Green Spaces 2020

Green spaces 2020

Special Pullout Section! Greenhouse & Nursery

Guide Pages 5-8

Get ready: Early spring landscaping tips

During the cold months of winter, many people stare longingly out of the window dreaming of spring and time spent outdoors. For those with green thumbs, images of tending to the garden and other aspects of their landscapes no doubt dominate such daydreams.

Draw inspiration from those budding crocuses and daffodils pushing through the last remnants of snow and employ

these tips to prepare for the upcoming gardening season.

▶ One of the first steps is to apply a preemergent weed killer to get a head start knocking out weeds that can plague the lawn during the growing season. Killing weeds at the roots early on can mean far fewer hassles in spring and summer, and may prevent new generations of weeds from cropping up each year.

GET READY: Page 12

It’s Tick Season

By Andrea Busche

At long last, spring is upon us. Most of us are eagerly anticipating flowers and warm, sunny days. But along with all of the season’s beauty, Mother Nature has also bestowed us with a creepy-crawly pest who emerges as soon as the snow melts: ticks.

According to Dave Neitzel, supervisor, Vectorborne Diseases

Unit for the Minnesota Department of Health, there are actually 12 known species of ticks in Minnesota. But we only have to worry about a few of them.

“Not many species of ticks feed on people,” he said. “Many are what we call ‘host-specific,’ where they feed only on birds or certain mammals. But the blacklegged tick (formerly known as the deer tick), is the biggest one to worry about. And the American dog tick (also known as a wood tick), is mostly just a pest in Minnesota, but can also pass along rare illnesses like Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia.”

Ticks emerge at different times of year depending on their life stage. To be safe, plan on it being “tick season” from

the time the snow melts through the end of the summer.

ILLNESSES

There are several illnesses that can be passed along to humans through a tick bite, including:

▶ Lyme disease – 950 cases reported in Minnesota in 2018

▶ Anaplasmosis – 496 cases reported in Minnesota in 2018

▶ Babesiosis – 49 cases reported in Minnesota in 2018

▶ Ehrlichiosis – 7 cases reported in Minnesota in 2018

▶ Relapsing fever illness – 2 cases reported in Minnesota in 2018

▶ Powassan virus – 3 cases reported in Minnesota in 2018 Many of these illnesses can also be transmitted to animals, including dogs. Lyme disease is rapidly on the rise in Minnesota. Researchers have proven that between one-third to half of adult blacklegged ticks in our state have the Lyme disease bacteria. And, about 20% of the young nymphs are infected.

TICK SEASON: Page 4

The blacklegged tick, shown in the lower right, is much smaller than the American dog tick, shown in the upper right. The lone star tick, in the upper left of this photo, is a little smaller than the American dog tick but larger than the blacklegged tick.

Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Department of Health

TICK SEASON

From Page 3

Some ticks are infected with three, or even four, of the diseases listed above.

And when it comes to your pets, speak to your veterinarian. There are several topical and oral products which can prevent ticks from biting your pet. And, while there currently is not a Lyme disease vaccine for humans, there is one available for dogs.

Neitzel has several tips for keeping yourself, and your pet, safe this season.

“Be on the lookout,” he said. “Ticks like wooded, grassy, and brushy areas, and are most likely found on the forest floor or near the ground, up to knee height. Ticks don’t climb trees, and they can’t fly and land on you. You have to come into contact with them.”

Neitzel recommends using a good tick repellent containing DEET. Or, even better, a repellent containing permethrin, which can be applied to clothing. It’s always a good idea to wear long pants, and tuck your pants into your socks, too.

IF YOU ARE BITTEN

After being outdoors, it is imperative to do a good “tick check.” Ticks are tiny, though, so they can be very difficult to see. A blacklegged tick in the nymph stage is only one millimeter long, which is about the size of a poppy seed.

Ticks must be attached to your body for one to two days to transmit disease. So, early detection is key. If you find a tick on your body, Neitzel recommends removing it promptly, by grabbing it as close to the skin as possible, using either a tweezers or your fingers.

