One of my favorite Garden Books

This is one of my 'must haves' on gardening. Jam packed full of info on any plant you want to know more about. I will be giving this 'brand new' one away at the end of my classes. Drawing will be on May 3rd, the last spring class at the St. Peter Community Center. For each class you attend, you can sign-up up once. This book is an $80 reference book, very nice. You need not be present to win, (so you do not have to take all of the classes) Click on the right hand column of the blog for class details, first class starts in a month, sign-up soon!!!!

Apricots? In Minnesota?

Not usually. Some apricot trees are hardy here in zone 4. However, they seldom produce any fruits, and isn't that why we want them?. If you have luck with growing apricots, your tree is likely in a perfect little 'micro-climate' that few others will have. Apricot trees flower very early in the season, this is most of the problem. It is usually to cold when they are blooming for the bees to be out 'doing their thing' pollinating the flowers. Also, flowers can be ruined by a late season frost. Where I was last working, we had a couple of apricot trees for about 10 yrs., don't think I ever saw one! So re-think your plant order for apricots...and get apples, sour cherries, plums or pears instead.

Raspberries....the 'yum' of summer

Raspberries are about the easiest home garden fruit you can grow. A decently cared for raspberry patch can last you up 30 years, so very worth it. Pictured here are 3 of the varieties we will be selling as potted plants this year, so plan on getting a few. We may also have 'Autumn Bliss' for sale as well. Get some of both types to extend your harvest season: Summer Fruiting & Fall Bearing/Everbearing.
My 'Fruit Class' covering berries & fruit trees will be held at the St. Peter Community Center March 31. Details under classes on right hand column.

Above is "Brandywine." This tasty hybrid is a cross between black & red raspberries, w/large purple fruit. A fall or everbearing type. Beautiful color!

Above raspberry is 'Heritage.' This is a very popular variety. Strong & productive plant, fills in the row quickly. This is a fall/everbearing type. Light crop mid-summer, heavy crop in fall.

This raspberry is 'Royalty.' Extra large purplish fruit. 'Summer bearing' type, so bulk of crop is produced mid summer.

Breathe in......mmmmmmmmmm.

Spring will b here, believe it or not.....one of these days......just not today.

Lilac, peony & iris. Three of the 'backbones' of the perennial garden.