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Chaos gardening – wild beauty, or just a mess? A sustainable landscape specialist explains the trend

A mix of annuals and perennials can look colorful and carefree. Deryn Davidson

Chaos gardening is touted on social media as an easy, no-effort way to create a beautiful garden. A landscape specialist explains what to be aware of before chaotically tossing seeds around.

Cultivating for color: The hidden trade-offs between garden aesthetics and pollinator preferences

Uniquely colored flowers with big blooms might make for an aesthetically pleasing garden, but they can be unhelpful to pollinators. Careful consideration can help you plan a colorful and eco-friendly garden.

HOAs are often barriers to sustainable landscaping and solar energy. They could be bridges instead.

If you build a house in the United States today, there’s a good chance you’ll be living under the dictates of a neighborhood homeowners association – roughly two out of every three new homes are in an HOA, as are a third of existing homes. Some of these HOAs have evolved to encourage environmentally friendly […]

Hardy houseplants offer indoor greenery

It’s starting to cool down here in south Minneapolis, and you might be thinking about houseplants to provide some indoor greenery all year. Most houseplants are native to tropical climates and can …

Dealing with powdery mildew and other humid-summer plant diseases

We’ve had a lot of hot, sticky weather lately, and it’s probably affecting your plants! When the air stays warm and humid for days at a time, you might start noticing a white, powdery coating on …

Garden not doing well? Consider testing your soil

Every spring, gardeners across Minneapolis plant their seeds and hope for a productive growing season. Some gardens thrive, but others limp along despite careful watering and fertilizing. If you’ve …

Denton Bruening is an agronomist with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

How to safely apply backyard chemicals to protect Minnesota waters

Every spring, Minnesotans step outside to perform the same ritual: rake the lawn, plan the garden, and grab a bag of fertilizer to help the yard wake up from winter. What most people don’t realize …

Spring planting timelines: understanding frost dates and microclimates

Every spring, as temperatures start to rise, Twin Cities gardeners face the same question: “Is it finally safe to plant?” This can be a complicated decision! Read on to demystify hardiness zones, …

Upgrades to Optimize Your Outdoor Living Space

(BPT) - When you invest in a deck, you're creating more than an extension of your home: you're creating a place where friends and family can gather, relax and make lasting memories. With a few …

To control weeds in your garden, late summer and early fall is the best time to make a difference

Late summer and early fall are a perfect time to fight weeds in the garden.

What gardeners do at the end of the growing season will determine how clean, productive and manageable their garden beds will be when spring arrives.

Windy days can mean more pollen and more sneezing.

Worsening allergies aren’t your imagination − windy days create the perfect pollen storm

From sending more pollen airborne to breaking up pollen grains, which lets them penetrate deeper into your lungs, the wind is not the allergy sufferer’s friend.

Investing in outdoor living: 5 of the biggest backyard trends of 2026

Houzz reports homeowners are prioritizing outdoor living spaces in 2026, focusing on comfort and functionality, with trends like multifunctional zones, elaborate outdoor kitchens, and professional help rising.

Cold cities are the most ready for winter, with one exception. See where your city ranks

Angi reports that Washington, D.C. ranks as the top U.S. city for fall home maintenance, with many northern cities leading in preparedness.

The unseen, unsung hero of the water you drink

(BPT) - By Ned MonroeIt happens so often we hardly notice: Head to the kitchen, grab a glass from the cabinet, fill it with water from the faucet.Tap water is one of many conveniences of modern …

Shortlisting a residential water softener: A buyer’s guide

Culligan Harvey reports that shortlisting a residential water softener involves assessing household demand, plumbing compatibility, system types, and long-term maintenance costs.

Power out? Here's how to keep your fridge on

(BPT) - If you've ever endured a power outage for any length of time, you know what a hassle it is. And one of the biggest issues? The loss of food and/or medications in your fridge and freezer. What …

Holiday shoppers are turning to AI. Can retailers deliver?

Kase reports holiday shoppers increasingly use AI for gift selection, prompting retailers to adapt inventory and fulfillment strategies for 2026 demands.

How to stay fresh while camping

AXE reports tips for staying fresh while camping, emphasizing hygiene essentials and fresh clothes to combat odor.

How to protect your engagement ring at destination proposals

Jewelers Mutual Group reports that nearly 1 in 5 proposals occur during travel, highlighting the importance of protecting engagement rings during destination proposals.

Armpit discoloration and darkening: Causes and solutions

Dove Men + Care reports that underarm darkening can be caused by friction, irritation, and product ingredients.

Stress sweat: Why it peaks when summer ends

AXE reports that as summer ends, stress sweat replaces heat sweat, triggering stronger odors due to routine changes.