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One of the true joys of the well-balanced, diversified landscape are the spring flowering and summer flowering shrubs. Now is the time when we can enjoy the spring flowering shrubs such as dogwood, viburnum, lilac, cotoneaster and forsythia.
The photo in the featured image is from John Ruter, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org In May many of our plants are blooming, making it very enjoyable to be outside. A great plant for May bloom is a plant called beautybush. This is not to be confused with beautyberry which is a plant we grow... Continue Reading →
Lilacs are one of the most recognized and best loved shrubs found in Nebraska landscapes. It’s also one example of a plant that performs wonderfully in northern gardens, hardiness zones 3-7 for most species, but lacks vigor and does not flower reliably in southern gardens (Zone 8 and higher). Lilacs are easy to grow and... Continue Reading →
Cucumber beetles and squash bugs are two serious insect problems of the cucurbits – cucumber, summer squash, winter squash, pumpkin, watermelon and zucchini. They are both difficult to control, but new research gives an option to reduce their numbers using low-chemical control. The Culprits Cucumber beetles and squash bug adults both cause damage through their feeding.... Continue Reading →
New guidance for farmers market operators was released by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture April 15, 2020. Nebraska farmers markets will be allowed to take place this year if they follow the mandatory guidance requirements, many of which are similar to procedures we are currently seeing in grocery stores. Here are a few excerpts from Guidance... Continue Reading →
After living with COVID-19 for the last five weeks, we all have a basic understanding of the disease, as well as basic practices to keep ourselves safe. Now spring is in full swing, how do these practices apply to the green industry professionals? Directed health measure (DHM) guidelines published by the Nebraska Department of Health... Continue Reading →
The spring is a great time for our gardens. Plants are starting to wake up from a long winter dormancy and it allows us to get outdoors once again to break the cabin fever. One of our early blooming perennials in the spring is Iris. About Bearded Iris Bearded Iris, Iris x, is a perennial... Continue Reading →
Acreage Owner Question: We just bought a new house and are trying to get started landscaping it. Can you recommend some fast growing, sturdy trees? Sure thing.
“If every plant and flower were found in all places, the charm of locality would not exist. Everything varies, and that gives the interest.” Richard Jefferies Karma Larsen There’s no doubt about it, there are some difficult ornamental plants out there. Usually we’re referring to plants that are hard to get established, too tall, short-lived... Continue Reading →
The coronavirus COVID-19 has instigated a new normal for us all, affecting almost every aspect of life. We are all aware of the everyday preventive actions the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends. Avoid close contact with others. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Clean your hands often, including... Continue Reading →
This year All-America Selections (AAS) announces seven national and two heartland vegetable award winners. To see pictures of these and other great plants visit the All-American Selection Website. Consider trying one of these great cultivars this year by purchasing seeds or transplants. National Winners Cucumber ‘Green Light’ - This little beauty is an excellent mini cucumber,... Continue Reading →
This year the All-America Selections (AAS) celebrates 88 years of testing and introducing improved flowers and vegetables. AAS was founded in 1932 to foster the development, production and distribution of new and improved horticultural and agricultural varieties of flowers, bedding plants and vegetables in North America. Plants are evaluated at a network of over 50 trial gardens... Continue Reading →
