Shrubs & Vines

Every winter we huddle up all cozy in our homes while bunnies burrow into areas as close to some tasty young shrubs as they can get. Even they aren't as interested in venturing too far in 10 below zero weather! This 'Scoop offers the best method of protecting your shrubs and suggestions on rabbit "resistant" shrubs and perennials too.  

Blight is baaack.... Coming out of a tough winter (2024/25) into a cool, wet spring, it was bound to happen. Lilac blight thrives in that environment. 

This year’s shrub choice is Dogwood aka Cornus. It’s been a part of human history for centuries and, since the 1800’s, it’s become a favorite of American gardeners. I’m one of them! 

Literally, it's not easy to dig in clay soil. It's heavy, sticky and a bit stubborn to work with. You could work trying to amend the soil, but I choose to work with what I have and choose plants that naturally "thrive" in clay soil. A reminder of the Master Gardener creed, "Right Plant, Right Place". You may be questioning my sanity right now but stick with me... no pun intended.

Fall is here and we are now looking at our depleted vegetable gardens, spent perennials and brown lawns; our trees in various stages of color and/or "balding"! Is there anything we can do right now to help tuck them in for winter? Yup, there sure is. And in particular, new plantings.

Our Crew members weighed in on their favorite drought tolerant plants.

Ryan, of Baileys, takes a walk around the Gertens lot to talk all about Roses!

Ryan, of Baileys, takes a walk around the Gertens lot to talk all about Hydrangeas!

This winter season 2022/23 has been one for the books. And for the bunnies. One local television station’s headline was “Twin Cities sees snowiest start to winter in 30 years”! And let’s not forget the cold!  

Garden Guy Dale is in Florida checking out where hibiscus and ferns grow.

Michaela explains why it's important to prepare our shrubs and perennials for winter.

The adult Japanese Beetles feed on our prized plants for about 6 to 8 weeks beginning in early July. The Garden Scoop dives into some ways to deter JB from your garden.

Karen's Top Ten Roses for Minnesota Gardeners!

Tim's Top Ten Shrub Recommendations!