‘THE SAGE’-Klein’s Online Newsletter—JUNE 2015
Klein’s Floral & Greenhouses
3758 E. Washington Ave.
Madison, WI 53704
608/244-5661 or info@kleinsfloral.com
THIS MONTH’S HIGHLIGHTS:
Our ‘Mad Gardener’ Is Ready for Your Questions
Klein’s 7th Annual Most Beautiful Garden Contest
Interested in a Career in the Floral Industry?
Dane County Seed Library Lets Patrons Check Out, Plant, Save and Return
Permaculture Guild’s Design Certificate Training in June
You Asked the Mad Gardener About Madison’s Soil
Plant of the Month: The Tree Peony
Our Very Favorite Chilled Summer Soup Recipes
Product Spotlight: Bonide Shotgun® Repels-All®
Notes from Rick’s Garden Journal—from May 2015
–A New Favorite Garden Tool
–My Little Chickadee
—Some Like It Hot
May in the Garden: A Planner
Gardening Events Around Town
Join Us on Twitter
Follow Us on Facebook
Join Klein’s Blooming Plant or Fresh Flower Club
Delivery Information
Related Resources and Websites
Plants Harmful to Kids and Pets
KLEIN’S 7TH ANNUAL MOST BEAUTIFUL GARDEN CONTEST
Think you have the Most Beautiful Garden? Perhaps all of that hard work and creativity can literally pay off by entering our Most Beautiful Garden Contest. We invite you to submit photographs along with our entry form to Klein’s via e-mail or snail mail by September 1. Winners are selected by our staff and will be announced on our website in early September. Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places include gift cards for a Klein’s shopping spree. We have a separate category for container gardens.
They say pictures say a thousand words and sometimes the most simple of designs says more than the most elaborate. Please visit our home page in the following weeks at www.kleinsfloral.com for details and entry information.
FOR NEIGHBORHOOD EVENTS OR GARDEN TOURS that you would like posted on our web site or in our monthly newsletters, please contact Rick at (608) 244-5661 or rick@kleinsfloral.com or Sue at sue@kleinsfloral.com. Please include all details, i.e. dates, locations, prices, brief description, etc. Our readership is ever-growing so this is a great opportunity for free advertising. Events must be garden related and must take place in the immediate Madison vicinity.
THE MAD GARDENER
“Madison’s Firsthand Source for Expert Gardening Advice”
Ask any of your gardening questions by e-mailing them to us at madgardener@kleinsfloral.com. Klein’s in-house Mad Gardener will e-mail you with an answer as promptly as we can. We’ve also posted a link to this e-mail address on our home page for your convenience. Your question might then appear in the “You Asked” feature of our monthly newsletter. If your question is the one selected for our monthly newsletter, you’ll receive a small gift from us at Klein’s. The Mad Gardener hopes to hear from you soon!
Sorry, we can only answer those questions pertaining to gardening in Southern Wisconsin and we reserve the right to leave correspondence unanswered at our discretion. Please allow 2-3 days for a response.
Please note that our Mad Gardener is not only an expert gardener, but can answer all of your indoor plant questions as well.
JUNE STORE HOURS:
Through June 21:
Monday thru Friday : 8:00-8:00 (Open Tuesdays at 7:00)
Saturday: 8:00-6:00
Sunday: 9:00-5:00
After Father’s Day, June 21:
Monday thru Friday : 8:00-6:00
Saturday: 9:00-5:00
Sunday: 10:00-4:00
Open Saturday, July 4: 10:00-4:00
CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
Throughout June, visit Klein’s and check out our specials on annuals, vegetables, herbs, hanging baskets and containers. Specials and selection change weekly so give us a call for the most up-to-date information at (608) 244-5661 or toll free at 888-244-5661 or on our home page @www.kleinsfloral.com. We pride ourselves in having the best cared for plants in even the hottest weather and throughout the month we’ll continue to offer a full selection of annuals and perennials.
June 2–Full Moon
June 14–Flag Day
June 21–Father’s Day
June 21–First Day of Summer
‘THE FLOWER SHOPPE’:
Floral Industry Careers
It’s never too early to begin planning a career in an industry where your work helps make the world prettier place while enriching the lives of millions of people every year. Whether your interests lean toward the creative arts or technology and science, you’re sure to find a satisfying and rewarding profession in floriculture. That’s because the floral industry attracts both the artist and the scientist. This diverse field offers you a wide variety of challenging and profitable career choices. It’s never too early!
The floral industry involves flower production, distribution, design, retailing, operations, marketing, publishing, importing, research, teaching, greenhouse design and engineering, climate control systems engineering, soil analysis, sales and pest management. Plus, employers need people skilled in office management, human resources, bookkeeping, accounting and computer systems. In today’s floriculture job market, there is a growing demand for trained professionals who have strong business skills as well as horticultural knowledge.
If interested in a career in the floral industry, check out the following local options:
University of Wisconsin
Department of Horticulture & Landscape Architecture
1575 Linden Drive
Madison, WI 53706
Telephone: (608) 262-1490
4 year degree program in floriculture and floral design
Gateway Technical College
3520 30th Avenue Kenosha, WI 53144
Telephone: (262) 564-2300
www.gtc.edu
2 year degree program in floriculture and floral design
Madison College (MATC) also offers classes covering the principles and mechanics of floral design. For more information, please visit programs.madisoncollege.edu
Source: Society of American Florists at www.aboutflowers.com
YOU ASKED THE MAD GARDENER . . .
