Filed under Flowers …

Garden Bloggers Bloom Day–August 15th

Welcome to Plant Exchange Blog on the Northern Plains (USDA Zone 4-5a). After a summer of drought, today we received 3.9 inches of rain that fell steadily in the morning and afternoon, and we are grateful. The Joe Pye Weed that can tolerate much more moisture than it’s received is in full bloom, along with Echinacea. In … Continue reading →

Native Plant Sense

Lewis & Clark Recreation Area entrance sign welcomes visitors with pup tents and large recreational vehicles. They see a field of native grasses in the distance, limestone-like visitors will see glow along Missouri River cliffs at sunrise, and native Liatris or blazing star, soon to bloom purple at the state park. When you garden with … Continue reading →

Garden Vegetables this Season

Perennial coneflowers and yellow gaillardia are having a party in the early August flowerbed. But let’s look at the progress of plants in the vegetable garden since early June. Beans have been bearing for about three weeks. We prefer planting several varieties of bush green beans due to unexpected pests or diseases. Fresh beans are … Continue reading →

Coneflowers and Cultivated Cousins

Coneflowers (Echinacea purpura) are common in flowerbeds and public spaces in this region. People find that the perennial Echinacea grows well yearly, has few diseases or pests, and requires modest maintenance once established. As the coneflower is native here, its appearance is authentic with other successfully growing plants on the Northern Plains. Like other native … Continue reading →

Garden Bloggers Bloom Day-July 15th

Welcome to Plant Exchange Blog. We’re along the Missouri River on the southern edge of South Dakota on the Northern Plains, USDA Zone 4 and 5. We have high temperatures in the 90’s, like some other areas. This season, a goal is to add more colorful perennials to flowerbeds. I enjoy trying to grow some … Continue reading →

Our Garden Isn’t Perfect

The July 4th holiday is about a gardening midpoint in this four-season region. By now, pop up greenhouses have few early season orphans left and landscape design magazine grade blooms and veggies are primarily found in nurseries that grow plants. Many gardening options are still available to start or continue gardening this season. Perennial delphiniums bloom … Continue reading →

Garden Bloggers Bloom Day-June 15th

Welcome to Plant Exchange Blog on the Northern Plains (USDA zone 4b-5a). Summer temperatures are beginning to roll over the short spring. Peonies have been beautiful this year. This flower and a shrub of white peonies are still blooming. The flowers are as beautiful and short-lived on the plant and as cut arrangements. There’s always … Continue reading →

What You Looking At?

What someone sees, who likes plants, and what Ms. Wild Turkey sees likely differ. After spring rains, the yellow yarrow and purple catmint begin to bloom. The lime barberry shrub accents the yellow. Most of the trees and shrubs in this region now have leaves, except for the fenced Japanese maple, which is slow to … Continue reading →

Planned, Wild, and Free

Many herbaceous and woody perennials are growing again. It’s a time to celebrate plants that have broken dormancy in the fall and winter drought conditions. Likely, we will find gaps in the flowerbeds, and local greenhouses have many options. Don Engebretson, design writer for the Northern Gardener magazine, is quoted in an article in the June issue … Continue reading →