Top 10 Gardening Blunders, and How to Avoid Them Don Engebretson Keynote Speaker 

 To make Don's "Top 10", a gardening blunder must be common, majors, and one that 

Don himself has made at least three times in his 30 years of gardening. You will find out what's on the list‐ and how to benefit from his mistakes.

 

About the Speaker 

Don Engebretson, the Renegade Gardener, is rapidly becoming one of America's best‐known gardening authorities. Television appearances as gardening and landscape design expert on HGTV's "TIPical MaryEllen" and PBS‐TV's "HOMETIME" and appearances at home, garden and flower shows across America have placed Don in front of national audiences.   His humorous, opinionated work as a garden writer for national publications such as Better Homes and Gardens, Midwest Living, Landscape Solutions, Garden, Deck and Landscape and The Northern Gardener have garnered national attention; Don recently won his sixth national writing award from the GardenWriters Association of America.   Don's popular Web site, www.RenegadeGardener.com, has been praised in newspapers across the country.  He is the author of five gardening books and the subject of numerous newspaper articles syndicated across the country.  In the summer month Don operates Renegade Gardener Landscaping, specilizing in landscape renovations and custom stonework.  

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Straw Bale Gardening Basics

Would you like to grow a vegetable garden, but you have poor soil or you are unable or unwilling to get down on the ground to plant and harvest, or do you simply hate pulling weeds? “Straw Bale Gardening” is just what you need!

Easy access is one benefit of gardening in bales. Straw bales vary in dimension, but the 20-24” height makes planting and harvesting easier. For anyone with a bad back or other disability that makes getting down on the ground difficult, the straw bale’s raised height means everyone can enjoy gardening.

Bales can sit on any surface because the plants root into the bales. Set up a row of bales end to end with the strings on the sides. Pound a 7 ft. steel fence post into the soil at both ends of the row, and pull 14-gauge wire from post to post every 10” above the bales. The wire trellis gives the plants somewhere to climb and helps stabilize other plants. Stretch a soaker hose down the center of the row and pin the hose with long wire staples. Adding an auto timer to the soaker hose makes it easy to keep the garden watered throughout the growing season. Putting landscape fabric, cardboard or plywood down between rows keeps the grass and weeds from growing, and gives vines a place to spread.

No weeding is one of the biggest advantages of straw bale gardening. Since clean straw has very few weed seeds in it, the bales will not sprout weeds.

“Conditioning” the straw prior to planting is an important part of the process. Nitrogen fertilizer and water are used to encourage the bacteria growth inside the bales; this begins to decompose the straw inside the bale and turns it into “soil” that allows the newly planted seedlings to thrive. The fertilizer can be synthetic or organic, and only approximately 1/3 pound of active nitrogen per bale is needed to get the process started. Water in a little fertilizer every other day for about ten days and the bales will be ready to plant.

Bales decompose after heating up early in spring when nitrogen is added. The heat generated inside the decomposing bales acts like a heater in a greenhouse. The bales, once wet, can get up to 1500 inside, but after 10-12 days they will cool down to less than 1050 and can then be planted. Each spring fresh bales are recommended to take advantage of this heating and cooling process.

Potted seedlings can be planted directly into the bales. Or, if planting with vegetable seeds, then a 1-2” coating of clean, weed seed free, potting mix spread over the surface of the bale is required to form a seed bed. Once planted, it is easy to cover the bale with 3 mil polyethylene plastic, tucking it under the bale strings on the sides, and feeding the poly over the first wire stretched 10” above the bale surface. This makes a little “straw bale greenhouse,” enabling the seeds to sprout and grow rapidly. Besides holding in heat from the decomposing straw below, the poly tent also keeps heavy spring rains from washing away the tender seedbed, and keeps rabbits or deer from eating the new seedlings. As the plants grow, raise the poly to the next level of wire. Tie the poly behind the post to allow the wind and air to circulate around the plants keeping them cool on hot days. The poly comes off completely when the weather breaks and the nights warm up, and seedlings are well established. The heat in the bales will last about 4-6 weeks after the bales are planted.

