Natural Woodland Botanicals

This is the time of year we New Englanders yearn for true signs of spring (never mind you, guy in shorts and flip-flops when it was 57 degrees outside). Flowers, fresh buds and all kinds of blooms are the antidote. And here is good news: Despite our finicky weather each spring, we can actually immerse ourselves in beautiful spring growth in many spots across the region. Call it a day trip to spring. Consider these blooming locales: Garden in the Woods, Framingham Garden in the Woods, Framingham: This 45-acre botanical garden, owned and operated by Native Plant Trust, is a fresh-air, woodsy stroll through beauty. With over 1,000 native plant species on display — 100 of them rare and endangered — there’s always something new in bloom or ready to bloom. This time of year (their season officially began April 14), they have plenty of blooms and lots of growth. You are welcome to wander, but can also join a guided walk (Tuesdays through Fridays at 10 a.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.; free with admission). The woodland garden has more than lovely plants too. You’ll find a lily pond, habitat displays, meadow, wildlife garden, rain garden and more. And talk about taking home a meaningful souvenir: You can visit their “Idea Garden,” learn about the plants and setups there and then purchase some to do it yourself at home. Located at 180 Hemenway Road, Framingham; nativeplanttrust.org. Tower Hill Botanic Gardens, Boylston. Tower Hill Botanic Gardens, Boylston: A field of over 25,000 daffodils in full bloom, just waiting for you to  enjoy. What more can one need on an April day? Open now, the daffodils are blooming, as are crocuses, forsythias, magnolias and more. Tulips will begin to bloom soon — they have more than 20,000 of those, which come into full bloom around Mother’s Day each year. And Tower Hill offers you much more than a chance to soak in beauty. With their “Hello Spring” event series, you can catch speakers (on floral and gardening topics), and even take gardening classes to boost up your own blooms. A must: Nosh at their Farmer at the Fork Restaurant, where you’ll find locally sourced bowls, sandwiches and baked goods. Located at 11 French Drive, Boylston; towerhillbg.org. APRIL 18, 2019, BOSTON – Highfield Hall in Falmouth. Photo Dan Cutrona Highfield Hall & Gardens, Falmouth: The perfect blend of architectural and natural beauty, Highfield Hall is the restored 1878 estate of the Beebe family and is one of the few remaining examples of Stick-style Queen Anne architecture in the Northeast. Surrounding it are sublime gardens that are beginning to bloom now (their season for visitors began April 15). Their Sunken Garden and West Garden show classic garden design and beautiful plans. In Beebe’s Woods, a 347-acre town-owned land that abuts the property, you can explore nature and more plantings as well as foot trails and old carriage roads that wind past ponds, stone walls and through quiet woods. The Beech Tree Path guides you along rows of magnificent trees planted by the Beebe family. They offer a wide variety of learning sessions too: from chef talks to musical performances, art shows and all kinds of classes. Regularly scheduled docent-led walking tours are free with admission, and estate walks are held on the first and third Sundays of the month beginning in May. Most of all, you can soak in the gardens and architecture and for a brief moment, pretend it all is yours. Located at 56 Highfield Drive, Falmouth; highfieldhallandgardens.org.  

Margaret was born April 17, in 1885, one hundred and thirty-four years ago today. The launching of this blog is my way of celebrating her birthday. A special lunch featured one of her favorite foods–mushrooms! 2018 Margaret McKenny Birthday Walk This post is the script used for a celebratory walk held in the LBA Woods […]

London may be the bustling Capital but there’s a whole island yet to explore! 🇬🇧

The ground is thawing out and the skunk cabbage is up – it’s time to start searching for the purple rock cress (Cardamine douglassii), a state-threatened plant. You may also find its more common cousins, all members of the mustard family – yes, like the mustard you eat, but with white to pink flowers rather […]

America’s consumers are demanding safe, high quality foods to support their health and well-being. But while Trader Joe’s – or Trader Jose’s for some of their Mexican staples, or Trader Ming’s for Chinese cuisine – puts 10 words in every product name (“fire-roasted organic mixed vegetables with balsamic butter sauce”), Aldi keeps its descriptions simple.Product(s): […]

