http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php Copyright 2010, Kristine Remer Kristine Remer en-US SPHPBLOG 0.4.7.1 http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry091128-192101

View more Christmas planters at our store.

Shop for Christmas trees out of the wind and cold in our greenhouses, flocked trees in a wide array of colors, Christmas decor, spruce tips, wreaths and much more to decorate your home or office.]]> Christmas Trees http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry091128-192101 Kristine Remer Sun, 29 Nov 2009 03:21:01 GMT http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/comments.php?y=09&m=11&entry=entry091128-192101 http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry091128-092604
Christmas Recycling Tips
by Lawn King

Christmas Lights Recycling
Source: WCCO & RecycleMinnesota.org

- Minneapolis, Downtown (Holidazzle Parade)
- Minneapolis, 11th & Nicollet (WCCO Building)
- St. Paul, 520 Lafayette (Minnesota Pollution Control)
- Brooklyn Park, 8100 Jefferson (Hennepin Recycling Center)
- Bloomington, 1400 W 96th (Hennepin Recycling Center)
- Snyders Drug, various locations

Artificial Christmas Tree Recycling
Source: HennepinAtoZ.org

- Brooklyn Park, 8100 Jefferson (Hennepin Recycling Center)
- Burnsville, 11501 Embassy Road (Freeway Transfer Station)

Live Christmas Tree Recycling
Source: Hennepin County

- Free Christmas Tree recycling is offered for all commercial waste removal companies. Contact your waste removal company for more information.]]> Christmas Trees http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry091128-092604 Kristine Remer Sat, 28 Nov 2009 17:26:04 GMT http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/comments.php?y=09&m=11&entry=entry091128-092604 http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry090528-200331

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.]]> Gardening http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry090528-200331 Kristine Remer Fri, 29 May 2009 03:03:31 GMT http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/comments.php?y=09&m=05&entry=entry090528-200331 http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry090528-195224

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.]]> Gardening http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry090528-195224 Kristine Remer Fri, 29 May 2009 02:52:24 GMT http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/comments.php?y=09&m=05&entry=entry090528-195224 http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry090520-194736

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.]]> Gardening http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry090520-194736 Kristine Remer Thu, 21 May 2009 02:47:36 GMT http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/comments.php?y=09&m=05&entry=entry090520-194736 http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry090519-183243

Bring the calming effects of running water to your backyard with a waterfall or fountain. Numerous fountain and bird bath designs to choose from.]]> Gardening http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry090519-183243 Kristine Remer Wed, 20 May 2009 01:32:43 GMT http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/comments.php?y=09&m=05&entry=entry090519-183243 http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry090519-181014

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.]]> Gardening http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry090519-181014 Kristine Remer Wed, 20 May 2009 01:10:14 GMT http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/comments.php?y=09&m=05&entry=entry090519-181014 http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry090519-173625

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.]]> http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry090519-173625 Kristine Remer Wed, 20 May 2009 00:36:25 GMT http://www.lawnkingnursery.com/pblog/comments.php?y=09&m=05&entry=entry090519-173625 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=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

The Minnesota Christmas Tree Association has put together a list of the various types of Christmas trees, including photos and distinguishing characteristics. Christmas trees are 100% biodegradable and environment-friendly. In fact, many Twin Cities communities recycle them into landscaping mulch.

MNCTA's List of Christmas Trees

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

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