Gardening & Landscape, Shrubs

The Euonymus Family of Shrubs

The euonymus family of shrubs are a group of tall, medium, and low-growing shrubs with variable habits, which withstand though growing condition, making them perfect for South Dakota landscapes. The most-often used euonymus is the burning bush, and, like it, many euonymus varieties feature stunning fall color. Others are grown for their showy fruits—typically hot pink and orange—or sprawling evergreen habit.

Many species of euonymus are green; however, most of the low-growing types feature beautiful variegated foliage, most notably Euonymus fortunei. These plants have a unique habit that can be trained to be rounded shrubs, left to ramble, or even climb. With their bright gold, white, green, and sometimes pink foliage, they brighten a garden.

Many of the green varieties don’t begin to shine until fall. Once fall’s cool nights arrive, euonymus puts on a spectacular display of glowing oranges, reds, yellows, and burgundies. Others also have unique fruits with bright pink skin that open to reveal a bright orange interior into the winter.

With around 175 species in this family, you know requirements are going to vary. Soil condition requirements, however, remain fairly consistent. Ideally, euonymus should be planted in well-drained, medium-moisture soil. Wet soil is associated with rotting and other issues. Once established, euonymus is drought tolerant.

Euonymus varieties require different sun exposures. While full sun is best, some varieties tolerate part and full shade. Low-growing and variegated types tend to tolerate shade. Many of the shrubby and low-growing types require trimming to keep them looking nice.

Scale and aphids can be a problem, however, I have not found these ever on my plants.

Flowers (annual and perennial), Gardening & Landscape

All-American Selections of 2020 (Perennials)

All-America Selections, North America’s oldest and most well-known non-profit plant trialing organization has announced the first winners for 2020 including two entries from the Perennial Trial. Only those entries that performed better than the comparisons are granted the AAS award designation.

Sombrero® Baja Burgundy will add a bold accent to sunny gardens with its vibrant, deep violet-red blossoms. The beautiful flower color is without equal among coneflowers and is perfect for cut flowers. After being trialed over three tough winters, the  AAS Judges noted this standout’s hardiness, sturdy branching, and floriferous blooming habit. Birds and pollinators certainly flock to this deer-resistant beauty making it a dual-purpose plant. Gardeners will enjoy prolific blooms from mid-summer until the first frost.

Sombrero® Baja Burgundy Coneflower

American Gold Rush Rudbeckia ’s bright, golden-yellow flowers with black centers and arched petals are gorgeous addition to any garden. This compact, upright domed-shaped black-eyed Susan beauty has narrow 2-inch wide hairy foliage bred for its resistance to Septoria leaf spot. This hybrid shows no signs of the fungus even in wet, humid conditions. Blooming from July to September, with some color up until frost, this cultivar has smaller foliage and shorter height compared to other rudbeckia varieties.

American Gold Rush Rudbeckia
Real Estate (Farm & Ranch Land), Rural life

Corn and Milo Residue Can Supplement Cattle Costs

Corn and milo residue can serve many purposes on cow/calf operations in South Dakota. The combination of dropped ears, grain, husks, and leaves provide an adequate ration for spring calving cows and can be managed to maintain body condition or even add weight with supplementation.

Make sure there are no large amounts of grain left in the field to cause condition problems for the cattle. Make sure that there is adequate water supply.

Managing residue grazing should always start with a walk through the field to identify any spills or large amounts of grain that need to be removed prior to grazing in order to decrease the risk of rumen upset.

The last few years we have utilized fall cover crops for supplemental grazing. Fall cover crops for grazing work best following wheat harvest, oat harvest or an idled field. Depending on the species planted, you usually need 70-120 days of growth before temperatures drop into the low 20s. Plantings made from late July to mid-August turn out the best.

We use a combination of turnip, radish, rapeseed, clover, and other grain grasses. To reduce the risk of bloat, make sure livestock has a full stomach before turning them onto a new type of pasture and provide access to hay.