America’s consumers are demanding safe, high quality foods to support their health and well-being. Product(s): General equipment and tools: buckets, shovels, grabs and grips, spades and shovels; livestock equipment; animal confinement equipment; gates; platforms and racks; mineral feeders; poultry equipment; animal feeds: dog and cat food; feed additives and ingredients; corn and corn gluten feed; […]

If you’re a gardener, all the snow the Twin Cities received this winter (even what we got this week) might just be worth it.  The snow provided an extra layer of protection for perennials. As a result, those flowers that return in your yard every year could thrive to their fullest potential. “Perennials getting snow cover is a great insulator for premature warmth,” says Steve Risan, owner of Terra Garden Center in Lakeville. “Tulips, for example, could bolt out of the ground from warm weather if it is not covered by snow. A big, hard freeze could come after that and ruin them and ruin their bloom cycle. A big snow cover with the snow melting slowly provides a gradual change.” Record snowfall could also mean lots of moisture in the soil that will nourish plants during the growing season. Risan says that while the weather has slowed some shipments, which will force him and other garden centers to adjust, it’s making soil conditions ripe for the growing season. “I think most of us can agree that while we would have rather had the snow be more steady all winter rather than come all in February, I think we’ll be grateful later on that we have that moisture,” Risan says. “As far as what’s happening in the ground, I don’t have any fears. I’m thinking the moisture levels in the Twin Cities are going to be awesome. I think we’ll see positive things from that out in our gardens.” Looking to gear up for the growing season? Thumb through this garden guide of greenhouses, nurseries and retail centers to find ones right for you. Be sure to check in with stores before heading out as some close during the winter and reopen in the spring, with dates varying depending on the store. ABRAHAMSON NURSERIES This greenhouse grower with three fully stocked garden centers — in Stillwater, Scandia and St. Croix Falls — offers a wide selection of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals and more for your landscaping needs. Garden decor and supplies as well as garden-themed gifts can also be found. Design and landscape services are available at each site. It might be especially worth checking out the St. Croix Falls greenhouse, which underwent a remodel this past winter. 2100 Tower Drive, Stillwater; 651-439-2140; 20021 St. Croix Trail N., Scandia; 651-433-2431; 1257 State Road 35, St. Croix Falls, Wis.; 715-483-3040; abrahamsonnurseries.com BACHMAN’S The 131-year-old family-owned local enterprise has come a long way since founder Henry Bachman Sr. planted potatoes, lettuce, onions and squash in 1885 on a piece of land in South Minneapolis. That spot is now Bachman’s headquarters, as well as one of six retail centers, and it has become one of the largest garden centers and nurseries around. Famous for those purple delivery trucks, Bachman’s offers annuals, perennials, garden accessories, patio furniture, gift items and more. Landscape and garden services are also offered here. bachmans.com.  Lyndale flagship location, 6010 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls.; 612-861-7600 Apple Valley, 7955 W. 150th St.; 952-431-2242 Eden Prairie, 770 Prairie Center Drive; 952-941-7700 Fridley, 8200 University Ave. N.E.; 763-786-8200 Maplewood, 2600 White Bear Ave., 651-770-0531 Plymouth, 10050 Sixth Ave. N.; 763-541-1188 BLACK’S GREENHOUSE & NURSERY A St. Croix River Valley family-owned garden center, this establishment has been offering a large selection of annuals, perennials, vegetables and herbs for more than three decades. Standouts include unusual pepper and tomato varieties. Garden supplies and decor such as statues, birdbaths and yard art are also in store. Upon your arrival, you might even be greeted by the resident dogs or cat, which have become staples of the greenhouse and nursery. 15743 Hudson Blvd., Lakeland; 651-436-6799; blacksgreenhouse.com CEDAR HILL GREENHOUSES This St. Croix Valley farmers’ market and greenhouse is a place to shop fruits, vegetables, annuals and perennials. Fairy garden classes, a small kids club and, come fall, a pick-your-own pumpkin patch are also popular draws. W10041 Wisconsin 29, River Falls, Wis.; 715-426-1831; cedarhillgreenhouse.net COUNTRY SUN FARM This multigenerational, family-owned operation near the St. Croix River Valley has grown tremendously since planting its first seeds as a flower wholesale business. Today, greenhouses and a garden center filled with a colorful variety of flowers, plants and more from nature’s bounty have made Country Sun Farm a destination for green thumbs. 