Spring Home Guide 2011 by ECM Publishers

April 2011

soak in the pleasure of spring and create suite landscapes for your home and yard for you to sit back and enjoy. It is time to

SPRING home

What’s really cookin’ in the kitchen

Get a grip on home safety

Over 50 years of gardening expertise

Adorn your yard with blueberry bushes

Scotsman • St. Croix Valley Peach - Celebrating the season of spring!

Community Gardening

Page 2 • Spring Home, Lawn & Garden Time • April 24, 2011

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Spring Has Arrived Now is the time to plant a seed

Advertising Directory ABC Seamless Siding.......................11

LeRoux’s All Season........................14

The season of spring usually brings to mind ideas of growth or renewal. Look around and you will see trees budding, perennials returning, and the grass getting green. New life is all around us.

ABC Seamless.................................11

Lumberland......................................3

ARC Irrigation...................................3

Mary Kay Thomas...........................15

Caswell Cycle..................................10

Mike Esberg...................................13

Central Rivers Co-op - Isanti............13

MN Equipment Solutions...................4

Crawford’s Equipment.......................8

MN Equipment Solutions...................6

Much like nature, even the largest of home improvement projects begin from just the smallest seed. And, as in nature, many projects grow to be bigger and more impressive than we ever imagined. From the time an idea is planted to the time when you see the rewards of your hard work, the right tools and information are necessary to nurture those seeds and help them grow. Once again, the Scotsman and St. Croix Valley Peach join forces to present the 2011 Spring Home shopping guide. This year’s guide is filled with advertisers to help guide you through every stage of your project. Area businesses are offering special savings and ideas to help you improve your home, lawn, or garden.

Custom Woodworks...........................3

Minnco Credit Union.........................4

Dean’s Heating...............................12

MJL Outdoors & Marine....................4

E. J. Houle, Inc...............................14

Morton Buildings............................10

Fleetgo...........................................11

North Country Lighting...................15

Forestland Nurseries.......................11

Northland Landscaping & Nursery.....3

Forestland Nurseries.......................15

Olson Power & Equipment.................7

Grandpa Joe’s Marine.....................12

Olson Sewer Service..........................5

Green Barn Garden Center................7

Paragon Pool & Spa........................14

Greenworld Greenhouse....................9

Peterson’s North Branch Mill...........15

Great Garage Door...........................3

Prefer Paving, Inc...........................13

Hassle Free Septic.............................8

ReMax Associates...........................13

Hermann Insurance........................15

Sigstad’s.........................................14

Hoffman Brothers Sod......................8

Strandlund Refrigeration...................2

Isanti Ready Mix.............................12

Surface Specialists..........................13

Isanti Rental.....................................9

The Pool Store................................11

Jet Black........................................15

True Valu - Cambridge....................12

JNT Landscaping.............................14

Waldoch Farm................................14

Johnson’s Decorating Center..............5

Wolcyn Tree Farm...........................12

Knife River.....................................10

Wayne’s Nursery & Landscaping......16

The 2011 Spring Home is produced by the Scotsman and St. Croix Valley Peach with assistance from reporters at the Isanti County News, ECM Post Review and Forest Lake Times. For more information contact us at (763) 689-1981. All rights are reserved. This publication may not be reproduced in any way without permission from ECM Publishers, Inc. ©2011 ECM Publishers, Inc.

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April 24, 2011 • Spring Home, Lawn & Garden Time • Page 3

Home buyers want what’s really cookin’ in the kitchen

It’s a different age in the home, where the kitchen is now used to entertain guests, balance the checkbook and spend quality time with family. In fact, one of the biggest trends in real estate over the past several years has been the growing number of home buyers looking for large, updated kitchens that also connect to an open living room to enhance the home entertainment experience. Home sellers, then, are encouraged to showcase their kitchen’s most prominent features and update it to entice buyers, so they can picture themselves spending a lot of time there, says Robin Peterson, president of Coldwell Banker Burnet, in a recent press release.

