New Here

18 years ago

Hello all,

Just wanted to introduce myself to the forum. I originally joined GW as a gardening newbie a couple of years ago when I bought a house with my BF and inherited some gardens that I had no clue what to do with. I was in Louisville KY then. Now I have moved to MN to get married and it looks like I'm here to stay. Definitely a whole new world up here, LOL! This southern girl has certainly had a hard time waiting for the 0 degree temps to end and spring to finally get here.

So now you're wondering why I'm on the WI forum, right?

Well, we have a cabin near Balsam Lake, WI and it will be my project this summer to revive the beds there - mainly full of ferns at this point, although I seem to remember some iris and daylilies too. Anyway, I'm sure I'll be needing any advice I can get from all you experienced gardeners!

In fact, my first question is whether anyone knows what zone that might be? I know Minneapolis is 4 but can't tell from the map about Balsam Lake.

Thanks!

Angela/mamma2max

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Comments (2)

jungseed
18 years ago
Hi,
Balsam Lake, WI would be in 3b I believe. The good thing about zone three is bulbs. There are alot of bulbs that will not grow well or flower nicely in the south. You can now use them. (you'll find all northern gardeners look for the positive.) Another thing that does so much better in northern zones are peonies.

Ruth
pondwelr
18 years ago
If your beds are now full of ferns, it must be at least partial shade. Is the soil sandy?
Here are some things that will do well in poor soil and full to partial shade.

Columbine
Ladys mantle
Bleeding Heart
Hosta
Coral bells
Then if you have some sunny spot, try these:
coneflower
Iris siberica
Liatris
Lupines
All these plants are hardy to zone 4, some to zone 3.

Agree with Ruth that daffs and smaller, minor bulbs will do well for you too, altho, you may not be at your cottage in April to see the display.

How big is the bed you want to renovate? You may want to look around at neighboring properties and ask questions.
Also a great way to meet the neighbors.
Ponds (sharon)
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