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
Garden Bloggers Bloom Day– November 15th
Welcome to Plant Exchange Blog on the Northern Plains, USDA zone 4b-5a. High temperature on this sunny day is expected to be under 60 degrees F and below freezing tonight. We’ve had the first snowfall. Tree leaves are discolored, dry and are falling. Indoors, our houseplants supply welcome green. Potted Camellia japonicas are in full … Continue reading
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
Breathless Autumn
Cottonwoods reach a golden yellow in this daily shift of fall color. Sumac has peaked and softly declines. Norway maple begins to turn. It’s time to find a tree and look up. Thanks from Plant Exchange Blog. Have a memorable day.
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
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