There is no need to see a doctor if you have been bitten, unless you are showing symptoms of illness. These include fever, chills, muscle and joint aches, or an expanding red rash around the bite. You should also see a doctor if you find a blacklegged tick attached to your body that is engorged with blood. This would indicate it has been attached for more than the one- to two-day period, and a short course of antibiotics may be recommended.

As we head into spring, keep ticks at the forefront of your mind whenever you spend time outdoors.

“The bottom line,” Neitzel said, “is that once the snow melts, start looking for ticks, use a good repellant, and remove them ASAP.”

For more information, please visit www.health.state.mn.us/ diseases/tickborne/index.html.

Tick season

Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Department of Health This graphic shows each of the life stages of the blacklegged tick: adult female, adult male, nymph, and larva. It also shows the relative sizes and patterns of the blacklegged tick, lone star tick, and American dog tick.

Green Spaces

GREENHOUSE & NURSERY GUIDE 2020

A+ Garden Center

6150 Old Miller Trunk Hwy

Saginaw, MN 55779 • 218-729-9079

Open Apr. 27-Oct.29, April 27-July 3: Mon-Sat 9am-8pm, Sun 9am-6pm. July 5-Oct. 29: Mon-Sat 9am-6pm; Sun 9am-5pm

• What is unique about your business?

We carry all of your garden needs -- from mulch, rock and soils to shrubs, trees, perennials, annuals and tropical plants. Our Garden Center also has organic chemicals, tools and pots, and animal feed, plus garden decor.

• What are you excited about this year? We are offering curbside pickup, delivery of all your plants or soils straight to your door (for a fee). Orders can be made at our shop, on our website (aplusgardencenter.com), or by phone, Facebook or email.

AJ Landscape Center

6386 Highway 2

Duluth, MN 55810 • 218-729-4686

May-October Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; Sat & Sun varies, please call

• What is unique about your business?

We are a landscape center that sells everything you need for your landscape project.

Greenhouse/Florist

1403 7th Ave., Two Harbors, MN 55616 218-834-4837 • Open year round Mon-Fri 8am-5:30pm; Sat 8am-5pm; open Sundays Mother’s Day through June

• What is unique about your business? We have been in business since 1956 and are also a feed store. We are very careful with the pesticides that need to be used and we do not use or sell Round-Up (glyphosate).

• What are you excited about this year? Many new succulent varieties, new proven winner varieties, most ceramic pottery collection we’ve ever had. We always grow excellent Pansies and Viola. We switched to Renee’s Garden Seeds - all non GMO, plus many organic seed varieties.

Beier’s Greenhouse

2707 Midway Lane Grand Rapids, MN 55744

218-326-5357 • Open daily

See beiersgreenhouse.com for hours

• What is unique about your business? Beier’s is proud to have been a family owned business for over 60 years. We are unique in the fact that we grow almost everything we sell from a seed or plug -- “Grown in the North for the Northern gardener.” We will do everything we can this year to be sure our quality annuals, perennials, vegetables, trees and shrubs will get to you through different sources.

• What are you excited about this year? We are so excited this year to open our online store through our wesite, www. beiersgreenhouse.com! During this stay at home initiative we are not able to be open as of yet and wanted to get our beautiful plants out to our customers.

As of now we only have curbside pickup available but we are constantly adding new things and updating our website. Like us on Instagram and Facebook! We love posting pictures of all our plants as they start blooming! Please visit our website, www.beiersgreenhouse. com, and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter where you can get sneak peeks at the weeks specials, first to know about upcoming events and special coupons!

Bending Birches

5996 Cant Road, Duluth, MN 55804

218-525-1994 • Open May 1

Open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 10am-3pm

• What is unique about your business? Everything is done organically and we grow all plant material from seed. We use compostable containers. Hard to find and unique plants are our specialty.

• What are you excited about this year? We have several new varieties of morning glory, more varieties of heirloom plants and fun and unique hanging basket combinations.

Big Brook Greenhouse

43785 Highway 63, Cable, WI 54821

715-798-4142 • Open May 1-TBD

Open Daily 9am-5pm or by appointment

• What is unique about your business? We cater to all levels of growers and are always looking for what the customer wants.

