Garden almanac, Garden hacks, Garden Pests

Green Thumb Talk for April 19

Ah, springtime brings a flurry of garden inquiries, doesn’t it? Let’s dive into some green thumb talk!

So, for tackling crabgrass, it’s all about timing. If you’re dealing with a light infestation, a post-May 1st application of pre-emergent herbicide should do the trick. But for those peskier, heavier infestations, a follow-up application about three weeks later can really knock ’em out. And don’t forget to give it a good watering to help it settle into the soil.

Now, when it comes to those broadleaf weeds like dandelions, a weed and feed combo before they bloom and when the leaf growth is hearty can work wonders. Scott’s 3X herbicide granular is a solid choice, but there are plenty of other brands out there with similar offerings.

And let’s not forget about those sneaky grasses creeping into the perennial beds or rock gardens. Grass B Gon can help clear them out, just make sure to read up on the precautions on the label.

Cicadas. Luckily, we’re safe here in the west, as they tend to steer east of South Dakota. The ones we do have around in late summer aren’t the heavy hitters, so no need to fret about them causing much trouble.

Now, those vertical cracks in young trees, especially fruit trees, can be a bit alarming, but they’re usually just frost cracks when the sap warms up on a winter day and then freezes at night. As long as they don’t extend too far down into the ground, the trees should heal up on their own.

The mole cricket, an unexpected visitor in the garden. These large brown crickets are usually in small numbers, they’re not much of a bother.

And speaking of unwelcome guests, ticks seem to be gearing up for a busy season. Time to stock up on Frontline for our furry friends and tidy up the backyard to keep those tick numbers in check. Always check with a vet for medications to prevent these bloodsuckers on your pet.

Remember, when it comes to planting trees and shrubs, don’t let a little freeze scare you off. Get ’em in the ground ASAP and let nature do its thing. Happy gardening!

Shade Trees and Shrubs

Shade Trees for South Dakota

In selecting shade trees for South Dakota, you’ve got to consider trees that can tough it out in our climate besides cottonwood. Here’s a lineup of some fantastic options:

Bur Oak

Bur Oak: This native Midwest gem, the Bur Oak, is tough, sturdy, and reliable. With its broad canopy, it’s your go-to choice for some serious shade.

American Elm

American Elm: Despite the hardships brought on by Dutch elm disease, there are still some American Elm disease-resistant varieties that can hold their own in South Dakota. They grow fast and sport that classic vase-shaped canopy.

Honeylocust

Honeylocust: Talk about versatility! Honeylocust trees thrive in all sorts of soil conditions, and with their delicate foliage, they provide that lovely, dappled shade perfect for chilling out in your yard. Plus, there’s a whole range of varieties to choose from, each with its unique leaf texture and color. The old “shelterbelt” variety had the pods and thorns.

Northern Catalpa

Northern Catalpa: With its large, heart-shaped leaves and fragrant flowers, the Northern Catalpa adds a touch of elegance to any landscape. It’s tough as nails and can handle whatever South Dakota throws its way.

Hackberry

Hackberry: This hardy tree laughs in the face of drought and poor soil conditions. Its broad canopy and bird-attracting berries make it a real winner, my favorite.

Red Maple

Red Maple: While it’s native to the eastern part of North America, certain hardy Red Maple varieties can still thrive in South Dakota. And let’s not forget about that stunning fall foliage. They are marginal because of their soil pH requirements.

Prairie Crabapple

Prairie Crabapple: If you’re looking to attract some wildlife to your garden, the Prairie Crabapple is your tree. Fragrant flowers in the spring and colorful fruit in the fall? It’s a win-win as a smaller tree.

Kentucky Coffeetree

Kentucky Coffeetree: Now here’s a tree that stands out from the crowd. With its unique compound leaves and drought tolerance, it’s sure to make a statement in your yard. It can be found in some nurseries in the state.

Russian Olive

Russian Olive: Adaptable and visually striking, the Russian Olive adds a touch of silver to your landscape. Just watch out for those thorns if you’re thinking of using it as a hedge! It can get up to 30 feet tall and can be invasive in wet areas.

Boxelder

Boxelder: Sure, Boxelder trees grow fast and provide wildlife benefits, but they do come with a tradeoff—weak wood and messy seeds. Still, with their yellow and green leaves or even white and green varieties, they can add some flair to your landscape.

Remember, before you start digging holes, think about your soil, drainage, and how much space you’ve got. It’s all about finding the right tree for the right spot.

Home Selling

Design Trends of 2024

Here are some of the design trends of 2024. These predictions aren’t just plucked out of thin air. Some serious data is crunching going on behind the scenes. Designer have been digging into their treasure trove of home listings, analyzing over 300 different features and design styles. By spotting the recurring keywords, they’ve pinpointed the emerging trends.

There are some surprises in the 2024 lineup. Brutalism, with its bold and minimalist aesthetic, is staging a comeback. Think blackened steel windows, raw concrete floors, and edgy bronze light fixtures. Zillow has clocked a jaw-dropping 452% spike in for-sale listings mentioning brutalism.

Sensory gardens or pathways are experiencing a significant surge, up 314% compared to last year. It seems folks are craving outdoor spaces that tantalize the senses with textures, colors, sounds, and scents.

Cold plunge pools are all the rage now. With benefits like inflammation reduction and mood enhancement, it seems wellness aficionados are transforming their homes into personal spas. Listings featuring at-home cold plunge pools have shot up by 130% year over year.

Pickleball courts are suddenly all the rage too, with a 100% increase in listings highlighting their proximity. Pickleball courts are replacing tennis courts.

Murano glass chandeliers are enjoying a resurgence, popping up 58% more frequently in Zillow listings. And murals? They’re making a bold statement on walls, appearing 18% more often this year. It seems homeowners are embracing self-expression with gusto, and the accessibility of wallpaper murals might be fueling this trend.

It’s absolutely riveting to witness how these emerging trends are shaping the landscape of home design, each reflecting a different facet of our evolving lifestyles and tastes.