As you might guess from the image of our blog, the indigenous and hardy sunflowers are prominent at Plant Exchange blog. Our USDA growing zone is 4-5a, and we have had an early near frost, about a month early. Today the temperature climbs to 88 degrees F., and we’ve had many days of dry winds … Continue reading
Filed under Flowers …
Flowering Tobacco
One of this season’s best performing plants is Nicotiana or flowering tobacco. Once planted in spring, a little supplemental water is all that is required. Here it grows pest-free. It is an ornamental relative of N. tabacum that is grown for tobacco production. The lightly fragrant flowers bloom the second half of summer after seedlings are planted outdoors … Continue reading
Sunflowers Grow Here
Sunflowers grow naturally on this whole continent. These are sunflowers planted by nature along the Missouri River west of Yankton, South Dakota. Historically, Native Americans in Central and North America grew sunflowers for flour, oil, and other food. Today in Canada and the Northern Plains of the United States, farmers grow them to be processed … Continue reading
A Little Something Different with Containers
When I awoke this morning, I realized a container of sunflowers had come into bloom. While I enjoy seeing them out the window in their staging area on the deck, I began to think about how to include them with the other flower containers that we see every day for a new look. Here’s a … Continue reading
Garden Bloggers Bloom Day August 15th
Welcome to Plant Exchange blog on the Northern Plains. Mid-August here is still the crest of the blooming season for most summer-blooming annuals and perennials. Day temperatures span 85 degrees F. and higher, to the ’60s at night. With rain and supplemental watering, hummingbirds and other pollinators enjoy the variety of blooms this season. Let’s … Continue reading
Grow Sunflowers in Containers
Sunflowers and the sunny outdoors in summer go together. Sunflowers are easy to grow when direct seeded into flowerbeds. Seed catalogs advertise some sunflowers as having features for growing in containers. Plant them after the danger of frost is past. With 6-8 hours of sunlight a day, even the tallest sunflowers will mature, bloom, and … Continue reading
On the Way to “After”
Unlike yard renovation on reality TV, some projects at home take a long time. Garden bloggers see many others’ beautiful results. As of mid-summer at Plant Exchange blog, we have a little progress here! The vision for this area of the yard came from a previous owner who installed cement steps and a wall of … Continue reading
Front Entrance–Aim for attractive and functional
By mid-July, the annual and perennial plantings are established and provide texture and color to the front entrance area. The north-facing entrance and small patio area have late afternoon shade complemented by a nearby Japanese maple tree. A bit of green space under the tree, foundation plantings, especially near the entrance, and movable planters add … Continue reading
Garden Bloggers Bloom Day July 15
Welcome to Garden Bloggers Bloom Day for July 15 at Plant Exchange Blog. We average about 25 inches of rain a year and have had timely moisture so far this season. Lots of sunny days! Lately, highs have been in the mid to upper 80’s with a few days more extreme, and flowers appear to … Continue reading
Gardener Benefits of Staying Home
Staying home allows us the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of yardwork. It’s a pleasant morning to enjoy nature here at Plant Exchange blog and a second cup of coffee on the deck. The feel and result of the prairie breeze is a feature that second nature in this region. Grasses move in harmony with … Continue reading
