NPN June 2021

Native plants often have a reputation for being “aggressive”, “thuggish”, or “weedy”. Sometimes this reputation is earned. Common milkweed, for example, is great for monarchs, but can be a real pain for a gardener to try to control (only plant this particular variety if you have lots of space and an informal style!). And it … Read more

May Newsletter 2021

Have you noticed? It’s spring! Lawns are green, perennials are popping out, and of course the weeds seem to spring up quickest of all. All of which makes May such a busy month for gardeners. We shake the dirt off any tools we forgot to clean, work the creaks out of our knees and tackle … Read more

Planting in Winthrop Harbor

June 5th 9:30am — This Saturday Saturday June 5th Meet at WH City Hall Parking Lot 9:30am Bring your gardening essentials (trowel, gloves, hat, mask, etc) See you Saturday!!! ??‍? ??????‍?? We need everyone who signed up to show up and anyone else who can attend ? Please be sure to attend now that we have committed to … Read more

Brussels Sprout Salad

For the salad:  2 ounces pancetta or bacon, chopped  2 cups shaved brussels sprouts, about ¾ pound  ½ cup Marcona almonds ¼ cup shaved parmesan  For the dressing: 2 tablespoon champagne vinegar 1 teaspoon dijon mustard 1 teaspoon shallots, finely minced ¼ teaspoon ground pepper 2 tablespoons olive oil ½ teaspoon agave syrup or sugar … Read more

Crunchy Coleslaw

1/3 cup vegetable oil 1 pkg (3 oz) beef-flavored ramen noodles ½ tsp garlic salt 1 pkg (16oz) shredded coleslaw mix 1 pkg (5 oz) sliced almonds Stir contents of noodle seasoning packet, garlic salt, and oil until blended. Crush the noodles and place in a bowl.  Add coleslaw mix and almonds.   Drizzle with oil … Read more

Beth’s Corner May 2021

I’ve been busy the last week or two potting some hostas that have gotten a little to big for their spaces, taking a daylily fan or two off some big clumps, digging some monarda (bee balms) and pulmonaria (lungworts) that have gone a little too far astray, and potted up some new lilium bulbs.  I … Read more

Ornamental Containers

So, you’ve been considering container gardening. Let’s think a bit more specifically about what it takes to create a spectacular pot. You don’t need professional help or specialty plants—Just take a walk down the aisles of your favorite garden center this spring and choose wisely. Plan the structure of your pot. The easiest way is … Read more