GARDEN

Dandelions offer so much more than we realize

Over the past month we have seen our dull and brown lawns turn into beautiful expanses of emerald green carpets. It seemed to have happened overnight and was only enhanced by a few spring rains and some warmth to get them going. I have already had to mow twice as much as I did this time last year, when we were finally rejoicing the exit of a long winter.

By John Zvirovski , May 19, 2012

Grants help install orchards around N.D.

New trees and orchards will be springing up in two North Dakota communities and at three schools, thanks to nearly $20,000 in grants from a new state program.

May 12, 2012

Leis have a special history and tradition

Flowers and plants have become a great symbol of gifts to others. Whether the occasion is a birthday, anniversary, death, graduation or even a house warming, they are always a welcomed item to the recipient. How can people feel bad when these gifts are in their presence regardless of the event? As commonplace as this simple tradition has become, there is one state that has a different tradition compared to the rest — Hawaii.

By John Zvirovski , May 12, 2012

Garden club to meet Tuesday

Prairie Rose Gardening Club will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday at First United Methodist Church by Alfred Dickey Library. The program this month is “Iron Crosses from the Cemetery to the Garden,” presented by Sally Backman.

May 05, 2012

Plenty of daffodil varieties to suit everyone

Greek mythology has introduced us to many people of various names. Among them was the self-obsessed man of Narcissus. Theory has it he was so obsessed with viewing his reflection in a pool of water that he couldn’t pull himself away and he died of thirst and starvation.

By John Zvirovski , May 05, 2012

NDSGC sponsors workshop

Submitted photo North Dakota State Garden Club sponsored a workshop on how to enter flower arranging competition. Those attending learned some of the rules and what judges are looking for. Pictured, front, from left, are Betty Brosz, president, Prairie Rose Garden Club, Jamestown; Linda Larson, presenter/judge; Linda Bellemare, president, North Dakota State Garden Club, and Coni Hosager, presenter; middle row, from left, Verna Peterson, Judy Carlson, Julie Orr, Michelle Conley, Sharon Fritz, Nikki Rahlf and Rickey Poseley; and back, from left, Diane Brown, Cindy McClean, Gloria Mickelson, Skardi Brown, Lucinda Halvorson, Sherrie Hook, Betty Ament, Pat Westgard, Carol Jensen and Angie Maetzold.

April 28, 2012

Volunteers make public parks possible

The quickly approaching month of May is the beginning of our planting season in the region. It tends to be a busy month with all the activities we have going on at home along with other obligations we have elsewhere. Our public gardens go into full swing also with being cleaned out, worked up and planted for the new growing season for everyone to enjoy.

By John Zvirovski , April 28, 2012

New Collins book now available

The North Dakota Institute for Regional Studies, housed at North Dakota State University, has published a book of work by one of the region’s best-known garden writers, Dorothy Collins.

April 21, 2012

Botanic society to hold luncheon

The Northern Plains Botanic Garden Society’s ninth annual spring luncheon and silent auction is from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 5 at the Holiday Inn, 3803 13th Ave. S., Fargo.

April 21, 2012

Virginia bluebells will ring in the new season

Virginia bluebells. There is something about a plant with an Eastern name that makes you want to have it in your garden. I think it comes from the idea that a little piece of Virginia can be a part of your garden in some way.

By John Zvirovski, Sun Garden Editor , April 21, 2012

What are those small mounds in my yard?

Lately I have received a lot of phone calls and visits with the question “Why is my lawn so rough?” As I have visited with these homeowners I have found out that the roughness in the lawn is caused by nightcrawlers. The next question I then get asked is “How can I get rid of them?” Here are some reasons why you do not want to get rid of them or kill them.

By Lance Brower , April 11, 2012

Pollen and allergies are signs of spring

So far this spring has been extremely rejuvenating to my senses. The smell of the air alone seems to have a fresher aroma and after a spring shower or two, the moist earth seems to reek the scent of life. You can almost feel the plants activating their growth hormones with all the recent changes at hand and spring forth with small shoots of greenery.

By John Zvirovski , April 07, 2012

Hardy fruit topic at garden club

Prairie Rose Gardening Club will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday at First United Methodist Church, located east of Alfred Dickey Library. The program this month is “Berry Bushes and Fruits” and Kathy Wiederholt will speak. She is the fruit project manager at the NDSU Carrington Research Extension Center, and will speak about the Northern Hardy Fruit Evaluation Project.

April 07, 2012

Early plant growers, beware of freezing temperatures

Everyone has enjoyed this winter with record-breaking warm temperatures and little snow. With temperatures rising in 60s and 70s, I am reminded by the Lowe’s commercial of the guy being drawn out of his bed and through the wind into his yard. I usually can gauge this period by the increase in phone calls on various yard care questions. It is exciting to see tree and shrub start to leaf out and daffodils ready to bloom.

By Vern Quam , April 07, 2012

Garden with your kids

If you want to spend some high-quality time with your children, look no further than your backyard or community garden.

By Christina Rittenbach , April 04, 2012