Category Archives: Community

Part-time Position

February 6, 2012 – 4:43 pm

Irrigation System Operator/Technician.  Experience not needed.  Perfect for the retired/semi-retired person.  Work 12-20 hours per week April thru October in the mornings.  Must be able to do a lot of walking, bending and stooping to activate valves and make corrections/replacements and/or repairs to the system on poorly functioning irrigation spray stakes and lines.  Closely observing plants to determine how much to irrigate and where to make the upgrades.  We will train the person hired.  This is a fairly light duty work position requiring the ability to be detail oriented and consistent.

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By Deb Knecht | Also posted in Employees | Comments (0)

New Zone Hardiness Map – USDA Update – 2012

January 25, 2012 – 4:18 pm
From the USDA – Minnesota

The USDA released it’s new Hardiness Zone Map.   Minnesota now can claim a portion of the State being a Zone 5!  (a small part – but a part nonetheless).   A big change is the portion of Zone 4a which now extends further north.  Mary Schier, editor of the Northern Gardener magazine, has a blogpost on this subject - ‘Big Changes for Minnesota in New Hardiness Zone Map.’

 

Despite these changes, caution is advised if you don’t want to run the risk of losing plant materials that may be marginally zone hardy.  On the other hand, it can be an awful lot of fun to experiment with marginal plants that can sometimes be a nice surprise on hardiness and a visual delight.  We’re happy to visit with you about this subject concerning plants you might consider that are “on the edge”.
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By Deb Knecht | Also posted in How To Advice, Landscaping | Comments (0)

Jim Westlund, Certified Nursery and Landscape Professional

January 22, 2012 – 1:29 pm
Jim Westlund

Congratulations to our Landscape Division Manager, Jim Westlund, who recently was awarded his certification as a Minnesota Certified Landscape Professional.  A great depth of knowledge and real world hands on landscaping experience is necessary to pass the daunting test that has earned Jim the Landscape Professional designation.

Jim Westlund’s elevation to the top tier of his profession as a Minnesota Certified Landscape Professional is a natural outgrowth of his incredible work ethic, natural smarts, leadership skills and attention to detail in every aspect of landscape installations for our customers.

 

The certified designation is achieved with cooperation through the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association.  “The objective of the MNLA Certified Professional program is to uphold, improve, and promote standards of professionalism and excellence within the industry. By focusing on individuals rather than companies, the program encourages self-improvement among industry professionals.” 

Jim is the fifth person at Knecht’s Nurseries and Landscaping to earn certification as a nursery and landscape professional.  He joins owners Leif and Deb Knecht, retail manager, Heidi Brosseau, and Landscape Designer, Amy Voight among the recognized leaders in the industry.  Very few nursery and landscape businesses our size have this many certified professionals available to help serve their customers!
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By Deb Knecht | Also posted in Employees | Comments (0)

Shaping the Future

January 22, 2012 – 1:06 pm

Leif Knecht participated in a workshop on January 19th & 20th to help chart the future of the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association.  Eighteen selected industry professionals from all parts of the state worked intensively with the staff of MNLA to zero in on the best ways to continually improve the knowledge, offerings, tools, resorurces, networking and professionalism we all need to offer our customers the very best goods and services.

It was a dynamic and energizxing opportunity to do our part to help assure that Knecht’s Nurseries & Landscaping  will always b e at the leading edge of the world of beautiful plants, and how best to use them in the landscape to create inviting and enjoyable outdoor spaces.  When the growing s eason starts and you make your first trip of the year to our nursery, you will begin to see how we are growing and changing to help you grow and change your landscape into an evermore beautiful place.

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By Deb Knecht | Also posted in Employees | Comments (0)

Rice County Master Gardeners

January 17, 2012 – 12:32 pm

Leif Knecht, owner of Knecht’s Nurseries, will be the featured speaker at the monthly meeting of the Rice County Master Gardeners. on Tuesday, January 17, 2012.   The meeting is at 7 pm at the 4-H Building on the Rice County Fairgrounds.

Topics covered will be what’s new in trees, shrubs and perennials and how nurseries are using a new technique to produce better plants for landscape use.  Attention will focus on plant materials that are a little to a lot more compact so they can be used in smaller spaces such as the Crimson Spire Oak and the Apollo Sugar Maple.

If you are interested in becoming a Master Gardener, contact the Rice County Master Gardeners or the University of Minnesota Extension Service.

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By Deb Knecht | Also posted in Events, Trees | Tagged | Comments (0)

Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Assn. Convention

January 9, 2012 – 1:31 pm
Belinda Jensen and Bobby Jensen
Senator Al Franken

We attended the annual Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association Convention last week held at the Minneapolis Convention Center.  There is a trade show where we visit the booths of the industry vendors on plants, machines, technology and more, and there are many, many educational seminars which we all attend and are able to bring back new and exciting ideas for our business.  We were fortunate to have 9 of our staff attend this year’s convention  – which were Leif & Deb Knecht, Heidi Brossueau, Jim Westlund, Amy Voight, Luis Olave, Ben Danielson, Connie Rew and Kathy Lewis.

