Wild cucumber takes over


Mon. Aug. 24, 2020

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Wild cucumber takes over

While not QUITE as “over the top” this year, wild cucumber is making it’s appearance known. Since 2020 has, so far, been a year of “over the top”, I’m grateful for ONE thing that’s not quite as bad…. however, let’s examine this annual vine that loves to be “over the top”.

This vine loves to climb and drape itself over fields, trees, shrubs, grasses, flowers throughout much of the country!   It’s Latin name is  … [Continue reading]

Planting cover crops


Fri. Aug. 21, 2020

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Planting cover crops

 Let’s talk green manure. No, I’m not talking about an animal with a gastrointestinal issue but cover crops. These are plants with a purpose.

They can help with soil erosion, weed control and even fix what’s ailing your soil. The University of MN Ext. says living roots help maintain nutrients, support a diversity of soil microorganisms, and help the soil retain water.

As the weather cools into September, you can plant oats, peas, buckwheat  … [Continue reading]

Resurrection lily – the Rising!


Thu. Aug. 20, 2020

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Resurrection lily – the Rising!

I’ve told this story before but it bears repeating as we all go through this pandemic together. I’m calling today’s episode, Resurrection Lily – the rising! Hey 2020, TAKE THAT! Their latin name is Lycoris squamigera and they have a number of other common names, Magic Lily, Surprise lily, Naked Ladies to name a few

I came by this plant in July of 2012 when I moved into my current home. The previous  … [Continue reading]

Glory in the grasses


Wed. Aug. 19, 2020

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Glory in the grasses

As we head toward Fall, one of my favorite seasons, the native grasses really start to show off!  There IS Glory in the Grasses!

‘Big Bluestem’ is a grass and a true prairie plant.  It’s long stems are nearly 7 feet tall and sway beautifully in the wind.

Several flower spike at the tops of the stem are covered with pairs of tiny flower clusters.  If you separate the stalks out, you can see  … [Continue reading]

What’s a native plant community?


Tue. Aug. 18, 2020

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: What’s a native plant community?

Gardeners are always talking plants, it’s what we do!  There’s also a lot of talk about planting native species, creating a native “community”.  What does that mean?

I interviewed Phyllis Root not too long ago, she wrote “Searching for Minnesota’s Native Wildflowers – a Guide for Beginners, Botanists and everyone in between”.

It’s a great read for anyone in the upper midwest.  She also explains what a native plant community DOES.

  • stores carbon
 … [Continue reading]

Ugh, another bug whose grub is the rub


Mon. Aug. 17, 2020

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Ugh, another bug whose grub is the rub

So the big news last week, the MN Dept. of Agriculture announced another bug whose grub is the rub! Well, they didn’t put it THAT way, but the European Chafer is a very serious grub pest of turf and can cause more turf damage than the Japanese beetle.

Part of this difference may occur because the European chafer spends a longer portion of the summer feeding on turf. However, adult … [Continue reading]

Glad for gladiolas


Fri. Aug. 14, 2020

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Glad for gladiolas

The gladiolas are blooming and I’m thrilled.

Notice the bamboo sticks holding them up… works great except in a rainstorm!

Glads always remind me of my dad. They were blooming when he passed away. That may sound sad but, honestly, it makes me feel like he gives me flowers every year from Heaven! They are old-fashioned and charming!

They’re part of the Iris family but have a very different look! The sword like foliage is  … [Continue reading]

A grass for butterflies


Thu. Aug. 13, 2020

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: A grass for butterflies

I’m on a grass kick this week! ‘Eyelash’ grass won’t replace a manicured lawn but it sure attracts butterflies! That’s what the University of Minnesota Extension says. Blue Grama grass, which sounds funny itself, is a native grass that goes by a few other names including ‘eyelash’, ‘mosquito’ and ‘caterpillar’ grass because of its golden sails at the tip of its stems.

Extension Horticulturist, Mary Meyer, says this is one tough short grass.  … [Continue reading]

Lawn alternatives


Wed. Aug. 12, 2020

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Lawn alternatives

I talked about overseeding your lawn and what types of grass seed there is. Today, let’s talk about alternatives to lawns. You know about my mostly clover lawn…

…but there are other options out there that can provide that grassy look without the chemicals and water consumption of the typical American lawn.

Pennsylvania sedge has fine textured leaves, a 6 to 10 inch height with a creeping habit. I bought mine from Prairie Moon Nursery

More  … [Continue reading]

What seed to use for your lawn


Tue. Aug. 11, 2020

Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: What seed to use for your lawn

Depending on where you live this question is answered differently.  We talked about overseeding your lawn but what’s the best mix for you?  There are blends and there are mixtures.  A blend is the same type of grass but different cultivars.  A mix has 2 maybe 3 different varieties of grasses for cultural diversity.  In other words, for lawns that have differing sun/shade conditions.  The best recommendation is to figure out  … [Continue reading]