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 21, in the garden, focus on planting warm season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and herbs. Ensure your plants are well-watered, and apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering. It’s also a great time to set up bird feeders and birdbaths, attracting a variety of species to your yard. Keep feeders clean and filled with fresh seed, and provide nesting materials to support breeding birds. Take time to enjoy the peacefulness of your garden and the beauty of bird watching this week. Reflect on your goals, realign your plans, and appreciate the joys of nature. Embrace this period to reconnect with your outdoor space, fostering both physical and mental well-being.
Spring and summer gardening guidance
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…
Windbreak and hedge plants
Windbreak and hedge plants are living barriers strategically planted to redirect wind, define boundaries, create privacy, and shelter homes, gardens, and livestock. Windbreaks typically consist of multiple staggered rows combining tall evergreen trees,…
Garden site
Growing spaces and outdoor living spaces A good garden begins with the site. Before choosing plants or buying materials, it helps to understand the space we have and how it will support the…
Shaping and placing garden beds
Garden beds should be shaped and placed to match both the land and the intended use of the garden. Their size and form affect appearance, efficiency, and plant health. Placement Place beds where…
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…
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…
Northern gardening
Take a look at some Minnesota online gardening resources for tailored northern gardening guidance. Gardening in Minnesota can be incredibly rewarding, though the climate poses unique challenges, especially with cold winters and short…
Gardening success through observation & monitoring
Boost garden health with observation and monitoring. Successful gardening involves careful monitoring and observation to ensure plants are thriving. To ensure gardening success, it’s important to adopt the right monitoring techniques, leverage available…
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…
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…
Spring garden plant division
Spring division reinvigorates garden plants. Spring division revives our garden, harnessing the season’s renewed energy for optimal growth. By separating crowded clumps, plants receive enhanced air circulation, promoting vigor and minimizing disease. Benefits…
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Plants at Their Best
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,…
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…
Ornamental Allium
Alliums, commonly known as ornamental onions, are beautiful and unique flowering bulbs. Plant allium bulbs strategically for maximum impact. Choose sunny locations with well-drained soil, allowing their dramatic blooms to bask in full…
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…
Chive
Perennial. Heb. I grow chives in my herb garden because they are incredibly versatile and easy to maintain. Their mild onion flavor enhances a variety of dishes, from salads to soups and omelets.…
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…
Spinach
Spinach is a nutritious, versatile, cool-weather leafy green. Spinach is a nutritious, versatile leafy green that is easy to grow and packed with essential vitamins and minerals. It’s a great addition to any…
Hearty twice baked potatoes
Delicious and gooey potatoes with a crispiness. These Twice Baked Potatoes are a boat full of textures and flavors, transforming humble spuds into a decadent delight. The process begins with baking russet potatoes…
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 of natural beauty. Their…
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…
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 energy into the trees…
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 an awe-inspiring experience that…
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 the landscape. In fields,…
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 that shimmer in…
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 childish wonder and mischievous…
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 sound to hear in…
Minnesota arboretum osprey nest live cam – watch nature’s wonders unfold
Minnesota Arboretum Osprey Nest Live Cam. Experience the awe of nature from the comfort of your home. Watch Ospreys build their nest, raise their young, and take flight through this Minnesota Arboretum Osprey nest live camera. Delight in…
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 melodious songs fill the…
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 among the trees, pausing…
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 to any yard lucky…
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 the air, marking…
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 air, a tribute to…
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 bird adds a touch…
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…
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 vivid splash to the natural…
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 skillfully snatch insects mid-air, contributing…
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 branches. The rhythmic drumming…
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 on our tree trunks,…
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, delicate black wings, and…
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