Duluth Garden Shop | Where Gardens & JUNK Collide!

Spring Garden Cleanup

April 23, 2013 By Guest Writer

By Daniel J. Jensen It's that time of year again to get the garden ready for a flush of growth in the spring. Many gardeners let the flowers and bushes go to seed in the fall, so the birds have something to scavenge over the winter. When spring comes it looks untidy. It also shades the ground and inhibits new seedlings. Once the possibility of a hard freeze has passed, the first step is to remove debris, dead branches on the ground, fallen leaves and any mulch you used to protect plants against the cold. Cut back those plants that require pruning in the spring. When the bushes start to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Garden Tips Tagged With: Backyard Gardens, Spring Garden Cleanup

Fresh Herbs Offer Countless Benefits

February 28, 2013 By Gardening Junky

Growing fresh herbs has numerous benefits. You will be amazed at how great it is to grow your own herbs once you start reaping the rewards of your harvest. Most people who grow a few herbs never want to stop, and their herb gardens only seem to expand every year! One major benefit of growing your own herbs is saving money. Fresh herbs can be outrageously expensive, with a single small container of fresh herbs sometimes costing $3 to $5 in many supermarkets! For just a dollar or so, you can buy a big packet of seeds that can grow many plants, and can keep producing for quite a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fresh Herbs, Garden Tips Tagged With: Fresh Herbs

Creating Your Own Backyard Wildflower Meadow: A Comprehensive Guide

January 31, 2013 By Guest Writer

Guest post by Daniel Novak Even in the icy grip of winter it is never too early to start developing garden plans for spring planting. Awash with sunshine, resplendent with Shasta daisies, wild sunflowers, and purple coneflowers gently waving in the warm seasonal breeze, the subtle murmur of the drone of bees and other pollinators, the flitter of butterflies…backyard wildflower meadows allow us to recollect long nature walks on picturesque summer days away from the hubbub of urban living. In nature, meadows can provide critical wildlife habitat for food, shelter, and nesting as well … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Rustic Garden Ideas Tagged With: Wild Flowers

Innovative Vertical Gardens

January 17, 2013 By Gardening Junky

Living Wall at Edmonton International Airport Courtesy Green Over Grey

More people and companies are turning to vertical gardens as a way to utilize wasted space, grow food in urban areas, and create healthier living environments. Green walls can play a role in lowering indoor air pollutants, help with reducing rain water runoff, and in protecting buildings. Check out the attached articles to see some innovative ways verticals gardens are being used. Green Walls: Vertical Gardens Flip Parks On Their Sides When visitors arrive at Edmonton International Airport in Alberta, Canada, they are greeted by a 1440 square foot living wall; a “green wall” … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Rustic Garden Ideas Tagged With: garden walls, Vertical Gardens

Pickles Anyone?

October 3, 2012 By Gardening Junky

It's that time of year. We are all harvesting and cleaning out our gardens. So, what do you do with all that produce? This guest article advocates for making Pickles! Why We All Should Pickle at Home by Jonathan Heusman One of the great things about pickles is that anyone, and I DO mean anyone, can make their pickles easily right at home. There is no special skill and just a bit of pickling knowledge that you will need. You will also need just a few simple to get, cheap items that you can find at most of your local shopping outlets. Not only is making pickles fun, but you will … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fresh Food & Recipes Tagged With: Canning, Pickles, Pickling

Bird House Plans – Choosing The Right Design

October 2, 2012 By Gardening Junky

By providing birds with the right bird house design, you are sure to attract the type of bird you want to your property. Different variety of birds will require different styles of shelter. Along with the proper shelter, also be sure to provide clean water and food. Giving birds shelter will keep them safe from the outside temperature. By building a safe haven the birds will be able to nest, and be safe from predators. Before you begin building, research the variety of birds known to migrate to your area. Be aware of the bird house size and location that will meet the birds need. Once … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Birds and Butterflies Tagged With: Birdhouse Plans