As Rice County, Minnesota enjoy an unexpectedly warm fall, the urge to maximize the time outdoors is palpable amidst the local green thumbs. According to a recent article by Master Gardener Program coordinator for Rice & Steele counties, Lorrie Rugg, now is the time for gardening enthusiasts to take stock of their yards. From preparing for the winter to planning for spring, residents are getting their hands dirty – in the most literal sense.
With local wildlife already hinting at colder days ahead, the feeding of birds has become both a chore and a tribute. “My Dad used to tell us kids that we had to go outside every day to get the “stink” blown off of us. So filling my feeders is a tribute to my Dad,” Rugg reminisced. This activity is more than just a task; it’s an interaction with nature that honors family tradition. Moreover, it’s a call to appreciate the transformation of your garden’s fall look, to critique and envision future enhancements.
Indeed, as the outdoor foliage withers, now is an opportune time for a critical appraisal of one’s green space. Rugg suggests evaluating whether your trees or shrubs need trimming, a task best executed at certain times of the year depending on the species. Gardeners can find optimal timing tips on websites like the University of Minnesota Extension, under the Yard and Garden tab.
With winter’s chill impending, in the sequence of seasons, comes the garden planning phase. Gardening catalogues and literature pile up, waiting to ignite the spark for next year’s garden dreams. Rugg endorses using this period for education as well, recommending “Garden Insects of North America” by Whitney Carnshaw and David Shetlar as a comprehensive guide on insects, a topic she admits is not her strong suit.
It’s this time of year when the gardeners’ perpetual optimism shines through. Despite possible setbacks this past season, the sentiment echoes clearly: there’s always next year. Rugg encourages green-fingered individuals to start dreaming of those springtime changes now, a sentiment likely shared by many as we collectively edge toward the end of the year.
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