Content by David Graper

group of four lilac bushes with white flowers

Lilacs Are Looking Good This Spring

Lilacs are one of those plants whose lovely flower clusters and sweet fragrance are anticipated by gardeners in many parts of the world, but especially in the colder regions of the United States, Europe and Asia.

A plant with light-colored purple flowers blooming throughout

Baptisia

The plant for this week is Baptisia a.k.a. “false indigo”, “white indigo” and “yellow indigo”. This is a hardy perennial for the Northern Great Plains that is easy to grow, has multiple seasons of interest and lives for many years. They are actually native to the US but usually are found in somewhat warmer climates.

Three early spring blooming flowers: Chionodoxa, Fritillaria, and Helleborus.

Early Spring Bloomers

From the delicate "Glory of the Snow" to the stunning "Lenten Rose," learn about some of the beautiful, lesser-known, spring-blooming perennial flowers that can be grown in South Dakota gardens.

peace lily plant with green leaves and delicate white flowers

Care of Peace Lilies

Peace lilies, or Spathiphyllum, are popular houseplants because they are generally easy to grow, have pretty flowers and can tolerate lower light levels. But lots of people do have problems with them. I would say that most of these problems relate to improper watering and fertilizing.

Check Your Houseplants for Pests

Houseplants are susceptible to a variety of pests. The following article outlines some of the more common household pests, including: spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. We will discuss strategies for scouting out and managing these pests to avoid prolonged damage to your houseplants.

a leafey green plant with bright pink stems

Two Favorite Spring Vegetables

After a long winter with no fresh homegrown vegetables, many gardeners really look forward to that first spring harvest of asparagus and rhubarb.

What’s Bugging Your Garden: Picnic Beetles

One of the most common garden insect questions I get asked is “what are those little black, spotted beetles that are in my sweet corn, tomatoes, raspberries and perhaps worst of all, in your beer! These little nuisances are called picnic or sap beetles. They are attracted to ripe or damaged fruit and vegetables.

plant with thick, green leaves and clusters of pink, cup-shaped flowers.

Pig Squeak: Bergenia cordifolia ‘Winterglut’ (Winterglow)

Bergenia is a great plant for many different types of sites in the garden performing well in shady locations to full sun, if extra moisture is provided. It looks great as a single specimen plant or planted in groups of five or more.

a thicket of tall, green to brown grass planted in a garden

Native Plants: Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a native, warm season prairie grass that has slowly found its way into the popular ornamental grass market.