Wildlife

The Garden Scoop - Keeping Bunnies at Bay in winter

The Garden Scoop - Keeping Bunnies at Bay in winter

October 23, 2025

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.  

Tuesday Toolkit: Fall Plants Aren't Snacks!

Tuesday Toolkit: Fall Plants Aren't Snacks!

October 13, 2025
Welcome to your Tuesday Toolkit from Gertens a weekly dose of deep-dive garden inspiration, tips, and creative ideas to elevate every corner of your landscape & home. THIS WEEK: Fall Plants Aren't Snacks!
The Garden Scoop - Achoo! Goldenrod vs Ragweed

The Garden Scoop - Achoo! Goldenrod vs Ragweed

September 23, 2025

It happens every year. The beautiful native Goldenrod gets blamed for Ragweed's "achoo season". It's understandable as they belong to the same plant family but from very different genus. So which is really responsible for those sneezes and watery eyes? Find out...

Tuesday Toolkit: Monarch Magic

Tuesday Toolkit: Monarch Magic

August 18, 2025
Welcome to your Tuesday Toolkit from Gertens a weekly dose of deep-dive garden inspiration, tips, and creative ideas to elevate every corner of your landscape & home. THIS WEEK: Monarch Magic!
The Garden Scoop - Let's have... the Talk

The Garden Scoop - Let's have... the Talk

July 29, 2025

Got your attention?  We’re talking about plant sex aka pollination. There’s a lot of activity taking place in our gardens right now but no need to avert your eyes or cover the kids’ eyes.

The Garden Scoop - Epiphany & what to do with your Christmas tree

The Garden Scoop - Epiphany & what to do with your Christmas tree

December 31, 2024

January 6th is the official last day of the 12 Days of Christmas, the Epiphany. The word itself has several meanings but for Christians it signals the coming of the Magi, or 3 Wise Men. Celebrations abound around the world, some involving plunging into icy water. For many of us it means packing away the Christmas decorations and taking out our fresh Christmas tree. Before you kick it to the curb, The Garden Scoop has some fun ideas to put that tree to good use!!

The Garden Scoop - Ode to the Partridge Pea

The Garden Scoop - Ode to the Partridge Pea

December 12, 2024

Many years ago, I went on a local garden tour and saw these AMAZING yellow flowers. I found these flowers were NATIVE annuals to Minnesota! Super easy to start from seed and a pollinator magnet.

The Garden Scoop - Fall into winter to-do's

The Garden Scoop - Fall into winter to-do's

October 23, 2024

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.

Deterring Rabbits

Deterring Rabbits

February 5, 2024

The bane of the botanical minded! They may be cute but they are destructive. Rabbits will eat your produce and nibble on your new shrubs before you get a chance to enjoy them. Read on for tips to deter them!

VIDEO: Bonni on Birds

VIDEO: Bonni on Birds

May 16, 2023

Bonni, our resident bird expert, shares information on "bully" birds, how to keep them away by providing the appropriate seed, the best types of feeders to use as well as how to hang them and the best way to clean those feeders.

THE GARDEN SCOOP: Bunny Battles

THE GARDEN SCOOP: Bunny Battles

February 6, 2023

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!  

Deterring Voles

Deterring Voles

May 11, 2022

Vole damage shows up after snow melt. You'll likely see it in your lawn first, but a close examination of small trees and shrubs may reveal chewed bark at the base. Learn what to look for and what to do to prevent future problems. 

 

VIDEO: Bonni on Feeding Orioles, Hummingbirds and Songbirds

VIDEO: Bonni on Feeding Orioles, Hummingbirds and Songbirds

April 19, 2022
Bringing birds to your backyard! Bonni is our expert on all things birds and today shares some tips.
VIDEO: Bonni on Cleaning Bird Feeders & the Avian Flu

VIDEO: Bonni on Cleaning Bird Feeders & the Avian Flu

April 18, 2022

Bonni shares how to clean bird feeders, discusses why this is so important, and briefly discusses the possible impact of Avian Flu on our songbirds.

Top Ten Essentials to Attract Birds

Top Ten Essentials to Attract Birds

March 28, 2022
Bonni's Top Ten Essentials for Attracting Birds!
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