University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardeners are available for questions Written By: PineandLakes Echo Journal | 10:00 am, May 14, 2021 ×
The arrival of spring in the Brainerd lakes area heralds the beginning of a new gardening season. Those with questions can get garden questions answered by contacting a University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener who is a trained and certified volunteer for the University of Minnesota Extension. The University of Minnesota Extension provides evidence -based research and best practices to improve the land which sustains us. Horticultural best practices provide the opportunity to promote stewardship and sustainability.
Many are probably familiar with the Ask the Master Gardener column in the Brainerd Dispatch. Garden questions may be emailed to
Outdoor play gives children unique opportunities to explore, problem solve and engage their minds, bodies and imaginations.
A team at Leech Lake Early Childhood Development is drawing on this knowledge and exploring how to connect children in the community to nature with support from the University of Minnesota.
Waase Paulson, Leech Lake Early Childhood’s Ojibwemowin mentor, and Claire Chase, Leech Lake SNAP-ED coordinator, began envisioning how to activate the 3-acre wooded area outside of the Aabinoojii Oshkii Bimadiziiwin Center and Maajiigin building in Cass Lake several years ago. They hoped to nurture cultural traditions and connections to nature among the organization’s children and teachers.
Ask the Master Gardener: Can potted lilies be planted in the garden?
If you received Oriental lilies go ahead and plant them, but just know that they may or may not come back as they are not as hardy as Asiatic lilies.
Written By:
Jennifer Knutson | U of M Extension Master Gardener | 9:00 am, May 15, 2021 ×
Orange-red pixie lilies. Photo by Jennifer Knutson
Dear Master Gardener: I received a potted lily plant for Mother’s Day. Can I plant it in my garden?
Answer: It depends. If it is an Asiatic lily, you can plant it in your garden after it blooms. Cut off the spent blossoms before planting, leaving as much of the stem and leaves as possible. My son gave me a potted orange-red pixie Asiatic lily for Mother’s Day when he was in high school (17 years ago) and I now have at least 50 orange pixie lilies in various gardens from that one pot. I have also shared a clump with him for his garden it’s the gift that keeps on giving! If you received Orien
Bruce Potter
TEAM EFFORT: To control and eradicate invasive species, such as the noxious weed Palmer amaranth, it takes a team approach. A recent article, written by scientists with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the University of Minnesota Extension and published in Weed Technology, tells how the stakeholders worked together to eradicate infestations. Highly invasive weed hasn’t taken hold in the state, thanks to collaborative efforts led by MDA and University of Minnesota Extension.
Suggested Event
Jun 15, 2021 to Jun 17, 2021
Minnesota farmers, scientists and state agency professionals have a success story to share when it comes to fighting invasive weeds, particularly Palmer amaranth.