Live in each season as it passes; breath air, drink the drink, taste the fruit and resign yourself to the influences of each. Let them be your only diet drink and botanical medicines.
– Henry David Thoreau
Week 19 we can engage the whole family in preparing flower and vegetable garden beds, sowing seeds, and nurturing young plants. This not only promotes healthy eating but also teaches kids about the natural world.
Bird watching is another excellent activity for this week. We can continue to spend time identifying and observing these feathered visitors arriving from the south, creating a checklist of the birds you spot. This can be both educational and relaxing, fostering a deeper connection with nature. Together, these activities encourage outdoor time, physical activity, and mindfulness, contributing to a healthier, happier family life.
Fall & Winter Gardening Guidance
Bloom houseplant humidity mist
This is just a reminder that many popular houseplants, especially tropical varieties like ferns, orchids, calatheas, and monsteras, thrive in humidity levels far higher than what most homes provide, particularly in northern climate…
Hearty neem oil plant pest deterrent spray formula
Neem oil is one of the most effective and completely natural pest control solutions available for houseplants and garden plants. It works by disrupting the hormonal systems of insects, preventing them from feeding,…
Hearty natural weed killer formula
This upgraded formula takes the classic vinegar-based weed killer to the next level by adding hydrogen peroxide for significantly faster and more thorough results. The combination of acetic acid from the vinegar and…
Hearty orchid misting spray formula
Orchids are epiphytes in their natural habitat, meaning they grow on trees and absorb moisture and nutrients from the air and rain rather than from soil. They love humidity but hate having their…
Hearty seedling mister tip
Seedlings are incredibly delicate and cannot tolerate the force of even a gentle watering can well. A fine mist spray bottle is the ideal tool for keeping seed starting mix evenly moist without…
Hearty aphid spray formula
Aphids are one of the most common garden pests and can devastate plants quickly if left unchecked. This simple soap spray works by coating the soft bodies of aphids and disrupting their cell…
Koi colors, patterns, types and quality
Koi (Nishikigoi) are one of the most meticulously classified ornamental fish in the world. Japanese breeders developed a rich vocabulary over centuries to describe every nuance of color, pattern, and quality. Major variety…
Guppy love
Guppies are one of the most rewarding freshwater fish to keep. They are hardy, colorful, social, and endlessly fascinating to watch. Whether you are a first-time fish keeper or a seasoned aquarist, guppies…
Oranda Goldfish
(Taki) Oranda goldfish are among the most elegant and beloved of the fancy goldfish varieties, recognized instantly by their signature “wen,” the fleshy, raspberry-like hood that develops on top of their heads. They…
Photographing koi
Koi move through water the way light moves through glass, bending, scattering, and catching the eye in ways that feel almost accidental. Photographing them is an exercise in patience and timing, a quiet…
Honeyberry
Honeyberries (Lonicera caerulea), also known as haskap berries, are one of the most exciting fruits to discover for northern gardeners. Native to the cool boreal regions of Russia, Japan, and Canada, these hardy…
Caring for our pollinators – native bees
Native bees are among the most vital creatures in any healthy ecosystem. Unlike honeybees, which are actually European imports, North America is home to over 4,000 species of native bees, many of which…
Grape
With the right variety selection, smart site preparation, consistent pruning discipline, and a few key cultural practices, grapes can become one of the most rewarding long-term investments in any northern garden. Whether the…
Peafowl
Peafowl are among the most striking and rewarding birds you can raise on a large property. Native to South Asia, the Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus) is the species most commonly kept in North…
Algae
What algae is Algae are among the oldest and most diverse life forms on Earth, predating plants, animals, and fungi by billions of years. They are not a single organism but an enormously…
Plants at Their Best
Pothos
Easy to take care of vining houseplant and versatile water plant for water features and ponds. The pothos plant, also known as Epipremnum aureum, is a popular houseplant admired for its heart-shaped leaves…
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…
Iris
A radiant burst of spring purple or gold. Updated since November 1, 2023. Irises (Iris germanica) bring a radiant burst of spring purple or gold to my garden with their vibrant blooms and…
Tulip
I find planting tulips to be a joyful endeavor, bringing the anticipation of vibrant blooms. As bulbs are placed in the soil, there’s a sense of anticipation and renewal. Watching the first shoots…
Daffodil
