Manitou Garden Market's Blog

Researching Zebra Mussel Invasion in Lake Minnetonka

manitougardenmarket — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 14:12:53 +0000

I was fortunate to be a part of a group of scuba divers and snorkelers doing research on the invasive species of fresh water mussels called Zebra mussels. Lake Minnetonka is a popular recreational area for many people as well as a major habitat for many animals. The invasion of this mussel will be devastating to the ecosystem of this lake as they remove the essential plankton that the other native mussels need to survive. These mussels also multiply at an amazing rate as one female can lay 1 million eggs. The attach themselves to boats, docks, rocks, plantlife, anything stable in the water. When they die, their shells are razor sharp and will leave beaches dangerous to walk on without shoes.

Can we contain them on this lake? Can we follow how they migrate with the currents of the water and track how quickly they spread? Much more research needs to be done. But with the dedicated team at the Minnehaha Watershed District, hopefully answers will come quickly.

Boaters needed to be more vigilant in cleaning their boats, trailers, motors, intakes and bait wells when exiting and entering lakes. Now the issue is how to contain them to this lake and keep them from spreading to other local lakes.
see the story

Early Morning Garden Visitor

manitougardenmarket — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:18:38 +0000

I’ve been absent again! I guess being a full time granny is getting the best of me! Anyway, I hope all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I just wanted to mention the wonderful morning visitor I had yesterday with my early coffee. I like to sit outside and listen to the wildlife sounds. Even before the sun was up, around 5am, I had the usual Screech Owl banter, but low and behold a majestic Great Horned Owl chimed in, and he was close! It was awesome how his song echoed across the lake!

Gardening For Wildlife in America’s Backyards

manitougardenmarket — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 16:40:29 +0000

Protect wildlife in America’s backyards by following easy steps to attract birds, butterflies and other wildlife to your own yard:
1. Start by growing native plants that are found in your area. These include trees, shrubs and other plants that provide food such as pollen, nectar, nuts, cones, berries and many other seeds.
2. Create protective cover for wildlife by growing a meadow, a prairie or prairie grasses, densely branched shrubs and evergreens. Try placing hollow logs and rock piles around your yard.
3. Provide water for wildlife by having a birdbath, small pond or shallow dish. Or, if you can care for a natural spring or stream on or near your property, you will have a marvelous natural habitat.
4. Provide places to raise young. Attach birdhouses to metal poles and monitor how the birds use them. Grow host plants for caterpillars to heat and provide dense plantings to create save areas for nesting wildlife. Protect areas where dens or burrows may be found.
5. Do not plant exotic species not native to your region. Non-native plants can become invasive and be harmful to both people and wildlife.

The Woodhenge.org / Green-Trust.org DIY Wind Turbine

manitougardenmarket — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:17:12 +0000

The documentation for our DIY Axial Flux Wind Turbine is finally together, and ready for dissemination. Step by step instructions on alternator and blade

via The Woodhenge.org / Green-Trust.org DIY Wind Turbine.

Barrelponics Aquaculture and Hydroponics

manitougardenmarket — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 23:17:20 +0000

For more information on grow lights and hydroponics visit Hydroponics Online and PlantLightingHydroponics. Aquaponics is the integration of aquaculture

via Barrelponics Aquaculture and Hydroponics.

Barrelponics Aquaculture and Hydroponics

manitougardenmarket — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 23:16:40 +0000

For more information on grow lights and hydroponics visit Hydroponics Online and PlantLightingHydroponics. Aquaponics is the integration of aquaculture

via Barrelponics Aquaculture and Hydroponics.

Enjoying the visits of a Large Piliated Woodpecker to Our Gardens

manitougardenmarket — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:04:08 +0000

Follow this link to read about how we brought several types of woodpeckers to our gardens!

Yardiac.com – LUV Garden Cart

manitougardenmarket — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 22:46:25 +0000

“Sounds like a great idea”

Description

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Garden of the Month???

manitougardenmarket — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 19:06:30 +0000

Well, nobody has shown any interest in my Garden of the Month idea. I guess there is a trial and error process in every business. I will keep photos of my gardens posted there until someone else offers up some other pictures so I can change them out. I will leave my offer up for a little while longer, so if anybody is interested in winning a free gift and worldwide recognition of their garden via my blogs and websites (not to mention Twitter, Facebook and several other social networks if you give me your permission!!), send us photos of your gardens and see if yours is chosen as Garden of the Month! What a way for gardeners to brag and network, huh??

Create a Herptile Haven for Pest Control in Your Garden!

manitougardenmarket — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 16:18:43 +0000

Read this article from Gardening How-to Magazine. Why not let nature take care of nature? Welcome amphibians and reptiles into your garden and watch the pests get gobbled up, you may no longer see a need for those organic pesticides! Here’s another great benefit: Creating various types of natural habitats is a great way to teach your children about nature and how much you care about the eco-system! Pass the knowledge and passion on to future generations.