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 →
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 →
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 →
Want to take care of lawn areas in your outdoor space more sustainably? Spring is a great time to get started. Our team spoke with Shay Lunseth from Blue Thumb sponsor Organic Lawns by LUNSETH about “going organic” to support biodiversity, clean water, and a safer place for our kids and pets to play. Blue… Read More →
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 →
The growing season is approaching! We’re once again sharing a list of upcoming native plant sales in the Twin Cities Metro and throughout Minnesota. Sales will be continually added as announced. Why native plants? Native plants fortify ecosystems by supporting local pollinators and improving water quality. Well-adapted to Minnesota’s climatic conditions, native plants have robust… Read More →
Happy New Year! As we gear up for 2025, we’re filled with gratitude for everyone who has engaged with Blue Thumb over the past year. Our community is the heart of our efforts to create pollinator habitats and protect clean water. In 2024, we connected and grew together in many ways, from our live workshops… Read More →
Welcome to Minnesota’s dormant season. Leaves have fallen from our deciduous trees, carpeting the ground in shades of dull browns. The stalks and stems of native flowers and grasses have dried out, their energy reserves moving into roots below ground. Though all is quiet in the garden, native plants are still doing work to support… Read More →
If you are thinking about installing a native planting, rain garden, or other project for pollinators and clean water, late fall is a great time to plan. As part of planning, consider searching for grant opportunities for your project. All Minnesotans are eligible to apply for Lawns to Legumes, a $400 reimbursement-based grant for pollinator… Read More →
A healthy ecosystem starts with healthy soil. Soil plays a foundational role in supporting life — anchoring and nourishing plants and trees, cycling nutrients, recharging groundwater, and boosting the resiliency of plants. Planting for clean water and pollinators begins below the surface—with our soil. “I am involved in organic lawn care, pollinator planting and ecological… Read More →