Tomatoes, potatoes, pumpkins and cucumbers are just some of the hundreds of vegetable crops that grow extremely well in the straw bales. Don’t grow corn, it’s too unstable; rhubarb and asparagus are other crops that need permanent soil placement as they come back from the same root year after year. The bales often sprout mushrooms; however don’t eat them, just ignore them and they usually disappear quickly. Once the growing season is over, pull off the bale strings and toss the remaining straw/compost into a pile to finish composting over winter. Use the resulting compost the following spring to mulch perennials, enhance existing garden soil, spread around trees and shrubs, or to fill containers for patio flowers.

Mice aren’t an issue as they tend to find the wet, hot and decomposing straw very inhospitable for living quarters, and straw has almost no food value. Hay bales can be used for gardening, but they are more expensive; heavier; smell a bit because they decompose slower; and, weedier because hay has more seeds which sprout more weeds. Stick with straw unless it isn’t available, and opt for hay as a second option only.

To learn more about Joel Karsten, the straw bale gardening pioneer, visit www.strawbalegardens.com or ask questions and post your garden photos at www.facebook.com/LearnToGrowAStrawBaleGarden.

RENEGADE GARDENER www.renegadegardener.com

REALLY COOL PLANTS FOR NORTHERN GARDENS!

Perennials

Lysimachia punctata ‘Alexander’ Ht. 30-36” Part Shade Angelica gigas Ht. 3-5’ Shade/Part Shade Calamintha nepatoides ‘White Cloud’ Ht. 18” Sun/Part Sun Polemonium reptans ‘Stairway to Heaven’ ‘Snow and Saphires’ Ht. 12” ‘Snow’ Ht. 24” Part Shade Ajuga reptans ‘Black Scallop’ ‘Burgundy Glow’ (Z3) Ht. 4-6” Part Shade Euphorbia dulcis (Cushion Spurge) ‘Chameleon’ ‘Bonfire’ Ht. 12-14” Full Sun Eupatorium rugosum ‘Chocolate’ Ht. 24-36” Part Shade Heuchera ‘Crème Brulee’ ‘Mocha Mint’ ‘Peach Melba’ ‘Amber Waves’ ‘Green Spice’ Ht. 10-18” Full Sun/Part Shade Heucherella ‘Alabama Sunrise’ ‘Sweet Tea’ Ht. 8-10” Full Sun/Part Shade Actaea racemosa ‘James Compton’ ‘Black Negligee’ ‘Hillside Black Beauty’ Ht. 4-7’ Part Shade/Shade Echinacea (Coneflower) Big Sky Series; ‘Sunrise’ ‘Twilight’ ‘Pixie Meadowbright’ Ht. 24-26” Full Sun ‘Fatal Attraction’ Astilbe ‘Color Flash’ Ht. 18” Part Sun Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ Ht. 1-2’ Light Shade Trees & Shrubs Cercis Canadensis Northern Strain Ht. 25’ x 20-25’ W. Full Sun/Part Shade Picea pungens ‘Globosa’ (Dwarf Globe Blue Spruce) Ht. 6-8’ x 7’ W. Full Sun Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘King’s Gold’ C. nootkatensis ‘King’s Gold’ Ht. 3-4 Ft. x 4’ W. Nootkatensis to 30’ H. Full Sun Weigela florida ‘My Monet’

