Create A Monarch-Friendly Flower Garden

Create A Monarch-Friendly Flower Garden

With the recent release of data from monarch colonies on their Mexican overwintering grounds, once again, monarch lovers were hit hard with bad news. From population estimates, monarch numbers overwintering in Mexico last winter have reportedly decreased again.  Monarch lovers here in Wisconsin, therefore, must be more diligent than ever when it comes to planting host and nectar plants to help build numbers over the summer season. Monarch Population  Each winter, on the cool mountain slopes of interior Mexico, researchers count monarchs as they cling to the trees in large, mostly dormant clusters. Estimates of both population and winter habitat […]

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An Easy Guide For Planting Trees & Shrubs

An Easy Guide For Planting Trees & Shrubs

Trees and shrubs can bring structure and beauty throughout the year if you’re starting a new landscape or adding to your existing property. These plants also provide ecological benefits for your landscape and the planet. Before planting, it’s crucial to understand planting techniques to ensure long-term success for your landscape.  Why Proper Planting Is Essential Before we examine the specifics, let’s focus on why proper planting is essential for trees and shrubs. A common problem in landscapes is trees that are planted too deep. As a result, these trees often deteriorate from excess moisture around the stem or develop circling […]

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Amazing April Native Shrubs

Amazing April Native Shrubs

Each year, in April, some of my favorite native Wisconsin shrubs are coming into bloom in Wisconsin’s woodlands and wetlands.  Before their leaves appear, these shrubs bloom joyfully in the woods and wetlands of our state. Getting to know these amazing spring shrubs, as well as enjoying their short-lived bloom is a rewarding and enchanting journey. Eastern Redbud Eastern Redbud is another beautiful spring-blooming native shrub. Blooming on its bare stems, the tiny blooms appear in clusters all along the branches, rather than concentrated toward the end. This makes the redbud a magical shrub when in full bloom in late […]

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The Wings Of April

The Wings Of April

April has arrived and soon, the wings of spring will dance across our yards and gardens, and landscapes. Spring songbird migration is on and with every strong south wind, more and more migrants will sweep into the Wisconsin area.  Here is a guide to some of the amazing spring migrating songbirds of April. In my next blog, I’ll introduce you to even more incredible birds of April. Purple Finch Beautiful and vivacious in a unique wine purple, this finch is found in our area during spring and fall migration.  Sometimes confused with the house finch, the purple finch is, as […]

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Add Dimension To Your Garden With Summer-Blooming Bulbs

Add Dimension To Your Garden With Summer-Blooming Bulbs

If you’ve been to a tropical place, you’ve likely seen plants that made you say, “I wish I could grow that.” Like many of you, I’ve had the same experience while enjoying tropical plants. However, many tropical plants can be grown here in the summer, and with a little extra care, you can overwinter them indoors. Summer bulbs deliver the excitement of the tropics to gardeners in warm and cool climates. They come in numerous sizes, shapes, and colors, making them useful in nearly any location. It’s important to remember some hardy bulbs also flower in summer. But today, we’ll […]

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Blueberry Gardening Guide

Blueberry Gardening Guide

Blueberries are a delicious and nutritious fruit that can be grown easily in many regions. Whether you are an experienced gardener or just starting out, growing your own blueberries can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Not only do they provide a bountiful harvest of sweet, juicy berries, but they also offer a host of health benefits, including antioxidants and vitamins. In this guide, we will cover the planting and maintenance to grow blueberries. Blueberry Quick Tips Blueberry Planting Guide When To Plant Blueberry Bushes Dormant, bareroot blueberries may be planted as soon as the ground can be worked in […]

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7 Growing Tips For Begonias

7 Growing Tips For Begonias

Begonias are renowned for their vibrant, colorful blooms and distinctive foliage. With over 1,800 species, begonias come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them a popular choice for gardeners and plant enthusiasts alike. They are native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world, but can also be grown indoors as houseplants. Begonias are valued not only for their stunning appearance but also for their ease of care, making them an ideal plant for both novice and experienced gardeners. Whether you’re looking to brighten up your garden or add some color to your indoor space, begonias […]

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5 Popular Asparagus Varieties

5 Popular Asparagus Varieties

Asparagus has been cultivated and consumed for thousands of years. It is believed to have originated in the eastern Mediterranean and Asia Minor and was reportedly cultivated by the ancient Greeks and Romans. The cultivation of asparagus in Europe dates back to around the 15th century, and it was brought to the Americas by European colonists in the 16th century. While the exact date for the introduction of asparagus to this country is not known, it is a crop with a long and rich history. We have picked our 5 most popular asparagus varieties at Jung Seed Co to share […]

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An Easy Guide To Planting & Growing Strawberries

An Easy Guide To Planting & Growing Strawberries

Planting and growing strawberries is a rewarding and delicious endeavor. Strawberries are not only easy to grow, but they also produce a sweet, juicy fruit that can be enjoyed fresh or used in various culinary creations. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about planting and growing strawberries from plants. Choosing A Strawberry Type  The first step is choosing the right strawberry type. There are different types of strawberries to choose from, including June-bearing and everbearing/day-neutral. June-bearing strawberries produce fruit in early summer, while everbearing/day-neutral strawberries can produce fruit throughout the growing season, depending on your […]

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An Easy Peasy Guide To Growing Peas

An Easy Peasy Guide To Growing Peas

St. Patrick’s Day is a celebration of Irish culture and heritage. One of the most popular ways to do this is by planting peas, a crop that is closely associated with the holiday. Peas are nutritious and delicious vegetables that are easy to grow in a home garden. They are a cool-weather crop that can be planted as early as mid-March, making St. Patrick’s Day the perfect time to get started. St. Patrick’s Day Pea Planting The tradition of planting peas on St. Patrick’s Day has existed for centuries in Ireland. It is said that St. Patrick himself encouraged the […]

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