Story by Jon Tatting ECM Post Review

Yet it’s the simple and inexpensive things that can also appeal to a buyer’s preferences, along with a quicker sale. Just ask Jeanie Callahan, a real estate agent for Coldwell Banker Burnet in Forest Lake. She suggests adding newer and brighter light fixtures — with perhaps a lighting scheme under the cabinetry — which can help set the tone for your kitchen’s appeal. Lighting, adds Coldwell Banker Burnet, needs to be functional as

well as aesthetically pleasing to strike the right balance between creating ambiance and seeing well to prepare meals. (A simple trick is to add dimmers to existing lights or task lighting areas such as above the sink or stove.) Replacing cabinet handles and knobs with more modern varieties can be enticing to buyers. And you may want to paint your cabinets. “If it’s done right, a fresh coat of white paint can help brighten old and outdated cabinets, explains Callahan. Home Buyers continued to page 4

Jeanie Callahan, real estate agent for Coldwell Banker Burnet in Forest Lake, offers simple and inexpensive tips on how to update your kitchen and home to entice buyers.

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Page 4 • Spring Home, Lawn & Garden Time • April 24, 2011 Home Buyers continued from page 3

She stresses the importance of keeping cupboards and countertops organized, free from clutter and not overloaded with appliances. The kitchen is one of the most important rooms for people where they aren’t just cooking anymore. It’s a gathering place, the central area of the home. “Make your kitchen spacious and inviting to prospective buyers,” says Callahan. Fantasy island According to Coldwell Banker Burnet’s Consumer Benefits Series: Islands are a highly desired kitchen accessory. They look sleek and provide convenience with more countertop space and more seating options, all crucial elements sought out by homebuyers. An island serves many purposes such as cooking, food preparation, eating and socializing.

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Your kitchen island can even be used as a workspace to tend to projects, pay bills, for the kids to do their homework or take care of miscellaneous needs. You can also add bar stools for seating space. And ample seating gives the kitchen a welcoming and cozy feel to make guests more comfortable. Having a variety of different types of seating (bar stools, couch, lounge chair, as instances) allows the room to serve multiple functions. Other selling points Inside and out of the kitchen, depersonalizing the home is often a good reminder prior to showing. This means taking down family photographs and other personal items to avoid interfering with a prospective buyer’s imagination of living there, offers Callahan. She advises sellers to shampoo carpets, since the perception of carpeting in Home Buyers continued to page 5

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Adding dimmers to existing lights or task lighting above the sink or stove will add aesthetially pleasing lighting to strike the right balance between creating ambiance and seeing well to prepare meals.

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April 24, 2011 • Spring Home, Lawn & Garden Time • Page 5

Honey Grilled Shrimp

Recipe Yield 3 servings Prep Time: 30 Min Cook Time: 6 Min Ready In: 1 Hr 36 Min Ingredients • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder • 1/4 tablespoon ground black pepper • 1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce • 2 tablespoons dry white wine • 2 tablespoons Italian-style salad dressing • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails attached • 1/4 cup honey • 1/4 cup butter, melted • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce • skewers

Home Buyers continued from page 4

need of replacement is a big deterrent to potential buyers. Clean the windows, allowing as much natural light inside the home as possible. Also before a showing, she adds, leave soft and relaxing music playing to further enhance a comforting atmosphere. Outside the home, curb appeal including tighty landscaping, fresh paint and an attractive front entry often generates a “wow factor” and great first impression for buyers, explains Callahan. In the bathroom, cleanliness is especially important for showing. She suggests putting some nice hand towels together, replace older shower curtains, freshen up the tub/shower area and modernize cabinet knobs if needed. Otherwise, ask your agent to display a special features sheet — listing highlights of the home and neighborhood that you don’t want buyers to overlook. Have you taken pictures of your flower garden, a sunset from your deck or yard or maybe the wildlife found in your backyard? Callahan says displaying these types of photos for buyers at showing can leave a lasting impression. vvv

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Directions 1. In a large bowl, mix together garlic powder, black pepper, 1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce, wine, and salad dressing; add shrimp, and toss to coat. Cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour. 2. Preheat grill for high heat. Thread shrimp onto skewers, piercing once near the tail and once near the head. Discard marinade. 3. In a small bowl, stir together honey, melted butter, and remaining 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce. Set aside for basting. 4. Lightly oil grill grate. Grill shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until opaque. Baste occasionally with the honey-butter sauce while grilling. The nutrition data for this recipe includes information for the full amount of the marinade ingredients. Depending on marinating time, ingredients, cooking method, etc., the actual amount of the marinade consumed will vary. Amount Per Serving Calories: 435 | Total Fat: 20.3g | Cholesterol: 280mg Recipe from http://allrecipes.com

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Page 6 • Spring Home, Lawn & Garden Time • April 24, 2011

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The idea of offering a community garden in Forest Lake was planted long before 2011, says the city’s Parks Coordinator Renae Reedy.

