Fall is an excellent time to plant trees, shrubs, perennials, spring blooming bulbs and turgrass. Our incredible fall season here in Minnesota has many planting benefits. One big benefit is the cooler temperatures which are easier on plant material as well as the GARDENERS. Soil temperatures are still warm, which allows the root systems to take off, unlike spring when the soil temps are still cold.
It is not often we see Firs, the common name for the genus Abies, a hardy evergreen tree of the Pine Family, growing in the landscape throughout our area. Firs are generally conical in shape and of particular beauty in youth. Their upright cones and flat leaves (needles) distinguish them from the Spruces, which have pendant cones and angular leaves. New cones are showy, varying with different species through bright shades of purple, violet, blue, red-brown and green. Their branches are stiff and the foliage is bristly to the touch.
An ornamental tree or shrub is defined as having a desired characteristic that adds color from flower, foliage or fruit, good texture from leaves or bark, or seasonal interest. Ornamental trees are usually smaller in size than shade trees and fulfill an important role in a well-designed landscape.
Maples have long been favorite choices for shade and ornament, but in the past gardeners were limited almost to tall-growing species. Today, a broad selection is available to the public.
August is the month to sit in the shade with a glass of ice tea and observe the mature garden you have brought to life again this year. Gardens are amazing as they change and grow all summer.
A few of my favorite long blooming perennials are now in full swing. Rudbeckia Goldstrum (black-eyed susan) is going strong as well as all the beautiful garden phlox. At Pahl’s, we especially like the flame series garden phlox. They grow to be 14 inches in height and are very resistant to powdery mildew. These are beautiful plants that bloom for 6 to 8 weeks every summer.
Dear Dee, What can I do when I will be planting trees and shrubs in a mostly clay area? Chris Clay Dear Chris Clay, My best advise to you is dig the hole not only deep enough but wide enough also. After this is accomplished add some soil conditioner, peat moss, and...
We have recently moved into a 4-yr old home in Farmington. Some of the trees and shrubs are dead and need replacement. Also, the previous owner did not seem to have a plan when planting shrubs and trees. We would like to look at what would be a good plan for our yard. We are interested in doing most of the work ourselves, but we would like expert advice on what is the best thing to do for our yard (as well as to tell us what we currently have in our yard). Do you have anyone at the nursery that does this? Or do you have a recommendation?
When can I start planting shrubs and trees?
During Fall when can watering of the shrubs and garden plants stop?
