“September, the harvest month…Summer is over and autumn has arrived.”
– Cynthia Wickham
Week 38 for gardening and birding is all about embracing the seasonal changes. In the garden, start preparing for fall by planting cool season crops like lettuce, spinach, and radishes. These thrive in the cooler temperatures and shorter days. It’s also a good time to clean up summer plants and add compost to enrich the soil for next season. For birding, watch for the start of autumn migration. Species like warblers, thrushes, and hawks begin their journey south. Set up feeders with high-energy foods like suet and sunflower seeds to support migrating birds.
Mid-Summer Gardening Guidance
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…
Fall garden plant division
Rejuvenate and enhances your garden’s vitality by dividing these plants in the fall. Dividing garden plants in the fall rejuvenates and enhances their vitality. Cooler temperatures and approaching dormancy minimize stress, encouraging robust…
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…
Gardening around the world
Gardening online resources from around the world. When exploring these sites, I look for their specific sections or articles related to gardening in colder climates or northern regions. Additionally, forums and community sections…
Dehydrator herb preservation
Preserve flavors and nutrients by dehydrating. Owning a food dehydrator offers a multitude of advantages for culinary enthusiasts. It facilitates preservation by removing moisture from fruits, vegetables, and herbs, extending their shelf life…
Vibrant fall color with hardy, cool-weather annuals
I do fall annual planting in late August and early September because it sets the stage for a vibrant and colorful autumn garden. Planting now allows these hardy plants to establish strong roots…
Planting in mid-summer
Prepare for fall and next year with August vegetable, herb, perennial, and bulb planting. I love planting seeds and plants in August because it feels like a bridge between seasons, extending the joy…
Mid-summer flower gardening
Mid-summer is a vibrant period for flower gardening, as many plants reach their peak bloom. This is a great time to enjoy the colorful displays of annuals like marigolds and zinnias, as well…
Mid-summer fruit, vegetable & herb gardening
Mid-summer is a vibrant time in vegetable gardens, orchards, and berry patches. Vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers are at their peak, offering bountiful harvests. Regular picking encourages continued production and prevents overripening.…
Food grade diatomaceous earth (DE) in the garden & barn
Food grade diatomaceous earth (DE) is a versatile, natural substance valued by gardeners for its pest control and soil enhancement benefits. Composed of fossilized algae, food grade DE acts as a mechanical insecticide…
Making a mason bee house
Build a mason bee house to support these important native bee pollinators. Creating a mason bee house supports local pollinators, crucial for healthy ecosystems and agriculture. Mason bees are effective pollinators, aiding the…
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…
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…
Gardening for bird conservation
Birds in the garden bring landscapes to life. Attracting birds to your garden enriches the outdoor experience with nature’s vibrant palette and cheerful melodies. Beyond the aesthetic delight, birds play a crucial role…
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Plants at Their Best
Plum
Perennial Fruit Tree. Elegant, Productive and Fragrant. Plum blossoms on my plum trees are harbingers of spring with their enchanting beauty and delicate fragrance. The ornamental appeal of these blossoms, ranging in hues…
Hosta
Perennial. Leafy foliage, fancy leafy foliage, lovely leafiness. Planting Hosta in your garden brings a touch of elegance and versatility. Renowned for their lush foliage, these shade-loving perennials offer a diverse palette of…
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.…
Pear
Pears are fragrant hardy fruit trees with sweet, juicy fruit. In spring, pear blossoms grace my orchard with their delicate beauty, heralding the arrival of a new season. These blossoms, with their pristine…
Sunflower
Radiant, heliotropic, majestic, nourishing annual plant. Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) are iconic plants known for their vibrant yellow petals and large, disk-shaped blooms. Native to North America, these plants exhibit heliotropism, a fascinating behavior…
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…
Hearty air fried walleye fillets
Deliciously crispy air-fried walleye fillets. These air-fried walleye fillets are a healthy twist on a classic dish. The walleye’s mild, flaky flesh is perfectly enhanced by air frying, which creates a crisp, golden…
Basil
Power Annual Herb. Love this little green flavor booster! Basil is my favorite herb to grow because of its versatility and vibrant flavor. I have come to love its aromatic leaves and continue…