First year for community in Forest Lake

“It’s a trial this year to see how things go,” she said, noting the concept has been talked about in the past. The subject came up again when the city staff discussed ways to implement SHIP (Statewide Health Improvement Plan) with an eating component. The park board announced plans to create a new community garden in Tower Park behind the Senior Center, 767 SW 4th St. “It’s really a convenient location,” Reedy said, “plus it’s available.” The garden will have approximately 25, 10 by 10-foot individual plots that could be leased for the season by members of the community.

Story by Jennifer Larson Forest Lake Times

Individual plots for a new community garden to be located in Tower Park behind the Forest Lake Senior Center, 767 SW 4th St., will be staked and ready for planting come mid-May. Photo by Jennifer Larson

The communal space is a great opportunity for those who are unable to grow fresh produce at their home, she added. Individual plots can be leased from the city at a cost of $30 each per season. The city will prepare the gardens and mark the boundaries for each individual plot. Gardeners are responsible for providing their own plants or seeds and caring for their own plot throughout the season. Reedy advises against planting perennials. “We’ll till up the garden every year,” she said. Application materials were available beginning April 1 at city hall and online at: www. ci.forest-lake.mn.us. Garden plot lease applications from residents will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Lease applications for non-residents will be taken on April 15. For more information, contact Renae Reedy at 651-209-9723.

Seven uses for All-Natural Baking Soda Going green often translates to making subtle lifestyle changes to improve prospects for the planet. Limiting the use of chemical products and other harmful materials in everyday life can vastly reduce harmful impact on the world. One of the more versatile is baking soda. Commonly found in the kitchen pantry, baking soda can be put to use in that room and beyond. Because it is all-natural and can be ingested, it can be used safely and without concern for toxic interactions. Furthermore, baking soda helps regulate pH - keeping a substance neither too acidic nor too alkaline. It is this neutralizing function that can help it limit acid smells in the refrigerator. Here is a look at some of the other ways to put baking soda to use. 1. Water treatment: Use baking soda to neutralize water pH. Add it to bath water or to the washing machine to improve soap’s efficacy. 2. Soft scrub: Sprinkle baking soda on a clean, damp sponge. Use it to scour tiles, sinks, tubs, and counters. Rinse and wipe dry. 4. Microwave cleaner: Baking soda on a sponge can also clean the inside of the microwave without leaving a harsh smell behind. 5. Stainless cleaner: Make a paste of baking soda and water to remove rust stains from a stainless steel sink. 6. Coffee pot cleanser: Remove bitter tastes and stains from coffee pots or tea pots with a solution of 1/4 cup baking soda to 1 quart of warm water. 7. Grease fighter: Sprinkle baking soda on light oil and grease spills in the garage or in the driveway. Scrub with a wet brush.

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April 24, 2011 • Spring Home, Lawn & Garden Time • Page 7

Don’t slip, get a grip Story by MaryHelen Swanson ECM Post Review

It’s amazing to watch as children run up and down steps, climb playground equipment and jump in and out of the bathtub, but those of us way past jumping age find activities like that a bit more difficult. For all ages, home safety is important, but as the Baby Boomers age, handrails and non-slip surfaces become more and more important. Grab bars and railings are the answer to a more balanced world and an easy-toinstall improvement to most homes that will allow people to enjoy their current place of residence for a longer period of time. The 2009 population data shows that Chisago County has 5,591 people 65 years and older or 11 percent of the county’s population. In Isanti County, the over 65 population is 4,421, or 11.2 percent of the total population. The numbers in the 55-64 age group follow very close at over 10 percent for both counties. (Source: U.S. Census) AARP did a survey and learned that 90 percent of people 65 and older would prefer to stay in their homes as long as possible.

But a Department of Housing and Urban Development report shows that more than one million households with a disabled older resident have unmet structural housing needs. Where there is a need for a ramp or accessibility features in the bathroom, these things are not available. So then if a person wishes to remain in their home, a key to promote continuing independence is to modify the existing house.

While it might have been simpler and even cheaper to incorporate a number of structurally friendly design features into homes as they were built, in today’s economy, home modification seems to be the answer to staying in and enjoying one’s home for many years. Some modifications may require expensive structural change, but there

are a number of things that can be done with limited resources and limited time.