11211 N. 60th St., Lake Elmo; 651-439-4156; countrysunfarm.com CAMROSE HILL SHOP While Camrose Hill Flower Studio relocated from downtown Stillwater to Camrose Hill Flower Farm, Cindy Sinclair’s outdoor event venue surrounded by gardens is just 10 minutes away. Fans can still order farm fresh flower arrangements for pickup or delivery. 14587 30th St. N., Stillwater; 651-351-9631; camrosehillflowers.com FLEUR DE LIS A quaint, European-style floral shop on Cathedral Hill, this shop offers charming seasonal and themed bouquets. In addition to specializing in containers and gardens, the shop’s expertise extends to creating living walls and botanical installations. The gift shop is worth checking out for its well-curated selection of pottery and jewelry from local artists. While there, grab a bite to eat at French Hen Cafe, also on the premises. 516 Selby Ave., St. Paul; 651-292-9562; fleurfresh.com GARDEN DIVAS Located just 30 minutes east of St. Paul, this garden and gift shop in River Falls spotlights funky to traditional garden art, unique containers, several plant varieties, home decor, gifts and jewelry. You’ll also find fair trade, eco-friendly, local, organic repurposed as well as a variety of vintage. Look for onsite classes and annual tours too. N7789 State Road 65, River Falls, Wis.; 715-222-0436; facebook.com/GardenDivasRF GARDEN SAFARI GIFTS This shop inside the Como Zoo and Marjorie McNeely Conservatory offers bonsai plants and hard-to-find supplies. It is also a destination for garden-themed gifts like botanicals, jewelry, apparel, interactive children’s gifts and stuffed animals. While on the grounds, find inspiration by visiting the various themed gardens, from tropical to sunken gardens. 1225 Estabrook Drive, St. Paul; 651-487-8222; comozooconservatory.org GERTENS With the motto “Buy from the grower,” this third-generation family-owned establishment sports a sprawling garden center with a large selection of annuals, roses and other perennials, plus trees and shrubs of all sizes and shapes. A “grill zone,” gift shop, water garden and an outdoor living space are among themed areas that take up more than 40,000 square feet of retail space. A large landscape supply yard, hobby greenhouses and year-round seminars and clinics also attract visitors. A state-of-the-art automated greenhouse is part of the main campus. 5500 Blaine Ave., Inver Grove Heights; 651-450-1501; gertens.com HERMES FLORAL & GREENHOUSES This full-service floral and gift shop has been in business since 1906 and is known for its reliable service as well as lush flowers and plants. Bouquets cater to a variety of occasions, from classic to contemporary, simple to lavish. 1639 W. Larpenteur Ave., St. Paul; 651-646-7135 or 800-547-6334; hermesfloral.com HIGHLAND NURSERY A lot has changed since Lois and Henry Harich started with a tent for a shop and a cigar box for a cash register on Cleveland Avenue in Highland Village. Now on West Seventh Street, the family-run institution that has been around since 1947 touts a shop and attached greenhouse featuring a mix that includes heirloom vegetables, woody and herbaceous plants and ornamental grasses. Statues and other garden accents are featured, too. While you’re strolling the grounds, check out the elaborate Bur Oak tree sculpture paying tribute to John Smith and Elizabeth Ryan Smith, Irish immigrants who homesteaded the site in 1850. 1742 W. Seventh St., St. Paul; 651-698-1708; facebook.com/thehighlandnursery HUGO FEED MILL & HARDWARE In downtown Hugo amid historic buildings, this store offers a variety of items for your hobby farm, lawn and gardening needs. The spot is also a hub for tomato and pepper varieties. Look for the mill’s annual tasting events, which some years has featured as many as 120 tomato varieties and 190 pepper varieties. 5582 146th St. N.; Hugo; 651-429-3361 HUMMINGBIRD FLORAL & GIFTS This floral shop features design-savvy arrangements to suit a variety of occasions, plus an eclectic, not-to-be missed gift shop. A lineup of community events, floral and art classes as well as trunk shows are also offered here. 4001 Rice St., Shoreview; 651-486-0403; hummingbirdfloralandgifts.com KINNICKINNIC NATIVES It’s all about local-local at this nursery near the banks of the Kinnickinnic River. With seeds sourced within 50 miles or less, the spot specializes in native perennials, wildflowers and grasses friendly to the local climate and its creatures such as birds, bees and butterflies. 