Hostas are among the most popular
perennials in Minnesota. They are hardy,
versatile plants that are available in a
wide range of sizes and leaf patterns.
Every year since 1996 the American
Hosta Growers Association has chosen a
Hosta of the Year. The winner is selected for its
outstanding qualities. This year ‘Paradigm’ took the crown.
This hosta grows 18” tall and 30” wide. The beauty of the
plant is its gold leaves edged in blue-green, a variegation
pattern that intensifies as the leaves mature. In July, lavender
bell-shape flower sway above the foliage on strong stems.
These stalks make long-lasting cut flowers.
Look for all these outstanding varieties and many more at
any of the seven
Bachman’s Garden Centers.
A word about organic mulches
Organic mulch has been a trend in the landscape for many
years and today there is a wide variety available. There are
wood chips, which are relatively cheap, and shredded
hardwood mulches that knit together and stay in place.
Long lasting mulches, like cedar and cypress, decay slowly
over time. There is an annual mulch that is made of ground
fir bark which is great in annual, vegetable and perennial
gardens because it decays after one season allowing the
gardener to work the soil each spring or fall.
All wood mulches should be refreshed every two to three
years to look their best and suppress weeds. Don’t place
much more than 2” to 3” of mulch around landscape plants
and keep mulch 3” to 4” away from the trunks and stems of
all plants. Heavy wood mulch that is in contact with bark can
promote diseases and harbor insects.
Top ten perennial for the cabin
If you want to plant a garden at your cabin in northern
Minnesota, the following perennials are good choices:
Autumn Joy Sedums, Daylilies,
Siberian Iriss, Peonies,
Oriental Poppies, Creeping Phlox,
Balloon Flowers, Hostas,
Goldsturm Rudbeckias and Liatris.
All of the plants listed above, except hostas,
need full sun and well-drained soil. Adding compost to the
soil before planting will get the new garden off to a good
start. Use Tree Guard to keep deer at bay.
A good place to start
If you’re planning to landscape this summer, do
yourself a favor and check out Bachman’s-Cedar Acres,
our garden and landscape center in Lakeville. There are
beautiful landscape gardens around the store that will
give you great ideas for your own projects. You can stroll
the A to Z garden to see what different plants look like
growing in the landscape; you can also get expert advice
on your own landscape needs from the helpful staff.
Besides great plants, you will find everything from pest
solutions to fertilizers and a huge selection of man-made
and natural materials for patios and retaining walls;
there’s a selection to suit every taste and budget.
Cedar Acres is due south of the Mall of America at 230th
and Cedar Avenue. Do-it-yourself classes are held there
all summer and this Saturday, June 9, between 10 and
noon, radio personality and master gardener Teri Knight
will demonstrate container garden ideas. Stop in
for some great tips.
Flowers and gifts from Bachman’s make any day a special one. When you order your flowers or gifts online, you know you’ll be getting a beautiful fresh floral arrangement from a trusted florist known for outstanding floral design, plus quality and service.
If you’re sending flowers or gifts out of town, you can rely on us to choose the best florist from either the FTD or Teleflora nationwide flower network. Florists who can be counted on to deliver the best fresh floral arrangements and gifts, even when doing a same day delivery.
