by Keri Byrum | Aug 21, 2016 | DIY Garden Projects |
Miss Smarty Plants named to Top 100 Gardening Blog list! I am so happy to share that MissSmartyPlants has been named to the top 100 gardening blogs list. What an honor! There are some truly great gardening resources on this list so I hope you take time to look over some of these wonderful sites. You can see the full list of top gardening blogs here.… Read Full Post
by Keri Byrum | Aug 25, 2016 | Garden Visits |
On the Northeast shore of Lake Harriet in Minneapolis, Lyndale Park Gardens is an absolute gem. The entire experience of the visitor is well orchestrated and pulls you through to appreciate each garden in concert. Read on to learn more about this beautiful space and planting tips for your own home. History of Lyndale Park Gardens (as written by the Minneapolis Parks) The transformation of Lyndale Park awaited the arrival of Theodore Wirth as park superintendent in 1906. At the end of his first year in Minneapolis, Wirth submitted in the 1906 annual report extensive recommendations for the improvement of Lake Harriet and Lyndale Park. Wirth had two ideas. First, the area from the pavilion east would be filled with material dredged from the lake to create playing fields surrounded by groves of trees.… Read Full Post
by Keri Byrum | Aug 18, 2016 | Around Our Yard |
I have to admit, assassin bugs are one of those insects I’ve known about, but haven’t seen myself. I don’t think I would have even known what they looked like if it wasn’t for “David Rogers’ Big Bugs” coming to Leu Gardens. All of the sudden I was learning about assassin bugs and helping to install a 7 foot long sculpture of this true bug. Introduction to Assassin Bugs True bug? Well yes, not all insects are actually “bugs.” Arizona State explains it this way: The key difference between true bugs and other insects is their mouth parts. True bugs suck. That’s right, the true bugs have specialized mouth parts used to suck juices. Mostly they suck fluids from plants, but there are some true bugs, like bed bugs, that feed on animals.… Read Full Post
by Keri Byrum | Aug 11, 2016 | Around Our Yard |
It is easy to think of gardening and yard work as a task specifically for beautifying your home, but have you considered it as a way to grow a healthier you? Gardening promotes the physical activity that many of us are missing in our lives without requiring a gym membership. After the recent tragedies in Orlando I found myself at a loss. The only thing I wanted to do was be outside working in our yard. For me, gardening for your health means the mental benefits of gardening far outweigh any other type of relaxation. As I call it, “putzing” around the garden puts me at ease and allows me to find some calm that is often missing. I don’t accomplish a whole heck of a lot, but it lets me slow down.… Read Full Post
by Keri Byrum | Aug 5, 2016 | Plant Spotlight |
Polyalthia longifolia ‘Pendula’ or Mast Tree, has been on my mind lately. This tall, narrow tree caught my eye last year and I have been plant lusting for it ever since. I first saw it at the FNGLA Landscape Show and then I started to see the Mast Tree everywhere. Okay, not quite everywhere but I have seen it more and more. During a trip to Miami I saw it several times, tucked into narrow areas where it provides the perfect vertical accent. This spot at Viscaya Museums and Gardens in Miami is a perfect example of planting the Mast tree in a narrow area. Mast Tree Characteristics Mast trees are an extremely upright, columnar tree with leaves that hang in a weeping nature.… Read Full Post