Stairs It is important to have sturdy handrails on both sides of all stairways, whether inside or outside of a home. For round rails, (usually flat on one side) the usual

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Page 8 • Spring Home, Lawn & Garden Time • April 24, 2011

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wide to allow for a chairlift.

Bathroom

size is 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Charlie Hult at Lampert’s in North Branch suggests checking with your city building inspector for codes for height and return that should be followed. In North Branch, that would be Rich Meyer. Railing is available at building supply stores such as Lampert’s at about $2.49 per foot for good fir rail, with brackets running about $2.50 a piece. Installation of stairway railing is a project that can be done by a do-ityourselfer. It is recommended that there be no carpeting on stairs to reduce the risk of slipping. But if carpeting is installed, a tighter weave with no padding is recommended. To minimize the risk of tripping, the tread should not extend out beyond the riser. Also, anti-slip strips can be installed on the front edge of steps (without carpet). Another potential do-it-yourself project. Hult noted that self-adhesive anti-slip stripping is available in rolls. If you plan to live in your new home throughout your life stages, it is worth considering, when having it built, that straight, continuous stairways, with no turns or curves are best for cheaper and easier installation of a chairlift, if needed later. Stairways should be at least 4 feet

It is important to have sturdy handrails on both sides of all stairways, whether inside or outside of a home. For round rails, (usually flat on one side) the usual size is 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. It is recommended that there be no carpeting on stairs to reduce the risk of slipping. But if carpeting is installed, a tighter weave with no padding is recommended. To minimize the risk of tripping, the tread should not extend out beyond the riser. Also, anti-slip strips can be installed on the front edge of steps (without carpet). Another potential do-ityourself project. Hult noted that selfadhesive anti-slip stripping is available in rolls.

With the top three trouble spots in a home being the entrance, the kitchen and the bathroom, it is important to pay special attention to the basic design of these areas when remodeling, buying or building a home. According to research from home care products company, Aurora, in North Ridgeville, Ohio, there are nearly 200,000 bathroom accidents a year. That’s about 70 percent of all home accidents. “Slippery when wet” is not just for road signs, and without proper safety, a bathroom fall can happen in an instant. Safety should come first. Here is a checklist for the bathroom: The bath or shower should have a nonskid mat or strips in the standing area. Hult noted that self-sticking tub decals now come in strips. The bathroom should have even lighting without glare and the light switch should be located near the door. The bathroom door should open outward. There should be an anti-scald faucet with a single-lever handle for both the sink and the tub or shower. Hult noted that there is now a Web site for Lampert’s online catalog: www.lampertyards.com. Customers can search for what they need and it will be shipped to the nearest Lampert’s store. Hult said when an item comes in, he not only e-mails the customer, but calls them to let them know

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April 24, 2011 • Spring Home, Lawn & Garden Time • Page 9

Don’t Slip continued from page 8 it has arrived. Companies that manufacture faucets are now offering a number of anti-scald faucets for tub and shower use. Anti-scald faucets and related control valves protect you from being burned by maintaining an adequate balance of the water pressure in hot and cold water inputs. Anti-scald faucets that work through pressure control keep water temperatures constant. This is an added benefit in scald prevention because you will not have to adjust the hot or cold water valves to find the right temperature, reducing your risk of scalding during temperature adjustment. Another kind, thermostatic control, are more expensive than pressure control devices. Much like pressure control anti-scald faucets, thermostatic control faucets and valves eliminate the need to adjust your hot and cold water valves, eliminating the risk of scalding while attempting temperature adjustments. Grab bars should be installed on the walls of the bathroom by the bath and the toilet. Three factors will ensure that your grab bars will be there for you when you reach for them: a. How big around is it. Typical diameter is 1 1/2 inches, but 1 1/4 inches works better for people with smaller hands (like children, many women) and for people who don’t have a strong grip. b. How far does it stick out from the wall? There should be at the most 1 1/2 inches of clear space between the wall and the inside edge of the grab bar. c. What is it attached to? A grab bar that is not properly installed can pull away from the wall and let you down when you need it the most. To make it sturdy, the wall can be reinforced with a 3/4 inch plywood panel attached to the wall stud. Dry wall, tile, etc. can be put over the plywood and the bar installed on this sturdy surface. Hult also noted that hollow wall anchors may be used. Installing grab bars in a bathroom may be more than a do-it-yourself project, but one an expert handy-

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man could easily handle. In the AARP survey, safety is often the most cited as the reason for making home modifications and many people who make these changes believe they will be able to live in their home for another 10 years.

