Blog

Nature’s Giving Season: Reciprocity and Seeds in Winter

As the days grow shorter and the first snows begin to settle, our gardens slow down, entering a quiet dormancy. Yet even in winter, nature is busy giving. Seeds, stalks, roots, and leaf litter continue the cycle of life, providing nourishment, shelter, and renewal. In this season of giving, we can take inspiration from nature…  Read More

Local Grants for Native Plantings (2026)

Late fall is a great time to start planning for your native planting, rain garden, or other sustainable landscaping project. If you live in Minnesota, there are many funding opportunities to support your work! Minnesota residents can apply for a Lawns to Legumes grant, a $400 reimbursement for creating pollinator habitat with native plants. Apply…  Read More

Lawns to Legumes: Growing a Statewide Pollinator Movement

Two summers ago, Amy Lesher of Shoreview stood in her backyard imagining a transformation. What was once a patch of grass would soon become a tapestry of native flowers, alive with bees and butterflies. “I have absolutely loved every step,” Amy says. “Shopping for the plants was like a botanical treasure hunt. Now, in year…  Read More

Fall Yard Care for Pollinators

Fall is almost here—the days are shorter, the air is getting cooler, and your garden is slowing down for the season. But while it might be tempting to tidy everything up, pollinators prefer a little bit of mess. In fact, one of the best things you can do for your yard in autumn is less…  Read More

Debunking Fall Planting Myths

Are you done planting for the season? Think again. You’re missing a seasonal sweet spot. Fall is an excellent time of year to plant native and support pollinators. Today, we’re clearing up some common fall planting myths — because gardening season isn’t over quite yet!   Myth #1: Fall is not a gardening time of year.…  Read More

Caring for Your Established Native Garden

Caring for Your Established Native Garden By the time your native perennial or rain garden reaches its third growing season and beyond, it’s likely a lush and colorful haven buzzing with life. Your plants have settled in, roots running deep into the soil, and blooms cycling through the seasons. But while the heavy lifting of…  Read More

Container Gardening for Pollinators

Spring has sprung and pollinators are on the wing, looking for nectar and pollen after a long winter’s fast. But what if you live in an apartment or don’t have a yard? Container gardens offer a solution, acting as pocket ecosystems that support bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. In this post, we’ll walk through the…  Read More

Pollinator-Friendly Spring Gardening

Spring is finally here in Minnesota. Dark nights are giving way to longer days and slushy snowscapes yield to grounds budded with green. And with it comes the urge to get out in the garden. But wait! Hold off on the yard cleanup just yet. Many pollinators are still overwintering in last year’s plant material.…  Read More

Planting for Clean Water Workshops

Find the perfect Blue Thumb Workshop for you this spring! Are you ready to transform your yard into a thriving habitat for pollinators, support clean water, and restore local ecology? Blue Thumb’s Planting for Clean Water workshops will give you the tools and knowledge to make it happen! Whether you’re just getting started or looking…  Read More