Can you tell me the soil type on the Madison Isthmus and what sort of
additives are needed (lime, fertilizer, peat, sand, etc.)? I’m new to
the area. Thanks, Susan
Hi Susan,
It depends where on the isthmus you live. West of Blair Street is a a ridge of left over glacial debris; primarily deposits of sand and gravel (and rocks) covered by a layer of topsoil. The Capitol, Bascom Hall and all of University Heights and Shorewood Hills sit on this ridge.
East of Blair is filled in marshland. The soil is heavier and richer. Much of the east side east of the Yahara (and the near west side) has clay just under the surface. All of southern Wisconsin has rather alkaline soil, so there’s no need to add lime or sand. Sand helps with drainage when dealing with clay, but adds nothing to the soil in the way of amendments.
Compost is your all around best additive to change your soil composition. Compost can be bought bagged from garden centers or in bulk from many landscaping firms. Peat moss is a very quick way to make your soil more manageable to work with if it’s on the heavy (clay) side and a little goes a long way. You’ll need to continue adding compost and/or peat as the years pass to increase the organic make up of your soil.
Clean topsoil (without a lot of weed seeds) bought in bulk is another alternative to quickly improve your beds.
I hope I was of some help and welcome to the area!! I hope you love Madison as much as I do!!
Thanks for your question,
Klein’s Mad Gardener
madgardener@kleinsfloral.com
DID YOU KNOW. . .
. . . that the Dane County Seed Library lets patrons check out, plant, save and return?
The following appeared in the May 21, 2015 edition of the Isthmus.
Seedy Doings
By Linda Falkenstein @ www.isthmus.com
Anyone can “check out” packets of seeds, and yes, they have barcodes — just like a book. The program not only encourages people to experiment with growing their own food, it underlines the importance of saving seeds. As people save seeds from plants that have grown successfully, the library becomes more specialized with varieties that do well in our area.
There’s no penalty if your crop fails and you can’t save any seeds to return next fall, but the plants chosen for the program — basil, kale, tomatoes, beets, chives and lettuce, among them — are generally simple to grow with seeds that are easy to dry and save.
Seeds are available at the Dane County Bookmobile; Fitchburg, Middleton, Oregon and McFarland public libraries; and Lakeview and South Madison branches.
NOTES FROM MY GARDEN JOURNAL–Tips and Observations from My Own Garden by Rick Halbach.
ENTRY: MAY 1, 2015 (A New Favorite Garden Tool)
Probably my very favorite garden tool purchase of the past years is the cordless electric lawnmower I purchased at Home Depot last summer. After 20 years of use, my old (and very reliable) Craftsman gas powered mower finally gave out and, according to my service guy, was beyond repair. The deck had rusted away to the point of becoming completely unsafe; though the motor, according to him, still had lots of life in her. Anticipating I’d soon need a new lawnmower, I had gone online to search for electric mower alternatives. I knew I didn’t want one of the old-fashioned electric mowers that needed to be plugged in with an extension cord (Dangerous!!), but I didn’t know how far the cordless versions had come. My online research proved to me that cordless electrics had come a long way—mostly in terms of battery power and length of charge. My old mower now dead, I headed to the local home improvement and hardware stores to check out my options. Before making my decision, I talked to a lot of a lot of sales associates and continued to check out my options (and their reviews) online.
Ultimately I chose a Ryobi model at Home Depot. First off, the sales associate in that department at the east side location with whom I spoke was extremely knowledgable, informative about all my options and very friendly—not pushy in any way. Going in (and because I have a rather small yard) I even considered an old-fashioned reel mower. I left instead with my new battery powered cordless.
My bright green/chartreuse Ryobi mower (the company’s signature color) is a head turner when I’m mowing down near my busy street. It’s sound, on the other hand, draws no attention. The mower literally purrs as it cuts; making nearly no noise when only just a short distance away. It’s light plastic body took a little getting used to, after dealing with clunky, heavy metal mowers all these years. The amazing thing is the lawnmower’s power. If the deck is set too low, the blades slow down through heavy, overly long, wet grass. But under normal conditions, the mower performs like any other mower. I purchased the mower with two 40-volt batteries; each lasting 45 minutes when fully charged. The mower has a compartment that holds both batteries. Switching them out when one uncharges is a matter of seconds—way less than having to get the gas can!! Were I to own them, the batteries are interchangeable with other Ryobi products (i.e. chain saw, hedge trimmers, etc.). Clippings can either be bagged or mulched. Now into my second season with this mower, I couldn’t rave about it more!
From the Home Depot website:
20 in. 40-Volt Lithium-ion Brushless Cordless Walk-Behind Electric Lawn Mower—
Model # RY40107A
Ryobi redefines cordless mowing with the new 20 in. 40-Volt Brushless Mower. This new mower incorporates an innovative, powerful brushless motor with the proven reliability of Ryobi’s fade-free Lithium-Ion 40-Volt platform. This new design exemplifies the synergy between performance and convenience. The Ryobi 40-Volt Brushless mower uses a new 20 in. composite deck with an adjustable height from 1.25 in. to 3.75 in. This instant-starting, whisper quiet mower is the perfect solution for yards up to an acre and close neighbors. All backed by a 5-year warranty, there’s never been a better time to consider cordless. Battery and charger not included.
