Last year some of the best weather of the season for planting came in November. Mild temperatures, October rains that softened the soil, and dry working conditions during November made for many successful late season projects. This year looks like similar late season planting opportunities are available. We still have an excellent selection of most [...]
The intense windstorm of October 26th and 27th comes on the heels of some of the mildest October weather we have ever experienced. This has extended the length of the fall color season, and opportunities to get out and see the succession of reds, yellows, oranges, and burgundy that delights our eyes and soothes the [...]
October and November are traditionally the months when people stock up on firewood. For your safety, and to enjoy beautiful fires that burn nicely instead of smoldering and smoking, be sure to buy firewood that has been well dried. An awful lot of firewood that is sold has been drying for only the summer, or [...]
The amazingly mild October days and nights have been a joy for anyone working or playing outdoors this fall. If there is any downside at all to this fine weather, it has been the muted fall colors I have noticed the past ten days or so. The best conditions for excellent fall color is a period [...]
Trees that have been recently planted (sometime within the last fives years or so) – are much safer in the late fall – winter and early spring with a white tree wrap protecting the bark from sun damage, rodents, rabbits and deer. All young trees should be wrapped going into winter, however, it is very [...]
After record rainfall and flooding in late September that provided plenty of moisture for area trees to be fully active just prior to going dormant, fall colors have been very intense on the varieties that traditionally put on an autumn show. The exceptionally dry and warmer than normal weather since the historic flood has also [...]
In addition to the hundreds of Minnesota grown trees and shrubs that produce fabulous fall color – all of our plant materials are on sale now at 30% to 50% off through the second weekend in November, 2010. You’ll find some of the well known fall color show stoppers on sale such as Autumn Blaze Maple, [...]
The recent historic flooding in southern Minnesota and the Northfield area obviously caused plenty of problems and dislocation. That’s the bad news and the cleanup continues. But there is good news on the fall planting front. Sub-soil moisture conditions prior to the flood were fairly dry and we now have ample sub-soil moisture and very [...]
People often wonder if it is too late to plant once fall has arrived. For most plant varieties, fall is an excellent time to add to your landscape. Cool conditions make watering easier, and plants are ready to go the following spring when the growing season starts. Root prune well, water just enough, but not [...]
The fabulous Firefall Maple is finally available, and offers homeowners and professionals alike a great new option for placement in the landscape of a fast growing, well structured maple of moderate width that shows eye popping reddish fall color. Firefall Maple becomes ever more handsome as it matures, sporting a distinctive cutleaf foliage, [...]
While improved growing, packaging and planting techniques now enable us to be successfully planting from April through November, many people think of fall as an excellent time for planting a wide variety of landscape plants, and with good reason. There are a number of things that make fall planting appealing. Temperatures are cooler, so working [...]
‘Fox Valley’ Dwarf River Birch – Betula Nigra – Over the years many people have admired the beautiful cinnamon color peeling bark of the River Birch. Handsome as both a single stem, or clump, this Minnesota native has been a staple of beautiful landscapes. One difficulty with normal River Birch has been that they are [...]
Have you noticed here and there the beautiful white (and pink) blossoms on small (4′-9′ tall) trees over the last 5-6 weeks? You have probably been admiring the lovely mid to late summer blossoms of the hardy hydrangea trees. The whole paniculata family of hydrangeas are exceptionally cold hardy, and are useful in the landscapes [...]
Dakota Pinnacle Birch is beginning to make a statement in landscapes across the Upper Midwest. Slender and upright in it’s form, and very uniform in growth habit, Dakota Pinnacle Birch is extremely hardy, thriving in climate zones 3 to 7 and tolerant of many soil types including those with alkaline pH. Growing quickly to a [...]
Early summer is an excellent time to plant trees, shrubs and perennials to make your landscape beautiful. Approximately 130 days remain in the growing season and this provides a long period of time for establishment of new root systems that will power vigorous growth for years to come. The keys to success are: Good quality [...]
