Do you have perennials that look like the plant on the left? Pruning will help promote healthy growth and clear away unslightly dead branches.

To safely prune, use clean, sharp pruning shears. Approximately 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch above new growth, cut the branch at a 45-degree angle.

This 5-foot by 12-foot vegetable garden was dug and planted within 90 minutes (with 2 people). The garden is big enough for 3 rows of vegetables (just onions, carrots and tomatoes this year).

1. Using a tiller, break up the sod into the shape and size of your finished garden.

2. Once the sod is broken up, rake awake the chunks of sod. Till approx. 6 inches into the ground.

3. Using a straight-edge shovel, edge your garden for clean lines.

4. Add compost and as much other organic material as possible. For our 5x12 garden, we added 4 bags of compost plus 12 months worth of homemade compost. If your soil has heavy clay, add garden lime. Till in the compost.

5. Next till in garden fertilizer. We used one small bag.

6. Now that our garden is complete, we can begin planting.

7. Create straight rows with two sticks and long piece of string.

8. Lightly hoe into the soil per the seed package's directions.

9. Here, we planted yellow onions.

Step into one of our greenhouses and drink in the vibrant colors and fragrances. Add instant color to your garden as you wait for your perennials to bloom - or create an inviting arrangement of planters at your front door.

Bring the calming effects of running water to your backyard with a waterfall or fountain. Numerous fountain and bird bath designs to choose from.

Fairy gardens are magical, miniature environments designed for adventure, mystery and fun. No two are alike and come in all shapes and sizes. Create a fairy garden as a permanent fixture to your existing flower garden, or build one in a wide, shallow container.

To begin, find pint-size plants (herbs work wonderfully), soil, miniature furniture and statuary, pebbles, discarded bits of flagstone and other tiny "found" objects that you think visiting fairies might enjoy.

Lawn King is taking orders for Kohls Woodworking garden furniture. Products include Adirondack chairs, rockers, gliders, footrests, loveseats, tables, potters' benches, children's picnic tables and see saws.

All Kohls Woodworking products are locally made and constructed from Western Red Cedar.

How to Remove Spittlebugs
by Lawn King





Spittlebugs are best known in their nymph stage in which they produce a cover of what looks like frothy spit which is commonly known as cuckoo spit or snake spit. The froth hides the nymph from predators and parasites, it insulates against heat and cold and also keeps it moist. Without the froth the bug would quickly dry up. The nymphs pierce plants and suck sap causing damage.

They do not generally cause major damage and chemical control is unnecessary and does not provide control. I just squish the spittled area bug, stem and all. That takes care of them.

Salmon Steaks in Cucumber Sauce
by Chef Trent & Lawn King

Our recent cooking demonstration, May 17, was a huge success. Chef Trent prepared two different entrees prepared with fresh herbs. The following is one of the recipes from the event.

4 eight-once salmon steaks

Salmon sauce:
1 eight-ounce tub of sour cream
2/3 c. finely chopped, seeded cucumber
2 T. minced shallot
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 T. fresh basil, chopped
1/8 tsp. white pepper

Brown salmon on both sides. Place salmon in baking dish and place sauce atop of salmon. Pour poaching liquid around salmon.

Poaching liquid:
1 c. water
1/2 c. sherry
1 sm. onion, minded
2 sprigs fresh parsley
1/4 tsp. pepper

Gardening & Landscaping Resources
by Lawn King

Plant Libraries
Monrovia
Ohio State University

Ideas & Inspiration
GardenMinnesota.com

Diagnostic Tools
U of MN extension office

Recycling Information
GardenMinnesota.com
(plastic garden pots, polystryene trays and hanging baskets)

2007 Landscaping Trends
by Lawn King

There are three major trends we're seeing in landscape design this season: rust-look garden decor, perennials and decorative grasses.

Rust-look garden decor - arbors, gazebos, statuary, vases - constructed of iron and other metals are becoming the focal point in many gardens today. Large, especially over-sized, pieces have become extremely popular this spring.

The second major trend has been the increased use of perennials. A few years ago, we rarely saw perennials. Professional landscapers and do-it-yourself gardeners are now carefully selecting perennials to bloom in waves - for constant color all season long.

Finally, we're seeing more decorative grasses incorporated into community and residential gardens. Decorative grasses are great as fillers or to achieve a more "natural" looking landscape.