ENTRY: MAY 21, 2015 (My Little Chickadee)
For the very first time this year, a chickadee family has taken up residence in a house that has been traditionally occupied by house wrens. I’m happy to say that the wrens have chosen another birdhouse in the year; so at least I’m not without them. The now chickadee house is just feet away from the couch in our screenhouse; making for fascinating close-up viewing of the family’s comings and goings.
A chickadee is almost universally considered “cute” thanks to its oversized round head, tiny body, and curiosity about everything, including humans. The chickadee’s black cap and bib; white cheeks; gray back, wings, and tail; and whitish underside with buffy sides are distinctive. Its habit of investigating people and everything else in its home territory, and quickness to discover bird feeders, make it one of the first birds most people learn.
Chickadees may be found in any habitat that has trees or woody shrubs, from forests and woodlots to residential neighborhoods and parks, and sometimes weedy fields and cattail marshes. They frequently nest in birch or alder trees.
Chickadees are one of the easiest birds to attract to feeders, for suet, sunflower, and peanuts. They don’t mind using tiny hanging feeders that swing in the wind, and also readily visit window feeders. Planting willow, alder, and birch trees provides future nesting habitat for chickadees.
Feeders and nest boxes are often used by chickadees; consider putting up a nest box to attract a breeding pair. Make sure you put it up well before breeding season. Attach a guard to keep predators from raiding eggs and young. Black-capped Chickadees are especially attracted to a box when it is filled with sawdust or wood shavings. To keep wrens out of boxes you want chickadees to nest in, place nest boxes at least 60 feet into a wooded area. The compass orientation of the entrance hole probably does not matter at all, but chickadees do seem to prefer an unobstructed path to the entrance hole, without branches and leaves in the way. Setting a nest box farther back from other trees and branches can help deter squirrels and mice from jumping to the box and eating chickadee eggs and nestlings.
ENTRY: MAY 22, 2015 (Some Like It Hot)
Planted up the ‘corner bed’ this morning! By ‘corner bed’ I mean a small island flower bed on city property at the crossroad of two city streets, the city sidewalk and my driveway. This bed is located in the harshest of worlds. The heat off of all the concrete and asphalt surrounding it can be intolerable—yet I’ve filled it with annuals that thrive in these unbearable conditions. Because the bed is in a heavily travelled location (by both foot and motor traffic), the plants I’ve chosen are nearly indestructible.
Back in the day, before the city redid my street with updated utilities and curbs, etc., I hadn’t thought much about putting a flower bed in this improbable location. However, given the fact I was essentially handed a new raised flower bed, I took on the challenge of removing the newly planted grass and the horribly rocky soil they had backfilled into the space from the street project. I added fresh topsoil and amended it heavily with peat moss and compost (and continued to do so for a few years following).
Once ready to plant, plant choice became the next obstacle. It took a few years of mistakes and failures to come up with my current mix of annuals. At first I accidentally chose plants that simply couldn’t survive in that hot location. I knew I wanted all-season colorful annuals and not perennials for that location. The ‘Wow Factor’ as people drive down my busy street was important. One season I put in plants that grew too tall. Because I live on a corner, the city received complaints from drivers that my plants obstructed their vision when stopped at the side street. The city said I had to make different choices in my plantings.
Again, because the bed’s on city property (and on a corner) it gets walked on and even driven on as large vehicles round the corner. The plants are vulnerable to destruction or even thievery from passers-bye. In 2009, with its flooding rains, the entire bed washed away and had to be not only replanted, but completely refilled with soil!
Therefore, I’ve chosen plants that grow low, can get walked or driven on, seem relatively undesirable to the passer-by, help anchor the soil in case of heavy rains and love it super-hot.
At the front of the bed, I’ve placed a dense planting of Proven Winners’ Superbena verbena in a mix of colors. These plants grow very low to the ground and relish the heat. They root out wherever the stems touch the soil; helping hold the soil in place. Behind these impressive bloomers is an array of lantana and salvias. For height, these are backed by purple fountain grass and verbena bonariensis (stick verbena). This now tried-and-true combination has proven both eye-catching and extremely durable; performing well until season’s end.
KLEIN’S RECIPES OF THE MONTH—These are a selection of relatively simple recipes chosen by our staff. New recipes appear monthly. Enjoy!!
Chilled soups are fun to make and require very little effort and preparation, but time must be allowed for thorough chilling. Add a complementary garnish for special effect. To set the course for a summer meal, serve an enjoyable chilled soup for a first course or a refreshing, cold fruit soup for dessert. Fruit soups are also delicious served for breakfast.
PICK-A-FRUIT FINNISH FRUIT SOUP—An authentic and versatile dessert soup that changes as the summer bounty of fruit progresses. Shared by our friend Angie Sparks.
For Gooseberry Soup: (For other fruits see below)
2 cups water
2 cups gooseberries
3 TBS. sugar
1 stick cinnamon
3 TBS. cornstarch
3 TBS. cold water
whipped cream
Bring two cups water to a boil. Add the berries, sugar and the cinnamon stick. Cook the berries about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, add the cornstarch to the 3 TBS. cold water and mix into a paste. Add to the boiling soup. Cook 2 minutes until thickened. Pour into a bowl and cool quickly. Serve with dollops of cream. Serves 6.