Ht. 2’-3’ x 2’ W. Full Sun Microbiota ‘Northern Pride’ (Russian Cypress) Ht. 8-14” x 5’ W. Part Shade/Shade Cornus sanguinea ‘Cato’ (Arctic Sun Dogwood) Ht. 3-4’ x 3-4’ Part Shade/Shade Thuja occidentalis ‘Yellow Ribbon’ (Arborvitae) Ht. 8’-10’ x 3-4’ W. Full Sun/Part Shade Physocarpus (Ninebark} ‘Dart’s Gold’ 5’ x 4’ ‘Diabolo’ 6-8’ x 6’ ‘Center Glow’ 6-8’ x 6’ Full/Part Sun Rhus typhina ‘Bailtiger’ (Sumac) Cutleaf Tiger Eyes Ht. 4-6’ x 4–6’ W. Full Sun Magnolia ‘Ann’ 10’ x 6’ ‘Ricki’ 10’ x 6’ ‘Susan’ 10-15’ x 10’ 15 Full/Part Sun Euonymus fortunei ‘Canadale Gold’ Ht. 24” x 30” W. Full Sun/Part Shade Pinus strobus ‘Blue Shag’ (Dwarf White Pine) Ht. 4-6’ x 6-7’ W. Full Sun Pinus flexilis ‘Limber Extra Blue’ (Pine) Ht. 25-30’ x 15-20’ W. Full Sun Chamaecyparis ‘Baby Blue’ Ht. 4’ x 30” W. Full Sun Fothergilla ‘Blue Shadow’ ‘Mt. Airy’ Ht. 3-4’ x 3’ W. Full Sun to Part Shade Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Donna May’ (Little Devil Ninebark) ‘Little Devil’ Ht. 3-4’ x 3’ W. Full Sun Picea mariana ‘Golden’ (Golden Black Spruce) Ht. 30’ x 15-20’ W. Full Sun Juniperus communis ‘Gold Cone’ Ht. 3-5’ x 2-3’ W. Full Sun Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’ (Elderberry) Ht. 6-8’ x 5’ W. Full Sun Pinus aristata ‘Formal Form’ Ht. 6-8’ x 3-4’ W. Full Sun Taxus cuspidata ‘Dwarf Bright Gold’ Ht. 7-8’ x 6-7’ W Sun/Part Shade/Shade Taxus cuspidata ‘Nana Aurescens’ Ht. 3’ x 4’ W. Sun/Part Shade/Shade

Common Garden Myths & the Mayhem They Cause 

Don Engebretson  

You can't trust the claims made by the garden industry, old university research, what your grandma told you, or even what you read in garden magazines, for that matter. 

Don will debunk some of the most common myths.  

 

About the Speaker 

Don Engebretson, the Renegade Gardener is rapidly becoming one of America's best‐known gardening authorities.  His humorous, opinionated work as a garden writer for national publications including Better Homes and Gardens, Midwest Living, Landscape Solutions, Garden, Deck and Landscape and MHS, The Northern Gardener has given him national attention.   Don's witty and insightful take on the state of gardening in America today appeal to viewers and gardeners of all ages and degrees of experience.   He is the author of five gardening books and the subject of numerous newspaper articles, syndicated across the country.  During the summer months Don operates Renegade Garden Landscaping, specializing in landscape renovations and custom stonework.  

 

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“SHADE PERENNIALS TO ENHANCE YOUR LANDSCAPE”

Sherburne County Master Gardener Expo April 13, 2013

Michael L. Heger

Ambergate Gardens 8730 County Road 43

Chaska, MN 55318-9358 www.ambergategardens.com info@ambergategardens.com

Bergenia ‘Winterglod’/‘Winter Glow’ (Bergenia)

Pulmonaria ‘Silver Bouquet’ - USPP 20059 (Lungwort)

Pulmonaria ‘Raspberry Splash’ - USPP 12138 (Lungwort)

Tiarella ‘Sugar and Spice’ - USPP 16738 (Foamflower)

Phlox stolonifera ‘Blue Ridge’ (Creeping Phlox)

Epimedium x warleyense (Barrenwort)

Iris cristata (Crested Iris)

Mitella diphylla (Bishop’s Cap)

Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’ - USPP 13859 (Variegated False Forget-Me-Not)

Brunnera macrophylla ‘Looking Glass’ - USPP 17829 (Variegated False Forget-Me-Not)

Brunnera macrophylla ‘King’s Ransom’ - USPPAF (Variegated False Forget-Me-Not)

Viola ‘Etain’ (Violet-Cornuta Group), Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ (Golden Variegated Hakone Grass)

Polemonium reptans ‘Stairway to Heaven’ - USPP 15187 (Variegated Creeping Jacob’s Ladder)

