Laura Betker

MINNEAPOLIS — Here are some unique and eye-catching plant combinations designed for containers and window boxes that thrive in warm days, cool nights and occasional humidity during Minnesota summers. Each mix balances color, texture and growth habit for a full, professional look. 1. Sunset Prairie Blend (Full Sun) Calibrachoa (orange or coral) Purple fountain grass Coreopsis (yellow) Sweet potato vine (chartreuse trailing) Why it works: Warm prairie tones with movement and trailing contrast. 2.

MINNEAPOLIS — Each year, a coalition of volunteer community scientists and conservation organizations collects migratory monarch butterfly population data as part of their Western Monarch Count initiative. This year, the data revealed an increase from last year’s count, but the approximately 12,260 monarchs recorded at overwintering sites along the Pacific Coast still mark the third-lowest total since monitoring began in 1997.