By Bev Johnson Master Gardener This article was suggested to me by a reader. For a first-time gardener, buying seeds can be an adventure. They first have to determine what to plant, then what varieties, how much of each plant and then, design the plot. Let’s start with the plot. The rows should run north to south…. Read More

The Prairie Spy Alan “Lindy” Linda Each day that I walk on the road for exercise, it becomes clearer and clearer that the drivers of the cars that meet me can be divided up into three categories. Walking gives you time to puzzle out stuff like this. The first category of people is the nicest one. These are… Read More

Ask A Trooper Sgt. Jesse Grabow Question: Hi, I was wondering if you are stopped at a stop light and in a left turn lane and an emergency vehicle with lights and sirens come in behind you (either in the turn lane or the lane to your right), what is the proper procedure? Thank you!   Answer: When… Read More

The Prairie Spy Alan “Lindy” Linda I just heard on the radio about a guy who up and decided one day to clean his fireplace chimney with a 16-gauge shotgun. Although I didn’t know this man, I felt a growing kinship with his ambitions. And admiration. Lots and lots of admiration. After all, not everyone can spend a… Read More

By Bev Johnson Master Gardener Proven Winners Color Choice shrubs is introducing a dwarf weigela as a permeant replacement for coleus (really?). Midnight Sun weigela is only a foot tall and 18 inches wide and has colorful foliage.  It grows in full sun or light shade.  Our own Bailey Nurseries has a new ninebark out this spring…. Read More

Ask A Trooper Sgt. Jesse Grabow Question: My truck was backed into yesterday and the mirror on the driver’s side broke off mirror. It is dangling by the wire now.  Will I be legal to drive if I remove it or do I try to tape it back into position until it can be fixed?   Answer: I… Read More

Bev Johnson  Master Gardener Bunkey decided last year that buying plants was too limiting so he determined to start his own. He bought all the proper equipment, covered flats, seed starting mix, shop lights and chains to put them at the proper distance from the new sprouts, heating cables and timers. He set up shop… Read More

The Prairie Spy Alan “Lindy” Linda As an aging human who wants to live forever, I’ve had to become accustomed to doctors looking up, down, in, and around every one of my openings. I’m calling these human apertures “openings” in respect for Miss Martin, the noble, prim, heroic woman who taught at Douglas # 8, the country school… Read More

Ask A Trooper Sgt. Jesse Grabow Question: If I am driving down a two lane road and a State Trooper is driving toward me with their flashing lights on, am I supposed to move over? Answer: When approaching any authorized emergency vehicle equipped with emergency lights, the driver of each other vehicle shall yield the right-of-way and shall… Read More

New year brings new possibilities By Bev Johnson Master Gardener This time of year the gardening magazines check with the commercial nurseries to see what new plants they are developing for the coming gardening season. Here are a few for our 3B- 4A zone. Baileys has a new big leaf hydrangea for us. Endless Summer Pop Star…. Read More