Spring approaches and recedes with high temperatures above 60 degrees F. and snow flurries predicted. A cottonwood tree by the river has promising buds, and arrows of snow geese have begun angling north. By 10:00AM, after an overnight frost on these pre-spring days, the sun has warmed all but the shadows of trees. In our … Continue reading
Garden Bloggers Bloom Day-February 15th
Welcome to Plant Exchange Blog on the snow-covered Northern Plains (USDA Zones 4b-5a) with northwest winds topping 37 degrees F.. Indoors, one of my favorite houseplants is featured for its foliage and flowers. As winter wanes, we anticipate new hybrids being introduced in plant catalogs. Their availability years from now depends on many factors, including continuing … Continue reading
Resilience can Become a Problem
Eastern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) is found commonly on much of the Great Plains. The tree outcompetes native grasses on the plains. The Eastern Redcedar doesn’t require more water than other trees but often grows in soil lacking adequate moisture for many plants. Its long fibrous roots enable the tree to survive. The evergreen canopy of a … Continue reading
Do We Change Gardening with a Warmer Environment?
Gardeners use the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to find perennial plants that will “likely thrive” in your zip code. Check your updated USDA hardiness zone at https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov. In South Dakota, mainly the top half of the state is now 4b, hardy -25 to -20 degrees F. The bottom half of the state is now 5a, hardy … Continue reading
Dibbles and Bits
Before seed planting, it is a time to catch up on garden articles. These three topics talk about everyday plant-related organisms that contribute more than we realize to our well-being. Monarch wing markings make some more efficient flyers. Some common sedum herbs may have antioxidant properties. Selecting plants that impact our backyard environment may become as common as looking for … Continue reading
Gardening is for a Few of All Ages
Gardening is “not for everyone,” a Nebraskan might say. They’re right. But in the United States, a couple examples of gardening efforts have been a significant nature unifier. The Nature Study Movement curriculum (1890-1930) encouraged school youth nationwide to experience and learn about nature outdoors directly. The January/February 2024 Horticulture magazine article on the Nature Study Movement is available … Continue reading
Garden Bloggers Bloom Day–January 15th
This area of the Northern Plains rose to -2 degrees F. today; USDA Hardiness Zone 4b-5a. Indoor plants are leafy and not in bloom. Before I’m overwhelmed with the new seed catalog offers, I looked over photos from last season’s garden. Here are a few bloom photos that fit my interests in gardening. 1. A plant … Continue reading
Houseplants at Home
Today is sunny and -9 degrees F., in a long weekend of below-zero outdoor temperatures. Evergreen Blue or Black Hills Spruce and younger fir (left) sport snow detail in the polar weather. Indoors, it’s a day where lively green houseplants show us the vibrancy they add to a room. Trailing stems of English Ivy are wound around and up a metal … Continue reading
A Holiday Creative Expression
Our last Plant Exchange blog focused on the beauty of tree buds after leaf fall as a promise of the next growing season. For deciduous trees, the bud is the site of new growth for next year. Some buds contain tiny leaf parts so that the tree can make and utilize its food. Other buds may be … Continue reading
We’re Still Here!
Deciduous trees like this locust have undressed, and the bare limbs show many more seed pods to fall. When you look at the browns and grays on a rainy fall day, signs of optimism for the next growing season appear few. Even up close, growth buds for next year aren’t easy to see. Wanting a bit of … Continue reading
Plant Exchange Blog 