Insights & Inspiration
Flowering Trees
Late Spring showcases blooming flowering trees, particularly in the upper Midwest. Notable varieties include the ‘Royal Star’ and ‘Jane’ Magnolias, Northern Redbuds, Crabapples, Fringe trees, Lilacs, Serviceberries, and American Witch Hazel. These trees enhance landscape aesthetics and are ideal for smaller gardens, offering vibrant colors and seasonal interest.
Heavenly Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas. One of the more prolific blooming shrubs for Minnesota, that are extremely cold-hardy, durable, and did I forget to mention spectacular?
MYCORRHIZAE
Wait! Don’t let this fungus scare you off from reading this! This little guy is a beneficial fungus that holds the title of one of the oldest symbiotic relationships in the plant kingdom! Mycorrhizae are vital to a plants survival, just like humans need food, water and air to survive, plants need water, Phosphorus and Nitrogen to survive, and that’s exactly what the mycorrhizae assist with in each plant.
Holiday Plant Care
The holiday season brings popular plants like Poinsettias, Amaryllis, and Thanksgiving Cactus to garden centers. While many discard these after the holidays, proper care allows them to flourish year-round. Key care tips include adequate light, drainage, and seasonal adjustments to ensure continued blooming and health for these vibrant plants.
Creating Winter Interest
Winter is a quiet time of year in the garden. The flowers are no longer blooming, the pollinators have begun hibernating and the plants are dormant. A blanket of snow covers the landscape and allows us to take a break from outdoor garden activities. We often miss the lush green growth of summer and eagerly wait for spring when the garden will burst into bloom once again.
Oak Tree Pruning
In order to attain a handsome stature, it’s critical to prune an Oak early in its life. This is what is called developmental pruning. It’s done when the tree is very young to encourage proper growth as it develops in your landscape. Once an Oak reaches maturity, it’s long past time to prune for proper growth.