Toxic flowers


Mon. Nov. 1, 2021

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Toxic flowers

 As you peruse garden catalogs and local garden center websites, there are some flowers you might think twice about planting if you have a pet that likes to gnaw on everything.

One plant that’s controversial is ‘Lily of the Valley’, which is NOT a lily, has an attractive smell. I hate how it takes over wherever it’s planted.

But wait, there’s more. All parts of the plant are toxic to humans, cats and dogs if ingested.  … [Continue reading]

The Tradition of Halloween


Fri. Oct. 29, 2021

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: The Tradition of Halloween

Halloween 2020 had its own creep factor and in 2021 folks are being cautious but there will be costumed parties and trick or treating.

 

There are differing opinions as to the origin of the celebration of Halloween. 

I’m going with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced Sow in). These people celebrated the new year on November 1st as the end of summer and harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold  … [Continue reading]

Mischief night and nature’s nocturnal creatures


Thu. Oct. 28, 2021

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Mischief night and nature’s nocturnal creatures

On the east coast the night before Halloween was called “Mischief Night” when the “other” kids pulled pranks on their neighbors.

But what mischief might lurk in the garden at night?  The top prankster would have to be the raccoon! 

They’re really cute and really naughty! From tossing our garbage to making their home in our uncapped chimneys, they are a nuisance to say the least.   The MN DNR on Raccoons.  … [Continue reading]

Orchid love – Houseplants and Natives


Wed. Oct. 27, 2021

Click below to listen to my  2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Orchid love – indoors and out

Orchids are lining up in garden centers and grocery stores. Those are Phalaenopsis and not hardy to our Upper Midwest region. They DO make wonderful gifts!  

There are a number of orchids native to Minnesota and Wisconsin! There are 17 native Genus of orchids in Minnesota with 49 species!

The Showy Lady’s Slipper is Minnesota’s State Flower. Found living in open fens, bogs, swamps, and damp woods where there is an  … [Continue reading]

Storing chemicals for Winter


Tue. Oct. 26, 2021

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Storing chemicals for Winter

A perennial topic, yes. A sexy subject, Nope… but important nonetheless.

While there’s a big movement against the use of chemicals for our landscapes (gardens, etc.), there are still plenty of folks who use them.    Proper storage also INCLUDES your organic products.

If you’ve got chemicals in dispensers, it’s best to use them up according to directions, then rinse out your sprayers and allow them to drip dry.

Be sure you know what’s in  … [Continue reading]

Garden chores left undone? La Nina could spell trouble


Mon. Oct. 25, 2021

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Garden chores left undone? La Nina could spell trouble

Apparently La Nina is going to mess with the Upper Midwest for Winter 21-22. Colder and snowier, so they say.  Looks like Wisconsin will be hit harder than Minnesota… but these ARE “predictions” and Mother Nature has a way of doing as she pleases!

I write these Garden Bites the week before, it was 80 degrees at the time. This past weekend we had a killing frost of 27  … [Continue reading]

Fall outdoor displays


Fri. Oct. 22, 2021

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Fall displays

I love Fall displays. This year I’m not able to do much creating as I recover from hip replacement surgery (yes, I’m young to have it) BUT, that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy others…

Eons ago I grew large pumpkins… one weighed about 120 pounds. Huge at the time… NOW they’re enormous.

Local garden centers, farmers markets and apple orchards are a great place to pick up those odd curcurbitas (as we talked about last week)  … [Continue reading]

Pumpkin seeds, pie and soup too


Thu. Oct. 21, 2021

Click below to listen to my 2 min Garden Bite radio show: Pumpkin seeds, pie and soup too

Carving pumpkins is a tradition for nearly everyone I know.  When I was little, my mom would save the seeds, rinse them, soak them in a salt-laden bowl of water overnight and then bake them.  They were a treat then, but my taste is a bit more sophisticated now!

I don’t soak the seeds but just get much of the goop off…

I lightly salt mine then spread them on a baking  … [Continue reading]

Picking pumpkins for decorating


Wed. Oct. 20, 2021

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Picking pumpkins for decorating

When I was a kid, carving pumpkins meant using the kitchen knife. Not anymore, thank goodness!

With a myriad of kits with stencils and special tools, the carved pumpkin has reached new levels of design!

Pumpkin PICKING is an art as well.  For the best results using stencils, you want the smoothest pumpkins. Choose a nice even color and the stem should be at least long enough to use as a handle for  … [Continue reading]

Pumpkins! Spice and Squash Season


Tue. Oct. 19, 2021

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Pumpkins! Spice and Squash Season

 Love it or hate it, it’s pumpkin spice everything season. 

I have a friend who grinds her teeth every time the pumpkin spice comes out at her favorite coffee shop, another who can’t wait for the pumpkin spice creamer and sends her husband to buy as many as a husband is willing to do!  About 3 bottles worth.   In case you’re interested here’s a recipe for Pumpkin Spice Latte!

I happen to  … [Continue reading]