Polemonium yezoense ‘Polbress’ Bressingham Purple - USPP 15367 (Jacob’s Ladder)

Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ (Golden Variegated Hakone Grass), Polygonatum (Solomon’s Seal)

Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ (Golden Variegated Hakone Grass)

Geranium maculatum (Wild Cranesbill)

Geranium maculatum ‘Espresso’ (Wild Cranesbill)

Dicentra spectabilis ‘Hordival’ Valentine™ - USPPAF (Common Bleeding Heart)

Dicentra ‘Burning Hearts’ - USPP 20797 (Hybrid Bleeding Heart)

Corydalis lutea (Yellow Fumewort)

Aruncus aethusifolius (Dwarf Goatsbeard), Lamiastrum (Yellow Archangel)

Aruncus ‘Misty Lace’ - USPP 15798 (Hybrid Goatsbeard)

Thalictrum aquilegifolium ‘Black Stockings’ (Columbine Meadow Rue)

Rodgersia pinnata ‘Rotlaub’ (Featherleaf Roger’s Flower)

Carex laxiculmis ‘Hobb’ Bunny Blue™ (Spreading Sedge)

Heuchera ‘Green Spice’ (Hybrid Coral Bell), Pulmonaria (Lungwort)

Heuchera americana Marvelous Marble™ (American Alumroot)

Heuchera ‘Georgia Peach’ - USPP 19375 (Hybrid Coral Bell), Pulmonaria (Lungwort)

Heuchera ‘Frosted Violet’ - USPP 15085 (Hybrid Coral Bell)

Carex muskingumensis ‘Oehme’ (Variegated Palm Sedge)

Astrantia ‘Hadspen Blood’ (Masterwort)

Actaea simplex ‘Hillside Black Beauty’ - USPP 9988 (Branched Bugbane)

Athyrium filix-femina ‘Lady in Red’ (Red Stemmed Lady Fern)

Athyrium filix-femina ‘Dre’s Dagger’ (Victorian Lady Fern)

Athyrium niponicum ‘Burgundy Lace’ - USPP 15072 (Japanese Painted Fern)

x Heucherella ‘Sweet Tea’ - USPP 21296 (Foamy Bells)

Carex siderosticha ‘Variegata’ (Variegated Broad-leaved Sedge), Athyrium niponicum var. pictum (Japanese Painted Fern)

Carex siderosticha ‘Banana Boat’ (Golden Variegated Broad-leaved Sedge)

Astilbe ‘Delft Lace’ - USPP 19839 (False Spirea)

Astilbe ‘Fireberry’ - USPP 20658 (Short ‘n Sweet™ False Spirea)

Lysimachia punctata ‘Alexander’ - USPP 10598 (Variegated Yellow Loosestrife)

Hosta ‘Little Treasure’ - USPP 21210 (Hosta)

Hosta ‘First Frost’ (Hosta)

Hosta ‘Tropical Storm’ - USPPAF (Hosta)

Ligularia ‘Bottle Rocket’ - USPPAF (Golden Ray)

Eupatorium rugosum ‘Chocolate’ (White Snakeroot)

Polygonatum odoratum ‘Variegatum’ (Variegated Solomon’s Seal)

Actaea pachypoda ‘Misty Blue’ (White Baneberry)

Aster cordifolius ‘Avondale’ (Blue Wood Aster)

Mukdenia rossii ‘Karasuba’/’Crimson Fans’ (Red-leaved Mukdenia)

Perennial plant lists for Deep Shade, Dry Shade, Wet Shade and Shade Tolerant Grasses can be found on the Ideas & Advice page of our web site, www.ambergategardens.com.