For Blueberries: Use 2 cups of blueberries instead and a touch of fresh lemon juice.
For Raspberries: Use 2 cups of raspberries and add a few drops of almond extract.
For Rhubarb: Use 2 cups rhubarb cut into 1” pieces and increase the sugar to 1/2 cup.
For Strawberries: Use fresh or frozen berries, Omit the cinnamon and add a dash of nutmeg.
CHILLED MARINATED MUSHROOM SOUP—From The Enchanted Broccoli Forest by Mollie Katzen.
1 lb. mushrooms, minced
1/2 cup minced onion
2 large cloves garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
3/4 cup dry white wine
1 cup water
1 tsp. salt
fresh ground black pepper
3-4 TBS. fresh lemon juice
1 TBS. minced fresh basil (or 1 tsp. dried)
1 TBS. minced fresh dill (or 1 tsp. dried)
1/2 tsp dried thyme
2-3 TBS. extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup minced fresh chives or green onions
lemon slices for garnish
Place the mushrooms, onion, garlic, bay leaf, wine, water, salt and pepper in a medium-large saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce and simmer, covered, 15 minutes. Remove from the heat, uncover, and allow to stand 10 minutes. Discard the bay leaf. Stir in the remaining ingredients except the lemon slices. Transfer to a container with a tight fitting lid and chill until very cold. Serve with lemon slices. Serves 4-5.
CHILLED SPICY TOMATO SOUP—easy, refreshing-with-a-bite . . . and 100% fat-free! From The Enchanted Broccoli Forest by Mollie Katzen.
2 medium-sized (3” diameter) ripe tomatoes
4 cups tomato juice
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. horseradish
2 TBS. Worcestershire sauce
10-15 drops Tabasco to taste
1 stal celery, finely minced
2 TBS. minced fresh dill (2 tsp. dried)
1-2 finely minced green onions
fresh ground pepper
Bring a medium-sized saucepanful of water to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Core the tomatoes and drop them in the water for about 20 seconds. Remove and pull off the skins. Cut open and remove the seeds. Mince the remaining pulp and set aside. In a bowl, whisk together the juice, mustard, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco. Stir in the rest of the ingredients (including the tomatoes) and season with black pepper. Cover tightly and chill. Serves 4-5.
SONOMA GREEN SUMMER SOUP—An appealing and beautiful combination of green summer vegetables, loaded with vitamins and minerals, blended together. From the The Big Book of Soups & Stews by Maryana Vollstedt.
5 cups chicken stock or broth
2 cups chopped fresh green beans
2 cups chopped fresh spinach
2 cups chopped zucchini
2 cups peas, fresh or frozen
1 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped green onion
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1/2 tsp. salt
fresh ground pepper
creme fraiche or plain yogurt for topping
In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine all ingredients except the salt, pepper and topping. Bring to a boil, reduce and simmer, partially covered, until the veggies are tender, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a blender or food processor (in batches if necessary) and puree until smooth. Season with salt and pepper and chill. Serve with a dollop of topping. Serves 6-8.
COLD AVOCADO SOUP WITH CASHEWS—Anything easier than this? Delicious served with crostini. From the The Big Book of Soups & Stews by Maryana Vollstedt.
2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
2 cups chicken stock or broth
2 TBS. fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup plain nonfat yogurt
1/4 tsp. salt
3 drops Tabasco
1/4 cup chopped cashews for topping
Scoop out the avocado pulp and put in a food processor along with the stock, lemon juice, yogurt, salt and Tabasco. Process until smooth. Transfer to a container, cover and chill several hours. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with nuts. Serves 4.
CHILLED MELON SOUP—This cooling soup derives its flavor from juicy, ripe melons. A delightful ending to a summer dinner!! From the The Big Book of Soups & Stews by Maryana Vollstedt.
4 cups seedless watermelon chunks (1” pcs.)
Juice of 1 lime
2 fresh mint leaves, torn (plus 4 for garnish)
2 TBS. honey
1/4 cup dry red wine or cranberry juice
1/2 cup diced cantaloupe
1/2 cup dice honeydew
In a food processor, place 3 cups of the watermelon chunks, lime juice, mint and honey. Process until almost smooth. Transfer to a large bowl. Add the wine, cantaloupe and honeydew. Cut the remaining watermelon into 1/2” pieces and add to the bowl and mix well. Cover and chill several hours. Ladle into goblets and garnish with a mint leaf. Serves 4.
NATURAL NEWS–
Madison Area Permaculture Guild’s Design Certificate Training from June 13 to June 20, 2015
It will be taking place at the Farley Center for Peace, Justice and Sustainability located at 2299 Spring Rose Road, Verona, 53593. (www.farleycenter.org)
We will be having Classroom and at least one Hands-On Project on the property and then, of course, the big design project to culminate the whole experience.
We will be covering Permaculture Ethics, Principles, Patterns, Soil, Water, Energy, Natural Building, Systems, Food, Animals, Trees, Plants, Social Permaculture, Observation and more.
