Content by Kristine Lang

Garden at the SDSU Specialty Crop Research Field-South

SDSU Extension to Host 2022 Specialty Crop Field Day

September 13, 2022

SDSU Extension will host the 2022 Specialty Crop Field Day on Thursday, September 15, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. CDT in Brookings, South Dakota.

Bucket of cut Zinnia and Snapdragon flowers.

Cut Flowers on Campus: 2022 Zinnia and Snapdragon Trial Overview

The Lang Lab at South Dakota State University is currently working to increase research and support for South Dakota's cut flower farmers. Learn about their recent trial that examined popular cultivars of zinnias and snapdragons.

Day lilies in bloom.

Daylily: A Summer Showstopper

Daylilies (Hemerocallis) are one of America’s favorite flowers with good reason. They are easy to grow and adaptable to just about any garden location. Learn how to select, grow and care for them in your garden!

Veronica hybrid in bloom.

Veronicas Add Variety to Your Perennial Garden

Veronicas offer gardeners a wide array of perennial plants to work into many different landscaping niches in the garden. Many are hardy in South Dakota, withstanding our cold winters as well as heat and drought.

sprawling leafy ground cover in a shady garden

Perennial Ground Covers for Shady Gardens

Shady gardens can be filled with plants of various shapes and sizes reaching heights of several feet with eye-catching foliage or blooms. However, ground covers, which are usually twelve inches tall or shorter, are an important component of the shade garden.

Pink and red Hollyhock flower varieties.

Growing Hollyhocks

Hollyhocks are a popular, old-fashioned plant that can be found along the foundations of many old homes and nestled in older farmsteads across the state. Learn some important considerations for selecting, planting and caring for them in your garden!

Yard and garden damaged by high winds.

Never Underestimate Mother Nature

We know that weather is unpredictable, and every gardener will eventually have to deal with damage caused by weather. Learn some tips that will help you give your plants a fighting chance after extreme weather events.

Hostas growing under filtered light beneath a tree.

Hosta: A Shade-loving Perennial

Hostas, known for their foliage and love of shade, have developed into a coveted landscaping staple. Learn how to select, plant and grow a hosta that's right for your garden or landscape!

Tulips blooming near the entrance to McCrory Gardens.

McCrory Gardens to Host 2022 Garden Discovery Festival May 22

May 16, 2022

SDSU Extension and McCrory Gardens will be hosting the 2022 Garden Discovery Festival on May 22 from noon to 5 p.m. CDT at the McCrory Gardens Education and Visitor Center in Brookings.

Four common spring weeds: Shepherd’s Purse, Catchweed Bedstraw, Waterpod and Henbit.

Spring Annual Weeds

There are several weeds that pop up very early in the spring and start flowering before most other plants have shown any signs of growth. Learn about some common varieties to look out for.