235 State Road 65, River Falls, Wis.; 715-425-7605; kinninatives.com LEITNER’S This floral design, garden center and landscape products store features annuals, perennials, fruiting plants and shrubs for patio and garden. Plants and flowers that range from classic to unique come from local, independently owned growers. Creative potting plants, gardening equipment and original garden art are also a draw. 945 Randolph Ave., St. Paul; 651-291-2655; leitnersstpaul.com LILYDALE GARDEN CENTER With a welcoming garden and gift shop, this is a place to stock up on annuals, perennials, shrubs and fruit trees. Garden accessories such as statuary, fountains and ceramic pots are also offered. While there, check out the shop’s carefully selected gift items such as soaps, lotions, candles and decor. Purchases come with free gift-wrapping. Garden-style arrangements and design services are also available.  941 Sibley Memorial Highway, Lilydale; 651-457-6040; lilydalegardencenter.com MOTHER EARTH GARDENS This independently and cooperatively owned operation with two locations emphasizes local, organic and sustainable options. Shop seeds, vegetables, herbs as well as annuals and perennials that include native varieties. Growing practices include compost tea applications, soy-based fertilizers, alternative energy and rainwater harvesting. Eco-friendly, local and handmade gifts and garden decor are also a draw.  3738 42nd Ave. S., Minneapolis, 612-724-2296; and 2318 Lowry Ave. N.E., Minneapolis, 612-789-0796; motherearthgarden.com MY SISTER’S GARDEN According to the website, the nursery and garden center was recently redesigned. This western Wisconsin shop is a destination for its selection of annuals, provided by My Sister’s Garden, as well as perennials, herbs, vegetables, garden decor and gifts. Floral arrangements, landscaping services and garden chats can be found, too. 850 Kelly Road off Wisconsin 12, Hudson, Wis.; 715-386-4111; willowrivertree.com PAHL’S MARKET This garden center with a greenhouse and nursery has a little bit of everything. Green thumbs can stock up on zinnias, hibiscus, palms, herbs, tomatoes and much more. Landscape enthusiasts will find a wide selection of garden decor, fountains, birdbaths and statuary to choose from. During the summer, the shop offers produce, such as sweet corn, green beans, tomatoes, watermelon and berries, grown onsite or acquired through local growers. Services include a community-supported agriculture program in partnership with Von Hanson’s Meats. Landscaping services can be found, too.  6885 160th St. W., Apple Valley; 952-431-4345; pahls.com  PETUNIA’S In a shared retail spot called Shop 501 & Co., Petunia’s carries an eclectic mix of accessories emphasizing vintage items, including themed miniature gardens. 501 Chestnut St., Chaska; 612-224-0231; shop501.com PRAIRIE RESTORATION This business offers native plant restoration experts for wetland, woodland and shoreline plant communities. In addition to various service locations, the operation includes retail stores in Scandia and Princeton for seeds, plants, shrubs and trees. A retail spot is also housed in Munger near Duluth. Prairie Restoration greenhouses produce plants, trees and shrubs especially friendly to northern climates. The gift shop is also a gem, with an unusual, high-quality selection of garden accessories and nature-themed items, such as bird supplies, kids’ gifts, books, botanicals and local art. 31646 128th St., Princeton, 763-389-4342; and 21120 Ozark Court N., Scandia, 651-433-1437; prairieresto.com ROSE FLORAL & GREENHOUSE For more than 30 years, this floral shop and greenhouse has been outfitting gardens with its selection of fresh-as-can-be annuals, perennials and hanging baskets. Home decor for inside and out includes pieces for that terrarium or fairy garden. 14298 60th St., Stillwater; 651-439-3765 or 1-800-272-0715; rosefloral.com/garden-center SAM KEDEM NURSERY While hardy roses are top sellers, Sam Kedem Nursery is also a draw for its selection of certified organic and locally grown produce and plants such as fruit and shade trees, shrubs, perennials and vegetables. In addition to the horticultural offerings, a wide selection of pick-your-own fruits — from gooseberries and cherries to plums and pears — draws crowds. A farm store stocks edibles such as free-range eggs, honey and fruit preserves and more. 12414 191st St. E., Hastings; 651-437-7516; kedemgarden.com SAVORY’S GARDENS While the retail store in Edina has closed, the mail-order business from this outfit specializing in hostas is still going strong. In addition, hostas enthusiasts can still call or email to set up an appointment to visit the Edina or Savory’s Gardens’ retail location in Lester Prairie, according to the website. Look for special shopping days and events through the Facebook page. 952-941-8755; savorysgardens.com; facebook.com/SavorysGardens SKYLINE GARDENS AND PONDS This greenhouse, aquatic nursery and landscape outfit is a place to shop annuals, perennials, herbs, hanging baskets, palm trees and banana trees. This family-run business also has become a destination for koi, water plants and water gardens. 