As I am out dealing with 'weeds', I often wonder about what I'm really doing. After all, a plant is a weed only by circumstance. And, what compels me to do what I do? I yank one plant out by the roots, yet gently nestle another in nearby.

I realize plants grow in places we don't want them to. And - they won't grow where we do want them to. They grow in places we don't expect them to. And they've grown without us doting over them and bringing them water and food. All of this leads to a very difficult question to answer - Why does it matter? Why do we garden?

keep reading ...

How's everybody doing today? Anybody see any talking lions, scarecrows, tin men or flying monkeys?

Last night we got some wicked hail here in the Twin Cities - in Eagan, we got over 1" of rain and after the hail stopped, most of the ground was completely white. This morning, I still had a pile of hail on the deck that hadn't melted, yet. Today, it was time to clean up.

Check for impending danger!

If you have trees or overhead power lines near your property, make sure you start by looking up. There may still be branches that haven't fallen completely and could land on you, a family member or a neighbor. Or, a tree trunk may be split and it will only be a matter of time before it topples over. Clear the area of any potential danger before proceeding with any other clean up effort.

keep reading ...

Today I noticed our lilies are starting to sprout. These are lilies we received (yes, even florists and gardeners get plants and flower arrangements as gifts) and then planted around our yard.

Trivia question: When do Easter lilies bloom?

Well, that's a bit of a trick question! Normally, lilies will bloom in mid-summer. The lily plants you see blooming at Easter have been forced to bloom at that time by exposing them to 1,000 hours (42 days) of moist cold temperatures and then warming them up to 60 - 70 F, causing them to sprout and then bloom. Once they sprout, it is about 40 - 45 days before they bloom, at least in our yard here in Eagan MN (between USDA hardiness zones 4 and 5)

keep reading ...

Your fresh arrangement has been prepped and fed to give you long-lasting enjoyment. Every arrangement we deliver was made to order with the freshest flowers possible. To keep your bouquet looking fresh longer, we've prepared a care and feeding guide for you.

keep reading ...

 We are coming up on the 14th of February - a day set aside to observe love and devotion.

Since Valentine's Day is observed worldwide, this isn't just another Hallmark holiday. It is the second most celebrated holiday in the world (New Year's Day is #1). In fact, Valentine's Day goes back quite a ways - to the 5th century, when Pope Gelasius declared February 14th as a day to honor St. Valentine (A real person! Actually, there are several saints named Valentine - possibly as many as 11). keep reading ...