As I write this, it is Nov. 10 and the temperature outside is about 15 degrees. That’s cold, man! Even for Minnesota in late fall. The rather sudden drop in temperatures over the past couple of weeks has many gardeners wondering if we are in for a “real winter,” meaning one with lots of cold and snow. The last time…
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Over the years, I’ve made many trips to Duluth. Whenever possible, I stop at the Duluth Rose Garden, which is located in Leif Erickson Park. One time I went with my husband in September and the garden looked incredible. One of the caretakers told us that September is one of the best times in the garden. Leif Erickson Park is…
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Fall may be the most pleasant garden season in Minnesota. Our springs are usually short and unpredictable. Summers can be cool and rainy or more often hot and humid—sometimes both. In fall, the mosquitoes are down, the humidity is usually not bad and it’s very rarely hot. That’s why I’ve always planted a lot of fall-blooming perennials. This year, I…
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On Sunday, I’ll be in Northfield talking about a few of Minnesota’s horticultural heroes who I encountered while working on my new book, The Northern Gardener: From Apples to Zinnias, 150 years of Garden Wisdom. The book will be released in about two months! But because I have a long association with the Friends and Foundation of the Northfield Public…
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Like a lot of garden writers, I get to try out newish plants, courtesy of plant wholesalers. For several years, I’ve gotten plants from Proven Winners and invariably there are indeed some winners among the plants. This year, I grew two annuals from the sample plants that have grown really well, and definitely are among the “best of” plants for…
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