This year, Senator Al Franken addressed the group right ahead of the keynote speaker’s message.  It was an unexpected treat to be able to see and listen to the Senator for a few moments.
Bobby Jensen and Belinda Jensen from KARE-11′s Grow with KARE  spent time at the Bailey Nurseries booth.  With the weather being unbelieveable this winter and the enthusiasm of all of the people at the Convention, we are all definitely excited for spring!
We do have limited office hours in January – however – we do return phone calls and e-mails everyday so if you have a question on anything – please do not hesitate to contact us!
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By Deb Knecht | Also posted in Employees, Events | Comments (0)

Memorial Trees

October 16, 2011 – 1:20 pm

On October 13th, we planted two Apollo Dwarf Sugar Maple trees on the north side of Way Park as memorial trees for three special Northfielders.

One tree honors the life and memory of Kristi Ann Rasmussen Knecht, a long-time Northfielder who died tragically on September 12, 2011, as a result of a bicycle accident.  Kristi was a studio music teacher of rare ability who helped hundreds of students blossom as people and musicians of accomplishment.  She will be greatly missed by friends, family and students who enjoyed her wit, warmth, intellect and musical talent.

The second tree honors Howard and Edna Hong, who called Northfield home for over seven decades.  Together they helped a wider world benefit from the wisdom of the Danish Christian philosopher, Soren Kierkegaard, by spending much of their lives translating his works into English.  This allowed the entire field of philosophy to be a richer and deeper area of great thought.

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By Leif Knecht | Comments (1)

Fun Alert — Opening on our Bowling Team!!

October 6, 2011 – 9:37 pm

The Knecht’s Nurseries Men’s Bowling Team has an opening for an adult male to join us for lots of good fun on Thursday nights at Northfield’s Jesse James Lanes.  This is a handicap league so on any given night, even beginning bowlers have a good chance in this friendly and wholesome competition.  The  bowling alley is smokefree, and brand new lanes were installed this past summer.  It’s a refreshing atmosphere, becuase we often cheer on our competition which is almost as much fun as cheering on our own team members!  If you haven’t bowled for a long time, you might be pleasnatly surprised.

If you’re interested, give Leif a call here at the nursery – 507-645-5015 and he’ll get you more details!

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By Leif Knecht | Comments (0)

Crazy Daze – Thursday July 28th

July 21, 2011 – 6:01 pm

Crazy daze is less than a week away!

Take advantage of “Crazy Daze” Thursday July 28th.  Snap up some crazy deals on all kinds of plant material.  Selected varieties of trees, shrubs and perennials will be discounted 20%, 30% or even 50% OFF!  As you can imagine, the crazy weather this season has made us all a little crazy down here at the nursery, (Yeah, pull your hair out crazy.) so be sure you leave some time in your crazy schedule next Thursday to take advantage our temporary insanity and get yourself some crazy deals on plants!  Gates open at 7:00 am for all you early birds and close at 6:00 pm.  You’d be crazy to miss out on these savings!

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By Deb Knecht | Also posted in Retail Sales | Comments (0)

Container Garden Workshop

April 21, 2011 – 12:33 pm

Sharon Boisselle, a wonderful addition to our retail sales team this year, will be teaching a course through Northfield Community Education on container gardening.  There will be 3 different 1 1/2 hour sessions available and will be held here at the nursery.   The dates to choose from are May 2nd, May 9th or May 16th.  The class size is limited so early registration is recommended.   Registration starts on Friday, April 22nd.  Register directly with Northfield Community Education. 

Annual Container Garden

 The cost for the class is $8.  An excerpt from the Community Ed class catalog - “Be the envy of your neighbors with an eye-catching container garden.  Bring your own container to create a stunning container garden with assistance from certified nursery and landscape professional, Sharon Boisselle of Knecht’s Nurseries and Landscaping.  You may bring your own supplies or materials will be available for purchase”. 

Sharon has years of experience with annuals and container gardening and we know you will not be disappointed.  If you have any questions on the class, you may contact Sharon here at the nursery and she will be glad to assist you in any way.

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By Deb Knecht | Also posted in Events, Seminar | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

Sponsor a Tree – Strengthen our Community

March 31, 2011 – 7:52 am

We would like to extend the opportunity for you, your child’s class, your service club, your church group, your softball/bowling team, your carpool, your neighbors…. to join us in sponsoring tree plantings for our city, to be planted in public spaces.

Knecht’s will provide trees at half price.  As a sponsor of a tree for Northfield City parks, you pay the other half of the cost (see chart below).  City staff will select planting sites.  You get the satisfaction of knowing you’ve helped make us a stronger and more beautiful community, and can enjoy watching these trees grow more majestic with each passing year.