• What are you excited about this year? We’ve reopened to the public under new ownership! Check us out on Facebook Big Brook Greenhouse Cable WI or online at bigbrookgreenhouse.com

Byrn’s Greenhouse of Zim

1990 Highway 7, Zim, MN 55738

218-428-2634 • Open April 30-July 1

Open Mon-Fri 8am-8pm; Sat 8am-5pm; Sun 9am-5pm

Early entry for elderly Mon-Thur 8-10am, Drive-through available Mon-Thur

• What is unique about your business? We have a huge selection of farmgrown plants, vegetables, herbs, shrubs and fruits. There’s plenty of space to ensure social distancing. We believe in growing locally, with organic practices, using our own soil and water for sustainable agriculture!

• What are you excited about this year? We love helping everyone enjoy their stay-at-home time with beautiful plants and edibles. Check out our Facebook posts and watch Deb on Great Gardening with Pam and Bob every Thursday.

Country Craft Shed and Greenhouse

7016 Van Road, Duluth, MN 55803

218-590-3435, 218-721-3258

Open May 2-July 21 • Sat-Sun 10am-4pm

• What is unique about your business? We have locally grown perennials, unique garden planters and garden items, including fairy gardens.

• What are you excited about this year? Fairy garden supplies, garden junk, primitives, garden benches and bird baths.

GARDEN GUIDE: Page 6

Anderson’s

GARDEN GUIDE

From Page 5

Denny’s Lawn & Garden

4122 Woodland Ave.

Duluth, MN 55803 • 218-728-1854

Open Mon-Fri 8am-6pm; Sat 8am-4pm

• What is unique about your business?

We carry major/dependable brand names in lawn mowers, blowers, trimmers, tillers, chain saws and protective equipment. We provide SERVICE for what we sell, and many others don’t.

• What are you excited about this year? Beautiful spring and summer, after this long winter! We are ready with the tools to help beautify your lawn and landscaping, so your yard is the talk of your neighborhood!

dj’s daylilies

1071 Sorenson Road, Holyoke, MN 55749

218-522-0284 • Open May 25-Sept. 7

By appointment and for Daylily Days

• What is unique about your business?

We love daylilies and sharing their beauty with others. Our plants are Northern hardy, field grown and dug fresh for delivery or pickup. Check our website, www.djsdaylilies.com, or our Facebook page for more information and for our 2020 Daylily Days schedule.

• What are you excited about this year? This year we have an online store! Find the link on our website or Facebook page.

Duluth Farmer’s Market

1324 E. 3rd St., Duluth, MN 55805

218-241-1847 • Open May 9-End of Oct. Wed 2-5pm; Sat 8am-Noon

• What is unique about your business?

All the produce and fruit plants are locally grown, and all of our growers are local. We take EBT.

• What are you excited about this year? Great weather, we’re excited for planting, and offering fruitbearing plants.

Evergreen Lawn Service

evergreenlawnservice.com

Duluth, MN • 218-525-4066

Open Early Spring- Late Fall Call for appointment

• What is unique about your business?

We are locally owned and operated, and committed to providing our customers with the most effective lawn care available, helping you to achieve the many benefits of a thick, healthy and beautiful turf. The Evergreen Lawn Program is designed to multiply your existing turf through timely fertilization as we eliminate the controllable weeds from your lawn. In just one season, we can multiply your turf considerably (10 to 15 times) and reduce up to 95 percent of the controllable weeds. The combination of proper lawn maintenance and the Evergreen Lawn Program can bring tremendous results for your lawn! The best-looking lawn is a green, healthy, weed-free lawn. And healthy lawns are what our nitrogen-balanced lawn feeding program is all about.

• What are you excited about this year? We are excited about our tree and shrub program, and welcome your calls and questions regarding scheduling an appointment to make your homes landscaping healthy and beautiful.

Gordy’s Gift & Garden Center

4899 Miller Trunk Hwy.

Duluth, MN 55811 • 218-722-8666

Open Now! Mon-Fri 9:30am-7pm; Sat-Sun 9:30am-6pm

• What is unique about your business? We have a large selection of beautiful blooming baskets, plants, fruit trees, herbs, veggie starters all zoned for northern Minnesota.

• What are you excited about this year? Gardening is not cancelled!