148 County Road F, River Falls, Wis.; 715-425-1468; skylinegardensandponds.com STOCKHOLM GARDENS This plant nursery, on the grounds of an old farmstead with a historic barn, garden store and greenhouses, is in its 32nd year and offers one of the largest selections of perennials in the Maiden Rock, Stockholm and Pepin area. Herbs, annuals, trees and shrubs are also a specialty here. Shop unique garden ornaments, a large selection of pots, garden supplies and antiques. A display garden on the premises also offers inspiration. W12014 Wisconsin 35, Stockholm, Wis.; 715-442-3200; stockholmgardens.com SQUIRE HOUSE GARDENS Meander the grounds and check out the themed gardens at this charming and historic renovated 1875 home on Afton’s main street in the St. Croix River Valley. Stock up on annuals, perennials, herbs, trees and shrubs hardy enough to survive the extreme Upper Midwest climate. Martagon Lily Bulbs are part of the lineup. In addition to a display garden and nursery, there’s a gift shop with fashion accessories such as fine jewelry and upcycled wallets, body care, gourmet foods, gifts, home and garden decor and fair-trade products. Landscape design services are available too. Art show and “tea & talk” sessions are also hosted on the premises. 3390 St. Croix Trail S., Afton; 651-436-8080; squirehousegardens.com TANGLETOWN GARDENS Tangletown Gardens has gained a following for its large assortment of heirloom vegetable, aquatic, tropical plant, annual and perennial varieties. In the shop, look for unique garden art, pottery as well as tested-and-true gardening tools, artisan jewelry and gifts. During the growing season, regulars come to shop the daily farmers’ market as well as buy CSA shares with items from Tangletown’s own 140-acre farm in Plato, Minn. 5353 Nicollet Ave. S., Mpls.; 612-822-4769; tangletowngardens.com TERRA GARDEN CENTER This family-owned operation grows plants on-site and offers a variety of perennials, annuals, evergreens and fruits, as well supplies for the fairy garden. While there, browse the spacious showroom. 20230 Kenrick Ave., Lakeville; 952-469-3506; terragardencenter.com TERRACE HORTICULTURAL BOOKS Green thumbs and bookworms will appreciate this delight with one of the nation’s largest stocks of books on planting, gardening and natural history. Rare and out-of-print books, seed and plant catalogs and periodicals are among the bookstore’s vast collection. The grounds feature display gardens, and if your timing is right, you might catch a “tea at the terrace” reception held several times a day. This past year, Terrace Horticultural celebrated 27 years in the business. 503 St. Clair Ave., St. Paul; 651-222-5536; terracehorticulturalbooks.com WALDOCH FARM GARDEN CENTER This family-run garden center is a place to stock up on quality plants, garden accessories and produce. Check out the farm animals at the adjoining barnyard. 8174 Lake Drive, Lino Lakes; 651-780-1207; waldochfarm.com WHISPERING GARDENS A multigenerational, family-owned operation that started as a small business in a back yard in 1993 with perennials has blossomed into a design service and full-service garden center that includes annuals, trees and shrubs. The spot also has gained a reputation for its hanging baskets, bedding plants as well as its selection of hostas and tomato varieties. The garden gift shop offers water features, wind chimes, garden art as well as cabin gifts, jewelry and botanicals. Be sure to wander the 1.5-acre landscaped display and event garden with perennials, gazebo and large waterfall. 11180 70th St. S., Cottage Grove; 651-459-8080; whisperinggardens.com WHITE BEAR FLORAL & NURSERY; COOK WATER FARMS Shop the flower shop and greenhouse for flower arrangements and gifts to suit a variety of occasions. Cook Water Farms, the wholesale supplier of water plants with production site in Askov, Minn., hosts a retail outlet in the south greenhouse of White Bear Floral & Nursery. 3550 Hoffman Road, White Bear Lake; 651-484-3391; whitebearfloral.com [related_articles location=”left” show_article_date=”false” article_type=”automatic-primary-tag”]

