Dahlias, with their stunning array of colors, shapes, and sizes, are a favorite among gardeners looking to add vibrant, long-lasting beauty to their landscapes. Growing dahlias might seem daunting, but with a little guidance and patience, you will be rewarded with a spectacular display from mid-summer to the first frost. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully grow and maintain these captivating flowers, ensuring your garden flourishes. Understanding Dahlia Tubers Dahlia tubers are bulbus storage roots. When fully mature they grow in a circular starfish-like pattern with several tubers attached to a central crown. […]
Author: James Johnsen
Shade Garden Design Ideas
Updated: August 21, 2024 What comes to mind when you think of gardening in the shade? For me, it’s a chance to think outside the box and grow a unique garden. In some ways, shade can be limiting, but many plants will thrive in these conditions. Advantages of Gardening in Shade The shade allows you to combine colors and textures and create a peaceful space in your garden. If you have mature trees, consider underplanting them with perennials and making a walking path that weaves visitors through the garden. Add seating areas for those hot summer days when you need […]
Dos And Don’ts When Gardening With Children
In 2021, the average weekly screen time for children rose to 5 hours and 33 minutes. In the age of ‘iPad children’, it’s more important than ever to ensure your child has physical activities and outdoor hobbies to engage in. Considering trying out gardening with your little one? Read on as we provide the dos and don’ts to make your child’s outdoor time safe, happy, and filled with fun (more fun than an iPad screen!). Benefits Of Gardening With Your Little One Are you unsure whether your child will take to gardening? Here are some reasons why it’s worth putting […]
Using Plants to Increase Your Home’s Humidity
Do you live in a place that has a cold temperature all year round, or in a region that has a dry climate? If yes, it’s likely that you’re constantly coping with health symptoms and conditions due to the low humidity levels in your home. Dry air causes a host of health issues ranging from sore throat to respiratory problems, and now, recent research shows that diseases transmitted by saliva-coated viruses can remain infectious for more than two hours if they are in dry air. “It shows that this type of virus can hang around for quite a while,” said the study’s […]
Discovering & Growing Woodland Wildflowers
There are many plants we can talk about this time of year, so let’s take a moment to enjoy the early-season natives that are filling the forests with color. Their appearance is brief, but these beauties are a great source of joy after a long winter. One of my early childhood memories is traveling to our family cabin in spring and seeing carpets of trilliums covering the forests along the highway. I encourage you to explore your local forests and look for woodland wildflowers. And guess what? You can grow these plants at home too! What Are Woodland Wildflowers? This […]
Spring Gardening: Managing Invasive Species
Hiking is one of the best ways to see native plants. Still, as you explore the woods, you may encounter invasive species that are overtaking the existing natives. These invasives can spread to your property and cause problems, especially if you have any wooded areas near your home. Let’s take a moment to examine these plants and how to manage them. What Is An Invasive Species? You may have heard this term before, but what does it mean? An invasive species is a living species that is non-native to a specific region and causes harm to the environment. Invasives can […]
Easy Ways To Create A Mindful Garden From Scratch
Gardening is a wonderful way to enhance your well-being while connecting with nature. Not only is it a great way to get some fresh air and exercise, but it can help you to relax since caring for live plants can relieve fatigue and stress. Moreover, it can be an excellent mindful activity since gardening requires focus, and you need to be physically present for it. In an interview with The New York Times, English psychiatrist Sue Stuart-Smith explains how gardening, which enables people to work with nature’s energy, can be a form of meditation. “People often describe losing themselves in the […]
Cicada Emergence 2024: Protecting Your Garden & Landscape
Have you ever heard the buzz of cicadas on a hot summer afternoon? Their distinct sound carries across the landscape as a reminder that summer is upon us. These insects will be even more prominent this summer in certain parts of the country. Let’s dive in and learn about these fascinating insects and their effect on the landscape. What Are Cicadas? Cicadas are a group of insects with over 1,300 species across the globe, with most of them living in tropical areas. They’re also closely related to leafhoppers and aphids. In the Midwest, we have nearly a dozen species of […]
How To Create A Rain Garden
Picture this: it’s a hot summer day, and you’re heading to the garden to water your plants when suddenly, a rainstorm arrives, and you don’t have to water them anymore. For many of us, that’s a dream come true. However, the excess water from these rain events can end up on roads and sidewalks, causing less water to be absorbed by the soil. As the water runs along the road, it may pick up pollutants and other debris, which may end up in lakes and rivers. A great way to reroute some of this water is creating a rain garden, […]
Bee Gardens: Cultivating Pollinator Paradises
A bee garden featuring wildflowers, native grasses, and herbs serves as a biodiverse haven for nurturing bee populations. Nectar-rich wildflowers like bloodroot and Virginia bluebells offer a colorful feast for bees, while herbs like sage, thyme, and oregano also provide abundant nectar and pollen for these vital pollinators. Interspersed among them, native grasses like little bluestem and switchgrass provide essential habitat and nesting sites. Together, these elements create a thriving ecosystem where bees flourish, pollinating crops and wild plants alike. Remarkably, a single bee lawn in Minneapolis, featuring a mix of flowers, was found to attract over 50 species of bees. And, […]