Grussendorf Nursery

4124 Midway Road

Hermantown, MN 55811

218-729-7351 • Open May 1-Oct. 31 Mon-Sat 8am-7pm; Sun closed

•What is unique about your business? We are three-generation, family owned and operated since 1952 and offer the area’s largest selection of fruit trees, flowering shrubs, shade trees, berry plants, colored wood mulch and soil.

• What are you excited about this year? We have a large selection of maple trees and fruit trees - apple, plum, pear and cherry.

Hammarlund Nursery & Landscaping

159 N Cloquet Rd E, Esko, MN 55733 218-879-3600

Open April 15- Nov. 5

• What is unique about your business?

MENTION THIS AD FOR 10% OFF VEGETABLE STARTS! We use organic methods to grow and maintain our nursery stock. We also specialize in Heirloom Tomatoes and will have 6-8” starts ready to go in the ground May 1! Along with a full range of landscaping installation and maintenance services, we specialize in using native plants and creating pollinator habitats for bees.

• What are you excited about this year? In these trying times, we are looking forward to helping Duluth move towards food security by providing vegetable starts and sharing our knowledge and expertise about growing veggies and fruit in the Northland.

Hauser’s Superior View Farm

86565 County Hwy J, Bayfield, WI 54814 715-779-5404 • Open May 1-30 9am-5pm

•What is unique about your business?

Our five-generation family farm started in Bayfield in 1908. We are the only supplier of field-grown bare-root perennials in the area, which makes them winter-hardy. Shop at the farm, pick up, or have them shipped at www. superiorviewfarm.com.

• What are you excited about this year?

Vegetables, herbs, berry plants and fruit trees to “grow your own!”

Kunnari Greenhouse

7873 Bodas Road, Eveleth, MN 55734

218-744-5853 • Open May 2-June 30

Mon-Sat 9am-7pm; Sun 12:30-5pm

• What is unique about your business? We offer a great variety of plants -- from flowers to veggies. We have unique arrangements in unique pots. Our hanging baskets are very nice!

• What are you excited about this year? A lot of new exciting varieties and colors are available!

Lilac Hill Greenhouse (formerly Engwall Garden Center)

1200 Arrowhead Road

Duluth, MN 55811 • 218-727-8964

Open May 7- End of August

Mon-Sat 9am-7pm; Sun 10am-6pm

• What is unique about your business? Our passionate growers select and grow annuals and perennials specifically for our area. We are a local company growing excellent quality plants for over 100 years.

• What are you excited about this year? Our new Facebook site is filled with information, offers and history. We are excited about new annual combination hanging baskets and lots of new varieties of perennials.

Lilac Hill Greenhouse

(formerly Engwall Garden Center)

4749 Hermantown Road

Hermantown, MN 55811

218-727-8964 • Open May 6-Mid-July Mon-Sat 9am-6pm; Sun 10am-5pm

•What is unique about your business? Our senior growers, Colleen and Tyler, have added lots of new annuals and perennials to our plant selections. We are a local greenhouse growing excellent quality specifically for our area for over 100 years.

• What are you excited about this year? Our new Facebook site is filled with information, pictures, offers and history. We have lots of new combinations of hanging baskets and many new varieties of perennials.

GARDEN GUIDE: Page 7

GARDEN GUIDE

From Page 6

North Star Landscape & Garden Center

15677 W. County Road 8

Hayward, WI 54843 • 715-634-8644

Open May 1 - December

Mon-Sat 8am-6pm; Sun 8am-4pm

• What is unique about your business? We have over 11 acres of fully stocked garden products, along with a large inventory of hardscaping products for your landscape needs.

• What are you excited about this year? We have wonderful, bright colors of our containers, and our numerous selection of herbs and vegetables.

Old Truck Greenhouse

1485 Grant McMahan Blvd.

Ely, MN 55731• 218-365-3263

Open May 8-July 31

Daily 10am-6pm; July 5-31 will be Th-Fri-Sat 10am-4pm

• What is unique about your business? We have an unusual setting with a selection of new and used garden related collectibles, great selection of annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs and shrubs. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Beautiful hanging basket and patio pot combinations and more!

• What are you excited about this year? Always excited to see winter go away and the greenhouses full of color! New varieties and old time favorites -something for everyone.

