“August is like the Sunday of summer.” – Unknown
In Week 33, focus on maintaining a thriving garden while enjoying the beauty of birding and butterflies. Continue harvesting summer vegetables and monitor for pests, applying treatments as needed. Plant fall crops and start planning for winterizing your garden. Continue providing bird feeders and baths to attract and support local birds, which can also help control garden pests. This week is perfect for observing the interplay between your garden’s flora and the wildlife it supports, enhancing both its productivity and ecological balance.
Mid-Summer Gardening Guidance
Hardy perennial food crops for shade
Not every corner of a garden gets full sun, and in wooded or partially shaded landscapes, that can feel like a limitation. But shade does not have to mean sacrifice. A surprising number…
Herb cultivation through history
In every age and in every land, the garden has been both pharmacy and prayer, a place where human hands and the earth’s own intelligence have met in quiet collaboration. Herbs have been…
Cat safe plants
Cats are natural explorers, and for most of them, that curiosity extends straight to our houseplants and herb garden. While many common plants pose a real danger to cats, there is a surprisingly…
Rhubarb
Perennial. Delicious tart stalks for culinary delights. Planting rhubarb in my garden has been a rewarding choice for several reasons. This hardy perennial not only offers delicious, tart stalks for culinary delights but…
Guide to safe use of herbs
A practical, reference to commonly used herbs, their safety considerations, and potential side effects. Herbs have been used for centuries across cultures as food, medicine, and ritual. Today, they remain a cornerstone of…
Growing food for environmental impact
Embracing sustainability in daily life. Updated since 10/29/2023. Having my own small orchard and vegetable garden brings immeasurable joy as I can nurture a space teeming with life. Cultivating my food imparts a…
First and last frost dates by U.S. hardiness zone
Work with nature for gardening success. Hardiness zones in gardening are geographic regions that categorize the climate’s suitability for plant survival. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) devised this system based on…
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Plants at Their Best
Black-Eyed Susan
Perennial. The Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) graces gardens with its vibrant golden petals and dark chocolate central cones. This resilient perennial brings a burst of summer brilliance, thriving in various soils and climates. Its low-maintenance nature makes it a garden favorite, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Black-Eyed Susans endure through heat, drought, and neglect,…
Purple Coneflower
Perennial. Include Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) in your garden for a burst of color, attracting pollinators while offering medicinal benefits. Its distinctive, daisy-like blooms add vibrancy to summer landscapes. This hardy perennial, with its immune-boosting properties, ensures a resilient and visually stunning garden, contributing to biodiversity and well-being. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is a garden…
Pot Marigold (Calendula)
Hardy Versatile Annual. I have Pot Marigold (Calendula) in my garden for its vibrant beauty and remarkable versatility. Its bright, sunny flowers not only enhance my garden’s aesthetic but also attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, supporting a healthy ecosystem. Over time, I’ve discovered numerous uses for Calendula. I dry the petals to make…
Zinnia
Lively, fiery annual with prolific flowering. Joy to grow. Zinnia flowers burst into vibrant bloom, transforming gardens with their depth of colors and captivating beauty. These radiant blooms typically emerge in late spring or early summer, adding a burst of life to the landscape. Zinnia petals unfurl in intricate layers, resembling delicate paper or vivid silk,…
Hydrangea
Perennial Hydrangea blooms in diverse colors, transforming gardens beautifully. Hydrangeas, with their captivating blooms, are a delight to garden enthusiasts. These deciduous shrubs showcase a remarkable variety of colors, ranging from vibrant pinks and blues to soft whites and purples. Hydrangea blooms are unique in their ability to change color based on soil pH, adding…
Mint
Perennial fast-growing herb with versatility and beauty. In the midst of late spring, the vibrancy of mint flowers brings a refreshing flush to gardens and meadows. Delicate clusters of tiny blossoms emerge atop slender stems, releasing a subtle fragrance that dances on the breeze. The petals, adorned in shades of pale lavender and white, create…
Oriental Lilies
Perennial. Large, showy flowers in an array of colors. Oriental lilies are garden treasures, captivating with their rich fragrance and vibrant, exotic blooms. Planted for their striking appearance, these lilies boast large, showy flowers in an array of colors, including pink, white, and deep red. Their alluring scent enhances the garden atmosphere. Hardy and resilient,…
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Birding & Butterflies
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Squeaky tiny little sparkles of the sky. The presence of hummingbirds in my yard transforms the ordinary into an enchanting spectacle. These iridescent jewels of the sky, with wings that blur like magic, bring boundless…
Building a Bluebird nest box
What’s better to conserve than nature’s beauty the bluebird. Building bluebird nest boxes is a heartwarming endeavor that fosters a symbiotic relationship between humans and nature. By constructing these small shelters, one becomes a steward…
Monarch butterfly sanctuaries
Monarch migration, conservation, and habitat Monarch butterfly sanctuaries are vital habitats where these iconic pollinators find refuge during their overwintering period. Found primarily in Mexico and parts of California, these sanctuaries provide the ideal climate…
Turkey
Wild turkeys are native to North America, commonly found in forests, grasslands, and open woodlands across the U.S. and southern Canada. These large birds, known for their fan-shaped tails and wattled necks, have iridescent feathers…
Caring for our pollinators – monarchs
Monarchs enhance plant reproduction through their pollination. My garden would feel lifeless without my bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. These pollinators are essential for its vibrancy and health. They bring it alive and keep it alive.…
Monarchs have arrived in Minnesota
The winner of the ultimate relay race goes to the monarch butterfly. I eagerly await the monarch butterflies’ arrival in Minnesota each season because their presence brings a sense of wonder and beauty to my…
Sandhill Crane
The sounds of Sandhill Cranes evoke nature’s whimsy. Having sandhill cranes in my neighborhood fills me with profound joy. Their majestic presence adds a touch of wilderness to everyday life. Their distinctive calls echo through…
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