Perennial bulbs. Daffodils bring joy with vibrant, trumpet-shaped blooms in spring. I love daffodils because they are easy to grow, they symbolize renewal and hope, and they add a bright splash of charm…
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…
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…
Spider Plant
Easy to care for houseplant with excellent air-purifying qualities. Spider plants, or Chlorophytum comosum, are popular houseplants known for their easy care and air-purifying qualities. They have long, arching leaves that are green…
Strawberry
A bite of sweetness like no other. Strawberries are a nice addition to any garden. These vibrant red berries are not only delicious but also packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. Growing strawberries…
Scented Geranium
Indoor garden plant, outdoor annual plant, or indoor-outdoor potted plant. Scented geraniums are a delightful addition to any garden or home due to their fragrant leaves and versatility. These plants are easy to…
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…
Dianthus
Perennial. Colorful, Fragrant, Cold-hardy, Compact, Long-blooming, Versatile, Ornamental. Dianthus, commonly known as “pinks” or “carnations,” are exquisite flowering plants that can elevate your garden’s charm. With a diverse range of hues including pink,…
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Birding & 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…
White-breasted Nuthatch
Lively and bouncy tree creepers. The presence of nuthatches in my yard gets me to peering out the front window. These charismatic birds, with their distinctive upside-down climbing and head-first descents, inject a playful…
Bald Eagle
Bald Eagles mature to have a snowy white head and tail contrasted against a dark brown. Their commanding presence is an American symbol of strength and freedom. Spotting Bald Eagles in my neighborhood is…
Trumpeter Swan
The largest extant species of waterfowl. Seeing trumpeter swans in my neighborhood brings a sense of tranquility and wonder. Their majestic presence on ponds, gracefully gliding across the water, adds an elegant charm to…
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…
Grackle
I love seeing Grackles in my yard and at my birdfeeder because their vibrant, iridescent feathers add a splash of mystic and energy to my garden. Their lively, social behavior brings a sense of…
Chipping Sparrow
Cheerful, agile, trilling, resilient, friendly, little sparrow. I enjoy seeing chipping sparrows at my bird feeders because they bring a bit of fun to my bird feeders. Their delicate, cheerful chirping is a delightful…
Brown Thrasher
These witty rust-colored birds add a sprinkle of spice to bird feeders. I enjoy seeing Brown Thrashers at my bird feeder. They bring yet more vibrant life and activity to my yard. Their skinny…
Baltimore Oriole
Vibrant, melodic, striking, migratory, agile, nectar-loving, tree-dwelling burst of life. I love seeing Baltimore Orioles in my yard. They bring that burst of vibrant color with their striking orange and black plumage. Their tell-tale…
Gray Squirrel
Acrobatic, adaptable, intelligent little seed hoarders. Gray squirrels, agile acrobats of the suburban landscape, frolic in my yard with a boldness that borders on audacity. Their fluffy tails twitch with curiosity as they dart…
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Striking, melodic, colorful, adaptable, migratory, sociable, graceful, arboreal, charismatic birds. The Rose-breasted Grosbeak, with its striking black and white plumage accented by a vibrant splash of rose-red, brings a burst of color and melody…
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…
Red-winged Blackbird
Harbingers of spring on the pond. Red-winged blackbirds at my birdfeeder evoke all the springtime vibes. Their glossy plumage, adorned with fiery red epaulets, ignites the senses. Their melodious distinct calls weave through the…
Ring-necked Pheasant
Colorful, adaptable, ground-foraging, game bird. The Ring-necked Pheasant, a strikingly colorful bird native to Asia, has become a captivating presence year-round in my Minnesota yard. With its iridescent plumage and distinct neck ring, this…
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 among…
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 resonantly…
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 plumage,…
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 striking…
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 birds,…
White-throated Sparrow
Springy little whistler. The White-throated Sparrow at my bird feeder brings the music of nature to my front yard. Their distinctive ‘old Sam Peabody, Peabody, Peabody’ sweet-whistle song, reminiscent of clear whistling notes, creates…
Mallard Duck
Vibrant plumage and distinctive quacks. Getting to see Mallard ducks on my backyard pond helps transform the space into a more natural oasis. The graceful presence of these waterfowl, with their vibrant plumage and…
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