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
Filed under Plants That Grow Here …
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
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
Dependable Woodland Tobacco
As the growing season ends, some plants have contributed extra for their part in the flower garden. Here, one of them is Woodland Tobacco (Nicotiana sylvestris). It’s is an ornamental plant that grows as a direct-seeded annual in this region. It’s a member of the Nightshade family (Solanaceae) that contains potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplant. Its origins … Continue reading
Flower Photo Keepsakes
It’s Fall at Plant Exchange Blog! Just the time of season to savor flowers in the yard, admire their beauty and perhaps photograph a few to see the rest of the year. Tim Schreiner of Vermillion likes flowers is a South Dakota Master Gardener Intern and a professional photographer by trade. We invite him to … Continue reading
Wind Down Summer Tips
What’s going on with this container garden? It could be titled “Where’s the chair?” We sat with friends on the deck and I noticed that the space between people and plants had grown much smaller since August. We have had a robust growing season for these annuals. Late July was when this plant was trimmed … Continue reading
Garden Bloggers Bloom Day September 15th
Welcome to Garden Bloggers Bloom Day! September in this USDA Zone 4-5a region on the Northern Plains has been wetter and cooler than average. Annuals respond well to those conditions, especially zinnias in our flowerbeds and in bouquets. Perennial Echinacea cone flowers have had a long bloom season. Black-eyed Susan vine continues to bloom on … Continue reading