Rice Lake Gardens

5563 Rice Lake Road

Duluth, MN 55803

218-729-7299 or 218-390-1745 cell

Open May 10-July

Mon-Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 10am-5pm

•What is unique about your business?

We have locally grown, quality plants for the Duluth area, and awesome varieties not found everywhere.

• What are you excited about this year? We have more basket combos than ever!

We now have a nice selection of perennials, 40 different types with multiple varieties, and a large selection of vegetables and herbs for your garden.

Rick’s Tree & Stump Removal

4168 W. Calvary Road

Duluth, MN 55803

218-728-2427

Open daily 8am-4:30pm

• What is unique about your business? We are family owned.

Rosie’s

Gardens

208 Ratika Road, Esko, MN 55733

218-879-5027 • Open Jun. 1-Oct. 20

Daily 9am-8pm

•What is unique about your business? I have over 1,020 named hostas, all different! One can walk around the gardens and pick out the hosta or perennials they want and I will dig it up.

• What are you excited about this year? New streaked varieties and, as always, the Guardian Angel, Fallen Angel, Jewel of the Nile, Jack of Diamonds, JAP Iris and Foxfire Palm Sunday.

Spring at Last Greenhouse

4112 West Arrowhead Road

Duluth, MN 58811 • 218-728-3785

Open May 1-June 27

Mon-Sat 9am-6pm; Sun 12-5pm

•What is unique about your business? We are a family owned greenhouse and still grow most of our flowers/vegetables by seed. We have custom planters, over 25 different varieties of herbs, 17 varieties of tomatoes, and 11 varieties of peppers.

• What are you excited about this year? Come see our patio vegetable pots, the expanded herb selection, and the new varieties of Supertunias, Callies. We’re also excited to see how customers like the new line of fox farm dirt and the new additions to the fairy garden/ terrarium selection.

Suzie’s Country Greenhouse

4148 Normanna Road, Duluth, MN 55803

218-721-5148

Open May 6 -Mid-June

Mon-Fri Noon-6pm; Sat-Sun Noon-5pm

•What is unique about your business? We have a large selection of hanging baskets and containers.

• What are you excited about this year? Love all the new colors in petunia, calibrachoa and more. We added more heirloom tomatoes and the basil tree is back!

Teri’s Greenhouse

4650 Lavoy Road, Brookston, MN 55711

218-348-4754 • Open May 2-Mid-June

Tue-Fri 10am-5pm; Sat-Sun 10am-4pm; closed Monday.

Due to pandemic, no children under 16, maximum 6 people at a time.

•What is unique about your business? We have lots of vegetables, herbs, bedding plants and baskets.

• What are you excited about this year? Flowers!

The Fig Tree

418 Sunnyside Drive, Cloquet, MN 55720

218-879-2260 • Open Year Round

Mon-Fri 9:30-7pm; Sat 9:30-5pm; Sun 11am-5pm. During peak season, we’ll have extended hours in May/June.

•What is unique about your business? We have a wide selection, great prices, lots of garden decor, great quality, wide aisles, great location, great access and a wonderful staff.

• What are you excited about this year? We’ll have a wider variety this year, especially perennials.

The Goodgarden Company

2724 N. 21st St., Superior, WI 54880

715-398-5524 • Open May 1-Oct.31

Mon-Fri 10am-6pm; Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 10am-4pm

•What is unique about your business? We have extensive varieties of annuals, perennials, herbs, trees and shrubs, as well as beautiful home and garden decor.

• What are you excited about this year? We plan to expand our fruit! Veggie starts, seeds and herbs for the food garden.

Young’s Greenhouse

94037 Partridge Road N. Sturgeon Lake, MN 55783

218-485-5961 or

Rhonda’s cell 218-341-6974 2Open May 2 - June 30

Mon-Fri 9am-6pm; Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 10am-4pm

•What is unique about your business? We have specialty hanging baskets/ containers, organically grown vegetables, plus we are only four miles out of Moose Lake. Come out and enjoy a bit of country living!

• What are you excited about this year? We are very excited that we can open during this craziness!! Sadly, we were not able to send out our usual spring cards, but are letting everyone know that, yes, we are open and have beautiful plans for you all!

