http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php Copyright 2008, Kristine Remer Kristine Remer en-US SPHPBLOG 0.4.7.1 http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080706-095353
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.

]]> Gardening http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080706-095353 Kristine Remer Sun, 06 Jul 2008 16:53:53 GMT http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/comments.php?y=08&m=07&entry=entry080706-095353 http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080519-202450
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 http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080519-202450 Kristine Remer Tue, 20 May 2008 03:24:50 GMT http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/comments.php?y=08&m=05&entry=entry080519-202450 http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080430-102505
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)]]> Garden Library http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080430-102505 Kristine Remer Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:25:05 GMT http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/comments.php?y=08&m=04&entry=entry080430-102505 http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070616-195223
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.]]> http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070616-195223 Kristine Remer Sun, 17 Jun 2007 02:52:23 GMT http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/comments.php?y=07&m=06&entry=entry070616-195223 http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070529-205621

It's not too late! There is still time to fertilize your lawn and apply broadleaf weed killers before summer sets in. Some examples of broadleaf weeds include dandelions and thistles.]]> Marilyn's Garden http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070529-205621 Kristine Remer Wed, 30 May 2007 03:56:21 GMT http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/comments.php?y=07&m=05&entry=entry070529-205621 http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070416-203931

If you haven't uncovered your perennial bed yet, now is a great time to get it done. Clean up any dead foliage and put it on your compost pile. Trim back any grass (except the fescues-Elijah Bue). Go ahead and apply some fertilizer to gear up for the year. A fresh layer of mulch will spruce up the garden. Use perennials to fill in any empty spots in your garden. ]]> Marilyn's Garden http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070416-203931 Kristine Remer Tue, 17 Apr 2007 03:39:31 GMT http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/comments.php?y=07&m=04&entry=entry070416-203931 http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070326-195950

Welcome your feathered friends back after the long cold winter. Clean out any old left over bird seed from your feeders and wash and sanitize before filling them back up with fresh new food. They will love you for taking the time to do some spring cleaning!]]> Marilyn's Garden http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070326-195950 Kristine Remer Tue, 27 Mar 2007 02:59:50 GMT http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/comments.php?y=07&m=03&entry=entry070326-195950 http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070319-193027

Spring is officially here! There are only a couple of more weeks that you can still safely prune your fruit trees before they begin to bud.]]> Marilyn's Garden http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070319-193027 Kristine Remer Tue, 20 Mar 2007 02:30:27 GMT http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/comments.php?y=07&m=03&entry=entry070319-193027 http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070304-130619
How to Read Plant Tags
by Lawn King

Bloom Season
SP = Blooms from late April through June.
SU = Blooms late June through August.
F = Blooms late August through September.
W = Blooms September through late October.

Special Notes
V = This vigurous grower will require frequent pruning.

S = This self-seeding plant will expand the initial planting area.

D = Plants that benefit from dead-heading will bloom more often and make the plant stronger, but require more maintenance.

I = Invasive plants must be contained with either a wood, vinyl or brick border to prevent them from spreading into your lawn.

HP = Plants that require hard pruning will need to be pruned all the way back to the stalk to encourage new growth in the spring. Prune* these plants in the early spring or fall. Ideally, it best to prune these types of plants in the dead of winter to keep insects and disease at bay.

*It is important to sterlize your pruning equipment and protect all plant wounds from insects. ]]> Gardening http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070304-130619 Kristine Remer Sun, 04 Mar 2007 21:06:19 GMT http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/comments.php?y=07&m=03&entry=entry070304-130619 http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070223-215817
Normandale Japanese Garden
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Leif Erickson Park Rose Garden
Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary
Munsinger Gardens and Clemens Gardens
Noerenberg Memorial Gardens
Edinborough Park
Loring Park

Is your favorite garden not listed here? Please help grow this list.]]> Gardening http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070223-215817 Kristine Remer Sat, 24 Feb 2007 05:58:17 GMT http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/comments.php?y=07&m=02&entry=entry070223-215817 http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry061130-200957
MNCTA's List of Christmas Tree Types

Shop Lawn King for these Christmas trees:
Balsam Fir
Fraser Fir
Norway Pine
Scotch Pine
Colorado Spruce]]> Christmas Trees http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry061130-200957 Kristine Remer Fri, 01 Dec 2006 04:09:57 GMT http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/comments.php?y=06&m=11&entry=entry061130-200957 http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry061130-200619
Christmas Tree Care Tips
Fun Christmas Tree Facts]]> Christmas Trees http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry061130-200619 Kristine Remer Fri, 01 Dec 2006 04:06:19 GMT http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/comments.php?y=06&m=11&entry=entry061130-200619 http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry061118-141041 www.technorati.com.

