The Nebraska Statewide Arboretum has announced that its Bloom Box program will return next spring for first-time Bloom Box customers.
Bloom Box is a one-stop garden starter kit that includes a selection of perennial flowers and grasses, a garden design plan and plant cards with growing and care instructions.
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The program was put on hold this spring and fall so the organization could take some time to assess its efficiency and make changes as needed.
Bloom Box is a one-stop garden starter kit that includes a selection of perennial flowers and grasses, a garden design plan and plant cards with growing and care instructions. The program is geared to new gardeners as a simple, accessible entryway into the world of perennial pollinator gardening.
“Starting a garden can sometimes be a little intimidating,” NSA Executive Director Hanna Pinneo said. “There’s a lot of information out there, and it can feel overwhelming to know where to begin. Bloom Box relieves some of that stress for first-time gardeners by providing tools and resources that give them a stepping stone toward creating a thriving pollinator garden.”
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Signups will open in March for the Spring 2025 Bloom Box gardens.
For gardeners with more experience or who have purchased a Bloom Box in the past, NSA offers the Build-Your-Own Bloom Box option. Customers can choose from 30 garden designs, get access to NSA’s extensive plant database of 50 species and download plant cards with information about each plant’s characteristics and sunlight and water requirements.
They can decide which plants they want to put in their gardens and take their list either to one of the NSA sales or to a local nursery to purchase the plants.
“Build-Your-Own Bloom Box is perfect for gardeners who still want some guidance but also appreciate the freedom to select their own plants and choose or create their own garden design,” Pinneo said.
The Bloom Box for newcomers includes plants.
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NSA also offers limited Custom Bloom Boxes, which include a personal design consultation with an NSA landscape specialist, as well as a selection of 24 plants hand-chosen for their particular space.
More information about both the Build-Your-Own Bloom Box and the Custom Bloom Box is available at plantnebraska.org/bloom-box. First-time Bloom Box gardeners can email NSA at arboretum@unl.edu to receive an email alert early next spring before the March sign-up goes live.
“We are grateful to everyone who has purchased a Bloom Box Garden from us in the past and helped make this program so successful. You are among the increasing number of Nebraska gardeners who are utilizing native plants, planting beautiful and impactful pollinator gardens and making a difference in your corner of the world,” Pinneo said. “We look forward to welcoming and partnering with a new Bloom Box gardeners next spring.”
Native plants the focus at Fort Atkinson weekend
Native plants are a focus for the Living History weekend Aug. 3 and 4 at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park.
Several plants that would have been grown when the fort was active 200 years ago will be viewed and discussed during a native plant walk.
Living History weekends occur the first weekend of the month from May through October. Reconstructed barracks and other buildings replicate the fort as it was in the early 1800s. Reenactment of fort life and historical activities are demonstrated.
A presentation on exploring the prairie ecosystem by herbalist and historian Lisa Grabenbauer will discuss the importance of the prairie in sustaining wildlife.
More than 30 medicinal and pollinator plants have been selected and propagated by volunteers, and those will be showcased on the native plant walk that will follow Grabenbauer’s talk. Several of those plants are familiar: beebalm, goldenrod, prairie sage and black-eyed Susan.
The fort also has a historical garden with plants that at one time would have been grown to feed the original military population.
“The native plant walk complements the garden and presents an even more comprehensive picture of plant life at the fort,” Grabenbauer said
The presentation will be at the visitor center at 11 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.
Garden Calendar
» Now is the time to start thinking about fall and extending your growing season with fall crops. Radishes, spinach, leafy greens, peas, kale and kohlrabi are all good options to explore for fall planting.
» Surprise lilies are starting to show up in the landscape. These late summer bulbs offer a pop of color in the garden when you least expect it. Bulbs should be divided every few years and it is best to do so after they finish blooming.
» We are seeing cracking on tomatoes. This happens when the fruit reaches mature size and there is a sudden change in soil moisture. The skin is less flexible and as the fruit swells, the skin can crack. The fruit is still edible; however, it is not recommended to use them in canning. To prevent cracking, keep the soil evenly moist and mulched. There are crack-resistant cultivars on the market that might be an option to try if this is a perennial problem.
» We are seeing fungal issues in lawns. In most cases, it is too late to do treatment.
» The cicada killer wasp is out and about. These gentle giants are Nebraska’s largest wasp and they look scarry but in reality are not. Males will hover and fly over nesting locations in attempt to mate and chase off other suitors. They tend to be overly aggressive, but they are unable to sting. Females are busy hunting and ignore people. They are considered a very low sting risk.
Scott Evans, Nebraska Extension in Douglas and Sarpy Counties
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