Spring has always been my favourite season which brings me longer days, warmer weather, lots of sunlight and numerous gorgeous blooming flowers after a long quiet winter. I woke up on a Saturday morning and decided to spend my day in Richmond. With my beloved camera, I wanted to document the changes occurring in the […]

Please note: U.S. Forest Service had a typo in their scoping notice and they have extended the comment period to May 9. The correct e-mail address for comments is: comments-southern-north-carolina-nantahala-nantahala@fs.fed.us The following notice was issued by the U.S. Forest Service Nantahala District Comments are due by May 9, 2019 comments-southern-north-carolina-nantahala-nantahala@fs.fed.us https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=47886 Link to U.S. Forest […]

by Lindsey Borneman and Bria Moore, UNC Charlotte The American Hazelnut, scientific name “corylus americana” is a part of the betulaceae plant family, commonly known as the Birch Family. (NC Native Plant Society 2017) The corylus americana is a shrub, but can be pruned to more closely resemble a tree. The hazelnut shrub is native […]

Whether it is a beach resort, adventure vacation, discovering woodlands or experiencing amazing wildlife that the family involve, Thailand could offer your family a holiday of a lifetime. For people to kids alike, Thailand may capture everybody’s attention to help keep all the family occupied. Why don’t you Custom Produce your own personal journey to […]

April 8th is All is Ours Day Draw A Bird Day * Dog Fighting Awareness Day * National Empanada Day International Romani Day * Zoo Lovers Day * _________________________________________ MORE! Mozart, Pancha Carrasco and Ernest Childers, click

The combination of the traditional landscape gardening and the emerging city planning combined together gave landscape architecture its unique focus. Frederick Law Olmsted used the term ‘landscape architecture’ using the word as a profession for the first time when designing the Central Park. Through the 19th century, urban planning became a focal point and central […]

~ On our days off, when there’s no appointment to make or task to complete, it’s a pleasure to awaken slowly and gently.  With no urgency to stay on schedule, no insistent alarm, no pet or child in need of immediate attention, we can relax a bit more and gather our thoughts before starting the […]

Looking out across the woods this morning it seems that spring is well on its way with lots of birdwatchers in the hides and brimstones on the wing. I have shared a year in the life of Yarner Wood and have watched it change through all of its four seasons. Of all the seasons’ spring […]

Creating a beautiful Easter tablescape for your dinner guests can be a simple decorating task with these fresh and inspiring ideas we have put together. The first task at hand is to be mindful of the season, adding fresh spring flowers into your centerpiece is a simple decoration. Don’t forget to layer in some traditional […]