Educational

Growing fruit trees and shrubs in Minnesota can be tricky with such a short growing season.  The answer to that dilemma: grow native fruit trees and shrubs! Learn about the hardy varieties that will flourish in our backyards, sustaining both people and local wildlife. There are many more varieties than most people typically think, and…

Healthy soil is important for growing strong, resilient, and tough plants that can handle our wacky MN growing conditions. Whether you are starting a new flower garden or trying to revitalize and old veggie patch, we will cover it all. From soil testing to composting, and so much more. Participants may request an informational folder,…

Do you have that patch of lousy soil where nothing seems to grow very well? There are plenty of tough MN native plants that will not only survive, but thrive in sketchy soil conditions. We will chat about all aspects of those tricky soil sites to get plants and blooms started for season to come.…

Rain barrels harvest rainwater from roofs and other structures that can then be used to water gardens, lawns, and potted plants. Installing a rain barrel is an excellent way to reduce run-off and pollution as well as save money! As much as 40 percent of residential water is used for irrigation in the summer. Participants…

Do you have a hot garden spot that normally bakes and dries out with the summer sun? Are you tired of watering day after day to keep your garden healthy and growing? There is a wide variety of native prairie plants that thrive in the full sun and dry soils. Let’s look at some of…

Healthy soil is important for growing strong, resilient, and tough plants that can handle our wacky Minnesota growing conditions. Whether you are starting a new flower garden or trying to revitalize an old veggie patch, we will cover it all! From soil testing to composting, and so much more. Participants will receive an informational folder…

Natural fences constructed of shrubbery, tall flowers, and clumping grasses are attractive and environmentally friendly. These living fences add an eye-catching way to define your property boundaries, while also adding pollinator plants that serve as effective privacy screens. Good fences make for good neighbors….and good habitat! Participants will receive an informational folder full of great…

Compost and mulch are nature’s way of recycling, keeping waste out of landfills and fertilizing without chemicals. Learn about different composts and how to decide which mulch is right for your planting and landscaping needs. As we head into summer, you'll appreciate how mulch can protect your plants and keep your landscaping looking great. Whether…

We have over a dozen milkweeds that are native to Minnesota. Let’s chat about the wide variety of these great pollinator plants! Some are wildly popular and very common growing in gardens and local areas. We will also discuss where to buy milkweed plants and seed, plus how and where to add these pollinator magnets…