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…
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…
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…
Dahlia
Showy, vibrant, intricate blooms in a wide range of colors and shapes. In the radiant embrace of sunlight, Dahlia flowers unfurl their vibrant petals, creating a breathtaking spectacle of nature’s artistry. Bursting forth…
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…
Apple
Fragrant, productive fruit tree. In spring, apple blossoms herald the awakening of orchards and gardens with an exquisite display of nature’s elegance. Delicate and fragrant, these blossoms blanket the branches in hues of…
Parsley
Parsley is versatile herb with a fresh, mild flavor, rich in vitamins used for culinary creations. My kitchen herb gardens (one outside all summer and one little one inside) provide all kinds of…
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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,…
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…
Homemade hummingbird nectar
Creating homemade hummingbird food is simple and involves only a couple of ingredients. Crafting your own hummingbird food ensures a pure and natural nectar source for these enchanting avian visitors. Commercial alternatives may…
Wood Duck
Colorful, crested, iridescent, arboreal, elegant, wary, and distinctive duck. Observing Wood Ducks gracefully gliding on my pond is an enchanting experience. Their vibrant plumage, featuring iridescent greens, blues, and intricate patterns, adds a…
Wood Duck nest box
Providing suitable nesting sites for these beautiful birds. Building a wood duck nest box is a tangible act of conservation, fostering the well-being of a species integral to wetland ecosystems. These nest boxes…
Northern Flicker
Striking, colorful and large woodpecker. The Northern Flicker gracing my birdfeeders is a striking harbinger of nature’s vibrancy. Its plumage, a captivating blend of spotted black, tan, and red, catches sunlight with a…
Barn Swallow
Acrobatic, delicate, dedicated parents. Barn Swallows gracing my barn evoke a lively spectacle of nature. With iridescent blue-black plumage, their aerobatic flights adorn the pasture, capturing the essence of summer. These agile birds…
Downy Woodpecker
Lively and rhymical woodpecker. Downy Woodpeckers bring enchantment to my yard with their lively antics and distinctive black-and-white plumage. Their petite stature, just 6-7 inches in length, adds charm as they flit gracefully…
Hairy Woodpecker
Flashy movements, climbers, with rhythmic slower drumming. The Hairy Woodpecker’s rhythmic drumming and distinctive black-and-white plumage bring a unique rhythm to my yard, transforming it to include natural wonder. Their diligent foraging, tapping…
Eastern Bluebird
Bluebirds bring quick joy to my yard, their azure and red plumage a vivid splash on nature’s canvas. Their enchanting melodies resonate, transforming my outdoor spaces with their music and magic. Graceful in…
American Goldfinch
Sunlit yellow plumage, delicate black wings, and sweet cheep-cheeps. The American Goldfinch’s vibrant presence at my thistle birdfeeder transforms my yard into a living canvas of radiant yellow and black. Their sunlit yellow…
Pileated Woodpecker
Commanding sized woodpecker with the regal red pointy cap. Seeing the large Pileated Woodpecker eating suet at my birdfeeder is a glimpse into the wild, a majestic presence that transcends the ordinary. Their…
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Charismatic bird, with striking zebra-like patterns and vibrant red crown. The occasional sighting of the neighborhood Red-bellied Woodpeckers at my bird feeder spices up my yard with their dynamic avian energy. These charismatic…
House Finch
Cheerful chirps and melodious songs hop hopping along. House Finches are always welcome in my yard as a daily dose of natural avian beauty. Their lively presence, adorned in hues of crimson, adds…
Black-capped Chickadee
Charming little avian friends. Watching the Chickadees at my birdfeeder always puts a smile on my face, their vibrant presence is proof to nature’s charm. These spirited little birds, with their distinctive black…
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Bloom Hearty Store
When you purchase from the Bloom Hearty online store, you’re doing much more than just buying a one-of-a-kind item—you’re directly supporting the artist, writer, and designer behind the site.
flower and feather designs
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Watercolor Floral Umbrella
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Birds Hardcover Journal
$13.29 -
Watercolor Flowers Umbrella
$40.00 -
Floral Embroidery Pullover Sweatshirt
Price range: $56.63 through $64.83 -
Botanical Glass Cutting Board
$21.95 -
Bronze Floral Placemat
$18.29 -
Bronze Floral Tablecloth
$36.57 -
Bronze Floral Table Runner
Price range: $33.42 through $49.92 -
Iridescent Feathers Phone Case
Price range: $21.10 through $24.62
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