WOODY PLANTS - FEBRUARY PRUNING

So you are probably wondering....what is Earthworks Gardens? Where did it all start and how did you get such a cool name?Here are some stats: Earthworks Gardens is a family run farm. The main focus is growing and selling cut flower bouquets, perennial plants such as iris and daylilies. We own & operate a 10 acre parcel at the intersection of Golf Course Road (Cty 21) and Shanaska Creek Rd. Currently we have about 6-7 acres planted in perennials and woody plants for cuts. In this photo, Glenn is cutting down the Coral Bark Willow. It is cut to the ground every year, so it produces nice straight stems for floral work or to sell in bunches. This is 2 yrs. growth! I guess they like the soil.

Our farm is run by myself, (Diane) and my husband Frank. He is my reluctant but awesome weekend helper! If you can do it from one of our tractors...he's in! This year Glenn is also on board to help run the farm as we go fulltime this year. We started sales briefly in 06, then as many of you know we were hit by the tornado in 8-06, and the farm went on stand by for 2 years. Now that I am retired, I am excited to start my new career, playing in the mud, it's been a lifetime passion. This photo is Golden Curls Willow. These plants were 1 yr. old when planted and have grown on for 3 seasons - 12 to 15 ft.! All knarly and cool looking. Fast growers.


These 4 photos were taken in Feb. 09 when Glenn and I ventured out to do some late winter pruning. Many of the shrubs, aka 'woody plants' are cut back to just a few inches. A method called coppicing. This produces long straight stems for willows and dogwoods. This method is not for every plant! Then I was busy with sorting and bunching and getting them ready to sell at the Farmer's Market in Mankato on Saturdays, hint hint.
So when you look at a bundle of nicely bunched colored stems and debate the price, remember there is a frozen person behind the scenes. =)



I know you likely seen the red dogwood, and maybe even the coral, but how about this yellow. It would look awesome paired with spring tulips and bergenia. The woody plants we grow are for either their flowers, like lilacs and hydrangeas, their foliage like Diablo Ninebark and Maples, their berry clusters like American Cranberry and Blueberry Muffin Viburnum (who could resist a name like that!) or simply for their bare stems like curly willow or colored dogwoods. About 3 of our acres are woodies, about 1,600 plants. That is indeed....alot of pruning.
Check out my classes listed on March 16th entry.