Greenhouse Update-Growing For Wildlife!
June Article- A Letter from Our Greenhouse Manager Jill!
Working in the greenhouse, growing native Minnesota plants is a pleasure in so many ways, as well as a great learning experience.  I feel so fortunate to spend time in the greenhouse each season, especially late summer evenings when all is quiet and the butterflies and bees happily go about their business.  

I love how much we interact with nature while growing our plants. This spring I found a number of pots with the plants uprooted, lying on the floor and with soil spilled out on the ground. Upon closer inspection I was startled to find a big American toad with a little soil covering his head, trying to hide in a pot not much bigger than he was. I had to laugh but was a little bugged by the ruined plant. After taking the first few toads outside, now I’ve been leaving them alone since they eat insects, grubs, slugs and snails among other things. We figure we can afford to let a few plants get unearthed here and there for the slug and insect control the toads provide us. 
Pollinator of the Month!
Golden Alexanders Mining Bee
( Andrena ziziae )

This Andrena species of bee is an example of a specialized pollinator! These bees will only visit Golden Alexanders, or plants from the carrot family, for pollen. They have evolved alongside of this species of native plant, meaning that their pollen-collecting body parts are just the right size for the pollen grains of this plant species (Holm, 2014). These bees have light orange hairs, a short tongue, and are relatively small.
Photo Credit: Sarah Overton 2019
Retail Nursery News!

Our Nursery is Open!
1480 Cty. Rd 90 Independence, MN 55359

The retail nursery will be open this month on:

Wed. June 26th- Sat. June 29th

10am-4pm
For more hours and information:
Invasive Species of the Month- Smooth Brome
( Bromus inermis)

Smooth Brome blooms from July-September. It has an open flower structure during its bloom period, but as the seed forms the branches grow together in a tighter formation. It is a perennial grass from Europe that was used for erosion control purposes, but now forms monocultures that displace native plants. It grows 3-4 feet tall and can be controlled with continual mowing or an herbicide treatment.
Native Plant of the Month- Junegrass
( Koeleria macrantha )

Junegrass is a very attractive native perennial grass that blooms in June, giving its common name. It grows in tight clumps and prefers full sun or partial shade. It also grows in the dry conditions of rocky or sandy soils. It grows about 1-2 feet tall and prairies, savannas, and open woodland areas. The flower cluster is about 6 inches long and feathery when in bloom. As the seeds form, the top of Junegrass becomes more erect.
Five Plants For...Ground Covers!
These native plants are great for forming short, dense colonies that serve as ground covers!
Mystery Plant of the Month!
This month's Mystery Plant is another spring bloomer with a unique flower and wonderful heart-shaped leaves! Can you guess what it is?
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