Spring 2025 is finally here and we are getting ready to share the beauty!

Spring 2025 is finally here and we are getting ready to share the beauty!

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Getting ready for spring 2025

The flowers and succulents are arriving daily!

Spring 2025 is almost here, and the excitement is palpable in my seasonal creative plant business. We’ve been busy planting baby plants, refreshing the retail greenhouse, potting soil, and preparing stunning hanging baskets for sale. Every day brings a fresh wave of change even with an 8-inch snowfall forecast I was inspired to schedule our first succulent dish garden class for Saturday at 11 AM. The class is $50, and the succulents are simply gorgeous if you’d like to join in the fun text 218-821-6122 to register.

Creating a Woodland Fairy Garden for the 2025 Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Flower Show

Creating a Woodland Fairy Garden for the 2025 Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Flower Show

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CREAting A WOODLAND FAIRY GARDEN

for the 2025 Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Flower Show

For the past three years I’ve had the honor of creating arrangements for the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum’s annual flower show. When I was asked again for 2025, my answer was an enthusiastic yes! My only hesitation? My go-to plants-succulents-aren’t always at their best in January since they spend the winter months in my garage-not the cozy greenhouse. But somehow, I always manage to make it work.

This year, I decided to embrace a whimsical theme and create a woodland fairy garden. The idea felt just right, blending nature’s magic with delicate details. I started by gathering pieces from around my farm-twigs, moss, bark, rusty dish garden, and other elements that would bring the scene to life. To add some extra charm, I ordered a few special touches, including a fairy house, bridges, fences, and some funky mushrooms.

Once I had my foundation, inspiration took over. I trusted that whatever else I needed would somehow find its way to me—and it did. Whether it was the perfect piece of driftwood or just the right mossy accent, everything came together perfectly.
The result was an enchanting little world, filled with texture, colors and a touch of whimsy. It was so much fun to create, and I hope it brings as much wonder to visitors as it did to me while creating.

I can’t wait to see how the rest of the show comes together and to soak in the creativity of all of the talented designers. Until then, I’ll be dreaming up my next project—because inspiration is never in short supply.

The Succulents in Kelly’s Garage: A Collection Worth Saving

The Succulents in Kelly’s Garage: A Collection Worth Saving

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THE SUCCULENTS IN KELLY'S GARAGE:

a collection worth saving

Succulents have a way of capturing the heart, and for me, they have become more than just plants-they are a passion. Over the years, I’ve built an incredible collection in my well-lit, heated garage, where these unique plants thrive even through the colder months. From the striking colors of Echeveria “Kiwi” and Perle von Nurnberg to the delicate charm of Lola, Lipstick, Nodulosa, Pink Frills, Crassula “Watch Chain Plant”, String Of Pearls, Burroughs Tail, etc. Each succulent in my collection has its own personality and beauty.

Caring for My Succulent Lessons Learned:

I’ve discovered that while succulents don’t need a lot of water, they do need some. The trick is watering them from the bottom, allowing them to soak up moisture through their roots rather than drenching them from above. This method has helped keep my plants happy and healthy, preventing rot and encouraging strong root growth.

However, one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is powdery mildew. It sneaks in unexpectedly, coating the leaves with it’s frustrating white film. I’ve tried countless remedies, but not many have worked—until I found MilStop, a lifesaver that has rescued so many of my plants.

The Beauty of Seasonal Changes:

One of the most fascinating things about my succulents is how much they change throughout the year. The ones I bring inside during the colder months look completely different from the fresh succulents I pick up in the spring. Their colors intensify their shapes vary and new growth appears in unexpected places. Watching them transform, sprout babies, and take on new hues makes every moment of care worth it.

Why My Collection Means So Much:

Each succulent in my garage tells a story. Whether it’s a rare find, a gift from a friend, or a plant I saved under a greenhouse bench, I cherish them all. They are one-of-a-kind, resilient and endlessly fascinating. The effort to keep them thriving through the seasons is always worth it.
If you are thinking about starting a succulent collection or already have one, don’t be discouraged by challenges like mildew or watering struggles. With patience the right cares and a bit of trial and error these plants will reward you with their incredible beauty and adaptability.

Do you have a favorite succulent or a special way you care for yours? I’d love to hear about it! Let’s keep growing together.