Making simple changes will make the home easier to use by all members of the family, will increase the ability to live independently for those advancing in age, and will provide flexibility to adapt to the changing needs of family members.

Grab bars should be installed on the walls of the bathroom by the bath and the toilet. Three factors will ensure that your grab bars will be there for you when you reach for them: a. How big around is it. Typical diameter is 1 1/2 inches, but 1 1/4 inches works better for people with smaller hands (like children, many women) and for people who don’t have a strong grip. b. How far does it stick out from the wall? There should be at the most 1 1/2 inches of clear space between the wall and the inside edge of the grab bar. c. What is it attached to? A grab bar that is not properly installed can pull away from the wall and let you down when you need it the most. To make it sturdy, the wall can be reinforced with a 3/4 inch plywood panel attached to the wall stud. Dry wall, tile, etc. can be put over the plywood and the bar installed on this sturdy surface.

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Page 10 • Spring Home, Lawn & Garden Time • April 24, 2011

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Green Barn Garden Center

history, wealth of knowledge Story by Rachel Kytonen Isanti County News After 54 years, the Green Barn Garden Center, located just south of Isanti, is still growing strong. Green Barn opened in 1957 as a small vegetable stand by George and Janice Sparks. It was originally a truck farm named Plainview Vegetable Market. After being painted bright green, people starting calling it the Green Barn, and led to the name change in 1958. In 1982, the Sparks’ son Tony, and his wife Cathy, took over the business in 1982 and changed its name to Green Barn Garden Center, Inc. Kelsey Sparks, who serves as the retail greenhouse and nursery manager, and her brother Donny, are the third generation in the family business and work with their parents. Since she was young, Kelsey has always enjoyed gardening and picking fruits and vegetables. “I started helping my grandparents at the Minneapolis Farmer’s Market on weekends when I was young,” Kelsey said. “I worked in the greenhouse at

Green Barn at the age of 15 officially, although I spent much time around Green Barn growing up since my grandparents were living right on the farm. I worked summers and some weekends through college and began full time after graduating.” Kelsey studied Business Administration at University of Wisconsin-River Falls, but after talking to a friend majoring in horticulture about the Floral Evaluation Team at UW-River Falls, she decided to join and also added horticulture as a second minor. “I felt at home in the horticulture classes, naturally, and I ended up taking many extra horticulture credits,” Kelsey said. “After graduating, I went on to complete a Master of Agriculture in Horticulture degree at the University of Minnesota.” Vegetable Gardening In the past couple of years, Kelsey said she’s noticed an increased interest in vegetable gardening. “Since we are in a rural area, many of the locals already have large vegetable gardens so we

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Kelsey Sparks, retail greenhouse and nursery manager, offers gardening advice have experience growing many different varieties where some greenhouse growers may have been caught off guard by the increased interest last year,” Kelsey said. “Since we also grow fresh produce in the fields surrounding Green Barn, we have added experience in vegetable production. We offer a good supply of seed at Green Barn where many stores had a difficult time keeping up with demand last year. We expect to see many new gardeners again this year with more people interested in saving money and eating healthy produce from their own backyard.” For those looking to start their own vegetable garden, Kelsey suggests starting with a smaller-

scale garden, and plant items that yield quicker results. “It is a good idea for new vegetable gardeners to start with a size they can manage and not get overwhelmed and turned off by the work. Also start with easy crops like radish that only take

28 days to see results,” Kelsey said. “I would also suggest getting a planting chart specific to Minnesota so you have an easy reference for the best time to plant each different vegetable. We hand these out in the store, Green Barn continued to page 11

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April 24, 2011 • Spring Home, Lawn & Garden Time • Page 11

but you can also find this reference on the University of Minnesota Extension Web site called “Planting the Vegetable Garden” by Vincent A. Fritz. It also lists suggested plant spacing which is important for a new gardener. Always ask for help in the garden center and get suggestions on some easy plants to start off with.” Kelsey said container garden-

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dening, and guest speakers will be brought in during the busy spring and summer months. Possible topics to watch for include home canning and pests in the garden. They will also offer winter workshops in November and December where customers create their own winter evergreen planters and arrangements. Green Barn Garden Center, located at 26501 Hwy. 65 NE in Isanti, can be reached at 763-4445725. For more information visit greenbarngardencenter.com.

