GARDEN

PRAIRIE GARDENER: Tulips enter the limelight as we look down the road to spring

After a long, cold, snowy winter we patiently wait for the first crocus to poke out of a rapidly melting snow drift. But to enjoy spring-flowering bulbs next spring will require action now.

By Darrel Koehler , September 18, 2011

PRAIRIE GARDENER: Hardy hibiscus gives us a taste of the tropics

One of the showiest flowering shrubs we can have in our outdoor landscape is the Chinese or tropical hibiscus. And for 17 years Mary and Al Morken, 440 Campbell Drive, have enjoyed such a wonderful plant as have their neighbors.

By Darrel Koehler , September 11, 2011

PRAIRIE GARDENER: Let’s make the most of the last summer harrah

Labor Day traditionally is the high point of the gardening year. Vegetable gardens are producing a bounty of sweet corn, tomatoes and cucumbers, all the good stuff for the long holiday weekend. Flowers also are taking on new life with dahlias, cannas and gladiolus all coming on strong as bedding plants and annuals finally get their second wind.

By Darrel Koehler , September 03, 2011

PRAIRIE GARDENER: Check out Bergeson Gardens before Jack Frost arrives

Late summer is a perfect time to take in the public gardens at Bergeson Nursery, just south of Fertile. While Fertile may be best known as the home of the annual Polk County Fair, the Bergeson Gardens — the garden spot of the county — draw their fair share of people as well.

By Darrel Koehler , August 21, 2011

Twin Cities youth learn how food goes from farm to fork

Five hundred young people ages 9 to 18 are gardening at more than a dozen locations around the metro area — planting, tending and, soon, harvesting vegetables. They bring what they raise to kitchens and learn how to cook.

By Dan Olson , August 15, 2011

PRAIRIE GARDENER: Time to say goodbye to big elm on block

It won’t be long before a bright orange “x’’ will be painted on the dying elm in front of the East Grand Forks home of the Prairie Gardener. Last summer there were signs the half-century old elm was afflicted with Dutch elm disease. That became even more apparent this summer as most of the leaves withered and were carried away by the winds.

By Darrel Koehler , August 14, 2011

PRAIRIE GARDENER: Trees in region suffer another difficult year

It’s been more than a year since two EF4 tornadoes ripped through this west-central county seat community of 4,175, leaving behind a landscape resembling that of a war-torn city. The twisters destroyed everything in path, including the shade trees that lined streets and were the centerpieces of many homes

August 07, 2011

PRAIRIE GARDENER: St. Paul is a fun destination for flower garden enthusiasts

When it comes to flower gardens, it’s hard to beat Minnesota’s capital city. The city is filled with lovely public and private gardens, including the well-kept one at the St. Paul Hotel, which the Prairie Gardener discovered on a sweltering day this summer.

By Darrel Koehler , July 31, 2011

PRAIRIE GARDENER: Master Gardener course set for August, September and October

If you are really into gardening, consider signing up for a Master Gardener course planned for August, September and October. The three-month session is sponsored by the NDSU Extension Service-Grand Forks County. Deadline for registration is Aug.1.

By Darrel Koehler , July 24, 2011

PRAIRIE GARDENER: Karin Overbeck’s garden is a feast for the eyes in more ways than one

Anytime is s good time to take in a garden tour, even if you are on a vacation trip to Wisconsin’s Door County. Our tour group saw not only a wonderful garden, but also met a gardener who works with stained glass and mosaics.

By Darrel Koehler , July 17, 2011

PRAIRIE GARDENER: 27th annual garden tour set for July 16-17

After a long winter and a cool, wet spring, we are all ready for the 27th annual garden tour July 16-17-. The event is sponsored by the Grand Forks Horticulture Society and has become a summer tradition for horticulturists. Hours will be 10 a.m. 4 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday with tours beginning at the Myra Museum, Grand Forks County Historical Society, 2405 Belmont Road. There will be seven gardens on tour this year.

By Darrel Koehler , July 10, 2011

PRAIRIE GARDENER: Fort Sumter: Shot through with 150 years of history

It’s been 150 years since the Confederates opened fire on this fortress, which is located on a small man-made island off the coast of Charleston. Those opening salvos were fired early on the morning of April 12, 1861, with the Civil War continuing until April 1865. These were the first shots of the Civil War with the battle continuing for two days before surrender. No one on either side died in the battle.

By Darrel Koehler , July 03, 2011

RYAN BAKKEN: Joy in lawn care? Indeed

"There’s one exception to my aversion to labor that is work," Herald columnist Ryan Bakken writes. "It’s mowing the lawn."

By Ryan Bakken , June 28, 2011

PRAIRIE GARDENER: Hybrid tea roses are the most popular of roses for several reasons

Roses, which are coming into peak bloom, have a reputation for being a high-maintenance perennial. However, that rule typically only applies to tender roses, particularly hybrid teas, which are prone to a variety of maladies and should be closely monitored for best results. Hardy shrub roses, particularly those developed by our Canadian neighbors, need little cuddling.

By Darrel Koehler , June 26, 2011

PRAIRIE GARDENER: Annuals will add a splash of color to your flower bed

Your flower bed can be awash with color this summer and autumn if you plant some annual bedding plants now. Prices on plants often are lowered this time of year as garden centers wind down the planting season. These bargains are especially welcome if the family dog has destroyed some plants or the rabbits took a hankering for your fancy petunias. You may have suffered damaged from frost, too much rain or the high winds that have swept the region much of the spring. Bedding plants can be put into the garden until mid-July, so you have plenty of time to fill in those hole and gaps in your gardens and borders and then enjoy their beauty until a killing frost.

By Darrel Koehler , June 19, 2011