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
Lotus
Growing and propagating Lotus Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera or Nelumbo lutea) are among the most rewarding aquatic plants to grow from seed. With a little patience and the right conditions, you can go from…
Phalaenopsis Orchid
Growing and propagating phalaenopsis orchids Phalaenopsis orchids are the most beginner-friendly orchid available, yet they reward experienced growers with years of repeat blooming and genuine beauty. Known as the Moth Orchid for the…
Peony
Perennial bush. The peonies (Paeonia spp.) in my garden are cherished gems, weaving a tapestry of joy and beauty. With their lush, extravagant blooms, they transform the landscape into a paradise of colors,…
Growing sweet potato as water plants
Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is a surprisingly versatile and rewarding plant to grow in an aquatic setup. It is not a true aquatic plant, but it thrives as an emersed or semi-aquatic plant,…
Feeding juvenile koi
Juvenile koi under 1 year old grow quickly and do best when feeding is matched to both their size and the water temperature. The right food supports steady growth, strong color, good body…
Begonia
Tender annual. Begonias are popular because they offer showy flowers or striking foliage, depending on the type, and many do well in containers, garden beds, and even indoors. The key to success is…
Fern
Perenial. Ferns are among the oldest plants on earth, having thrived for more than 360 million years long before flowering plants ever existed. That ancient resilience translates beautifully into the modern northern garden,…
Currant
Currants are one of the most rewarding small fruits you can grow in a northern garden. Hardy enough to handle brutal northern garden winters, productive enough to fill your kitchen with berries year…
Blenheim Apricot
About the Blenheim Apricot The Blenheim (also called Royal Blenheim or Royal) is widely considered the gold standard of apricots. An heirloom variety originating in England and named after Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire,…
Mandarin Orange
Mandarin oranges are one of the best citrus varieties for container growing. They stay compact, produce fragrant blooms, and reward you with sweet fruit even in cold climates like Minnesota, where they thrive…
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…
Koi spawning
Understanding koi spawning Koi spawning is one of the most dramatic and awe-inspiring events in the life of a pond, a sudden eruption of energy and motion that can seem almost violent to…
Lime
Limes are excellent container citrus and, in some ways, even better suited to pot growing than lemons. They are compact, prolific, and extraordinarily fragrant when in bloom. Like lemons, they need to come…
Lemon
Lemons are one of the most popular citrus trees for container growing, and they can thrive pretty well indoors during northern garden winters if we get our setup right. With the right setup,…
Conditioning koi for breeding
Conditioning Conditioning is the process of preparing our fish physically in the weeks before spawning, and it has a direct impact on egg quality, milt viability, and overall spawn success. Begin conditioning 4…
Plants at Their Best
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…
Pothos
Easy to take care of vining houseplant. The pothos plant, also known as Epipremnum aureum, is a popular houseplant admired for its heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines. It’s easy to care for, making…
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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