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When to plant Kelsey said mid-to-late April is a good time to plant certain cool season annuals and vegetables. Pansies and violas are one of the toughest annuals and first to add color to your containers midlate April, while peas and radish seeds are among the first to plant in the vegetable garden. “Many make the mistake of planting peas and other vegetables that prefer cooler temperatures too late and warm season vegetables like tomatoes and peppers too early,” Kelsey said. “We suggest waiting until the very end of May-early June to plant tomatoes and peppers since they need warm soil temperatures to grow. This is why it helps to have a quick reference chart as a reminder of each plants needs.”

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Green Barn Greenhouses have continued to expand and vegetable production has continued as well with potatoes, sweet corn, pumpkins, squash, tomatoes, peppers, melon, and other crops. Currently the greenhouse range includes about two acres of greenhouses and about 100 acres of field production. Green Barn has been hosting fall and winter workshops for the past few years as well as free classes on gardening topics. So far this year, they have hosted classes on pruning, vegetable gardening, and container gar-

ping at local nurseries and garden centers like Green Barn is they tend to do a good job of selecting plants that are appropriate for our area, or can help you choose those that are best where you are planting them if you live outside of the area,” Kelsey said. “I often get phone inquiries from customers that have purchased a plant elsewhere and find out that the plant will not survive the winter in their area, which can be very disappointing.”

ing also seems to be increasing in popularity, and customers continue to demand unique plant combinations and concepts. She said they also see customers embracing new plants and favorites to accent their favorites or even use as a replacement. Kelsey considers several factors when deciding what selections to offer at Green Barn. “We consider results from the previous year and emerging trends. We also look at new plants and products drawing attention or performing well at plant trials and trade shows,” Kelsey said. “The industry is already introducing catalogs to growers for 2012, so we have a lot of time to look over new items and evaluate performance in summer plant trials. Some of our plant orders are completed June or earlier for the following season. Holiday timing and weather also play a role in ordering. It is impossible to predict every variable when it comes to weather, crop variability, and rapid demand shifts but with experience we continually improve at responding quickly and finding solutions as needed.” When shopping at Green Barn, you can be rest assured the plants your purchase should thrive. “One of the benefits to shop-

Green Barn continued from page 10

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What’s new for this gardening season? New Annuals: • Superbells ‘Blackberry Punch’ Calibrachoa hybrid from Proven Winners: Magenta flowers with a large black center. New this year. • Superbells ‘Coralberry Punch’ Calibrachoa hybrid from Proven Winners: Peachy-pink flowers with a red eye. New this year. • ‘Black Velvet’ Petunia from Ball FloraPlant: The world’s first black petunia. It has been referred to as the little black dress of petunias. • ‘Phantom’ Petunia from Ball FloraPlant: Black with a yellow star. This petunia is striking to complement ‘Black Velvet’ or with bright colors. •‘Gryphon’ Begonia: Gryphon is a begonia with striking large foliage part of PanAmerican Seed’s Fantastic Foliage Collection. It has low water needs and grows 16” high for impact in combinations or by itself in a planter. • ‘Black Velvet’ is creating much excitement in petunias, but don’t miss other unique colors like ‘Potunia Blackberry Ice’ and ‘ Potunia Papaya.’ • A new annual grass offering a bright alternative to purple fountain grass is Pennisetum ‘Fireworks’ Pennisetum setaceum rubrum. This grass gets 18-24” tall and has hot pink margins that really explode.

Perennials: While there are many new perennials each year, the new Intersectional Peonies are gaining attention. Intersectional are a cross between tree and garden peonies. They offer strong winter hardiness, unique colors like yellow, and sturdy stems. • Early Bird Cardinal™ Daylily: Is said to be the first red, very early blooming daylily. Plants can rebloom four times a year. Fruits: • Somerset seedless grape (zone 4 ) is a new grape at Green Barn this season. While this grape may still need protection in some areas, it is nice to have a seedless option hardier than zone 5 (-20F). • BlackIce™ plum, developed at the University of WisconsinRiver Fall was available last year in the nursery. BlackIce™ is hardy to zone 3b and is a cross between a cherry plum and a conventional Japanese dessert plum resulting in large fruit with superior winter hardiness and an early ripening date. • ‘Frostbite’ apple will also be available this year after much anticipation. Some report to love it while others dislike it. Frostbite is said to be great for cider and those with a sweet tooth. It is also hardy in zone 3b. Some describe the flavor as being like Hawaiian punch. • Although they may not be available until summer, watch for