The importance of bees

Examining their ecological impact, and tips to help them thrive

By Andrea Busche

The humble honey bee is vital to life as we know it.

Not only do they pollinate many of the plants that we humans love to eat, but they produce delicious honey, and help keep the economy buzzing, too.

From loss of habitat to pesticides and extreme weather, there are many threats affecting the populations of these beloved –and important – creatures. But there are many simple things we can do to help keep the bee population healthy.

VITAL TO PLANT POLLINATION AND GLOBAL ECONOMY

Globally, around 87% of flowering plants and 35% of crops rely on insects and other animals for pollination, according to April Kustov, apiary inspector for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection.

“The human race could survive without pollinators, but our diets would definitely change,” she said. “Many of the fruits, veggies and grains we eat are pollinated by bees.”

Bees also have an enormous impact on the economy. In Wisconsin, pollinator-dependent crops account for over $55 million in annual production. Each year, honey bee pollination

services contribute $3 billion to agriculture nationwide.

In 2018, Wisconsin ranked 16th nationwide in honey production; the state’s beekeepers maintained 51,000 beehives and produced 2.3 million pounds of honey, valued at $6.63 million. In 2008, the U.S. honey crop was valued at $226 million.

HONEY

Another important sideeffect of maintaining a healthy bee population is the delicious product they produce – honey. Adding honey to our diets can be surprisingly beneficial.

“On the one hand, honey is not nutritionally different from other types of sugar, although it contains low concentrations of vitamins

A, C, and E,” Kustov said. “Still, honey from flower sources such as the Manuka tree in New Zealand can have strong antibacterial properties, inhibiting over 60

species of bacteria. In fact, in 2008 the FDA approved Manuka honey for treating MRSA (methicillin resistant staph aureus).

“Honey, especially darker varieties, contain antioxidants like carotenoids at seven times the rate of raw cane sugar. Antioxidants protect cells from damage connected to ailments like cancer.”

Kustov recommends buying locally-sourced honey whenever possible, and looking for words like “unheated,” “raw,” and “unprocessed” on the labels.

“It’s like eating sunshine from your area,” she said of the joys of enjoying local honey.

BEES IN OUR AREA

Kustov explained a bit about some of the species of bees in our area. “Although the most commonly recognized bee is the honey bee, there are actually 3,600 bee species in the U.S., and 400 bee species just in Wisconsin,” she said.

IMPORTANCE OF BEES: Page 9

Photo courtesy of April Kustov, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture,Trade and Consumer Protection.

IMPORTANCE OF BEES

From Page 8

“Although bumble bees are a smaller group, with 46 species occurring in North America (north of Mexico), and 20 species in Wisconsin, these hairy bees are often noticeable in flower patches and vegetable gardens. They are crucial for pollinating peppers, cranberries, cucumbers and tomatoes.

“The rusty-patched bumblebee, listed as federally endangered since 2017, is still found in Wisconsin and Minnesota, but it has declined in 87% of its historical range recently; possibly because of the loss of grasslands and tallgrass prairies in the Midwest, pesticides, diseases and pests,” Kustov explained.

“Other groups of native bees in our area include mason

bees, which have blue or green metallic markings, which nest in hollowed stems or holes and are important pollinators for apples and blueberries; and squash bees, which pollinate squash, pumpkins or gourds and help them set fruit.”

THREATS TO BEES

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the greatest threats facing bees include habitat loss, habitat degradation and habitat fragmentation. As native vegetation is replaced by roadways, manicured lawns, crops and nonnative gardens, pollinators lose food and nesting sites that are critical for their survival.

Other threats include pesticide misuse and overuse, and extreme weather events like storms, drought and flooding.

Pests and diseases also threaten the bee population.

SUPPORTING THE BEES

There are many things humans do to help the bee population thrive, including:

• Plant pollinator-friendly plants: Plant a wide variety of native perennials in your yard. Good choices include phlox, black-eyed Susan, Echinacea, ninebark, basswood, and bee balm.

• Allow dandelions and herbs to bloom.

• Reduce or remove invasive plants and hybrids that can crowd out native pollinator plants.

