Community

Janelle Daberkow, Stearns County Horticultural Extension Educator, reports many queries about wriggling disgusting masses of caterpillars infesting trees around the area. Yes, tent caterpillars are back. Now, what to do about them?

It’s time to stop and smell the roses. Well no, roses are not blooming yet even though this a really early spring for them. I mean just look up from your outdoor maintenance chores--- getting the lawn in shape, preparing the veggie plot, trimming and pruning whatever---and enjoy what is already on offer in the beauty department if you only take the time .

Remember that old Scout mantra from the woodlore badge? I’m thinking of it since a friend has been plagued by poison ivy at the Lake, but is confused by which plant is giving the grief. The confusion is understandable. In my own backyard I noted THREE different plants with leaves of three and she sent me a photo of another, yet different one too.

We’ve got it now, some rain, some warm weather, lots of pretty flowers, it’s time to start enjoying spring. It says something about the nature of spring in Minnesota that up until now, I have been worrying about a retreat back to winter, but that’s just me I guess. The last week in April, surely I can count on it now?

A rose by any other name may smell as sweet, but how about the Easter lily?