News + Updates

Edward Becker, Winona Nursery, plants a tree at Sauer Memorial Home

Surely no one’s e-e-ever used that pun when typing a landscape post, but I couldn’t resist.  Yes, I’m referring to our annual community tree planting; this year we got to spread the shade to not one, but two worthy organizations!  The two chosen for tree donations were Sauer Memorial Home on Hwy 61 and Ridgeway Community School.

We lucked out and got sunny, beautiful days both times: May 1, an Autumn Blaze Maple went in for Sauer Memorial Home.  It was a little chilly so no residents came outside , but they were watching from the windows!  One woman even clapped her approval, really making our day.  Since this maple is a fast grower, the residents can watch it put on the inches this summer, too.

And the Ridgeway School planting on May 8 was a ton of fun.  We weren’t the only outdoor attraction that day:  we had to compete with the cute baby calves in the nearby corner and ice cream sandwiches on the playground, but the students were focused and energetic.

First we talked about the Swamp White Oak that was going to be helping to shade their new playground–did I mention these kids are smart as a whip, too; they answered all my questions perfectly!–and then everyone pitched in for the work. K-through-4th graders gathered compost to enrich the soil, and the outgoing 5th grade class did the actual digging of the hole. When asked if the graduating 5th graders would still come check on the tree to make sure it’s being watered, etc, they said all answered a resounding YES. And I know they will.

PS–If your not-for-profit organization would like to be considered for a tree donation next May, please contact us at info@winonanursery.com.

A circle of Ridgeway School K-4th graders watch as their new oak tree is prepared for planting…

Pondless Waterfall, courtesy of Aquascapes

When you hear the words “water feature”, what do you think of? We tended to think these thoughts: high-maintenance, lots of work, needing tons of room,  parts to break down, algae problems, and did we mention work?

Enter pondless waterfalls. These relatively new water features claimed to add the lovely rushing stream look and sound without needing a catch basin (aka, pond), cleaning chemicals, and without eating up half your yard.  The water just traveled in one big circle, tumbling down the falls to be pumped up the hidden pipes and cascading all over again.

Hmmm.  Our skepticism held us back at first, but after having installed a few, we are pleasantly surprised!  They really do provide the homeowner with a lyrical waterfall and stream at a lower cost.  They really do require fewer moving parts, much less maintenance, less yard space, and no chemicals.  They really do sound and look beautiful.  It’s amazing.  Something to think about as you make plans to spiff up your yard this season.

To check out a pondless waterfall we did recently, click on the Gallery link above and go to “Urban Oasis.”