Thursday, May 28, 2009, 11:03 PM - Landscaping
Do you have perennials that look like the plant on the left? Pruning will help promote healthy growth and clear away unslightly dead branches.
To safely prune, use clean, sharp pruning shears. Approximately 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch above new growth, cut the branch at a 45-degree angle.
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Thursday, May 28, 2009, 10:52 PM - Landscaping
This 5-foot by 12-foot vegetable garden was dug and planted within 90 minutes (with 2 people). The garden is big enough for 3 rows of vegetables (just onions, carrots and tomatoes this year).
1. Using a tiller, break up the sod into the shape and size of your finished garden.
2. Once the sod is broken up, rake awake the chunks of sod. Till approx. 6 inches into the ground.
3. Using a straight-edge shovel, edge your garden for clean lines.
4. Add compost and as much other organic material as possible. For our 5x12 garden, we added 4 bags of compost plus 12 months worth of homemade compost. If your soil has heavy clay, add garden lime. Till in the compost.
5. Next till in garden fertilizer. We used one small bag.
6. Now that our garden is complete, we can begin planting.
7. Create straight rows with two sticks and long piece of string.
8. Lightly hoe into the soil per the seed package's directions.
9. Here, we planted yellow onions.
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Wednesday, May 20, 2009, 10:47 PM - Landscaping
Step into one of our greenhouses and drink in the vibrant colors and fragrances. Add instant color to your garden as you wait for your perennials to bloom - or create an inviting arrangement of planters at your front door.
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Tuesday, May 19, 2009, 09:32 PM - Landscaping
Bring the calming effects of running water to your backyard with a waterfall or fountain. Numerous fountain and bird bath designs to choose from.
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Tuesday, May 19, 2009, 09:10 PM - Landscaping
Fairy gardens are magical, miniature environments designed for adventure, mystery and fun. No two are alike and come in all shapes and sizes. Create a fairy garden as a permanent fixture to your existing flower garden, or build one in a wide, shallow container.
To begin, find pint-size plants (herbs work wonderfully), soil, miniature furniture and statuary, pebbles, discarded bits of flagstone and other tiny "found" objects that you think visiting fairies might enjoy.
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Sunday, July 6, 2008, 12:53 PM - Landscaping
How to Remove Spittlebugs
by Lawn King
Spittlebugs are best known in their nymph stage in which they produce a cover of what looks like frothy spit which is commonly known as cuckoo spit or snake spit. The froth hides the nymph from predators and parasites, it insulates against heat and cold and also keeps it moist. Without the froth the bug would quickly dry up. The nymphs pierce plants and suck sap causing damage.
They do not generally cause major damage and chemical control is unnecessary and does not provide control. I just squish the spittled area bug, stem and all. That takes care of them.
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Monday, May 19, 2008, 11:24 PM - Landscaping
Salmon Steaks in Cucumber Sauce
by Chef Trent & Lawn King
Our recent cooking demonstration, May 17, was a huge success. Chef Trent prepared two different entrees prepared with fresh herbs. The following is one of the recipes from the event.
4 eight-once salmon steaks
Salmon sauce:
1 eight-ounce tub of sour cream
2/3 c. finely chopped, seeded cucumber
2 T. minced shallot
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 T. fresh basil, chopped
1/8 tsp. white pepper
Brown salmon on both sides. Place salmon in baking dish and place sauce atop of salmon. Pour poaching liquid around salmon.
Poaching liquid:
1 c. water
1/2 c. sherry
1 sm. onion, minded
2 sprigs fresh parsley
1/4 tsp. pepper
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Sunday, March 4, 2007, 04:06 PM - Landscaping
How to Read Plant Tags
by Lawn King
Bloom Season
SP = Blooms from late April through June.
SU = Blooms late June through August.
F = Blooms late August through September.
W = Blooms September through late October.
Special Notes
V = This vigurous grower will require frequent pruning.
S = This self-seeding plant will expand the initial planting area.
D = Plants that benefit from dead-heading will bloom more often and make the plant stronger, but require more maintenance.
I = Invasive plants must be contained with either a wood, vinyl or brick border to prevent them from spreading into your lawn.
HP = Plants that require hard pruning will need to be pruned all the way back to the stalk to encourage new growth in the spring. Prune* these plants in the early spring or fall. Ideally, it best to prune these types of plants in the dead of winter to keep insects and disease at bay.
*It is important to sterlize your pruning equipment and protect all plant wounds from insects.
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Saturday, February 24, 2007, 12:58 AM - Landscaping
Pack a picnic, pose with your new groom, get down on one knee to propose or take Mom out for a stroll on a warm, sunny summer day to one of these beautiful Minnesota gardens.
Normandale Japanese Garden
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Leif Erickson Park Rose Garden
Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary
Munsinger Gardens and Clemens Gardens
Noerenberg Memorial Gardens
Edinborough Park
Loring Park
Is your favorite garden not listed here? Please help grow this list.
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Saturday, November 18, 2006, 02:00 AM - Landscaping
Full Sun
Place plants on the west and south side of your home.
Partial Sun
Place plant on the east side of your home.
Shade
Place plant on the north side of your home or in a densely foliated area of your lawn.
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