What is attracting most pollinators at Plant Exchange today is the native plant, Wild Bergamot or Bee Balm (USDA Zone 4-8). The perennial likely will continue blooming into the summer. Wild Bergamot grows to about 4 feet tall, and the stems remain upright in windy conditions in the back of the flowerbed. According to Xerces … Continue reading
Peonies for the Northern Plains
On a day more like summer than spring, peony blossoms are rescued from the heat for a few days for enjoyment indoors. The white flowers are lightly fragrant, a hint of spice. Peonies are long-lived perennials that have many magnificent flowers over a week or so in late spring. A characteristic is that the flowers … Continue reading
Regional Plant-Related Event
Loess Hills Wild Ones Sioux City area Garden Tours We’re pleased to announce the summer 2021 Garden Tour open houses featuring native plants! These are come-and-go as you can between the hours noted. A friendly member or two will host each site, like an open house except with gardens. The first tour features gardens on the … Continue reading
Gardening in the Moment
In the rush of spring planting, there’s so much available to see now that quickly changes. Maybe the elusive quality of peony flowers makes them even more beautiful as you admire them now and the wind plucks their petals. Moisture is a premium this spring at Plant Exchange and throughout South Dakota this spring. Thankfully, … Continue reading
Regional Plant-Related Event
Iowa State University Extension and OutreachWoodbury County www.EXTENSION.IASTATE.EDU/WOODBURY for more information and sign up for the free virtual sessions. Green Thumb: Summer Gardening SeriesMaster Gardeners in Woodbury County are partnering with the Sioux City Public Library to provide education to the community. These sessions are free to the public and will take place virtually throughout the summer. Two … Continue reading
Surprises in Spring Gardening
Spring gardening is fast-paced and a bit erratic at Plant Exchange blog. There are lots of surprises. Most are fun. What a surprise! Out the computer window, a favorite peony is in bloom. It dances in the breeze this mild spring day. Long-lived perennial peonies are bursts of color in spring. Below is a versatile … Continue reading
Regional Plant-Related Event
Looking for timely garden topics for the South Dakota? “SDSU Extension Garden and Yard Newsletter” is available upon request at no cost at this link: SDSU.Extension@sdstate.edu
Garden Bloggers Bloom Day-May 15th
Welcome to Plant Exchange blog on the Northern Plains. Spring is here! Trees are in flower, such as this redbud, and are leafing out. The broad palette of green is everywhere. Our region is USDA Zone 4-5a. Today’s projected temperatures are 77 degrees F. with overnight low as 48 degrees F. We have had a … Continue reading
Unforgettable Lilacs
It’s a bouquet of lilac flowers, the lowest ones in reach, shades of lavender, the kind you bury your face in, to experience the fragrance of blossoms and sun-warmed leaves. Held with two hands with a drawing, signed in big letters, is an unforgettable Mothers’ Day. When driving by the rows of lilacs against evergreens … Continue reading
Regional Plant-Related Event
South Dakota State University Extension Garden Hour starts May 4th Hosted by Dr. Rhoda Burrows and Dr. John Ball with occasional special guests The weekly garden topics show, Tuesdays from May 4th – the end of September, is about gardens in South Dakota and the region as they progress through the season. Drs. Burrows and Ball have … Continue reading
