Plant care
Bright Vibes For Long Days
I often hear the phrase “April showers bring May flowers”. These words remind us that spring is coming. However, we don’t have to wait until May to see flowers in the landscape. Many spring bulbs begin blooming during April, even in Minnesota.
Spring Blooming Bulbs
Spring bulbs can bloom in April, providing early color in gardens. Daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths are popular choices, each offering various colors and bloom times. Minor bulbs like crocuses and snowdrops herald spring's arrival. Strategic planting ensures a succession of blooms, enhancing garden aesthetics throughout the season. Happy gardening!
Seasonal Container Gardens 
Container gardens are a vibrant way to spruce up indoor and outdoor spaces across seasons. In summer, herbs like basil and mint thrive; fall features ornamental greens and decorative pumpkins; winter showcases hardy plants that attract birds; and spring bursts with colorful blooms. Explore options at Pleasant View Gardens for seasonal inspiration.
Growing Herbs in Containers
Pruning can be a daunting task. Understanding how, when, and what to prune can be overwhelming for gardeners, regardless of experience level. It may seem as though removing parts of a shrub would lead to damage for the plant. However, proper pruning has many benefits that lead to better health and increased vigor. Winter is the ideal time to prune our shrubs and give them a fresh beginning to a new season.
Winter Pruning for Deciduous Shrubs
Winter is the best time for pruning deciduous shrubs, promoting plant health and vigor. Understanding various pruning methods, such as renewal and rejuvenation, ensures effective results. Timing is critical based on the flowering season of shrubs. Proper site selection influences future pruning needs, leading to healthier plants with reduced maintenance.
Houseplant Propagation
The guide by Matthew Olson highlights the benefits and methods of houseplant propagation, which has grown popular since the 1970s due to advantages like low-light tolerance and air quality improvement. Techniques include stem cuttings, division, leaf cutting, and layering, each providing sustainable ways to expand indoor plant collections.
The World of Conifers
As the holiday season draws near life becomes busy, but the garden is different. Plants are dormant, the migratory birds have departed, and the pollinators are hibernating. Now is an ideal time to observe the conifers.
Fall blooming Perennials and Annuals
Having plants that bloom in Fall is a perfect way to ease the transition from summer into winter. These plants give us something to look forward to in the garden at a time of year when many plants in nature begin to slow down.
Introduction to Succulents
In recent years succulents have become very popular houseplants. Taking care of succulents is relatively simple. Their two main requirements are good drainage and plenty of light. If you’re growing succulents inside, the best place for them is a south facing window, or under a grow light. You can purchase grow lights at many nurseries or online.
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?
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.
Houseplant Survival
by Barrie Anderson My eyes were following the soapy rag up and down the leaves of the Sansevieria my mother was washing. I couldn’t ...