Monthly Archives: February 2010

Dreaming at the Minneapolis Home and Garden Show

Posted on February 27, 2010 by Mary Schier

Isn’t that what home and garden shows are all about? Fantasies of life with your own personal sauna? Or how about that cute shed with the transom windows? Or a water feature that includes a brook running through a garden … Continue reading →

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Emerald Ash Borer — Learn More About It

Posted on February 26, 2010 by Mary Schier

With the Emerald Ash Borer infestation in Minnesota now spreading to Minneapolis, this spring is a good time to learn more about the borer, how it spreads, and what can be done to slow it. With millions of ash trees … Continue reading →

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The Last of the Raspberries

Posted on February 23, 2010 by Mary Schier

At lunch yesterday, I took the last half-cup or so of frozen raspberries from the freezer, thawed them a few seconds and mixed them up with some plain yogurt. Ah, sadness — my freezer is officially empty of the fruits … Continue reading →

Posted in Canning and Preserving, Fruits and Vegetables | 4 Comments

A Taste of Spring

Posted on February 20, 2010 by Mary Schier

You can tell that Minnesotans are getting itchy for spring when the section of the Home and Patio Show that is packed with people is not the one with the windows and spas and other home improvements, but the one … Continue reading →

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Home and Garden Show Season Begins

Posted on February 19, 2010 by Mary Schier

Thursday the Minnesota Home and Patio Show opened at the River Centre in St. Paul. I’ll be stopping by tomorrow afternoon and will put some photos up from the displays. Shows like these (the Minneapolis Home and Garden Show opens … Continue reading →

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It’s a Growing Business

Posted on February 16, 2010 by Mary Schier

After listening to Sara Morrison of the Backyard Grocery give her presentation on seed starting Saturday, I had a chance to ask her about her business. She is one of a growing number of “garden coaches,” people who help others … Continue reading →

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Seed Sales Support Library

Posted on February 15, 2010 by Mary Schier

Many gardeners are making their seed selections now and dreaming of this year’s garden — which I know is out there somewhere buried under 3 feet of snow. If you are planning to order seeds, consider ordering them from Botanical … Continue reading →

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Seed Starting Basics

Posted on February 14, 2010 by Mary Schier

It’s still too early to start seeds indoors but that didn’t prevent a large group of eager seed-starters from attending the Just Food Co-op class Saturday. Sara Morrison, a home gardening consultant, offered a thorough and practical overview of why … Continue reading →

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Garden School

Posted on February 11, 2010 by Mary Schier

A couple of sure signs it’s mid-February (neither brought to you by Hallmark): The sun, when it is out, seems brighter and higher in the sky as days begin to get longer.  (Minneapolis goes from days that are under 9 … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Made from Scratch

Posted on February 3, 2010 by Mary Schier

Jenna Woginrich’s Made from Scratch: Discovering the Pleasures of a Hand-Made Life is the most enjoyable and accessible of the living-off-the-land books I’ve read. Admittedly, I have not made a thorough study of the genre, but I’ve read several (This … Continue reading →

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