GARDENING

Gardening catalogs start coming

Even though we are entering into the heart of winter and this past week has showed us severe cold, we are starting to see signs of spring. We see those signs in the daily mail that we are now getting in the form of seed catalogs. Every time I come home and see a new one in the mailbox, a sense of serenity overcomes me.

By John Zvirovski , January 09, 2010

The popularity of gardening

My mother was a gardener as are my father and my wife. On the other hand, my own gardening experience began and ended with my annual hand-spading of Emma’s gardening space when I was a teenager. (Maybe I should add that I picked salmonberries from our backyard in Juneau, and also raspberries from a bush in Bozeman before I had my trophy room built in its place. But in either case I think that would be a stretch to call berry-picking “gardening,” particularly since I didn’t even plant the bushes!) Still, it interests me that gardening appeals to so many people. I see the first vestiges of it while returning from Manitoba and Saskatchewan in June — the manicured gardens laid out with precision in the coal-black soil of prairie towns in those two provinces and in small town North Dakota. These gardeners obviously do it right, without a weed in sight … sort of like a well-painted house or finely finished gunstock — nothing sloppy or haphazard.

By Bernie Kuntz, Outdoors , August 28, 2009

Arts Center offers garden series

Once again, the Arts Center is offering the art of gardening in a summer series at the recently planted Arts Park. The series called “You Too Can Learn About Plants” begins June 17 and continues through Aug. 12 and classes begin at 7 p.m.

June 04, 2009

Quam speaks on gardening at Rotary

Gary Riffe introduced Vern Quam, Jamestown city forester, at the last Rotary meeting. Quam came to James-town in April 2001 and has completed eight years as forester. His prior work experience includes working for the city of Fargo and the North Dakota Forest Service.

April 21, 2009

No-till gardening feeds the soil

At bottom, gardening is all about dirt — its care and feeding, its microbes and fungi, bacteria and earthworms. Science has gradually recognized that the soil’s vibrant but delicate food web must be treated carefully to produce the best yields. Turning the soil before planting is generally conceded to be more disruptive than building it up year after year with rich natural substances.

By By Dean Fosdick, The Associated Press , April 04, 2009

Make gardening cheaper in lean times

Many families grow their own fruits and vegetables so they’ll have appetizing, disease-free food at low cost. Few things are recession proof, however, including gardening. Prices are climbing for fertilizer, pesticides and other supplies as we head into a new planting season.

By By Dean Fosdick, For The Associated Press , March 07, 2009

Bonsai trees eastern art of gardening

Dale Haworth is a “born and raised Okie, but he has a passion for an ancient Eastern art: the art of bonsai. “I guess it’s because they can live forever,” he said. There’s just something about the tiny versions of ancient oak, evergreen and pine trees that has kept Haworth’s attention since he began his collection in 1987.

By By Heather Warlick, The Associated Press , January 31, 2009

Major flower, garden shows could end

The nation’s second- and third-largest flower and garden shows, which have inspired gardeners in Seattle and San Francisco for decades, will close after the 2009 events unless the business is sold before the end of March.

January 31, 2009

Sprouts, micro greens: Houseplants you can eat

Micro greens and sprouts, those immature vegetables short on size but large on taste, are making their way from trendy restaurants and stylish markets into family kitchens. The assorted seedlings add flavor, color and crunch when included with sandwich and salad toppings, used as a garnish, or mixed into soups, dressings, casseroles, dips, sautes, pizzas and breads, among other things.

By By Dean Fosdick, For The Associated Press , January 24, 2009

Gardening classes filling up

Jeff Downing recently organized a career day at the New York Botanical Garden for people considering becoming horticulturalists. He was pleasantly surprised when 128 people showed up for the two free sessions, which introduced landscape design, horticulture, floral design and horticultural therapy.

By By Dean Fosdick, The Associated Press , January 03, 2009

Gardening education opportunities abound

Acquiring horticultural skills can be as simple as talking to a veteran gardener or as challenging as a graduate-level program. Decide first if you simply want more practical knowledge or if you’re prepping for a career.

By By Dean Fosdick, For The Associated Press , December 20, 2008

Winter can take a toll on houseplants

Have you noticed that your skin has felt dry and itchy since the cold weather arrived? The problem is the cold temperatures outside and lower humidity in your home. Your houseplants may also be suffering from the effects of lower humidity. While this may seem like a strange time of year to be discussing houseplants, the change in a household environment can be difficult for them.

By Sandy Eckelberg , December 20, 2008

Many varieties to consider when selecting a tree

When I was young, like most kids, I looked forward to decorating the Christmas tree. Some years, our family would select a native tree growing in the Badlands. As the shelterbelt surrounding our farm grew, our trees came from closer to home. We had fun trying to smear each other with sap, which oozed from the tree. Christmas traditions have changed and most people now purchase their trees from local stands. Here are a few tips to help you make your selection.

By Sandy Eckelberg , November 29, 2008

Catalog season is dream time for gardeners

Christmas may be children’s favorite time of year, but for gardeners the season of dreams comes immediately after the holidays when the seed catalogs begin to arrive. Seed catalogs have been a direct-mail staple for generations of backyard growers, whose appetite for fresh fruits, vegetables and lively splashes of flowering color are building as winter settles in.

By By Dean Fosdick, The Associated Press , November 29, 2008

Holiday plants great gifts to give and receive

It’s hard to believe that the holidays are right around the corner. I think the relatively mild weather had lulled me into thinking that it’s still fall. I was reminded that the season has changed when I saw holiday plants at a retail store. Holiday plants make great gifts for hostesses or that someone who has everything. If you are the lucky recipient of a holiday plant, the following information will help you keep it in top growing condition.

By Sandy Eckelberg , November 22, 2008