Garden Start Up Notes

The garden start up can require extra time and energy. We’re considering ways that help gardening year to year. For example, some community gardeners learn that reserving last year’s well-weeded garden plot again may result in less weeding time this season. A Fall to Spring cover for the vegetable garden may hold the topsoil in … Continue reading →

Once in a Blue Moon

People who like plants have plenty to do these days. At Plant Exchange blog, we’ve found the annuals for container gardens and window boxes. Now we consider new perennials that will establish where we plant them and last year to year.   At Plant Exchange blog, perennial plants are logging many growing days after a cool … Continue reading →

Memories at the Start of Summer

Memorial Day holiday is a time for honoring those who died in service to our country. Traditions include decorating graves and remembering all who have passed away. Celebrations begin the summer season. In this region, the long-lived perennial peony is often in bloom in late May and associated with the holiday. Once established in a … Continue reading →

Regional Plant-Related Event

With the infestation of Emerald Ash Borer found in Dakota Dunes, Dr. John Ball, South Dakota Forester, Professor of South Dakota State University, and South Dakota Extension, says towns nearby such as Vermillion and Yankton may see Emerald Ash Borer infestations as soon as a year or so away.  He suggests referring to the Home … Continue reading →

Are We There Yet?

Are we ready to plant transplants this start-stop spring? By the calendar, for sure. This is a view of our flower plants that will grow outdoors soon.  In this USDA Hardiness 4-5a region, the air temperatures have been in the low 70’s F. most days. Still, the soil temperatures are lagging as expected. The transition … Continue reading →

Garden Bloggers Bloom Day- May 15th

Welcome to Spring at Plant Exchange Blog on the Northern Plains, USDA Zone 4-5a. Recent soaking rain and 70-degree days are what deciduous trees, shrubs, and perennials have been waiting for!   Native plum trees, an early sign of spring, often grow in thickets, planted mainly by birds. Fragrant flowers draw many small bees and other … Continue reading →

Plants Adjust to Spring

Plants are adjusting to spring all around us. Multi-taskers (like humans), many trees, shrubs, and perennials are forming leaves and flowering.  As many plants begin spring activity after dormancy, they need startup energy. Leaves use sunlight to make food. Extra energy is also required for flowering to start procreation. Plants like daffodils and tulips use … Continue reading →

Regional Plant-Related Event

                                       Loess Hills Wild Ones Spring 2023 Native Plant Sale Members Only Friday May 19th 3-7PM– Treats ProvidedOpen to the Public May 20,21st 9-Noon 2801 S. Cecelia Sioux City, Iowa 51106  Due to an overwhelming demand for native plants from our supplier we have had to make changes to our original list of plants that will be at the sale. And … Continue reading →

The Plum Tree Announces Spring

Scattered daffodils, tulips, hellebores, and grape hyacinths sing in four-part harmony as I look around the yard for the early signs of spring. It’s been a first mowing, edging, weeding, and removing more dregs of winter day. After windy, dry weather, there’s a chance of rain. Tight flower buds of the native plum tree (Prunus … Continue reading →