the Haskap berry plants. Several new Haskap cultivars were developed over the past several years at U of Saskatchewan and are gaining attention in the US. Haskap are hardy to zone 2 (-50F), have been compared to blueberry and raspberry in flavor with an elongated shape fruit the color of a blueberry. Haskap doesn’t require acid soil like blueberry plants. Plants grow 5-6 feet tall. Shrubs: • Bred by Dr. David Zlesak and introduced by Bailey Nurseries®, First Editions® Little Devil™ Ninebark • Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Donna May’ is a great new ninebark with a 3-4 ft. height and the red-purple foliage all season. Most shrubs with red-purple foliage are very tall or small but thorny, so this is a great alternative. • There are so many new hydrangeas, it is hard to know where to start. Bella Anna™ is being introduced as a part of the Endless Summer® brand by Bailey Nurseries. Bella Anna™ is a pink Hydrangea arborescens (‘Annabelle’) type that offers zone 3 hardiness. Also new in the arborescens species is the Incrediball™ hydrangea said to have larger flowers and stronger stems than ‘Annabelle.’ Other new or recently introduced hydranges to watch for include Invincibelle® Spirit, Little Lime™, First Editions® Vanilla Strawberry™, First Editions® Tickled Pink™, First Editions® Great Star™ and White Diamonds™.

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To be a part of our next Improvement Guide call (763) 689-1981 (651) 464-4601

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April 24, 2011 • Spring Home, Lawn & Garden Time • Page 13

for Home Landscapes Story By Emily Hoover, Carl Rosen, James Luby

lueberries are increasingly popular fruits with welldocumented health benefits. Blueberry plants are also exceptionally handsome bushes worthy of planting in the home landscape. The fruit can be eaten fresh, or frozen for out-of-season use. Plants have a profusion of white blossoms in late spring, and the leaves are glossy green in summer and have outstanding red foliage in autumn. Blueberry growing presents a challenge for most gardeners because the plants need special growing conditions. They require acidic, well-drained soils, which are not common in most Minnesota landscape situations. When the initial pH is less than 7.0 (slightly acidic), most soils can be amended to make them suitable. In western Minnesota, where the native pH of the soil is greater than 7.0 (basic), amending the soil to a suitable range is very difficult, although construction of a planting area filled with an

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acidic, well drained soil mixture high in organic matter is possible. Winter hardiness is also a consideration. Production should be successful if cultivar recommendations for your particular area of the state are followed. Site Blueberries grow best in a sunny location. Plants will tolerate partial shade, but as shade increases, plants produce fewer blossoms and fruit production declines. Avoid areas surrounded by trees, which provide too much shade, compete with plants for water and nutrients, and interfere with air movement around plants. Poor air movement increases danger of spring frost injury to blossoms and favors disease development. Soil Preparation Blueberry plants grow best in acid soils (pH 4.0 to 5.0) that are well-drained, loose, and high in organic matter. The soil water level should be at least one foot below the soil surface or roots will suffocate. Most garden soils in Minnesota have pH readings above those that are optimum for blueberries

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Blueberries continued on page 14

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(most soils are too basic). Blueberr y plants are long-lived (30 to 50 years or perhaps even longer), so considerable time and effort in preparing the planting site is a wise investment. Soils not within the range of pH acceptability for blueberry plant growth must be prepared BEFORE planting. If the pH is too high, the growth of the plant is slowed and

