Between the stop and start of seasons is a space that gives the amaryllis time to grow and produce lily-sized blossoms. It’s the time when the blooms of last season’s Portulaca (moss rose) under the grow light finally catches your attention. Now, between seasons, the blooms of December peppers satisfy the hungry spirit more than … Continue reading
Snow for Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving from Plant Exchange Blog! Awaking to snow, wild plum branches are so distinct. The world is new. Grasses each so distinct, contrast against white. Chickadee friends depend on seeds and sometimes disperse them. We’re all in this together. Happy Thanksgiving to you!
What’s Global Warming to Lilacs?
Lilacs in bloom across northern states are a reliable marker of spring. The common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) is so predictable in the plant’s adjustment to seasonal conditions before it presents its spring bloom, that lilacs have been studied nationally since the 1970’s as a harbinger of spring. Here’s a photo from this spring of local … Continue reading
Garden Bloggers Bloom Day– November 15th
Welcome to Plant Exchange Blog on the Northern Plains, USDA zone 4b-5a. High temperature on this sunny day is expected to be under 60 degrees F and below freezing tonight. We’ve had the first snowfall. Tree leaves are discolored, dry and are falling. Indoors, our houseplants supply welcome green. Potted Camellia japonicas are in full … Continue reading
A Few Dibbles And Bits
Reason to prune trees, chickens as a pesticide alternative, and a plant labeling tip are this week’s Plant Exchange Blog topics. We are grateful to all who share plant-relative information, ideas, and tips from experience that come from professionals and experienced gardeners of the region such as these below. Trees that are properly pruned have … Continue reading
Milkweed Lady Mystery
Ariana Terry of Yankton revealed the mystery of milkweed plants that just appeared among door prizes for attendees at several Master Gardener sponsored public plant talks. Butterfly weed with its attractive flowers grows well in this region. This is one of the milkweeds that grow here and help protect the showy monarch. Terry shares a … Continue reading
Breathless Autumn
Cottonwoods reach a golden yellow in this daily shift of fall color. Sumac has peaked and softly declines. Norway maple begins to turn. It’s time to find a tree and look up. Thanks from Plant Exchange Blog. Have a memorable day.
Change of Season
First frost reminds us that change of season is underway. Some leaves have fallen and others are changing colors in this last half of October. A few houseplants return directly indoors. This potted camelia already began blooming outdoors under the magnolia tree where it spent the summer. Some other kinds of camelia will bloom later and are … Continue reading
Garden Bloggers Bloom Day- October 15th
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
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
