Tips & Tricks

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Tips & Tricks

| July 21, 2022

“Ugly Duckling” Trees

As the timeless children’s book taught us, some living things go through horribly awkward phases on their way to beautiful maturity. Trees are no exception! In Southern Wisconsin, two of the trees most prone to “ugly duckling” syndrome are Kentucky Coffeetrees and Honeylocusts. Both are sturdy and attractive shade trees that have a lot to […]

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Tips & Tricks

| November 29, 2021

Stunning Winter Planters

Easy To Create & Enjoy All Season Long! The leaves have fallen, the days are colder and shorter, and most plants have entered their dormant cycle, but your planters can still flourish this winter! Using fragrant evergreen branches and interesting woody twig accents, your winter planters can provide beauty throughout the entire season. You can […]

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Tips & Tricks

| April 26, 2021

How to Handle Peat Starter Plants

There are many different methods to consider when starting vegetable and herb seeds, and we use several approaches here at Piala’s. Some plants do best in sturdy pots with stakes (tomatoes, peppers) and others require more delicate handling of the root system.  Some veggies such as summer squash, winter squash, cucumbers, and beans are very […]

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Plants / Tips & Tricks

| March 30, 2021

Beyond Burning Bush: Fall-Scaping for Gorgeous Late Season Landscapes

Fall in Wisconsin is a bittersweet season. The initial dread of the upcoming winter months can lead to a reluctance to embrace the beauty in the fall landscape. This is a huge missed opportunity! September and October can (and should) be two of our most spectacular months outdoors. Another reason fall color can be neglected […]

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Tips & Tricks

| March 17, 2021

Don’t Drown Your Plants

When caring for your plants, you may think that the more water the merrier, but overwatering can be just as problematic as underwatering. Here are five common mistakes we see that can lead to overwatered plants in the landscape:  1. Site Selection:  Be observant/thoughtful when you select a site for your plants. Pay attention to the […]

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Tips & Tricks

| March 13, 2021

Sneaky Snacks – Edible Plants Don’t Have to be Ugly

Sneaky Snacks:  Tastefully Adding Edible Plants into Your Landscape  Any spot in your yard that has enough sun for lawn to thrive can also support small fruits (raspberries, currants & more!), herbs, and veggies.  I’ll say it louder for the people in the back: if it’s sunny enough for turf grass, it’s sunny enough to grow some food. I can hear […]

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Tips & Tricks

| March 10, 2021

Hummingbirds

Annuals for Hummingbirds Hummingbirds are a gardener’s delight and many try to attract this tiny bird to their yard by strategically planting certain flowers. Hummingbirds eat a variety of insects, but in order to supply their high energy needs, they also consume around half their weight in nectar (a sweet liquid found in certain flowers) […]

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Tips & Tricks

| March 5, 2021

Grow Hanging Baskets Like the Pros

Keep Your Hanging Plants Beautiful All Summer  Few things add more pop and excitement to an outdoor space than a wild & colorful hanging basket!  Ever since ancient times, we’ve been inexplicably drawn to the drama and intrigue of gardens that vine, trail, and swoop.  When a hanging basket started in a greenhouse and nurtured […]

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Tips & Tricks

| February 28, 2021

Starting Plants from Seeds

Our Tips for Success from Seed to Sprout! Growing your own plants from seeds is fun, cost effective, and as an extra bonus, adds some green to your home.  Here are some suggestions to help you succeed at starting your own seeds in your home.  What You Will Need:  The Basics:  Growing Seedlings:   After seedlings […]

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