Lead Teacher will be Founder and Coordinator of MAPG, Kate Heiber-Cobb. She received her PDC through Midwest Permaculture in Stelle, IL in November of 2007. She received her Advanced Certificate through them in Custer, WI in the Summer of 2008 and received her Teacher’s Certificate with Peter Bane and Sandy Cruz in November of 2014 in MI. She has trained in Radical Urban Sustainability Training, Transition Town, Placemaking, Art Of Hosting, and did trainings with Toby Hemenway and Brad Lancaster. She also has trained in Watersheds with Osprey Orielle Lake and Grey Water with Penny Livingston in CA in 2012. She also teaches at Madison College and Olbrich Gardens and various other venues. She co -taught two PDC’s at Kinstone Academy in 2013.
We will be having guest instructors Marian Farrior, Drew Carlson, Sean Gere and more to help give you a more diverse learning experience. We will have a Tour mixed into it and lots of fun. The first 3 years we collaborated with Midwest Permaculture to bring the PDC to the Madison Area and the last few years we have taken it on ourselves with a total of 98 people receiving certification over 6 years.
Cost is $950 with the option for payment plans if you register far enough in advance.
Please contact Jean Schneider to register at info@tokencreekecoinn.com with PDC in your subject line.
If you are hankering for a great training at a stunning location, this is it.
JUNE’S PLANT OF THE MONTH:
TREE PEONY (Paeonia suffruticosa)
The papery flamboyant blooms and interesting foliage of tree peonies gives the impression that the plants are delicate. Thankfully, the complete opposite is true.
Tree Peonies are woody perennial shrubs. They bloom in late May and early June; just before the herbaceous peony bloom. Their woody structure allows them to stand upright without staking. They produce gigantic dinner-plate-sized flowers on plants that grow from 3 to 7 feet tall. After the bloom, tree peonies provide structure to the garden with deep green leaves in summer and bronze and purple foliage in fall. Native to Asia and cultivated for millennia, these deer-resistant plants thrive in horticultural zones 4-9. Tree peonies grow slowly, producing 1 to 6 inches of new growth each year. Given well-drained soil and dappled sunlight, they will live for centuries.
Site and Soil
- Tree peonies are very hardy. However, the foliage and flower buds can be damaged by late frost so avoid frost pockets
- Choose a sheltered position to prevent branches being broken off by strong winds, especially when carrying large blooms
- Tree peonies prefer neutral, humus rich soils, but they will tolerate slightly acid or slightly alkaline soils
- Good drainage is essential. Where drainage is poor, consider planting in raised beds
- Ideally, plant in a sunny position. Tree peonies will tolerate light shade, but the plants may become straggly growing towards light
Planting
Tree peonies are ideally planted in the autumn, but winter or early spring planting is also suitable. Avoid planting in late spring and in summer. The hot and dry weather can hinder the plants’ establishment.
Tree peonies grown on their own roots should be planted at the same soil level as they were in the container. If bare root, look for the nursery soil mark on at the base of the stems.
However, most tree peonies offered for sale, especially named cultivars, are grafted on herbaceous peony rootstock. Look for the graft union (visible as a slight bulge) close to the base of stem. When planting, the graft union should be about 6 inches below the soil level. Deep planting encourages the grafted plant to form its own roots, which reduces suckering from the herbaceous rootstock and prevents the rootstock becoming dominant.
Prepare the planting area by incorporating organic matter such as leafmold, garden compost or well-rotted manure.
Water well during the establishment period.
Feeding and Mulching
Especially on lighter soils, in spring apply a light top dressing of a general balanced fertilizer around the base of the plant. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers.
In late winter or early spring apply about a 4 inch layer of organic mulch such as leafmold, garden compost or well-rotted manure to the main rooting area (immediately under the canopy of the plant). Keep the base of the stems free from mulch.
Pruning and Training
Tree peonies require minimal pruning. Just remove flowered shoots cutting back just above new growth in summer or in the autumn if seeds are desired.
Over time the stems may become leggy. Removal of the oldest stems down to the base in the autumn after leaf-fall encourages bushier growth.
Problems
Tree peonies can suffer from a number of disorders and pests
—Poor Flowering:
Tree peonies can take up to four years to settle in and flower, even though the plant may have been bought in bloom.
However, the lack of flowers can be also caused by shallow planting. If the plant did not produce flowers for several years after planting, try lifting it the autumn and replanting it deeper.
Though established plants are drought tolerant prolonged periods of drought may affect the flowering the following season. Mulch around the base and water during prolonged periods of dry weather.
Tree peonies planted in shady position tend to flower less profusely. Cut overhanging branches to allow more light to reach the plant. If not possible consider moving it.
—Frost damage
The emerging foliage and flower buds can be damaged by late frosts. The affected leaves and buds may blacken and fail to open. Protect with fleece during cold nights.
—Suckering
Shallow planting can also encourage suckering of the herbaceous rootstock. The rootstock is usually P. lactiflora which has shiny reddish shoots, whilst the shoots of tree peonies have dull light red color. If not sure, investigate if the shoots originate from below the graft union. Remove the suckers as soon as they appear at the point of origin with a sharp knife.
—Wilted stems and dieback
Tree peonies can be affected by peony wilt (grey mold blight) that causes wilting and dieback of young shoots. Peony wilt is the most troublesome problem of both tree and herbaceous peonies.
Similar symptoms may be caused by verticillium wilt attack.
