Inching out of a pandemic, we’re gathering again. That means host/hostess gifts! Rather than last minute, consider something a little different that’s easy and just takes a couple of weeks. Infused sugars! I have lots of ideas on today's show with pictures and more instruction on my website, gardenbite.com. 

Each year, hundreds of annual flowers are on public display as part of the annual flower variety trial at the University of Minnesota Horticulture Display Garden in Morris, MN.

If you haven't brought your houseplants back in the house, they might be covered in snow or shivering and not too happy with you! Today's Garden Bite is about the steps to bringing them back indoors. Be sure to go to my website too! 

Our winters can be brutal and the Farmers Almanac is calling 2021/22 winter "The Season of Shivers". So today is about using nature for mulch, protecting those shrubs and what shrubs are more tolerant of salt and snow!

Transitioning from combat to civilian life isn’t easy. Experts are going back to lessons from long ago about the role nature has in healing. Years ago, on another radio show I had called “15 with the Author”, I talked with Stephanie Westlund who wrote, “Field Exercises: How Veterans Are Healing Themselves through Farming and Outdoor Activities". It is a look at the healing properties of being in nature, including activities  such as gardening. Learn much more on today's show and also on my website, gardenbite.com. 

Does indoor compost stink? What about those little fruit flies? I've learned a few things about indoor composting and as we enter winter, we're not as likely to head to the compost pile in 8 ft of snow (okay, I exaggerate!) So what are some of those little nuances to having an indoor compost bucket that doesn't smell?  Find out on today's Bite.

The holiday season brings out the amaryllis bulbs for those of us in cold climates. We force them to bloom. Can we keep them? Can we force them to bloom next year? How would we do that? It's all answered on today's Garden Bite. And what are waxed amaryllis?  

There are plenty of reasons to leave your perennials up for winter. Find out what they are and how important it is for our wildlife. Check out some great photos on my website too. Gardenbite.com

The Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture has deemed it a noxious weed due to how it has overtaken as an understory plant in our forests, knocking out our natives. Wisconsin has already restricted it. Find out why and when you won't be able to buy this plant in Minnesota!

Vines are wonderful to soften fences. Annual vines are fun because you can change them out every year. Now is the time to unwind them from their temporary homes... you'll be glad you did. Find out why and why I do not like Morning Glories on today's Garden Bite!