Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
As we gaze at the massive piles of snow, it appears that winter in North Dakota is never-ending!
Rest assured, spring is around the corner. And with spring, the annual NDSU Extension-sponsored “Spring Fever Garden Forums” are here!
Mark your calendars for Monday evenings, 6:30 to 8:30, March 20 to April 10. You can participate by watching online from the comfort of your home with your favorite toasty beverage. Topics will include the categories of vegetables and soil, flowers and fruits, biology and technology, and small spaces and trees. Pre-register for participation and a link will be provided to you for each session. Handouts will be posted on the Spring Fever website (simply search for NDSU Spring Fever Garden Forums) on the date of each forum. Don’t worry if you cannot attend – the presentations will be recorded and later posted online, along with a treasury of nine previous years of presentations! Pick a horticulture topic and it has likely been covered within the past ten years by North Dakota resource professionals during Spring Fever Garden Forums.
While it is exciting to try new things in the garden or in our yards, make careful decisions with perennial and woody plant choices. Woody plants are a true investment in your property and if chosen carefully, placed and planted properly and cared for diligently, will add to the curb appeal and value of your home. Ask questions and get answers from credible sources with consideration for North Dakota’s climate and soils. Check the listing of NDSU Woody Plant Improvement Program selections for cultivars selected after years of observation and field trials. For many years this research progressed under the direction of Dr. Dale Herman and is now led by Dr. Todd West. Ask for NDSU selections at your local greenhouse or nursery; suppliers will do their best to satisfy customer requests.
NDSU Extension Horticulturist Esther McGinnis recently wrote an article for “Dakota Gardener” which explained the importance of green spaces in our environment. Spending time in outdoor areas such as parks and gardens results in physical benefits like lowered blood pressure, and decreased levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Spending time in natural settings (your own backyard counts if you find it relaxing) results in improved mental health evidenced by reduced levels of anxiety and depression, ailments all too common today. And of course, we know that growing your own fruits and vegetables yields a source of healthy food, saves a few dollars, provides an opportunity to share with friends and neighbors, and is gratifying to know you grew this! A trip to your favorite greenhouse is the perfect prescription for Spring Fever. See you there!
