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Today is World Water Day, which couldn't come at a more fitting time. After weeks with zero precipitation across most of our northern region, we're finally due for some snow, sleet and rain this weekend to end yet another mini-drought.

In this edition, we're focusing on the importance of water and how to incorporate it into your gardening activities with articles from our Northern Gardener™ Resource Hub. Learn how to establish rain gardens, barrel systems and even tabletop rain capturing as you plan out your to-dos.

Want to have an impact on our Resource Hub in the coming year? We're working to improve our website, and we want to hear from you! Fill out our survey and let us know: What resources do you and your community need? Deadline is March 29th.  

Are you ready to create a beautiful landscape? Our products are the perfect amendments to help your garden flourish. Whether you’re looking for colored mulch to add curb appeal, or seeking a natural garden blend to help your plants grow, we take our time when crafting products for your outdoor projects and landscaping. www.smscorf.com / 952-233-9191 Shakopee, MN

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From the Northern Gardener™ Resource Hub

Today is an important day in the minds and hearts of gardeners everywhere. It's a day to reflect on how we use water in our gardens and landscapes. It's also a good time to plan out how we can be better stewards of our planet's greatest resource in the months and years to come.

Start by reading this informative handout on Rainscaping for Water Efficiency before moving on to more articles from our Resource Hub.

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Dive into the numbers to see how you can reduce your watering only to what your plants need—and when they need it—as our northern climate continues to change.

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Learn more about the benefits behind collecting rainwater inside a rain barrel (and how simple it can be to set one up) with these simple do's and don'ts.

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Don't have space (or time) for a full rain garden in your landscape? These tabletop water gardens may be a perfect solution for trapping more rainfall.

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Learn more about World Water Day here.

Upcoming Classes

Gail Hudson is ready to walk you through nine steps (and maybe more) to turn your landscape into a haven for life.

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Join Michelle Bruhn of Forks in the Dirt for a deeper dive into the latest trends in sustainable veggie gardening.

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Reduce your landscape's dependency on irrigation this season with these sustainable gardening practices. Be sure to check out our friends at Blue Thumb for more resources and workshops.

Seaside Serenade® Hydrangeas only from Monrovia. These new-and-Improved hydrangeas have a more compact, bushy growth habit, sturdier stems, thicker leaves, returning blooms, and longer-lasting flowers than other hydrangea varieties.



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Brightening up your home with a citrus plant is the perfect solution for our dark winters and springs; the trick is learning how to keep it happy.

Check out our latest article to learn which plants you can grow indoors, how to control pests and disease and ways to get more fruit (along with when to expect it!).

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Our eco-friendly product will protect your plants from deer, rabbits and other browsing animals throughout all seasons.  

•    NO reapplying after it rains

•    Will NOT clog the sprayer

•    WORKS for 30 days through rain, snow and freeze  

•    Dries CLEAR and odorless to humans 

•    Use coupon code NGARDENER to receive 10% off your order

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Spring Garden Gala Update

We're blown away by the support from everyone who signed up for the 2024 Spring Garden Gala on April 25th. You sold out the Lake Elmo Event Center in record time! We'll be in touch with all registrants soon on next steps.

To everyone who missed a spot, we have you covered. Sign up on our wait list for your chance to grab an open seat at the Gala in the case of a cancellation.

While our gala has sold out, your opportunity to support MSHS's gardening initiatives hasn't! Another way to contribute is by texting GardenBloom to (325) 603-3395 any time for an instant link to donate.

Now more than ever, we need your help. The demand for our Garden in a Box program has led to a long waitlist. Your donation today is vital to sustain and expand our signature programs. Please consider contributing to help us keep greening our community and nurturing these essential initiatives.

Thinking of spring pond cleaning but have less time to keep it looking great all year? Consider switching to a pondless waterfall. Disappearing waterfalls filter leaves and debris via underground basins. Birds and pollinators love the clean, filtered water but the system does not have to run 24/7! Anticipate enjoying the beauty and sound of water without having to clean filter pads or dump soggy leaves. Learn more at Minnesota Waterscapes.

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Asparagus is the classic spring-blooming perennial for cold-climate gardeners. If you've yet to try growing this vegetable, our latest article has all you need to get started.

Learn the considerations for choosing a planting site, differences between varieties and how to harvest this great return on your gardening investment.

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Did you forget?

Perhaps you forgot or ran out of time to plant some tulip and daffodil bulbs last fall. Don’t fret, we will have some Sprouting Bulbs just in time for Easter! They will just be popping out of their pots so you will have time to watch them bloom! Arriving March 22nd.

Join us for pictures with a live bunny.

March 23rd & 30th 10-1pm $5/family.

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More than just NPK, Sustane’s Organic and All Natural Fertilizers are rich in beneficial microbiology, essential nutrients, and slow release nitrogen with stabilized organic matter. Low dust and low odor, Sustane is approved for the production of organic fruits and vegetables and is OMRI listed. Use Sustane 4-6-4, and 8-2-4 in tandem over the growing season for unrivaled organic performance. Use the link below for more information, and our Retail Locator to find a retailer near you. Sustainable | Rich in Beneficial Microbiology | Safe for Kids, Pets, and Pollinators.

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More to Explore

It's gardening event and workshop season for our state's Master Gardeners, who are providing fun opportunities for everyone to learn, engage and interact right before digging into the dirt.

Todd County Garden Day: Visit the First Baptist Church in Long Prairie and enjoy discussions on Naturalistic Garden Designs, Top 10 Underused Trees and Shrubs for Your Yard, Soil Nutrition and more. Don Kinzler is the keynote speaker, and his topic is “My 50 Top Tips for Making Us All Better Gardeners”. We'll be an exhibitor at this event, so be sure to stop by and say hi!

Wright County Spring Days Gardening Workshop: This fun-filled, day-long workshop at the Maple Lake High School will include vendor booths, a silent auction and educational sessions that include New Perennials for 2024, Hydroponics for Year-Round Growing, Beneficial Insects in Minnesota, Basics of Vegetable Disease Management and much more.

Independent, multigenerational farms play a big role in the health and sustainability of our midwestern heartland. Be sure to check out this impactful story, airing on PBS Saturday, March 23rd. Great as a follow-up to Kathy Ruhf's "Farmland Access & Tenure Overview" session tonight, March 22nd.

Northern Gardener™ E-news is the Minnesota State Horticultural Society's monthly newsletter, full of gardening tips, resources and upcoming events.

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