Creating Firework-Inspired Floral Displays

Creating Firework-Inspired Floral Displays

Fireworks have long been a captivating spectacle, filling the night sky with bursts of vibrant colors and mesmerizing patterns. Their ability to create a sense of awe and wonderment has inspired artists and designers in various fields. One such creative endeavor is the fusion of fireworks and floral displays, resulting in stunning arrangements that capture the essence of fireworks’ magic. Let’s explore the art of creating firework-inspired floral displays, bringing the beauty and energy of fireworks into the realm of botanic artistry. Choosing the Right Flowers To achieve a firework-inspired floral display, selecting the right flowers is crucial. Opt for […]

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Year of the Black-eyed Susan

Year of the Black-eyed Susan

The coming year is going to be a good year for an old-fashioned favorite. Black-eyed Susan, botanically known as Rudbeckia, has been named the perennial plant of the year by two of the gardening industry’s most prestigious plant organizations. Specifically, the garden hybrid known as American Gold Rush, has been named Perennial Plant of the Year by the Perennial Plant Association. Additionally, The National Garden Bureau has proclaimed 2023 as the Year of the Rudbeckia. Quite an honor for such a traditional, longtime favorite. Easy To Grow Perennial Black-eyed Susans are one of the easiest to grow-garden plants. They will grow […]

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Controlling Common Vegetable Garden Pests

Controlling Common Vegetable Garden Pests

If you’ve grown veggies before, you understand the satisfaction of harvesting the fruits of your labor. But you also know the struggles of dealing with insect pests intent on consuming the harvest for you. Each type of vegetable is prone to certain insect pests, so it’s crucial to scout your crops to minimize their impact regularly. Today we’ll look at common insect pests and how to manage them in your garden. Keep in mind these are only some insect pests you may encounter, and most insect species are beneficial for your plants. To learn more about insect pests, head to […]

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The Beauty of Orchids

The Beauty of Orchids

The orchid year has already begun and throughout Wisconsin, a variety of late spring and early summer native orchids are now in bloom.  Wisconsin boasts up to 40 species of native wild orchids, along with one exotic, invasive orchid species. These can be found in many areas of the state.  The orchids of late spring and early summer are a beautiful and elegant bunch. To find most of them, you must be willing to explore deep into some of our thickest tamarack and spruce bogs, filled with ticks and mosquitoes. And, of course, you’ll likely get pretty wet. If you’re […]

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New 2023 Summer/Fall Garden Catalog Review

New 2023 Summer/Fall Garden Catalog Review

As the warmth of summer settles in and the vibrant colors of spring begin to fade, it’s important not to forget that the gardening journey doesn’t end there. Summer and fall bring their own unique opportunities to cultivate nature’s beauty and harvest a bountiful harvest. While the scorching sun may pose challenges, it also offers a chance to grow heat-loving plants like tomatoes, peppers, and sunflowers. Embrace the longer days and create an oasis of green with vibrant flowers, cascading vines, and luscious foliage. And as the leaves start to fall, don’t let the fading light dampen your gardening spirit. […]

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Selecting Shrubs for Colorful Foliage

Selecting Shrubs for Colorful Foliage

As I look through my old garden photos, I’m reminded of the impact of foliage plants on the landscape. Shrubs, in particular, can provide you with color that continues to draw interest. The color of these shrubs is often amplified by their unique leaf texture or plant structure. Today, we’ll look at shrubs that offer exceptional color on the leaves. In addition to striking foliage, many of these shrubs have attractive flowers. These shrubs range from small and compact to large and more spreading. Bush Honeysuckle (Diervilla) A spreading shrub that fills in large sites and is often used to […]

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Create Sizzling Summer Container Displays

Create Sizzling Summer Container Displays

Summer is quickly approaching, so it’s time to decorate your outdoor spaces with plants. Containers are a fantastic way to display plants on your patio, balcony, or any outdoor space, giving you a close view of gorgeous flowers and unique foliage. Before you head to the nursery and stock up on plants, it’s essential to have a plan for your pots. Container Goals Before summer begins, take a few moments to set goals for your container displays. Here are some questions to ask yourself: Design Elements When it comes to containers, plants are typically grouped into one of three categories, […]

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Carrot Gardening Guide

Carrot Gardening Guide

Carrots, with their vibrant orange hue and crisp, earthy flavor, have long been a beloved staple in kitchens and gardens around the world. These versatile root vegetables not only add a burst of color and crunch to salads, stews, and stir-fries but also boast an array of health benefits. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a novice enthusiast, cultivating your own carrots can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. From selecting the right varieties to nurturing them through each stage of growth, the journey of growing carrots allows you to connect with the earth, witness nature’s wonders, and ultimately enjoy […]

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Perennial Planting: How To Overcome Difficult Planting Sites

Perennial Planting: How To Overcome Difficult Planting Sites

As gardeners, many of us have that one spot in the yard where no plant will grow except the weeds. It may be a dry site under a tree or a sandy area in full sun. While frustrating, this dilemma allows us to explore plant options we may not have considered. Perennials may appear delicate, but they can be problem solvers in challenging areas of the landscape. Let’s examine some difficult sites and the perennials that will thrive in them. 3 Types Of Challenging Plants Sites Dry Shade The term “dry shade” refers to an area primarily shaded with soil […]

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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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