Rob Zimmer

September time for asters, turtleheads to shine

Published by admin on Tue, 09/13/2022 - 12:55pm

While many gardeners think of Labor Day as the end of the gardening season, the stars of September make extending your garden bloom time well worth the effort. With careful planning and the addition of key late season plants, you can extend your bloom season through Halloween, even beyond, depending upon the weather.

Plants available for feeding monarchs

Published by LPulaski on Sun, 08/28/2022 - 5:30am

With all of the headlines recently about the plight of monarchs in North America, now is the time to take action here, locally, to do what we can to give them a helping hand.

Perennial hibiscus put on quite the show

Published by admin on Tue, 08/16/2022 - 1:56pm

One of my favorite flowering plants of the whole year is the incredible, show stopping hardy hibiscus, also known as rose mallow. Hybrids of native rose mallow found right here in Wisconsin, hardy hibiscus, believe it or not, are perennials here in this state.

Unlike tropical hibiscus, perennial hibiscus returns year after year, growing larger and larger, putting on a spectacular and flamboyant dance from the middle of July all the way through October.

Climbing vines a tall order for gardens

Published by admin on Thu, 08/04/2022 - 2:42pm

One of the most common questions I receive is regarding flowering or climbing vines for backyards and gardens. There are a number of excellent vining plants that can be used in gardens in our area. Some are perennial vines, while others are annuals. All provide excellent growth and foliage, along with colorful blooms.

Lilies of many different varieties out there

Published by admin on Thu, 07/28/2022 - 1:19pm

July and August are peak lily season, and their beautiful colors and forms grace our gardens and landscapes. There are many different varieties of lilies available to gardeners. All feature large, colorful blooms, some as large as 1 foot across.

Pay attention to plants, hanging baskets

Published by admin on Tue, 07/05/2022 - 3:46pm

You have taken the time and creativity to plant or purchase summer blooming annuals, as well as your summer fruit and vegetable crops. Now that the heat of summer has arrived, your plants will thrive beneath the summer sun. Be aware, however, that summer blooming plants, as well as edible crops, do need your attention from time to time to keep looking and performing at their best.

Summer perennials add color to the garden

Published by admin on Fri, 06/17/2022 - 4:08pm

The rush of May is over, and now the colors of June begin to greet gardeners with their beauty and grace. June begins the abundance of color and bloom that will last into July, August and September. Each month, the colors will grow stronger. Each month, the variety of blooms will increase. For now, we enjoy the colors of June.

Trees and shrubs showing their blooms

Published by LPulaski on Fri, 05/27/2022 - 11:16am

The beautiful flowering shrubs of mid- to late spring are beginning to showcase their spectacular display. This is the time of year to enjoy their beauty, as blossoming trees and shrubs fill the yards and gardens with colorful blooms and, in many cases, a rich, sweet fragrance.

There are many varieties of flowering trees and shrubs for May and June. From flowering crabapple to elderberry and hawthorne, there are many great spring blossoming woody plants to choose from.

Color blast finally here in Northeast Wisconsin

Published by admin on Thu, 05/19/2022 - 2:55pm

It has been a long time coming, and with Mother Nature seemingly unable to make up her mind, the start of the color blast is finally underway.

Spring bulb bloom season is here, and we are starting to see a lot more action when it comes to the explosive colors of spring blooming bulbs. Tulips, daffodils, irises, crocuses and more are beginning to appear in our area. A few days of consistent warmth and sunshine should really get the show popping.

Extend vegetable garden season with containers

Published by admin on Mon, 05/02/2022 - 2:06pm

Have you tried growing vegetables, fruits and herbs in containers? For many reasons, growing edible plants in containers is becoming more and more popular. Make this year your year for trying this fun and simple way to grow more food.