• Provide nest sites: Leave areas for bees and other native pollinators to nest, including clumps of grass, hollow stems, and logs.

• Avoid pesticides, especially when pollinators are present (if you must use them, apply targeted, rather than broadspectrum, chemicals after blooming is done).

• Stagger mowing, or mow only the first eight feet along roadsides.

• Spread the word – share these tips with others.

KEEP BEES IN MIND

Bees are a small, but mighty part of our lives, affecting everything from the foods we eat to our economy. But these vital pollinators need our help. Consider using some of the tips above to help the local bee population continue to thrive. For more information, visit https://datcp.wi.gov/ Pages/Programs_Services/ BeekeepingAndPollinators.aspx. disease bacteria. And, about 20% of the young nymphs are infected.

• Environmentally conscious growing practices including compostable containers

• Classic & hard-to-find bedding plants, including a wide variety of succulents

• Heirloom & traditional tomatoes, vegetables & herbs

• Custom baskets & container designs

• Pollinator garden plants

• Many perennials, fruits, organically grown vegetables

Getting Money Smart

By Annie Lepper

When you think about your approach to money management, how does it make you feel? Confident? A little freaked out? Something in between those two? If you’re like most people, it’s the something in between feeling.

Financial management isn’t something which has been traditionally taught or addressed in education, so it’s no wonder four out of 10 adults give themselves a failing grade when it comes to personal finance. If it wasn’t a skill taught (and taught sufficiently) in your home growing up, it’s not a mystery why some people are able to get by with some of the basics of managing money but aren’t feeling completely competent when doing it.

Get money smart. Assess your skills and knowledge on some fundamental money basics:

• Budgeting

• Debt management

• Savings for the short term (like a yearly vacation), mid-term (like a car down payment) and long term (like retirement)

• Investments and how they work

• Insurance and Tax

Feeling like you have a good budget and debt management strategy in place? No clue if you have enough insurance or how taxation affects you? Feeling okay-ish when it comes to retirement planning?

Take your assessment and figure out areas where you need to get a little more versed and where you could use a bit more help.

Use your resources. If you know someone who does taxes for a living, ask them to take you through the basics of how to maximize your income with your withholdings and deductions.

Ask your benefits person at work to help you understand terms and options within your insurance plan or how the company’s defined benefit plan and/or 401(k) programs can benefit you more. Have a friend who is financially savvy with managing their household finances? Ask for tips and tricks.

It’s hard to admit that we don’t know something. If you aren’t confident enough to ask for help from people we know, turn to some experts. Set up an appointment with a financial advisor to do a review of your retirement, life insurance, and investments. Choose someone you trust and be completely honest with them about how you aren’t confident with your handle on things. A good financial advisor will review your current financial state, help you create steps to reach your goals, and take you through assessing how comfortable you are with risk.

If you need help with debt management or creating (and sticking to) a budget, look for a reputable and accredited financial counseling service. Your local credit union or bank may have a partnership in place with certified financial counselors and can get your scheduled for no-fee appointments.

It goes without saying that you can find anything on the internet. If you’d like to lay down a base layer of knowledge before you start using resources to help, be careful. Anyone with a blog or Pinterest

board can offer financial advice. Look at their credentials and search out advice from established experts and/or websites.

If you have a partner in your household, you have an ally in this adventure. Get on the same page with brushing up skills and financial goals. Though going to a financial seminar or meeting with an advisor might not be the most romantic date, it may just be the most rewarding!

Have kids? Make it a part of your learning adventure to help them. Kids pick up on money concepts as early as 2-3 years old (generally when they realize that money is

used to buy things). As their age and understanding allows, help them understand basic financial principles and skills. You’re never too young or too old to have a review in Needs Versus Wants, Delaying Gratification, and setting up a Savings Challenge. Your confidence will grow as you sharpen up your skills. Life-long learning is a critical skill to success, so even if you hit a point where you feel confident in your money smarts, keep on learning!

Annie Lepper is vice president of operations for Minnesota Power Employees Credit Union.

Tips when planting shade trees

Beautiful landscaping can add instant curb appeal to a property. But beauty isn’t the only thing that makes idyllic landscaping attractive to homeowners. Some landscaping features, such as shade trees, save homeowners money while adding aesthetic appeal.

