Though it does not seem like the time of year for gardening, I’d like to plant a seed in the minds of those hardy souls who are determined to not just survive but to thrive in the Minnesotan climate. And that seed is….

Here is a great plant for the Seussian gardener in our cold climate. “Trost’s Dwarf” cutleaf birch forms an irregularly mounding shrubby form that resembles milfoil suspended in watery animation. Hardy to zone 3, this is a safer bet than dwarf threadleaf Japanese maples if you’re looking for this form/texture combination. Available for the 2018 season at Green Value Nursery.

For mid and late season elegance, few perennials provide the nuanced, restrained beauty of Calamint. Calamintha “White Cloud” provides a continuous display of effervescent bloom from late June until frost. Planted in sunny locations, this herb matures to 18″ high with a two foot spread. Unlike catmint, the wiry stems rebound nicely after storms and retain their buoyancy throughout the season.

Late Summer and early Fall is the best time to seed your yard in Minnesota, generally around Labor Day or the few weeks that follow because the weather is starting to cool down and there is a nice dew present most mornings. Another big reason is because the Spring pre-emergents have had a chance to work their way out of the soil.

Di-Hydrogen Monoxide. A chemical that can be dangerous in certain situations and can be found everywhere around us. This dangerous chemical is better known as H20, or water. Adding water, or a water feature to the landscape can have numerous benefits. From promoting good health and wellness, to helping with environmental conservation, here are some reasons why adding water features can be beneficial to you as a homeowner.