Your cost of sponsorship – choose the size/price for the tree(s) you wish to donate.     

                                             Tree Only             Tree & Planting 

#3 Container – 3′-6′              $20.00                 $40.00

#7 Container – 5′-8′               40.00                    80.00

#15 Container – 8′-12′           60.00                  120.00

2 1/2″ B&B – 10′-16′              150.00                 300.00

City Staff will choose from the following tree varieties -   Maple, Oak, Hackberry, Linden, Honeylocust, disease resistant Elm, Coffeetree, Birch, Tree Lilacs & Flowering Crabs.  The City Staff will also choose planting sites on City Property / Parks.

To sponsor a tree,  just contact Knecht’s Nurseries & Landscaping at 507-645-5015 or send us an e-mail at info@knechts.net.  Or if you prefer, you can contact  TJ Henricy, Streets & Parks Supervisor for the City of Northfield at 507-645-3032  or TJ.Heinricy@ci.northfield.mn.us

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By Leif Knecht | Also posted in Trees, Yard & Garden Notes | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

Northfield Home and Garden Business Showcase

March 22, 2011 – 6:16 am

Leif at a previous Business Showcase

This Saturday, March 26th, is the 2011 Northfield Home and Garden Business Showcase.  The event runs from 9 am to 3 pm and will be held at a new location this year – the Northfield Ice Arena, located on 1280 Hwy 3 South – across from the Allina Clinic.   There is no admission fee and there’s plenty of free parking!   This year’s Showcase will feature over 40 area businesses.

Stop by the booth and visit with Leif, Heidi and meet our new designer, Mike Mesch.  They will answer your questions, offer advice and let you know what’s happening at the nursery this year!   Mike will be able to schedule landscape consultations as well.  We’ll have $5 coupons to be used for retail purchases, and  information on how to Sponsor a Tree for Northfield parks, and much more.  Leif will be the presenter at the first seminar of the morning – at 9 am – and will be speaking on Growing and Planting  Techniques for Trees – both traditional and new methods.

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By Deb Knecht | Also posted in Events, Seminar | Comments (0)

Heidi, Groundcovers and the Mendota Heights Garden Club

March 8, 2011 – 2:06 pm

Groundcover - Vinca

Heidi will be presenting a talk on groundcovers to the Mendota Heights Garden Club on March 14th.  Groundcovers are becoming more and more popular  with the “mature” gardener.  They require lower maintenance while adding beautiful design elements to the garden and landscape.  She will highlight groundcovers that have deer and /or rabbit resistance, are attractive to butterflies or hummingbirds and are tolerant to a wide range of growing conditions including:  heavy shade, difficult sites and Black Walnut tolerance.

We welcome garden clubs to come tour the nursery and we will also do presentations for garden club meetings.  Please contact us for more information.

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By Deb Knecht | Also posted in Events, How To Advice, Seminar | Comments (0)

Lonsdale Area Business Showcase

March 3, 2011 – 8:34 am

This Saturday – March 5th – we will be participating in the 8th annual Lonsdale Showcase Business Expo in Lonsdale, MN.  Local businesses from the area will have booths which will showcase their businesses.  The Expo will be held at Lonsdale Packaging – located at 629 Industrial Dr. SE.  The hours are 10 am to 3 pm. 

Stop by our booth – which will look like spring –  and say hello.  We’ll have $5 coupons to be used in April and May.  Leif and Darin will be there and can answer any questions that you have.

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By Deb Knecht | Also posted in Events | Comments (0)

Tree Donation to the City of Northfield

November 18, 2010 – 11:19 am
Jim Westlund and Todd Marnie

In recent days, the Northfield area landscape has had a wintery look, but we are still planting trees and a few hardy customers still venture in to get trees for late season projects of their own.  The 2010 growing season had very favorable weather, despite the unfortunate flooding in late September.

Because the loyal and consistent  support of Northfield makes it possible for us to keep improving our nursery and landscaping operations, we enjoy the opportunity to give back to our community.  Last week, we donated to the City of Northfield, 24 different varieties of shade trees to be planted along the new walking path at Old Memorial Park, the site of Northfield’s new swimming pool.  The City of Northfield covered the cost of having the trees planted.  The photo shows Jim Westlund and Todd Marnie during the planting of one of the trees on November 11th.

The Master Plan for Old Memorial Park calls for the planting of over 100 trees to beautify the park.  Anyone who wants to sponsor the $150.00 cost of planting a tree at Old Memorial Park can contact Scott Carpenter (neighborhood resident) at 645-8501 or Leif Knecht at 645-5015. 

Knecht’s Nurseries will donate a nice sized shade tree to the park for each $150 donation to cover the cost of planting.  Most trees are 2″-3 ½” trunk diameter and 10′-20′ tall.  An effort will be made to have each tree be a variety different from those previously planted.

I have also shared this blog with the Northfield News.

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By Leif Knecht | Also posted in Trees, Yard & Garden Notes | Comments (0)