Klein’s currently has a nice selection of potted tree peonies in stock. Another fantastic source is Klehm’s Song Sparrow located in Avalon, WI @ www.songsparrow.com
Sources for this article include: The Royal Horticultural Society website @ www.rhs.org.uk and Peony’s Envy @ peonysenvy.com
AROUND TOWN:
For neighborhood events or garden tours that you would like posted in our monthly newsletter, please contact Rick at (608) 244-5661 or rick@kleinsfloral.com or Sue at sue@kleinsfloral.com. Please include all details, i.e. dates, locations, prices, brief description, etc. Events must be garden related and must take place in the Madison vicinity and we must receive your information by the first of the month in which the event takes place for it to appear in that month’s newsletter. This is a great opportunity for free advertising.
Windsor Area Garden Club Plant Sale
Saturday, June 6, 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Near the historical Lyster House in DeForest
As always we will have a wide variety of tried and true perennial plant divisions from our own gardens. We will also have a few annuals, vegetable, and misc. plants available. Come visit with our garden club members and receive help with general gardening questions in a welcoming environment. Master gardeners will also be available for more specific questions you may have. 100% of our profits will be donated to local charities.
Visit their websites @ www.facebook.com/windsorareagardenclub or www.windsorareagardenclub.org. for contact info.
Herb Day
Sunday, June 7, 10:00-4:00
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave., Madison
Celebrate the wonders of herbs as food and medicine with the Madison Herbal Institute at Herb Day 2015! Enjoy herbal presentations and walks for adults and children, as well as kids activities.
Shop the Herbal Marketplace for herb plant starts, herbal tinctures, handmade herbal soaps and salves, herbal crafts, herbal teas, books by herbalists and visit the booths of herbalist schools and a holistic veterinarian.
Admission is free.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave., Madison
608/246-4550 or www.olbrich.org for details.
Hosta Sale
Sunday, June 7, 9:00-3:00 or until supplies last
Sponsored by the Wisconsin Hosta Society
Pick up some interesting hostas to add to your collection at the Wisconsin Hosta Society’s Plant Sale. These shade-loving perennials, prized for their interesting foliage, come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. For more information call 608-835-3291.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave., Madison
608/246-4550 or www.olbrich.org for details.
Native Plant Garden Tour:
What’s Blooming?
Wednesday, June 17, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Find, compare and learn about flowers on native trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants, and see what’s blooming in our collection of plants native to southern Wisconsin.
University of WI Arboretum
1207 Seminole Hwy.
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or uwarboretum.org/events
Rotary Garden’s Garden Talk & Walk: Ancient Plants in the Modern Landscape
Wednesday, June 17, 6:00-8:00 p.m
Rotary Botanical Gardens, 1455 Palmer Drive, Janesville, WI
True or False? Ancient plants are all around us. True! A surprising number of plants growing today are positively prehistoric, even in out own backyard. From tiny mosses to forest giants once thought extinct, we’ll discuss the fabulous flora that were growing when dinosaurs roamed the Earth and then head out to view examples thriving in RBG’s landscape.
Admission: $10 for RBG Friends members and $15 for the general public. No registration required
Talk and walk is conducted by Kris Koch, Education Coordinator
Rotary Botanical Gardens
1455 Palmer Drive
Janesville, WI
608/752-3885 or www.rotarygardens.org
Chicken Coop/Garden Walk
Saturday, June 20, 1:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Rain or shine)
In the Tenney-Lapham Neighborhood on Madison’s near east side.
Join the seventh annual walking tour of Tenney‐Lapham backyard chicken coops. This year, the tour includes some of the best gardens in the hood. Maps for this self-guided tour will be available at 461 N. Baldwin.
Sponsored by the Tenney-Lapham Neighborhood Association (danenet.org/tlna/)
Rhapsody in Bloom: Through the Looking Glass
Saturday, June 20, 5:00-10:00
One of Olbrich Garden’s biggest fundraisers.
For reservations call 608/246-5616
Prepare to be transported to an enchanted world of botanical beauty, whim, and fancy, straight from the inimitable imagination of Lewis Carroll and his novels Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. In keeping with tradition, our evening begins with hors d’oeuvres, music and live performers in the Gardens. We continue the magic with dinner and dancing under beautiful white tents as the sun sets over Lake Monona. All the while, you and your guests will be surrounded by the beauty of Madison’s very own award-winning public gardens.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave., Madison
608/246-4550 or www.olbrich.org for details.
Madison Rose Society Rose Show
Sunday, June 21, 12:00-5:00
Free Admission
The Madison Rose Society hosts this indoor exhibit of cut roses and arrangements in all sizes and colors. Members of the Rose Society will be available to answer questions. Stroll through Olbrich’s two acre Rose Garden. For more info call 608-634-2146.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave., Madison
608/246-4550 or www.olbrich.org for details.
2015 Summer Concert Series at Olbrich Gardens
Let the beauty of Olbrich Botanical Gardens set the perfect stage for a night of music. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, and spread out for a picnic surrounded by Olbrich’s lush flowers. Or, purchase a brat or hot dog from the Madison East Kiwanis. Picnics are allowed in the Gardens for the Tuesday concerts only. In case of rain, concerts will be held indoors. A $1 donation is suggested. Concerts are sponsored by the Olbrich Botanical Society.
Olbrich Concerts in the Gardens 2015 Schedule:
(All concerts are on Tuesdays at 7 p.m.)
