Plants
How to Store Squash for Winter
It looks like fall is finally coming in, and that means it will soon be time to store squash for winter. Depending on the variety, winter squash can keep for weeks or months, allowing you to eat from your garden well into winter. Harvest Tips For the best storage, harvest squash when they are fully…
Read MoreTips for Moving Houseplants Indoors for Winter
Most years, northern gardeners who bring their houseplants outside for summer would be done moving houseplants indoors by now. But with the warm temperatures we’ve had this fall, there may be a few hoyas, pothos, citrus trees or other houseplants still hanging out on the patio. The time for moving will soon be upon us,…
Read MoreWhich Heritage Apples are Still Available?
Recently, our community outreach manager Courtney Tchida visited the Gibbs Farm, a wonderful historic site run by the Ramsey County Historical Society. There, she had a chance to taste one of Minnesota’s most important heritage apples—the Wealthy apple. The hort society really got its start because of apples and one of the most significant (and…
Read MorePlant Profile: Parkland Pillar Birch
This article by Debbie Lonnee appeared in the November/December 2019 issue of Northern Gardener. Savvy northern gardeners know that winter is a gardening season and plants that enhance our long, snowy winters are a welcome addition to our landscape. Evergreen foliage, colorful shrubby stems, berries and bark color are all attributes of plants that stand…
Read MorePlanting Perennials in Fall
Fall is a great time to plant spring-blooming bulbs, tress, shrubs and, yes, perennials. While many people choose spring for planting perennials, there are some real advantages to fall planting, especially if you do it in September. Here are five reasons to be planting perennials in fall: Softer Weather. May weather is all over the…
Read MorePlant to Pick: ‘Blackhawks’ Big Bluestem
This article by Debbie Lonnee originally appeared in the September/October 2020 issue of Northern Gardener. Ornamental grasses add height and texture to our gardens. ‘Blackhawks’ big bluestem also adds exceptional fall (and summer) colors to the perennial garden. Many northern gardeners have cultivars of little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) in their gardens. Much breeding work over…
Read MoreGoldenrod and Asters
This article by Rhonda Fleming Haye originally appeared in the September/October 2020 issue of Northern Gardener. Salt and pepper. Batman and Robin. Spaghetti and meatballs. Rhythm and blues. Goldenrod and asters. What? Allow me some alliteration when I say goldenrod and asters are a perfect pairing of powerhouse plants for pollinators. Robin Wall Kimmerer, author of…
Read MorePlant Profile: Lovely Lemon Balm
This article by Samantha Johnson originally appeared in the September/October 2020 issue of Northern Gardener. As your eyes drift across the garden, you might not immediately notice the bushy herb with the jagged-edged leaves. It’s easy to overlook amongst the sunflowers and the summer squash and the snapdragons. But let’s take a closer look at…
Read MorePlant Profile: Anise Hyssop
This article by Beth Stetenfield first appeared in the September/October 2020 issue of Northern Gardener. Anise hyssop is a tactile plant; soft to the touch when in full bloom and as it develops seeds. It also appeals to the other senses—the scent of the foliage is reminiscent of licorice and is used in teas, jams,…
Read MorePlant Profile: Cardinal Flower
This article by Lynn Steiner first appeared September/October 2019 issue of Northern Gardner. Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) gets its name from the brilliant red flowers that grow in an elongated cluster atop the stems, midsummer through early fall. The tubular flowers are two-lipped, with the three lobes of the lower lip appearing more prominent than…
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