The U.S. Department of Energy notes that shading is the most costeffective way to reduce solar heat gain in a home. Shading also cuts air conditioning costs, which tend to be expensive in areas with warm, humid climates. In fact, the DOE notes that well-planned landscapes can reduce unshaded homes’ air conditioning costs by anywhere from 15 to 50 percent.

When planting shade trees, one of the first decisions homeowners will need to make is which type of tree, deciduous or evergreen, they want to plant. Deciduous trees are

LOCAL! LOCAL! Duluth

those that seasonally shed their leaves, while evergreens are trees that keep their leaves throughout the year. Deciduous trees can help keep homes cool in the summer by blocking sun, and those same trees can be beneficial in winter after they shed their leaves by letting the sun in and keeping homes warm. But evergreens also can be beneficial in winter by blocking wind, potentially preventing cold air from making its way into a home through cracks in walls or around windows.

When planting shade trees, techniques vary depending on which type of tree homeowners ultimately choose to plant.

PLANTING DECIDUOUS TREES

The DOE says deciduous trees that are between six and eight feet tall when planted will begin shading the windows of a home within a year of being planted.

Depending on the species of the plant and the home, those same deciduous trees may begin shading the roof within five to 10 years of being planted. When planting deciduous trees, homeowners should keep these tips in mind.

▶ Plant trees to the south of the home. When planted to the south of the home, deciduous trees can screen between 70 and 90 percent of the summer sun while still allowing residents to feel summer breezes.

▶ Consider sun angles. Homeowners who want to shade their homes from low afternoon sun angles should plant trees with crowns that are lower to the ground on the west side of their homes.

▶ Cool air before it reaches your home. Shrubs and groundcover plants can be planted to cool air before it reaches a home.

EVERGREEN TREES

Planting evergreens to block wind is known as “windbreaking,” which lowers the wind chill near a home. Wind also can be used to cool a home in summer. But these benefits can only be realized when evergreens are strategically planted.

▶ Location, location, location: The DOE advises planting evergreen trees to the north and northwest of the home to stop wind. In addition, to get the most bang for your windbreaking buck, the distance between the home and windbreak should be two to five times the height of the mature tree.

▶ Plant trees on either side of the house. Planting trees on either side of the house will direct cooling winds toward the home in the summer.

BEDDING PLANTS PERENNIALS

TREES & SHRUBS

VEGETABLE STARTS

MAPLE SYRUP, MEAT

Locally grown by the person selling them.

Opening May 9

Saturdays 8am - noon

Wednesdays 2 - 5pm

Located at 14th Avenue East and 3rd Street.

For more information call 218-241-1847

GET READY

From Page 1

While it may be tempting to take a prematurely warm day as a sign that spring is in full force and purchase a bunch of annuals, it’s better to know the last of the possible frost dates (check “The Farmer’s Almanac”); otherwise, you may waste time and money planting flowers or vegetables only to have them zapped by another frosty day.

▶ Amend the soil so that it is the right consistency – just crumbling when lifting it.

Soil that is too muddy after spring thaw can harden, making it difficult for plants to flourish later on. Speak with representatives at a local lawn and garden center about which types of amendments you can add to the soil in your particular area to enrich it.

▶ Lawn and garden experts suggest filling in bare patches of lawn now by mixing a few shovelfuls of soil with grass seed. Then apply this patch to the bare areas, water, and continue to care for the area until the spot fills in.

▶ Spend a day in the garage or shed tending to the lawn mower and other gardening equipment.

Clean all tools and ensure that everything works, repairing parts as needed.

▶ Give outdoor entertaining spaces a good scrubbing, clearing away dirt and grime that may have accumulated over the winter. Use a leaf blower to blow away any leftover leaves.

▶ Check if the front porch, railings or decking need painting and/or staining. Tackle these projects when the weather is cooler so everything will be ready for those peak spring days.

▶ Think about any annuals you might want to plant in the landscape this year that

will complement any existing shrubbery or perennials. Come up with a theme so that the entire yard is cohesive. Before homeowners know it, winter is gone and it is time to once again enjoy long days spent outdoors. Get a jump start on spring lawn prep as soon as you can.