Spotlight on New Jersey Tea and Winterberry Holly


Fri. Dec. 6, 2019

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Spotlight on New Jersey Tea and Winterberry Holly

 I wanted to highlight a little native shrub that is super tolerant of some lousy conditions as well as being a butterfly and hummingbird magnet.  New Jersey Tea is also recognized for being a native bee magnet too.

The shrub is a larval host for Spring Azure, Summer Azure, Mottled Duskywing butterflies. Turkeys and quail consume seeds. New Jersey Tea is part of the buckthorn family BUT, it’s not the  … [Continue reading]

Gardener gifts 2.0


Thu. Dec. 5, 2019

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Gardener gifts 2.0

 It’s not too late!  To tell your loved ones what the gardener in their life wants for Christmas!  Tools, an essential part of gardening! This is the gift to spend the extra dollars for quality.  You won’t regret it.

One of the top tools is the Hori Hori Japanese gardening knife.  Hori means “digging” in Japanese. This knife has been called the MacGuyver of gardening tools.  A brand that comes highly recommended at a reasonable  … [Continue reading]

The benefits of bats and birds


Wed. Dec. 4, 2019

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: The benefits of bats and birds

While some may scoff, bats have benefits.  You may not feel that way as you battle one inside your bedroom, however, before killing it, capture it and set it free.  Then look for the place in the bats are coming in and seal it up!

Take a look at this site, eXtension, to find great information on finding the bat in your house and how to release them.

Bats won’t suck  … [Continue reading]

BEE the change


Tue. Dec. 3, 2019

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

In May of this year, the Minnesota Governor signed legislation that set aside $900,000 in financial assistance to individual home owners who are willing to install pollinator-friendly native plantings. Yowza. As a taxpayer, I’m not sure where that money is coming from but I am happy to have more pollinator plants. The program helps cover up to 75% of the cost of each conversion project, and up to 90% in areas with a “high potential”  … [Continue reading]

Christmas tree care


Mon. Dec. 2, 2019

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

The local nurseries are filled with Frasier Firs, Balsams, Pine and Spruce. Ahh, that smell is awesome!

You learned all about the different types of trees last week, which ones are the most fragrant, ones that can hold a lot of ornaments and ones that have those pretty soft needles. Now we need to talk about the CARE of those beauties you brought into your home.

How to care for your tree!

  • Figure out WHERE
 … [Continue reading]

Shopping day!


Fri. Nov. 29, 2019

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

Yesterday we packed our bellies, today we’re packing shopping bags, hopefully reusable bags!  Fueled up, we’re ready for the challenge of the hunt for the perfect gift at the perfect price.  Wahoo, let the season begin!

What do you get the gardener?  What do you, the gardener, ask for?  Oh the list is endless but here are some of my favorite things!

One of my favorite tools in the garden beside really good gloves is a  … [Continue reading]

Happy Thanksgiving – what’s on your plate?


Thu. Nov. 28, 2019

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Happy Thanksgiving – what’s on your plate?

As you congregate around the Thanksgiving Table, what are some of the dishes you might be able to grow in your own garden?  Maybe some herbs?  Potatoes?  Sweet potatoes? Green Beans?  Pumpkins?  And  the list goes on!

My friend grew red potatoes! I snagged some from her and used the rosemary I grew and dried and roasted them!

As for decorations, well, if you’ve grown ornamental grasses, then bring some into  … [Continue reading]

Fir? Pine? Spruce – Christmas tree selection


Wed. Nov. 27, 2019

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Fir? Pine? Spruce? Christmas tree selection

Thanksgiving is late this year and lots of folks have already been decorating for Christmas. I’ll admit, I’ve done some too, I just haven’t turned the lights on yet! (except for testing purposes!)

Remember the ’60’s? Well, maybe you’re too young! (like me… tee hee)

Ahhh, but today, we relish the real trees! Selection can be tricky depending on what you’re looking for.

There are lots of types of trees to choose  … [Continue reading]

The unwanted house guest – Mice


Tue. Nov. 26, 2019

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: The unwanted house guest – Mice

 It’s the time of year when you may hear the pitter patter of small creatures about your house. If it were just the kids! Nope, it’s mice seeking shelter in your cozy home! 

Oh sure, he looks cute but the destruction and, egad!, waste left behind by these little creatures is NOT something you want in your home.  Here are some “fun” facts about mice you can use for trivia!

  • as cold
 … [Continue reading]

Gall Talk


Mon. Nov. 25, 2019

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

It’s time for the Gall Talk. As we face down the road to snowplows, we can still go out and look for them!  First up, what are they?

Galls are abnormal growths that occur on leaves, twigs, roots, or flowers of many plants. More gall dang information on Wayne’s Word….

Most galls are caused by irritation and/or stimulation of plant cells due to feeding or egg-laying by insects such as aphids, midges, wasps, or mites.  … [Continue reading]