Technorati Profile]]> http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry061118-141041 Kristine Remer Sat, 18 Nov 2006 22:10:41 GMT http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/comments.php?y=06&m=11&entry=entry061118-141041 http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry061118-134645
How-to Plant a Tree]]> Landscaping http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry061118-134645 Kristine Remer Sat, 18 Nov 2006 21:46:45 GMT http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/comments.php?y=06&m=11&entry=entry061118-134645 http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry061117-230051 Place plants on the west and south side of your home.

Partial Sun
Place plant on the east side of your home.

Shade
Place plant on the north side of your home or in a densely foliated area of your lawn.]]> Gardening http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry061117-230051 Kristine Remer Sat, 18 Nov 2006 07:00:51 GMT http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/comments.php?y=06&m=11&entry=entry061117-230051 http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry061117-225728
How to Prep for New Sod
by Lawn King

Sod vs. Grass Seed
Lawn King sells sod and grass seed specifically for our region. Visit us for professional consultation prior to installation. Both sod and grass seed will take about 3 months to establish strong, healthy roots. Sod will take root faster, but grass seed roots will be stronger.

Prepping Your New Lawn
Preparation is key to a healthy lawn. Grass seed and sod both need about 1/4-inch of fresh topsoil before installation or planting. Be sure that you take the extra time and care to smooth out the topsoil and eliminate pockets for proper drainage. If your yard is sandy, you will need to first rototill 6 inches of topsoil into the ground to create a moisture-rich base. Rototill 4 to 6 inches of topsoil into a clay ground.

You can rent a commercial-grade rototiller from your local rental shop. Plan to spend at least 2 to 3 weekends preparing the soil prior to laying sod or seeding.

When to Sod or Seed
The best time of year to lay sod or plant grass seed is in early to mid-May or in late August through mid-September. The temperature of the ground should be at least 50 degrees, and the evenings must remain warm through the night.

Keep New Grass Moist
Keep the ground moist - don't let the grass completely dry out during those important first 3 weeks. Also, it's important to not drown your new grass. Sod will require a lot more water than grass seed and needs to be monitored much more closely. It's best to water your lawn in the morning.

Fertilizing New Grass
Make sure that your lawn is fully established before fertilizing the first time. Use a 10-10-10 low phosphorus/high potassium fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing on hot, sunny days to prevent burning your grass.

When to Mow
Mow your new lawn for the first time 10 to 14 days after installation. It is important to set your mower higher than normal the first time you mow. Catch or rake up grass clippings after the first mowing as well.]]> Laying Sod http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry061117-225728 Kristine Remer Sat, 18 Nov 2006 06:57:28 GMT http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/comments.php?y=06&m=11&entry=entry061117-225728 http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry061117-225523
How to Measure for Sod
by Lawn King

Each roll of sod covers 13-1/2 sq. feet (or 1-1/2 sq. yards).

How to Measure a Rectangular Area of Lawn
Step 1) Measure your yard in feet.
Step 2) Length x width = total square feet
Step 3) Divide total square feet by 13.5 = # of sod rolls

How to Measure a Circular Area of Lawn
Step 1) Measure your yard in feet.
Step 2) Length x width = total square feet
Step 3) Multiply total square feet by 0.79 = # of sod rolls]]> Laying Sod http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry061117-225523 Kristine Remer Sat, 18 Nov 2006 06:55:23 GMT http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/comments.php?y=06&m=11&entry=entry061117-225523 http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry061117-220058
University of Minnesota Resources
Ask a Master Gardener
Gardening Classes and Tours
Planting Information
Additional Garden Resources]]> Garden Library http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry061117-220058 Kristine Remer Sat, 18 Nov 2006 06:00:58 GMT http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/comments.php?y=06&m=11&entry=entry061117-220058