Thanks to a relatively early start to spring this year, many people are already beginning to dream about gardens and planting projects. Here is a run-down of upcoming workshops and other support for eco-friendly gardening projects.
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All articles filed in Yards and Landscaping
Preserving a piece of paradise in the St. Croix Valley
Paul Goodwin and his family have established a 49-acre conservation easement on land abutting Silver Creek near Stillwater, MN and are working to convert 14-acres of fallow farmland to prairie and oak savanna.
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Online classes for gardeners and nature enthusiasts
Explore new interests, build skills, begin planning for a summer landscaping project at your home, or simply enjoy a few hours of escape from the doldrums of winter.
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Boy Scouts and Water Stewards help to create outdoor classrooms in Woodbury
South Washington Watershed District created its Campus Greening program two years ago to encourage schools and other large campuses to think holistically about how they can meet stormwater management requirements when expanding buildings and parking areas. At the Lake and Middleton campus, South Washington County Schools (District 844) worked with SWWD to convert 15 acres of turf to prairie, plant 200 trees, and create the two new outdoor classrooms.
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Fall yard care reminders and tips
Harvest the last of your tomatoes and herbs now before they’re killed by an overnight freeze. Wait to cut down old stems and seed heads until the late spring. Instead of raking leaves, mow your lawn a few times to mulch up the leaves and return nutrients to the soil. If you live on a lake, be sure that you hire a DNR certified contractor to remove your dock this fall.
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Gophers and muskrats, oh why?
In a native planting or restored prairie, however, gophers should be considered a friend. Yes, the prairie will be bumpy instead of flat, but nature tends to be that way.
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Green lawns for blue water and good health
Some common lawn care practices can harm wildlife, pets, and water resources. Happily, there are a few simple guidelines you can follow to get a healthy lawn that looks nice without harming the environment.
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One woman’s weed is another woman’s salad
Look! There’s a yellow flower growing in that jagged sidewalk crack, but watch out! You almost stepped on the crack and everyone knows that would break your mother’s back. Is it a weed or is it a flower? I guess that depends on who you ask, but rub it on your chin and see if…
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500 Frogs a Croaking
On the third week of coronavirus my true love gave to me, 500 frogs a croaking, four [dozen] calling birds, three rich fens, two mourning doves, and a partridge in the Great Plains. It is Saturday, which means two days of rest away from video conferences, working remotely, homeschooling, and tending home. So, we run…
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Do’s and Don’ts of Spring Gardening
With too much time on his hands during the past few weeks, one friend’s husband gave their seven-year old a Mohawk haircut. Another started tearing down portions of the ceiling in their entryway to install new lighting. (Actually, that was the same guy.) People have been decorating their windows and fences with paint and sidewalk…
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