CREATING OUTDOOR ROOMS

 

PROFESSIONAL PLANNING CAN PAY BIG DIVIDENDS 

Educated professionals with experience 

Plot existing hardscape, trees, make use of survey 

map 

Define spaces based on existing structures 

Garden shed, service area 

Garbage bin storage 

Vegetable garden 

Swing set, climbing structure 

Deck or patio 

Plan for growth of shade trees, future family size 

Entertainment space to accommodate owner’s 

lifestyle 

Hundreds of factors are considered by a Pro that a 

first time DIY may never anticipate and later regret 

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CONSIDERATIONS

Future home expansion 

Kids will outgrow X quickly 

Hardscape is expensive 

Moving $oil, cement 

Softscape is flexible, moveable, cheap 

Outdoor kitchen 

Fire pit, fireplace, water feature 

Drainage 

Containers, pots, planters 

Budget, stage a plan 

Do some or all labor  

Color schemes 

General themes, styles, likes vs. dislikes 

Featured plants 

Water, lighting, electrical, gas, pre‐sleeve $pavers 

Existing trees, growth, shade, (what if) 

Frame or block views 

Service areas required 

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COMPONENTS OF AN “OUTDOOR ROOM” 

Walls, ceiling, floor 

Fire’s magical powers 

Water’s sound sparkle 

Feed your friends 

Don’t forget the tunes 

 

 

 

Expand seasonal use 

Fireplace 

Roof – shade/rain 

Bugs 

Draw people into the room 

Comfortable furniture 

Candles, lighting 

Perfume your room 

   

WALLS ? 

Walls can be implied or real 

Sense of separation 

Physical separation 

Plants 

Structure 

Combination

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CEILINGS ? 

Defines the space 

Humanize the scale 

Climate protection 

Can be implied or real 

Plants 

Structure 

Combination 

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FLOORS ? 

Smooth, level, easy to navigate (clean, drainage) 

Hundreds of material choices 

Pavers – many varieties 

Stone 

Fancy gravel 

Stamped concrete 

Recycled stone 

Wood 

Plants 

Lighting is essential – steps or stair

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HOW MUCH SPACE DO WE NEED? 

What is your lifestyle? 

Closest group of friends 

Do not design to accommodate max capacity 

Typically 10‐15 square feet per individual  

Seating capacity 

Fireplace vs. fire pit 

Rumford style for outdoors 

Accommodate conversion to gas 

Intimacy is difficult in space without definition 

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ORDER OF PROJECT PRIORITIES

Start with your own plan 

Get a professional for planning and guidance 

Remove hardscape, overgrown softscape 

Install hardscape, retaining walls, walkway, floors 

Ceiling, walls, softscape 

Features, fireplace, statuary, water features, lighting 

 

1

“EVOLVING ECHINACEA - A LOOK AT RECENT DEVELOPMENTS”

Sherburne County Master Gardener Expo April 13, 2013

Michael L. Heger

Ambergate Gardens 8730 County Road 43

Chaska, MN 55318-9358 www.ambergategardens.com info@ambergategardens.com

I. Long Term Industry Standards A. Echinacea purpurea ‘Bravado’ - purple-pink blooms, 36” - 48” tall

B. Echinacea purpurea ‘Kim’s Knee High’ (USPP 12242) - pink blooms with bronze-orange cones, 18” - 24” tall

C. Echinacea purpurea ‘Leuchstern’/‘Bright Star’ - rosy pink blooms, 36” - 42” tall

D. Echinacea purpurea ‘Magnus’ - rose-pink blooms, 36” tall, 1998 PPA Plant of the Year

E. Echinacea purpurea ‘Robert Bloom’ - carmine-purple blooms with orangish cones, 24” - 30” tall

F. Echinacea purpurea ‘Springbrook Crimson Star’ - crimson-red, 24” - 30” tall

G. Echinacea purpurea ‘The King’ - coral-crimson blooms with maroon-brown cones, 36” tall

H. Echinacea purpurea ‘White Swan’ - white blooms with coppery brown cones, 24” - 36” tall

II. Highly Recommended Recent Echinacea purpurea Selections A. ‘Elton Knight’ (USPP 18133) - vibrant pink blooms with orangish cones, 24” - 30” tall

B. ‘Fatal Attraction’ (USPP 18429) - vivid purple-pink blooms with a double row of petals and copper-orange cones, 30” - 36” tall

