“June is the gateway drug of summer.” – Unknown
Week 23 of the year is a perfect time to embrace the joys of gardening and bird watching as nature is in full bloom. In the garden, focus on nurturing plants and maintaining their health. Early summer is ideal for deadheading spent flowers to encourage new blooms and pruning shrubs to maintain their shape. Fertilize flower beds, vegetables, and container plants to give them a mid-season boost. Pay attention to watering schedules, as the warmer weather may require more frequent hydration, especially for newly planted flowers or vegetables. Mulching garden beds can help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay, making maintenance easier.
For bird watching, week 23 offers vibrant activity as migratory birds settle into summer habitats and local species become more active. Set up bird feeders with a variety of seeds, suet, or nectar to attract different species. Fresh water is essential, so ensure bird baths are clean and filled. Consider adding native plants, shrubs, or trees to your garden to provide natural shelter and food sources for birds. Keep binoculars and a field guide handy to identify visiting species, and take time to observe their behaviors. Engaging in these activities not only enhances your outdoor space but also deepens your connection to the natural world.
Fall & Winter Gardening Guidance
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
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…
Gardening Science
Evidence-based approaches for improving plant growth and vitality. Innovative scientific discoveries are reshaping gardening practices. Advances in soil microbiology reveal the intricate relationships between plants and beneficial microbes, offering new insights into nutrient…
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…
Plants at Their Best
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…
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…
Asiatic Lily
One of my favorite additions for a pop of color in a flower bed are Asiatic lilies. Asiatic lily bulbs are indispensable garden additions, contributing vibrant hues and captivating elegance. With an array…
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…
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,…
Weigela
Perennial. Flowering Shrub. Weigela, prized for its vibrant and trumpet-shaped flowers, is a stunning addition to my garden. With varieties showcasing hues from pink to deep red, Weigela brings a burst of color…
Stella D’Oro Daylily
Perennial. Stella D’Oro daylilies (Hemerocallis ‘Stella D’Oro’) are prized for their prolific, golden-yellow blooms and versatility in garden design. These compact perennials thrive in a variety of climates and soil conditions, providing continuous…
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,…
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…
Gray Catbird
Mimics. Secretive, melodious birds. Catbirds are medium-sized songbirds known for their distinctive “mewing” calls, which resemble a cat’s meow. Belonging to the Mimidae family, they are skilled mimics, capable of imitating the songs of other birds and even…
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…
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 robin size, striking rusty…
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…
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…
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 mesmerizing effect. This woodpecker’s distinctive…
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,…
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