June 23
Chaos Revolution Theory—Wisconsin Stomp Rock
June 30
Trapper Schoepp & The Shades—Folk/Story Songs
July 7
Patchouli—Folk & Flamenco Duo
July14
The Whiskey Farm—Homegrown Folk/Bluegrass/Rock
July 21
Fresco Opera Theatre—Opera Made Fresh
July 28
Mark Croft Trio—Roots/Pop/Americana
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave., Madison
608/246-4550 or www.olbrich.org for details.
Rio Home and Garden Tour
Friday, June 26, 4:00-8:00
Saturday, June 27, 9:00-4:00
Tour seven gardens in the village of Rio and surrounding countryside to benefit the Rio Community Library. Tickets ($8.00) are available at the library, 324 W. Lyons St. in advance or on the days of the tour. This year’s event is part of the Rio Sesquicentennial celebration, so there will be many other activities that weekend in Rio. One of the gardeners will also open her home for tours and will be showing the vintage trailers she and her husband restore and as well as their barn full of antiques and other “treasures”. You may also purchase raffle tickets for the chance to win a beautiful quilt made by the Rio Quilt Guild as well as numerous other items. Contact the library 920-992-3206 for further information. Sponsored by the Blooming Buddies Garden Club and Rio Area Library Friends. A member of the South Central Library System.
Rotary Garden’s Evening Garden Seminar: Ornamental Edibles
Tuesday, June 30, 6:30-8:00 p.m
Rotary Botanical Gardens, 1455 Palmer Drive, Janesville, WI
While growing our own food is not a novel concept, the approach of incorporating “ornamental edibles” throughout our landscapes is an innovative and beautiful approach to maximizing the use of our space while providing color and function. Ornamental edibles are plants that provide significant beauty but are also dual-purpose in that they provide food, flavoring or other attributes that make them “kitchen-worthy.” Learn how to incorporate a wide range of ornamental edibles into your garden borders, containers, and any open nook and cranny.
Admission: $7 for RBG Friends members and $10 for the general public. No registration required
Seminar is conducted by Mark Dwyer, RBG Director of Horticulture
Rotary Botanical Gardens
1455 Palmer Drive
Janesville, WI
608/752-3885 or www.rotarygardens.org
Guided Garden Strolls
Sundays, June thru September, 1:30-3:00
Get an insider’s view of Olbrich’s outdoor gardens during a free guided garden stroll. All ages are welcome for this casual overview of the Gardens. Guided garden strolls will vary somewhat according to the season to reflect the garden areas that are at peak interest.
Strolls start and end in the lobby near the Garden entrance and are about 45 to 60 minutes in length. No registration is required; strolls are drop-in only. Strolls are held rain or shine and will be cancelled only in the event of dangerous lightning.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave., Madison
608/246-4550 or www.olbrich.org for details.
Olbrich Garden’s
Bolz Conservatory Exhibit-Light Gaps
Thru July 12
Daily from 10:00-4:00, Sundays 10:00-5:00
In the Bolz Conservatory
The trees are trimmed, the bushes pruned, and it’s time to see the light in the forest. Learn how plants develop and change in the forest as light fluctuates. When a gap in the forest is created naturally or by a clipping from Olbrich’s staff, growth develops at an exceptional rate. The conservatory is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $2 for the general public. Admission is always free for Olbrich Botanical Society members and children 5 and under, and is free for the general public on Wednesday and Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave., Madison
608/246-4550 or www.olbrich.org for details.
Dane County Farmer’s Market
Saturdays, April 18 thru November 7, 6:00-2:00
On the Capitol Square
Wednesdays, April 22 thru November 4, 8:30-2:00
In the 200 block of Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
For details visit www.dcfm.org
Northside Farmers Market
Sundays, May 3 through October 18, 8:30-12:30
In the Northside TownCenter at the intersection of N. Sherman Ave. and Northport Dr. across from Warner Park.
The Northside Farmers Market is a nonprofit community enterprise. It is one of the newest and fastest growing farmers’ markets in Dane County. In keeping with the innovative spirit of Madison’s Northside, we are surpassing what defines the traditional farmers’ market. Our fundamental principles include:
–Providing an abundant selection of high quality, locally grown foods.
The market accepts Quest, WIC and Senior FMNP vouchers.
–Supporting our local agricultural entrepreneurs who are increasingly important today in ensuring that we have the best and safest food possible.
–Educating the community about traditional foods and the history of local agriculture in an attempt to preserve (and expand upon) our rich heritage.
–Promoting nutrition and the market by hosting dinners for neighborhood groups and seniors.
Parking is always FREE!
For details visit www.northsidefarmersmarket.org
JUNE IN THE GARDEN—A checklist of things to do this month.