C. ‘Fragrant Angel’ (USPP 16054) - large white blooms with yellow-orange cones, 30” tall

D. ‘Hope’ (USPP 17194) - clear light pink blooms with reddish orange cones, 36” - 42” tall

E. ‘Meringue’ (USPP 20537) - creamy white ray flowers surround apple green double flowers, 15” - 18” tall

F. ‘Merlot’ (USPP 18814) - rose-pink blooms with orangish red cones, 30” - 36” tall

G. ‘Milkshake’ (USPP 20594) - row of single white petals surround white double flowers, 24” - 36” tall

H. ‘Pica Bella’ - deep pink blooms with rusty red cones, 24” tall

I. ‘Pink Double Delight’ (USPP 18803) - light pink ray flowers surround dark pink double flowers, 24” - 30” tall

J. ‘PowWow White’ - white blooms with golden yellow cones, 18” - 24” tall

K. ‘PowWow Wild Berry’ - deep purple-pink blooms with rose-colored cones, 18” - 24” tall

L. ‘Raspberry Truffle’ (USPP 22612) - salmon ray flowers surround darker pink double flowers, 28” - 32” tall

M. ‘Rubinstern’/‘Ruby Star’ - carmine-red blooms with copper-orange cones, 36” tall

N. ‘Ruby Giant’ - deep rose-pink blooms with copper-orange cones, 30” tall

2

O. ‘Vintage Wine’ (USPP 13893) - intense reddish pink blooms with copper-orange cones, 24” - 30” tall

P. ‘Virgin’ (USPP 18684) - white flowers with green cones, 20” - 24” tall

III. Other Highly Recommended Named Varieties And Hybrids A. ‘Burgundy Fireworks’ (USPPAF) - deep burgundy-red quilled petals with rusty orange cones, 18” tall

B. ‘Butterfly Kisses’ (USPPAF) - bright pink double blooms, 18” tall

C. ‘Flame Thrower’ (USPP 21932) - orange ray petals darken toward central copper-orange cones, 30” - 42” tall

D. ‘Guava Ice’ (USPPAF) - peachy orange-pink double blooms, 24” - 30” tall

E. Harvest Moon™ ‘Matthew Saul’ (USPP 17652) - gold flowers with golden orange cones, 24” - 30” tall

F. ‘Hot Papaya’ (USPP 21022) - papaya-orange ray flowers surround red-orange double flowers, 30” - 36” tall

G. ‘Marmalade’ (USPP 22602) - tangerine to golden orange double blooms, 24” - 30” tall

H. ‘Now Cheesier’ (USPP 22808) - deep orange-gold blooms with greenish cones, 30” - 36” tall

I. Echinacea pallida (Pale Purple Coneflower) - drooping silvery pink ray petals with dark copper-orange cones, 24” - 40” tall

J. Pixie Meadowbrite™ ‘CBG Cone 2’ (USPP 18546) - magenta-pink blooms with amber cones, 18” - 24” tall

K. ‘Southern Belle’ (USPPAF) - pink ray flowers surround deep magenta-pink double flowers, 30” - 36” tall

L. ‘Sunrise’ (USPP 16235) - citron-yellow blooms with green-gold cones, 30” - 36” tall

M. Echinacea tennesseensis (Tennessee Coneflower) - cupped pinkish purple ray petals with deep maroon cones, 24” - 36” tall

N. ‘Tiki Torch’ (USPP 18839) - pumpkin-orange flowers with dark orange cones, 36” tall

O. ‘Tomato Soup’ (USPP 19427) - orange-red blooms with gold-brown cones, 30” - 36” tall

P. ‘Twilight’ (USPP 17651) - deep magenta blooms with burgundy-red cones, 24” - 30” tall

IV. A Few Other Varieties Deserving Serious Observation A. ‘Cleopatra’ (USPPAF) - golden yellow blooms with orange cones, 16” - 18” tall

