Category Archives: Environment

Top Ten Benefits of Urban Trees

Since you were small you’ve learned that trees are good for life. Why are they good? We learned these top ten benefits at the 2011 Clean Water Summit held at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Continue reading

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Rainwater Harvesting, Stormwater Mitigation

Urban runoff is the number one cause of pollution in our lakes, rivers and streams. What’s more, it’s estimated that 50% of a Minnesota home’s water use is for exterior irrigation. We’re buying municipal water and letting the free water run down the street. There are many small things each of us can do to reduce the amount of water leaving our properties and carrying pollutants and excess nutrients through storm drain systems to our beloved lakes, including rainwater harvesting systems that capture and store rainwater for reuse later.
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Stylish Raingardens

I’ve heard it before. “Raingardens look like weed patches.” That may be true of poorly maintained raingardens, but well kept raingardens look fabulous, full of healthy native plants. And they don’t have to be 100% native. You can incorporate some beautiful perennial cultivars and still have a perfectly functioning raingarden. Here are four factors that make for a beautiful raingarden. Continue reading

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A Landscape Revival

On June 4, 2011, the Roseville Rainbow Foods Pavillion sizzled with the energy of hundreds of native plant buyers, sellers and environmental enthusiasts. The first annual Landscape Revival Native Plant Expo & Market attracted avid native plant gardeners as well as folks new to the concept. Continue reading

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Three Summer Gardening Tips

Here are three tips to give you a vibrant garden this summer. Continue reading

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The Minnesota Environmental Initiative

Hedberg is delighted to announce that we, as part of the “Go Blue! Diamond Lake Community Makeover” project team, are finalists for a prestigious 2011 Environmental Initiative Award. These annual awards presented by the Minnesota Environmental Initiative (MEI) honor innovative projects that have achieved extraordinary environmental outcomes by harnessing the power of partnership. Continue reading

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The Truth About Mulch

Here’s the truth: not all mulch is created equal. Some mulch that is touted as being “environmentally friendly” because it is made of recycled materials may actually contain hazardous waste. Some mulch recycling centers accept construction and demolition materials, pallets and wood that has been treated or painted. Samples of mulch made from these materials have been shown to contain arsenic, nails and other unwanted debris. Buyer beware! Recycling can be a good thing, but you need to know what you’re getting. Continue reading

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Stormwater Runoff Management Engages the Entire Family

Today’s blog was submitted by Donovan Peterson. Donvan is a sixth-grade student at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. Donovan and his family participated in the Blue Community Makeover for Diamond Lake. “Our family had a RainXchange system installed, added two raingardens to our yard and set up a rain barrel during the Go Blue for Diamond Lake project. I went to the first meeting and really wanted to do the RainXchange because ever since I was little I have wanted a waterfall or pond.” Continue reading

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Why Don’t Fish Freeze in Ponds?

My brother threw a little feeder goldfish into his pond two summers ago. Last summer he noticed a goldfish the size of a keeper panfish swimming around. How did that tiny fish survive the winter? I researched the topic with our friends at Aquascape, Inc. Here’s what’s posted on their Popular Pond Fish FAQs. Continue reading

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Steve’s Pond

Steve Hedberg of Hedberg Landscape & Masonry Supplies writes about his pond:
Fall – what a great time of year to enjoy my pond! The temperature outside is mild with low humidity, bugs are dying off and my pond looks great. One of the things I look forward to is migrating birds. As I look out my window I can see birds that I haven’t seen since spring enjoying my pond.
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