Plant this… Fir Sure!
“Conica” is a semi-dwarf strain of concolor fir that maintains a narrow upright habit similar to Picea “Cupressina” but with the heavier, more substantive needles of a fir. Very tolerant of heavy snows…
11 Questions with Becca Bastyr
We’re not sure why Becca always knows how to correctly pronounce European words or how she can recall odd historical references, but we suspect it has to do with her degrees from the U of M in both Architecture and Art History. Well, there’s that and her innate interest in artistry of all kinds: literature, music, film, nature, and architecture. But it’s Becca’s amazing ability to organize, multi-task—and not the least of all design beautiful spaces—that have earned several prestigious awards for her landscapes and outdoor structures.
Plan(t) ahead!
Here’s an idea for those who have children or those who embrace their own childish spirit: the runner bean teepee!
Eryngium “Blue Glitter”
A favorite of floral designers, sea holly (Eryngium) yields steely, thistle-like blooms that hold their color even after drying out. “Blue Glitter” produces clouds of stunning blossoms…
Raise a Stink
If you have a blank space at the front of a border where you are considering planting some bearded iris, consider planting garlic instead. All varieties are pretty trouble free and have beautiful foliage until late summer when they are ready for harvest…
HGTV: Warm, Coastal-Inspired Yard Draws Minnesota Family and Community Together
See how senior designer Heather Grossmann of Mom’s Design Build uses coastal hues and versatile outdoor features to create a relaxing, family-oriented space for the Mpls. St. Paul Magazine’s 2015 Showcase Home.
HGTV: Warm, Coastal-Inspired Yard Draws Minnesota Family and Community Together Read More »
Potato Towers!
Today in Artful Agriculture: Potato Towers! This simple method allows the home gardener to grow an otherwise space-hogging crop in a small footprint that produces big yields. Simply form a cylinder from 2″x4″-opening fencing and start…
HGTV: 8 Winter-Proof Patio Designs We Love
There’s no shortage of picture-perfect patios in the spring and summer months, but by winter, most people pack their outdoor spaces up. When it’s too cold to throw a backyard bash or take a dip in the pool, what’s the use, right?
Twin Cities Wildfire Tree
Black Tupelo is a medium-sized shade tree that is hardy in the Twin Cities but underutilized. Similar in size and habit to Acer miyabei “State Street” or Parrotia persica, it has shiny leaves that resemble an ornamental pear and turn brilliant scarlet in autumn. Insignificant green flowers in spring give rise to bluish berries when…
2017 Artful Agriculture #2
This week in Artful Agriculture: Honeyberries (Lonicera cerulea)!! The honeysuckle genus Lonicera has given us some some garden stalwarts like Tatarian and climbing honeysuckle. Only recently with the introduction of honeyberry cultivars has the genus been tapped to produce food…