B. ‘Coral Reef’ (USPP 21888) - peachy ray flowers surround coral-red double flowers, 24” - 30” tall

C. ‘Julia’ (USPPAF) - tangerine-orange flowers with copper cones, 16” - 18” tall

D. Echinacea purpurea ‘Avalanche’ (USPP 18597) - white blooms with yellow-green cones, 18” - 24” tall

E. Echinacea purpurea ‘Green Jewel’ (USPP 18678) - greenish white blooms with lime-green cones, 18” - 24” tall

F. Echinacea purpurea Prairie Splendor™ - rose-pink flowers with copper-orange cones, 24” tall

G. Echinacea purpurea ‘Purity’ (USPP 19441) - white blooms with bright orange cones, 18” - 24” tall

H. ‘Quills and Thrills’ (USPP 23241) - light purple-pink, quilled ray petals surround orange cones, 24” - 36” tall

I. ‘Solar Flare’ (USPP 22133) - large deep magenta-red blooms, 24” - 36” tall

J. ‘Tangerine Dream’ (USPP 21773) - clear orange blooms with brown cones, 24” - 30” tall

Beyond Apples… Other Fruit Tree options for Minnesota

Theresa Rooney, HCMG, 2013

There are so many other fruit tree options beyond just apples. Here are just a few to consider:

Sour Cherry, Prunus cerasus. These are small trees or large shrubs. They are self-compatible, meaning you need to only plant one variety to get fruit. Some options are, Mesabi, North Star and Meteor. As of yet there are not any sweet cherries that fruit reliably here in Minnesota. Zone 4

Apricot, Prunus var. These are small trees, lovely white flowers before the leaves appear and then fruit. You do need 2 varieties if planting: Moongold and Sungold pollinate each other. Harcort is self fertile, but does better with another pollinator, Manchurian needs another pollinator. Because they flower early, late frosts can prevent fruiting. From Zone 3 (Manchurian) others Zone 4

Plum, Prunus domestica. European Plum, these are self fertile. Zone 4, Hybrid Plums, Prunus salicina and Prunus americana both require another variety for pollination.

European options: Diaz, Mount Royal and Stanley. Hybrid options: Alderman, LaCrescent, Pipestone, Redglow, *South Dakota, Superior, *Toka, Underwood. * Denotes pollinizer.

Peaches, Prunus. Self -fertile. Similar to Apricots in that they flower early so you may lose fruit to a late frost. Consider: Reliance or Intrepid or Polar.

Pears Pyrus, consider: Summercrisp, Ure, Patton, Luscious, Parker and Golden Spice. 2 varieties usually needed. Most listed are for zone 4. Ure and Golden Spice are okay in zone 3. (Some are pollen sterile, so 3 varieties may be needed.)

Paw Paw, Asimina triloba. This is a great tree for our area, but little known or used. Plant 2 varieties for better pollination. Best started in a protected shady area till established.

In addition please consider, Service Berry- Amelanchier, Nanking Cherry- Prunus tomentosa, Pin Cherry- Prunus pensylvanica, Chokeberrry- Aronia, Elderberry- Sambucus Canadensis (Red berries are poisonous), Chokecherry- Prunus virginiana.

Grapes, Vitis are also another wonderful fruit we can grow in Minnesota. Varieties to consider:

Beta, Bluebell, Eidelweiss, Swenson, Swenson Red, Kay Gray, LaCrosse or St Croix. Only one variety is needed for fruit.

Of course you can also grow non- hardy fruit trees, consider:

Figs, Oranges, Lemon, Lime, Banana, Pomegranate etc. All should be grown in pots, brought inside before frosts.

Others: Consider all the fruiting shrubs, herbs, perennial vegetables and pollinator attracting plants to supplement your fruit trees.

Resources:

Books:

Fresh Food from Small Spaces R.J. Ruppenthal

Landscaping With Fruit Lee Reich

Edible Landscaping Rosalind Creasy

The Resilient Gardener Carol Deppe

The Edible Landscape Emily Tepe

Magazines

Northern Gardener

Mother Earth

Backyard Poultry

Organic Gardening

Urban Farm

Web info:

www.hennepinmastergardeners.org

www.extension.umn.edu

http://www.slideshare.net/UMNfruit/edible-landscapes-3186210 This one is great! Done at the University, by Emily Tepe. Actual garden at the U

http://www.rosalindcreasy.com/