Monthly Archives: April 2009

Seed Starting: Things Are Looking Good!

Posted on April 30, 2009 by Mary Schier

While I have started vegetables and flowers indoors from seeds in the past, my results have been spotty at best.  Damping off, drying up, keeling over for no apparent reason — that’s the story of seed starting for me. This … Continue reading →

Posted in Seed starting | 5 Comments

Apple Blossom Time?

Posted on April 28, 2009 by Mary Schier

With the temps staying pretty cool — frost on the front yard this morning! — the only place you’ll find apple blossoms is indoors, such as these that I forced. A couple of weeks ago, I trimmed some stray branches … Continue reading →

Posted in Seasons, Shrubs and Trees | Leave a comment

New Northern Gardener Available

Posted on April 27, 2009 by Mary Schier

The May/June issue of Northern Gardener is on the newsstands now, and it’s been getting great reviews. The cover photograph, taken by Ken Friberg, is a spring-fever inducing shot of a ‘Julia Rose’ peony, one of an unusual group of … Continue reading →

Posted in See it in Northern Gardener | Leave a comment

A Few More Blooms

Posted on April 25, 2009 by Mary Schier

The recent rain and warmer temperatures have prompted a lot of growth of bulb foliage and a few more blooms. I really like the color of these ‘Grand Maitre’ crocus in the front garden. I only planted 20 last fall, … Continue reading →

Posted in Bulbs | Leave a comment

Careful Tree Placement and Other Green Ideas

Posted on April 22, 2009 by Mary Schier

In honor of Earth Day, the Northfield News ran several articles on its Green Living page by members of the city Environmental Quality Commission. I’m not on the commission but am a member of a group advising the EQC on … Continue reading →

Posted in Northfield, Trees | 1 Comment

Ready to Pop

Posted on April 18, 2009 by Mary Schier

A walk around the yard today made it clear that trees and shrubs are ready to pop. We just need a little rain — and I’m hopeful we may get it tonight and Sunday — for all the buds to … Continue reading →

Posted in Climate, Seasons | 2 Comments

Another Bulb in Bloom

Posted on April 16, 2009 by Mary Schier

These sweet little Iris reticulata are the second bulb to bloom in my yard this year. They surprised me a couple of days ago because — as has happened before — I forgot I planted them. Like the squill that … Continue reading →

Posted in Bulbs | 1 Comment

This Year, Plant a Row for the Hungry

Posted on April 15, 2009 by Mary Schier

For 14 years, the Garden Writers Association has asked its members and other active gardeners to Plant a Row for the Hungry. The idea is simple: When planning your vegetable garden, plant more than your family can eat and donate … Continue reading →

Posted in Fruits and Vegetables, Northfield, Plant a Row | 4 Comments

A Beautiful Easter and a New Raised Bed

Posted on April 13, 2009 by Mary Schier

What a nice day it was on Easter! The weather was near perfect as we attended Mass, had a nice dinner with the girls, went for a walk in the Carleton Arboretum — and, oh yes, in between those activities, … Continue reading →

Posted in Build it!, Fruits and Vegetables | 3 Comments

A Few More Signs of Spring

Posted on April 9, 2009 by Mary Schier

Griff Wigley over at Locally Grown Northfield has had it with cold weather. (Haven’t we all!) So, he’s put out a call for signs of spring. I spent a little time working in the yard today and came up with … Continue reading →

Posted in Northfield, Seasons | Leave a comment