Aitkin, MN Florists

Aitkin Flower Shop News

Valentine flowers – wonderful! - Aitkin Independent Age

No matter which flowers you choose for Valentine’s Day, it is good to know how to prolong their beauty.Happy Valentine’s Day!Janice Hasselius, originally from Aitkin, has been a University of Minnesota Master Gardener since 2000. She regularly volunteers for writing, teaching classes, and demonstrations on gardening subjects through the University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.messagemedia.co/aitkin/outdoors/home_garden/valentine-flowers-wonderful/article_d6f2f2d8-e272-11e6-adc9-df3f6178b074.html

This pretty flower is a weed; Get rid of it fast!

Lenore Grande, Moorhead.A: Your unsuccessful experience with Endless Summer is similar to the majority of those who have tried it in North Dakota and large parts of Minnesota. The basic problem is that the Endless Summer group of hydrangeas, including Bloomstruck, are members of the Hydrangea macrophylla species, which is the species of the non-adapted florist hydrangeas.The two hydrangea species that are best-adapted for our outdoor landscapes are Hydrangea paniculata and Hydrangea arborescens and their cultivars. Checking the fine print on hydrangea labels for the species saves much heartache.Because Bloomstruck is a Hydrangea macrophylla variety, it has a disadvantage in our region from the onset because of its genetics. Bloomstruck is fairly new, so time will tell, but it would be surprising if it performs better than its genetics allow.Q: Is it okay to prune the top of our arborvitae so that it doesn't grow too tall? Its width is fine, but the top is at about 8 feet and we'd like it to stay at that height. — Nancy Suttle, West Fargo.A: Yes, the tops of pyramidal arborvitae can be trimmed so they don't become too tall. If an arborvitae is allowed to grow out of bounds, it's difficult to radically reduce its height back down to desired size. Your idea of maintaining it at 8 feet from the start is much better than someday trying to cut a tall arborvitae back down to that level.Keeping a shrub or tree at its present size through pruning is often called "mold and hold" pruning. Several times during the growing season, prune off the current season's new growth so the arborvitae remains at the desired height. Some pyramidal arborvitae varieties' natural heights are 30 feet, so diligence may be needed to maintain at 8 feet.To hold an arborvitae at its present size, it's probably necessary to trim once in June or July and again in August. A quick trim across the top a couple times each summer should do it.If you have a gardening or lawn care question, email Don Kinzler at ForumGrowingTogether@hotmail.com. All que... http://www.inforum.com/lifestyle/home-and-garden/4486210-pretty-flower-weed-get-rid-it-fast

Agribusiness accolades: Grinter Farms featured in Country LIving; Next to Nature Farms in 435 Magazine

Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Alabama, New York (2), Florida, California, Wisconsin, Virginia, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, North Carolina (2), Tennessee and Minnesota.Georgia had two fields on the list and, of course Grinter Farms wasn’t alone in the Sunflower State.The other is in Lyndon, which is south of Topeka on U.S. Highway 75.The Lyndon Leader 4-H Sunflowers are “organized and managed by the local Lyndon Leaders 4H Club,” according to Mattern. “This sunflower field in Lyndon, Kansas is open to visitors for photos and flower picking. Donations are accepted on site and are often donated to local charities, making this attraction well worth the visit.”To see the full list, go to countryliving.com.Next to Nature FarmThis month’s 435 Magazine features a story called “The Business of Bees,” which profiles Next to Nature Farm, a local operation just northwest of Tonganoxie.The farm, established in 2008, offers honey for food consumption, honey-based skin care products, fruit (apples, peaches, plums and pears) and eggs.Owner Chad Gilliland, an avid beekeeper, and his family have taken a “chemical-free” approach to their farm, as they do not use pesticides and rely on sticky traps and other means to combat insects.According to Sherry Kuehl’s story about the farm in her 435 Magazine feature, the Gillilands launched their Next to Nature line of skin products for the first time after extensive research between Chad and his wife.Current best-sellers, according to the story, are the Comfrey Salve, Healing Salve and lotion bars.“My wife and I did a ton of research on the medicinal and healing properties of natural herbs and essential oils,” Gilliland said in the 435 story. “We spent countless hours making sure that each and every ingredient component would work well and offer the specific medicinal properties we desired as well as the right natural moisturizing ingredient components that would complement the recipe.”After Friday’s Tonganoxie Business Association meeting, Gilliland told The Mirror that his family stays pretty busy throughout the year with selling at markets and other events. He also hopes to eventually open a store at the farm.To read the 435 story, visit 435mag.com. http://www.tonganoxiemirror.com/news/2018/jul/11/agribusiness-accolades-grinter-farms-featured-coun/

Spring flower show, grow a garden, fruit trees, Minneapolis Home + Garden Show and more - Minneapolis Star Tribune

St. and France Av. S., Edina.LYNN UNDERWOODSip and growGain garden inspiration and know-how at a free “Grow a Garden” workshop, offered open-house style. Master Gardeners from the University of Minnesota will be on hand to assist in planting seeds in an egg carton to take home. Participants will learn gardening basics and will have an opportunity to ask questions. There will also be a pop-up build-your-own Bloody Mary Bar. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 31. Free for the workshop, $10 for the Bloody Mary Bar. Wedge Table, 2412 Nicollet Av. S., Mpls.Fruit trees at homeJust because it’s Minnesota doesn’t mean you can’t grow fresh fruit in your backyard. Experts will offer suggestions for planting fruit trees. 6:30 p.m. Tue. Free. Shakopee Library, 235 S. Lewis St. carverscottmastergardeners.org.Children’s gardening workshopKids can roll up their sleeves and get dirty in this hands-on, messy workshop that just may entice them to eat their vegetables. Adults will introduce gardening to help kids grow their own vegetables at home. Children can explore the gardens, see a variety of vegetables and pot a plant to take home. 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. April 14. $10. Oliver Kelley Farm, 15788 Kelley Farm Rd., Elk River. Register at mnhs.org/kelleyfarm.MELISSA WALKER ... http://www.startribune.com/spring-flower-show-grow-a-garden-fruit-trees-minneapolis-home-garden-show-and-more/477756913/

Couture Floral Design in Duluth's Woodland Neighborhood - FOX 21 Online

Saffron and Grey is Located at 2303 Woodland Avenue in Duluth, Minnesota January 29, 2018DULUTH, Minn. – When you think of flowers, a special occasion probably comes to mind. Technology has since changed the way many of us order flowers, as it’s now easier than ever to go online, place an order and have it delivered.However, owners of one flower shop in Duluth are looking to keep as many orders as they can, local.“We just love flowers,” said Layla Olson, Co-owner at Saffron and Grey.When you walk through the door, the fragrance of fresh flowers fills the air.“Everybody is working extra, preparing day and night, it’s kind of like finals week for florists,” said Olson.With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, deliveries are in high demand at the shop, specializing in couture floral design.“We focus on making things more tailored to our clients,” said Abby Olson, Co-Owner at Saffron and Grey.For the Olson sisters, the past seven years have consisted of trial and error.“We worked at a flower shop during college and just absolutely loved the indust... http://www.fox21online.com/2018/01/29/couture-floral-design-duluths-woodland-neighborhood/