When we think of fall and our outdoor planters it’s garden mums that come to mind and truthfully, nothing says fall more than MN grown outdoor mums. But what about the other MN Grown plants that are perfect for your outdoor planters and window boxes. While they may be relegated to being “runner ups” here… Read More
Spring weather is taking its sweet time to arrive this year. I’m looking at it as more time to think, dream and plan this year’s gardens. We are all anxious to get outdoors to enjoy some warm weather. When it comes to planting during the spring the key is to be “patient”. Wait for the… Read More
It’s that time of year when gardeners start feeling as if winter will never end. What’s a gardener to do? Why not start a few seeds indoors and watch them grow! There are many household items that make great containers for young seedlings and are biodegradable. Toilet paper rolls can be cut in half, eggshells… Read More
The rooms in your home are made better and healthier by adding houseplants to add interest and beauty. There is something extra special about adding living potted plants to a room. Grouping them together in a room creates a visual impact. Vary the height and shape of your plants to add interest on a coffee… Read More
This is the time of year to create a timely, lovely holiday centerpiece for all to enjoy. Here are a few helpful suggestions. Start with a theme, maybe the twelve days of Christmas or all the winter and summer sports that different members of the family enjoy. It could be whimsical and fun for your… Read More
As we move indoors for the winter months it’s time to give a nod to those hardworking indoor plants that are more than just a “pretty face” in the living room or kitchen. They work hard to clean indoor air from volatile organic compounds. From health benefits to improving concentration, indoor houseplants are easy on… Read More
Pumpkin season and bulb planting seem to go together every fall right along with mums. Why not plant a few spring blooming bulbs in the same hole with a mum? You’ll have fall color now and a pleasant surprise in the spring too. Here’s a fall decoration I recently observed. Stack an assortment of pumpkins… Read More
August is when your garden is in a “blaze of glory”! The blooms light up the landscape for your summertime enjoyment. Dahlias have gorgeous flowers in bright colors, yellow and orange sunflowers and celosia have spiky blooms. Lantana is showy too with their delicate orange and yellow blossoms which the butterflies love. Don’t forget the… Read More
Summer is the season to enjoy the fruits and beauty of your spring gardening projects. The summer months go by so fast. While it’s time to enjoy the beauty of the season, there are still things to do in the yard and garden. Here is my summer check list of things to do. Veggie Garden… Read More
A beautiful home deserves a beautiful garden and landscape. Maybe you feel very confident about decorating your living room or bedroom, but a little shy in planning your garden and landscape. Vision your landscape and garden just as you would an indoor project, go online to watch landscaping videos, look at photos on Pinterest or… Read More
Have you looked at your rhubarb lately? Mine is growing like crazy this year. I just found a recipe for Rhubarb Chutney. It can be used as a topping for meats or even an ice cream. 4 cups diced rhubarb 2 cups brown sugar 1 cup cider vinegar or dry red wine… Read More
Spring! It is here! It’s a wonderful time to enjoy the warm days and cool mornings and evenings. You may have to do some clean-up in the yard and garden, but think of all the exercise and fresh air you will be getting. Working outdoors gives your brain a boost too. Gardening is a positive,… Read More
Don’t forget the celebration of love on February 14. Of course a night out is wonderful for Valentine’s Day but a bouquet of roses (from Wagners) is appreciated and lasts longer. The day of love originated many centuries ago during the middle ages and many saints are honored on February 14. Even today, there are… Read More
We hope you had a festive holiday and a joyous new year! With the cold winter weather now here, my thoughts turn to spring and summer. Now is the time to start looking at those seed catalogs that may arrive in the mail or by browsing the various seed company websites. It’s fun to think… Read More
The season of fresh evergreens and indoor blooming bulbs is upon us! Here are some quick and easy tips to make your holiday home bright. First you probably want to make a container of evergreens to brighten your entryway and welcome guests. Use a mix of pine, fir and spruce to add variety and texture…. Read More
Fall is here and it’s time to take in all the beauty and color that Mother Nature delivers at this time of year. You can make a “gourd gorgeous” with just a few simple steps. Carve a circle at the top or a little to the side, depending on the shape of the squash or pumpkin. Carve… Read More
As the summer transitions to fall it’s time to freshen up your outdoor planters. Maybe they are looking a little faded and need an upgrade for the season. Choose plants for the upcoming cooler temperatures such as colorful fall pansies, ornamental kale, mums, and a new fall celosia called “Twisted Orange”. Ornamental grasses are a… Read More
The allure of succulents is for all ages. There are so many ways to use them indoors or out and they come in many shapes, sizes, colors, and textures. They don’t need a lot of maintenance and can tolerate a certain amount of neglect. They can be combined in living wreaths, terrariums, fairy gardens and… Read More
Gardening and nature go hand in hand. We recently had a very special guest in our perennial display. Check out the pictures of the bird hatching her eggs in one of our perennial containers. We took special care of her and one day she and the hatched babies were gone! Even the birds like our… Read More
Are you looking for an idea to keep the kids busy this summer? Help them create and plant a butterfly garden either in a container or a special garden. They can learn a lot about how a butterfly develops and what they like to eat. There are lots of articles, books and online information on… Read More
