It’s A Minnesota Winter Wonderland
It’s the time of year when gardeners and warm-weather outdoor enthusiasts might be getting a little shack happy. Here in Minnesota, we have been blanketed with an astonishing amount of snow, had to navigate unpredictable (and sometimes frigid) temperatures, and continue to exercise patience concerning the return of daylight. But there are ways to get through this cold, dark time while maintaining your sanity! Visit an Arboretum or Conservatory We are so fortunate in the Twin Cities area to have access to state-of-the-art facilities where we...
read moreAdd Winter Interest with Hardscapes
Winter can be drab and dreary when it comes to our yards and gardens. Trees and flowers have all gone brown, our yards are snow-covered, and our lovely gardens, once bursting with color and texture, are a distant memory. But this is what we sign up for here in Minnesota. Although we can’t control the seasons, we can add an element of interest by introducing hardscapes like benches, lighting, and firepits to our winter wonderlands! With all the trees stripped of their leaves and our gardens having gone dormant, winter gives us a great...
read morePaver Maintenance in Winter
Pavers are durable and can take quite a bit of abuse from the winter elements, but let’s be honest; our winters are tough on just about everything. However, by taking a few precautionary measures, you can ensure that your investment will last through many a Minnesota winter! Make sure your drains are clear, any cracks have been filled, and the proper ice deterrents are being used, and you will get the most longevity out of your pavers. The accumulation of debris and moisture can be detrimental to pavers. Be sure that you are...
read moreForaged Fall Decorating
With fall in full force here in Minnesota, we are offering up a few ideas for repurposing your old flower bed remnants into easy and affordable DIY fall home decor projects. Our blooms may have faded from yellow & pink to orange & brown, but that doesn’t mean we can’t find beauty in them. From the fiery red dogwood branches to crisp, green Norway Pine boughs, there is beauty all around us this time of year. If your home has an outdoor brick planter or basket, those can be filled with arrangements of your own creation. Start by...
read moreWinterizing your Water Features
The time has come to winterize your outdoor water features. Night temperatures descending into the low 30s can put your pumps, hoses, and other water fixtures at an increased risk. Save yourself the hassle of replacing everything with new equipment in the spring, and do your winterizing now. Whether you have a waterfall, stream, or fountain, there are preventative steps you can take to minimize damage and keep your equipment functioning for many years. First, be sure that your pumps have been turned off and disconnected from their power...
read moreOrnamental Grass Upkeep
Ornamental grasses are an attractive and interesting detail in our fast-fading fall gardens. With many delicate flowering plants going to sleep for the winter, ornamental grasses can provide texture and interest in an otherwise drab garden or flowerbed. There are a few things to know about these lovely plants as we enter the colder months here in Minnesota. Your ornamental grasses will need to be divided every 3 to 5 years. Their new growth occurs on the outer rim of the grass clump, and as this happens, the center of the clump loses...
read moreFall Yard and Patio Maintenance
With fall fast approaching, we’re thinking about mums, apples, and bonfires! Along with all the exciting fall foods and activities, there are a few worthwhile seasonal maintenance tasks that you might want to consider as the colder temps settle in and we brace for another Minnesota winter. Checking the condition of your sidewalks, patio pavers, and other hardscapes during the fall could help prevent damaged areas from becoming worse as temps fluctuate, and water seeps in. While we hope that your paver patio or sidewalk never moves and...
read moreOutdoor Stoves and Fireplaces
As summer draws to a close, many of us will find ourselves searching for ways to extend the season by a few weeks. And what better way to do that than to create a cozy, warm, outdoor nook where you can gather with friends or nestle up with family this fall? A centerpiece to your patio area and the perfect place to congregate over a nice meal and hot ciders as you ring in the changing of the seasons, outdoor stoves and fireplaces are showpieces in and of themselves. The beautiful thing about them is that they are functional as well as...
read moreRenewing Your Porches and Decks
Over the years, pets, kids, and the elements can take a toll on our decks and porches. While we’re still in the summer season, considering a deck rejuvenation could save you money and give your deck or porch a facelift- improving the overall look of your property. Here are a few steps to lengthen the life of your investment so that you don’t have to prematurely replace it. 1. Check for Needed Repairs Particularly areas like posts or joists that make contact with the ground. These will naturally age more quickly and may need some...
read moreHiding your Utility Box with Landscaping
Utility boxes are a part of life, despite their aesthetic. Fortunately, there are a few clever (and pretty) ways to hide them- or at least draw attention away from them so that your yard focuses on the intentional detail, not the unsightly but necessary metal boxes. If the box itself is lacking safety information, it is a good idea to check in with your utility company before starting any landscaping activities around your utility box. Some have underground wires, some need airflow you wouldn’t want to obstruct, and some have a minimum...
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