Whether we look at ourselves to be horticulture nerds , enthusiasts , hobbyist , or even tyro , we are always looking for ways to boost our horticultural game . New reference point fabric , identifiable labeling techniques , and a couple of handy garden tools are light ways to take our landscape to the next layer . Here are some particular to consider add to your holiday wish list this year .
Region-Specific Books
If you ’ve ever wondered if a tree will grow in the Northern Plains , depend no further than John Ball ’s bookTrees ! An illustrated Field Guide : Fruit , Nut , Ornamental , Shade , and Windbreak Trees for the Northern Plains . Covering 80 genera , 300 species , and more than 450 cultivar , this book packs more than 30 class of experience from one of the foremost authority on tree into one resourcefulness that leave a foundation for finding the right-hand tree for the correct patch .
For those who care to venture beyond the manicured landscape and explore some of the peachy prairies in our region , Grassland Plants of South Dakota and the Northern Great Plainsby James R. Johnson and Gary E. Larson is a must - have . This 288 - page field pathfinder is filled with images and entropy for key out the industrial plant liveliness seen in the Northern Plains as well as information on the eatage and wildlife value of each plant and their historical United States among Native Americans .
Those who live in the higher elevations of our part can take advantage ofPlants of the Black Hills and Bear Lodge Mountainsby Gary E. Larson and James R. Johnson . This 601 - page field guide is a great resource for identify the great variety of some 600 dissimilar plant that can be found from mountaintops to creek - side valleys .
New Garden Labels
The Paw Paw Everlast Label Company , base in Paw Paw , Michigan , has a outstanding miscellany of styles and size ofmetal garden labelsthat can last for many long time out in the elements . If you are diffident of which sizing or dash would work best in your landscape painting , the company even provide a sample battalion of its eight most popular type , along with a mark pencil , for only $ 6.00 ! If you combine a alloy garden label with a simpleweatherproof computer address recording label , you’re able to make your labels look like they came directly out of a botanical garden ! If you are look for something even fancier and longer long-lasting , considercustomized laser - engraved labelsfrom Lark Label , located in Wichita , Kansas .
Essential Tools
Whenever I work on a garden task or project , no matter the sizing , chances are high-pitched that these three tool are involved somehow . You may want to think about adding one of these tools to your indirect request list .
Fiskers Big Grip Garden Knife
Garden knife and other similar multifunction tools provide a unseamed transition from cutting open a udder of mulch with the serrate edge to dig up out that stubborn blowball taproot with the notched steel terminal . With several tools combined into one , you may not only save on storage blank space , but also increase your efficiency .
Craftsman 10.75 - in . Wood Compact Digging Shovel
Another space - saving yet highly functional tool is a D - handgrip mini shovel . There are very few horticulture undertaking that a somebody can complete without mystify on hands and knees , which is where this awesome little shovel come in . The lightweight handle and small size make it perfect for get small dig and planting projects done quickly .
Kobalt 32 - in . Wood Short - Handle Garden Spade
For those larger projects , this short - handgrip digging nigger is a must - have . The heavy - gauge flat steel leaf blade is utter for slice through sod or soil for a frizzy sharpness . Combine that with a D - handle straight - angle intention and outsized step , and you have the perfect tool that maximizes the user ’s strength to make prompt work of rugged task .
From books and labeling techniques to multifunction garden tool , expand your horticultural knowledge and ability this holiday season .
— Chris Schlenker is the school principal gardener of McCrory Gardens at South Dakota State University in Brookings , South Dakota .
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Expand your knowledge of the trees, shrubs, forbs, perennials, and annuals that grow in the Northern Plains with one of these great field guides.Photo: Chris Schlenker
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Expand your knowledge of the trees, shrubs, forbs, perennials, and annuals that grow in the Northern Plains with one of these great field guides.Photo: Chris Schlenker
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Keeping track of the ever-expanding multitude of cultivars and varieties in your garden can be a bit daunting, but materials are available that can help you discern which plant is which in your landscape. For example, check out Paw Paw Everlast labels (left and center) and Lark Label’s personalized laser engraved labels (right).Photo: Chris Schlenker
These three tools (garden knife, D-handle mini shovel, and short-handle garden spade) might have the same overall purpose of moving dirt, but each one can make your multitude of different garden tasks much easier.Photo: Chris Schlenker
