invader is also known as snake worm, crazy worm and Alabama jumper. The link in the first line gives you a lot of information from the University of Minnesota extension including a list of plant sale recommendations.

It’s an Asian earthworm that turns your soil into something like coffee grounds while destroying your plants and lawn. It’s been in the Twin Cities since  … [Continue reading]

Flowers that repel pests


Fri. Apr. 30, 2021

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Flowers that repel pests

Speaking of pests, yesterday I talked about Japanese beetles, today I want to talk about flowers that repel bugs!

Cranesbill also known as perennial geranium, are hardy natives that enjoy part shade.

Russian sage is a great option for the sunny perennial border. It attracts beneficial bees while offering nothing to browsing bug pests. It’s tough, fuzzy foliage and aroma are a turnoff!

Lavender will also do the trick but be sure you purchase  … [Continue reading]

Japanese beetles – the struggle is real


Thu. Apr. 29, 2021

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Japanese beetles – the struggle is real

 I’m already getting questions about Japanese beetles. The adults show up starting in late spring and continue munching their way through many of our plants through mid summer. UGH.

It’s sad when a great joy in the garden is grabbing your container of soapy water and drowning this little buggers, but there it is!

Is there something we can do NOW? Yes. It does involve pyrethrin. Bonide sells Japanese Beetle  … [Continue reading]

Fertilizing your lawn – why wait?


Wed. Apr. 28, 2021

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Fertilizing your lawn – why wait?

This is a yearly ponderable by the lawn faithful.  Fertilizing the lawn, should you or shouldn’t you?  The most correct answer, according to research, is NOT now. 

I know, I can hear many of you gasping, but the BEST times to fertilize your lawn are late summer and fall.  This is contrary to the traditional springtime application.

Early spring applications of nitrogen cause a surge of top growth in the plants,  … [Continue reading]

The dandelion dilemma


Tue. Apr. 27, 2021

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

 The dandelion dilemma.

Many folks are not in favor of embracing the weed, they’d rather fight it. You might consider seeking revenge in a different way! By eating it! 

In many European countries the lowly dandelion is on the menu!  Check out this recipe for Wilted Dandelion Salad with bacon 

 One of the most important things to remember before you pick those dandelions to eat, is that they are herbicide/pesticide free. So don’t put down  … [Continue reading]

Lawn care – weed killing


Mon. Apr. 26, 2021

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Lawn care – weed killing

 Does forsythia bloom foretell the coming of crabgrass? 

Perhaps, but Mother Nature is fickle, as we experience nearly every year!  Sometimes we get above average temperatures, sometimes we get two feet of snow. 

I do believe we’re past that now and people are more interested in what to do about crabgrass…

Today it’s about PRE and POST-emergents. They affect germinating seeds. That means, to be effective, the herbicide should be applied two to  … [Continue reading]

New annuals for 2021


Fri. Apr. 23, 2021

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: New annuals for 2021

 There’s nothing more fun that to wander local garden centers and see the new plants! Planning our container plantings, or choosing those annuals to fill in space in our garden beds! This year there are some pretty amazing options added.

One day brighter is a bush daisy called ‘High Noon’.

Bright, cheery yellow daisies bloom all season. It grows about 14 inches tall with an 18 inch spread, adorable and no deadheading. Part  … [Continue reading]