Fall can be short-lived on the Northern Plains, so we enjoy the good days like today. Lewis & Clark Recreation Area on the Missouri River is a fine place for a stroll. Prominent lime cliffs are a signature along the river at the park, so plants and stonework at the entrance to the park reflect … Continue reading
Regional Plant-Related Event
South Dakota Local Foods Conference in Pierre, SD Growers, processors, chefs and consumers passionate about local foods are invited to register for the 2019 South Dakota Local Foods Conference (SDLFC) scheduled for Nov. 1-2 at the RedRossa Italian Grille in Pierre, SD. This regional event will provide networking opportunities, speaker panels, and educational sessions on tools … Continue reading
Wayne’s Hobby Garden
We look for what adds dimension and a bit of passion to an ordinary day. Wayne Nelson-Stastny says his vegetable and ornamental gardening hobby adds to his mind, body, and spirit. The way he chooses to garden, he is involved in it most of the year. His plans for the garden include seeds from many cultures. … Continue reading
Dependable Woodland Tobacco
As the growing season ends, some plants have contributed extra for their part in the flower garden. Here, one of them is Woodland Tobacco (Nicotiana sylvestris). It’s is an ornamental plant that grows as a direct-seeded annual in this region. It’s a member of the Nightshade family (Solanaceae) that contains potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplant. Its origins … Continue reading
Flower Photo Keepsakes
It’s Fall at Plant Exchange Blog! Just the time of season to savor flowers in the yard, admire their beauty and perhaps photograph a few to see the rest of the year. Tim Schreiner of Vermillion likes flowers is a South Dakota Master Gardener Intern and a professional photographer by trade. We invite him to … Continue reading
Wind Down Summer Tips
What’s going on with this container garden? It could be titled “Where’s the chair?” We sat with friends on the deck and I noticed that the space between people and plants had grown much smaller since August. We have had a robust growing season for these annuals. Late July was when this plant was trimmed … Continue reading
Garden Bloggers Bloom Day September 15th
Welcome to Garden Bloggers Bloom Day! September in this USDA Zone 4-5a region on the Northern Plains has been wetter and cooler than average. Annuals respond well to those conditions, especially zinnias in our flowerbeds and in bouquets. Perennial Echinacea cone flowers have had a long bloom season. Black-eyed Susan vine continues to bloom on … Continue reading
Yard that Celebrates Summer
Paula and Dan Hicks have generated a yard that celebrates summer. Flowers turn heads from spring to fall. Many visited their yard on the Missouri Valley Master Gardener Yard and Garden Tour in June. Salmon blossoms and bright green foliage against their white-washed red brick house, red and purple petunias cascading from a décor cart, … Continue reading
Nasturtiums for Flowers and Food
Nasturtiums grow flowers and foliage until frost. You can start with a packet of seeds, grow them and enjoy their beauty, and end up with seeds for next year. They’re as easy to grow as lightly covering Alaska Mix nasturtium seeds with potting soil in a container and watering when the soil surface is dry. … Continue reading
In Season with Chef Staci
We hold outdoor times precious in the countdown to cold weather in this region. The garden is still has luscious produce. The grill is as hot as the oven for meals. Chef Staci Pederson has some easy, tasty ideas for alternative pizzas. “I love this time of year—fresh tomatoes!” said Chef Staci, executive chef at … Continue reading