___By early June, finish planting all annuals and vegetables.
___By early June, move all houseplants out that spend the summer outdoors.
___In early June give all beds a thorough weeding for easier follow-up.
___June is a great month to plant perennials, trees and shrubs.
___Prune evergreens.
___Prune hard any spring flowering shrubs like forsythia, quince, etc.
___Mulch beds to conserve moisture and keep down weeds.
___Begin deadheading spent blooms as needed.
___Remove yellowed foliage of spring tulips, daffodils, etc.
___Begin staking and supporting tall plants as needed.
___Begin your fertilizing regimen. Regular fertilizing makes for healthy plants.
___Order spring bulbs from catalogs while your memory is still fresh.
___Keep and eye on the weather. Water as needed.
___Watch for pests and control as needed or desired.
___Begin seeding cole crops for fall harvest. Also sow pansies and wallflowers.
___Pinch hardy mums until July 4 for bushier less floppy plants.
___Visit Klein’s—Watch for end of season savings on annuals and perennials.
Some of our very favorite seed and plant sources include:
For seeds:
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds @ www.rareseeds.com or 417/924-8887
Burpee @ www.burpee.com or 800/888-1447
Harris Seeds @ www.harrisseeds.com or 800/514-4441
Johnny’s Select Seeds @ www.johnnyseeds.com or 207/861-3901
Jung’s Seeds @ www.jungseed.com or 800/247-5864
Park’s Seeds @ www.parkseed.com or 800/845-3369
Pinetree @ www.superseeds.com or 207/926-3400
Seeds of Change @ www.seedsofchange.com or 888/762-7333
Seed Savers @ www.seedsavers.org or 563/382-5990
Select Seeds @ www.selectseeds.com or 800/684-0395
Territorial Seeds @ www.territorialseed.com or 888/657-3131
Thompson & Morgan @ www.thompson-morgan.com or 800/274-7333
For bulbs:
Brent & Becky’s Bulbs @ www.brentandbeckysbulbs.com or 877/661-2852
Colorblends @ www.colorblends.com or 888/847-8637
John Scheeper’s @ www.johnscheepers.com or 860/567-0838
McClure & Zimmerman @ www.mzbulb.com or 800/883-6998
For plants:
High Country Gardens @ www.highcountrygardens.com or 800/925-9387
Logee’s Greenhouses @ www.logees.com or 888/330-8038
Plant Delights Nursery @ www.plantdelights.com or 912/772-4794
Roots and Rhizomes @ www.rootsrhizomes.com or 800/374-5035
Wayside Gardens @ www.waysidegardens.com or 800/213-0379
White Flower Farm @ www.whiteflowerfarm.com or 800/503-9624
Note: To receive every possible seed, plant or garden supply catalog imaginable, check out Cyndi’s Catalog of Garden Catalogs @ www.gardenlist.com. Most catalogs are free and make for great winter reading!
BEHIND THE SCENES AT KLEIN’S—This is a sneak peek of what is going on each month behind the scenes in our greenhouses. Many people are unaware that our facility operates year round or that we have 10 more greenhouses on the property in addition to the 6 open for retail. At any given moment we already have a jump on the upcoming season–be it poinsettias in July, geraniums in December or fall mums in May.
IN JUNE:
—The back greenhouses are nearly empty of product. We’ve had another successful season. This is the time to plan for next spring–while our memories are still fresh: How can we improve in 2016? Which plants did we run out of too early? How was staffing?
—Watering is a nonstop endeavor. On hot, windy days, we no sooner finish the first round, when we have to start all over again. Some plants in our retail areas may need watering 3 or 4 times in a single day! You wouldn’t do this at home, but customers don’t like to see wilted plants. It’s not harmful for us to let them wilt a bit, but it makes for bad presentation.
—We continue to plant some annuals, hanging baskets and containers for summer sales. Our summer “Jumbo Pack” program is under way.
—Fall mums and asters are stepped up into larger tubs and containers for fall sales.
—We begin prepping some of the back greenhouses for the arrival of poinsettia plugs in just a few weeks.
—Our employees breathe a sigh of relief and spend some much needed downtime with family and friends.
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT—Each month we spotlight some product that we already carry or one that we’ve taken note of and plan to carry in the near future. Likewise, if you would like to see Klein’s to carry a product that we don’t currently, please let us know. Our goal is to be responsive to the marketplace and to our loyal clientele. If a product fits into our profile, we will make every effort to get it into our store. In addition, we may be able to special order an item for you, whether plant or hard good, given enough time.
BONIDE SHOTGUN® REPELS-ALL®
Bonide Shotgun® REPELS-ALL® effectively repels Deer, Rabbits, Squirrels, Chipmunks, Dogs, Cats, Raccoons, Porcupines, Armadillos, Birds, Rats, Mice, Beaver, Ground hogs, Skunks, Voles, Moles and Shrews from around your home and garden area.
Apply around homes, gardens, garbage cans, barns, swimming pools, garden sheds, woodpiles, decks, patios, outbuildings, boathouses, campsites, picnic areas, cabins, trailers, travel trailers, RV hook-up sites, and other areas where these animals may be a problem.
May be used in areas where children and pets play.
REPELS-ALL® is biodegradable and will not harm lawns, gardens, flowerbeds or other desirable plants when used as directed. Not for indoor use. Do not use directly on plants intended for human consumption.
How It Works
The unique blend of ingredients in REPELS-ALL® causes a mild irritation to animal’s nasal passages. When an animal touches, tastes or smells REPELS-ALL®, this irritation triggers the natural instinct to escape/avoid and the animal simply leaves. REPELS-ALL® provides a powerful scent/taste repellent that animals find unpleasant and irritating. REPELS-ALL® does not harm the animal, it drives them away, naturally.
This product is an animal behavior modification tool. It may need to be supplemented with other behavior modification techniques to break animals (particularly domestic animals) of existing bad habits.
REPELS-ALL® Granules can be used to protect fall bulb plantings from squirrels, chipmunks and birds. After placing a bulb in the planting hole, apply 1 TBS. of granules into the hole, making sure the granules surround the bulb.
REPELS-ALL® is available in both liquid and granular forms.