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diggAwakening
by Chris Lee
Photo by Steve McHugh
If you spent any part of the winter in Minnesota, you don’t need me to belabor the irony of that thought. While horticulturalists debate whether to promote us into Zone 5, where Japanese maples and other exotica can survive without continuous ministrations from zealous gardeners, the natural order of things reasserted itself this year. As I write this in late February, we’ve plunged into the sub-zero deep freeze for the umpteenth time and the snow cover hasn’t budged for months.
So we’ve earned the right to glory in the annual spring awakening—whenever it arrives. No one waits more impatiently for spring bulbs to sprout than gardeners. The most avid have been ordering seeds and laying plans for their seasonal bounty since roughly mid-January; the rest of us start thinking about plant sales and dream landscapes after April 15 or the last of the snow melts, whichever comes first.
That’s why the staff of Midwest Home searches out the most delightful Twin Cities landscapes and gardens to share with you in the annual gardening issue. We have some real treats for you this year.
First, visit luscious landscapes that reflect the homeowners’ hobbies in “If You Build It, They Will Play.” Whether you’re a golfer who dreams of a home putting green or a croquet player with the urge to host weekend tournaments, these landscapes will inspire you. Then, tour the gardens of two metro neighborhoods that nurture community along with beautiful flora. In “Garden Crawl," you’ll meet an eccentric St. Paul crew that was inspired by local set-builder Rick Walsh to build a variety of garden accouterments and a neighborhood watering hole. The Plymouth neighbors featured in “Common Wealth” have shared a passion for gardening in their adjoining backyards for nearly 40 years. Along the way, they created spaces that reflect their individuality and their friendships.
And don’t miss “Coming Up Orchids." Our photos of Minnesota’s native orchids explain why these beauties have been known to incite a condition known as “orchidelirium.” (I’m not making that up.)
Denial is no longer necessary. Welcome to spring.
Chris Lee, Editor
clee@mhmag.com
clee@mhmag.com
11 ISSUES (1 YEAR)
