The fields are harvested and bare,
And Winter whistles through the square.
October dresses in flame and gold
Like a woman afraid of growing old.
– Ann Mary Lawler
Week 42 of the year, mid-October, marks a transitional period in the garden. Many plants are settling into dormancy, while others, like late-season asters and mums, still bloom brightly. Gardeners can begin preparing beds for winter by mulching, composting, and planting bulbs for spring. It’s also an ideal time for bird watching as migratory birds, such as sparrows and juncos, return. Grackles and other resident birds gather in greater numbers, and providing feeders with seeds or suet attracts them. The changing colors of foliage and increased bird activity make this week a rewarding time for nature lovers. Engage in citizen science projects like the Big Garden Birdwatch and the Great Backyard Bird Count to contribute to bird conservation efforts.
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…
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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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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
Keep readingPlants 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…
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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…
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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.…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
Keep readingBirding & Butterflies
Northern Cardinal
A cherished backyard songbird. Updated since 11/2/2023. The presence of cardinal birds in my yard brings fresh fun. Their vibrant red plumage, a burst of color against the green backdrop, provides me a sense of natural beauty. Their…
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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 joy. Their aerial…
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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 of conservation, offering…
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Bird migration forecasting
Predicting bird migrations with real-time forecasts. I have shared my respect and appreciation for nature and its conservation including wild birds many times already, so it is no surprise that I monitor and take an active interest in…
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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. Bees and butterflies…
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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 garden. Watching their…
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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 contain harmful additives, preservatives, or…
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Lots to look at here. I have been wanting to have a mason bee sanctuary for too long. I just wanted to make sure they had the right flowers in reach first. Also I saw a lady extra dressed up today with fluffy coat and extra layers. I looked at her gold shoes and thought maybe she is trying a little to hard – because she might of been afraid of getting old… I kind of felt bad for thinking that. Really I thought she would of been pretty enough not to do extra frills. Your posts are lovely.
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