Monthly Archives: February 2009

More Proof of the Boom in Food Gardening

Posted on February 27, 2009 by Mary Schier

I was in Menards the other day buying some gear to start seeds indoors when the helpful guy in the light department told me they were out of the kind of light I was looking for and it would not … Continue reading →

Posted in Fruits and Vegetables, Garden Trends | 2 Comments

Update on the Critter Situation

Posted on February 25, 2009 by Mary Schier

Well, there I was, feeling all zen about having a mole in my backyard, recognizing the great things about moles and feeling very accepting of critters in general. Then, I went outside yesterday to set out some winter sowing containers … Continue reading →

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Succulent Photos

Posted on February 23, 2009 by Mary Schier

I love photographing succulents because of the textures and the lines. Here are a couple of shots of Jim Laupan’s succulents on display at the Minnesota Home and Patio Show, which ended yesterday. The light in the hall was not … Continue reading →

Posted in Container Gardening, Events, Garden Photography, MSHS News | 1 Comment

A Succulent Event at the Home and Patio Show

Posted on February 21, 2009 by Mary Schier

The Minnesota Home and Patio Show at the St. Paul River Centre this weekend has a passel of great programs for gardeners, as well as a chance to talk with many landscapers from the Twin Cities. One of the trendier … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

The Last of the Pesto

Posted on February 18, 2009 by Mary Schier

Tonight I sauted some chicken breasts and served them with a little pasta bathed in the last of the pesto I froze last summer. It’s a bittersweet moment: I’m out of my homemade pesto, but that also means we’re getting … Continue reading →

Posted in Herbs | Leave a comment

A Bouquet of Mini Book Reviews

Posted on February 17, 2009 by Mary Schier

Garden books tend to come out at two times of the year: when the season is over in fall and just as it begins in early spring.  So, my poor mail carrier has been delivering lots of big packages with … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews | Leave a comment

Northern Gardener Featured on KARE-TV

Posted on February 15, 2009 by Mary Schier

I can’t remember an article in Northern Gardener that has gotten the response we’ve had to Michelle Mero Riedel’s article about winter sowing, which appeared in the January/February issue. Winter sowing involves using milk jugs and pop bottles as mini-greenhouses … Continue reading →

Posted in Classes for Gardeners, Perennials, Seed starting | 6 Comments

Book Review: A Sane Approach to Critter Issues

Posted on February 13, 2009 by Mary Schier

Like many northern gardeners, I’ve battled critters pretty much as long as I’ve gardened. At my old house, the issue was raccoons, who had a cozy home in the storm sewer under our street. At my current house, we’ve dealt … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Critters | Leave a comment

Another Lousy Day in Paradise

Posted on February 12, 2009 by Mary Schier

I’m traveling home today from southwest Florida, where it is — as my father is fond of saying — another lousy day in paradise. I am leaving Naples to head back to Minnesota where the weather has been rainy, windy, … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Basil in the Landscape

Posted on February 6, 2009 by Mary Schier

Among herbs, I consider basil and parsley the dynamic duo. No herb or vegetable garden is complete without a few plants of each. Whether making pesto or spicing up a spaghetti sauce or a salad, basil is a must. Now … Continue reading →

Posted in Herbs | 2 Comments