Wildlife

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!!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!  

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.

The desire to populate our planet with more pollinators continues as we also consider the other “wildlife” in our own backyards. The Garden Scoop looks at ways to bring back the "wild". 

Sandy's Top Ten Perennials to attract pollinators! 

Deer and rabbits are lovely animals to gaze at from afar but not so lovely as they graze at your garden buffet. Gertens Experts provide a list of plants that they are less likely to eat!

Moles can damage lawns, tear up plant roots, and create havoc. Gertens Experts provide tips to keep your yard clear of these pests!