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Page 14 • Spring Home, Lawn & Garden Time • April 24, 2011 Blueberries continued from page 13 need to create a raised bed; instead, make a hole in the ground of the above dimensions and fill it with the soil mixthe foliage turns yellow. If the pH is too high for an extend- ture. ed period of time, the plants will die. When several plants Planting are to be grown together, more satisfactory results will be Plant young blueberry bushes in late April or early May, obtained if an entire bed is prepared rather than digging spacing them 3 to 4 feet apart. Dig the holes large enough holes for individual plants. If the pH of the soil is between 5.5 and 7.0, and the tex- to accommodate all the roots and deep enough so you can ture is sandy to sandy loam, the addition of acid peat is all cover the uppermost roots with 3 to 4 inches of soil. Pack that will be needed to prepare the soil. Mix 4 to 6 inches of the soil firmly around the roots, then mulch the planting with 2 to 4 inches of sawdust, peat moss, or chopped straw. acid peat into the top 6 to 8 inches of soil. Surface mulch helps maintain uniform soil moisture and Different sulfur compounds can be used to acidify the good soil structure, and it reduces soil temperature in the soil as well. For 50 cubic feet of sandy soil (the amount of summer. Replenish the mulch as needed. Water the plantsoil in a space 10 feet by 10 feet by 6 inches), use one to ing frequently enough to keep the soil moist but not satutwo pounds of elemental sulfur to reduce the pH one point. rated throughout the life of the planting. Drip irrigation or You will need to use three to six pounds to get the same soaker hoses would be useful in larger plantings. effect in loam soils. Elemental sulfur takes at least one year Care of the Planting to adjust the pH. In the first two years, remove flowers in the spring to Iron sulfate reacts much faster than elemental sulfur Blueberries continued on page 15 (less than one month); however, the cost is greater. Multiply the rate of elemental sulfur needed by six to determine the required amount of iron sulfate. Soils with a pH greater than 7.0 will require higher rates of acidifying amendments and are not recommended for growing blueberries. In addition to an acid soil, blueberry �� plants require a soil that is well aerated and has a high water-holding capacity. Most garden soil is not good blueberry soil, so modification of the soil is frequently necessary. To grow blueberries where soil is poorly drained and/ or too basic to be acidified adequately, prepare a raised planting area. To accommodate two plants, create a raised planting bed 15 inches deep by 24 inches wide by 48 inches long. Fill with a soil mixture of 4 bushels well-rotted sawdust, leaf mold, or peat; 2 bushels loam soil; and 2 cups wettable sulfur. As this soil settles and decomposes over �� the years, you will need to continue adding sulfur, soil and �� peat to the planting bed. Continue to have your soil’s pH �� tested every year or two, and amend as needed. To modify soil that is too dry and sandy, there is no ��

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April 24, 2011 • Spring Home, Lawn & Garden Time • Page 15 Blueberries continued from page 14

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encourage vegetative growth. Encouragement of vegetative growth is essential for healthy plants in the following years. Production of flowers and fruits deters growth when plants are too small or weak. A good-sized, healthy canopy is needed to support the fruit. Even healthy, vigorous blueberry plants are slow-growing compared to many other plants; it may be eight or even ten years before full size is reached. The need for fertilizer will be indicated by plant growth and foliage color. Generally one application of an acid-producing fertilizer each year will be sufficient. Do not fertilize after the blooming period; late fertilizing will encourage late growth in the fall which, in turn, can cause winter injury. The nitrogen used should be in the ammonium form (ammonium sulfate) rather than the nitrate form (calcium nitrate). Blueberries are in the same plant family as azaleas and rhododendrons (Ericaceae), and an azalea fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants works well for a small planting. The objectives of pruning are to remove dead and diseased wood, shape the bush, maintain an adequate number of vigorous main stems to prevent overbearing, and to stimulate new shoot growth. Pruning new bushes is needed only to remove any dead or dying parts of branches. After the fifth year, prune the bushes annually in the early spring, just before growth starts. Fruit is produced on one-year-old wood. The largest berries are produced on the most vigorous wood, so a good supply of strong, one-year-old wood is desirable. Excessive pruning should be avoided because it greatly reduces the crop for that year. Keep the bush fairly open by cutting out any weak, old stems that no longer produce strong young wood. Remove these older stems at ground level. Keep four to six of the vigorous older stems and one to two strong new shoots per mature bush. The new shoots will eventually replace the older stems. Blueberry plants tend to overproduce. Often, if all the flowers are left to develop into fruit, the berries will be small and late ripening, and plants will have little new growth. To avoid this, remove most of the thin, weak branches that have many flower clusters and few leaves. This type of pruning can be delayed until the extent of flowering is determined. Try to have a good balance between berry production and growth of vigorous new shoots. This artilcle provided by University of Minnesota Extension.

Page 16 • Spring Home, Lawn & Garden Time • April 24, 2011

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