‘THE SAGE’-Klein’s Online Newsletter—JANUARY 2016
Klein’s Floral & Greenhouses
3758 E. Washington Ave.
Madison, WI 53704
608/244-5661 or info@kleinsfloral.com
THIS MONTH’S HIGHLIGHTS:
Wisconsin Public Television Garden Expo Feb. 12-14
Our ‘Mad Gardener’ Is Ready for Your Questions
Flowers & Religion
Winter Isn’t an Excuse to Stop Gardening with Kids
A Positive Turn in Monarch News
Klein’s Favorite Seed, Bulb & Plant Sources
You Asked the Mad Gardener About a Sad Citrus Tree
Plant of the Month: The Philodendron
Our Very Favorite Brussels Sprouts Recipes
Product Spotlight: Sprouter and Sprouting Seeds from Botanical Interests®
Notes from Rick’s Garden Journal—from December 2015
—A Reader’s Response to ‘Rabbit Proofing the Garden’
—Tap Water & Houseplants
—Scaling Down
January in the Garden: A Planner
Gardening Events Around Town
Review Klein’s @: Yelp, Google Reviews or Facebook Reviews
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
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.
JANUARY STORE HOURS:
Monday thru Friday : 8:00-6:00
Saturday: 9:00-5:00
Sunday: 10:00-4:00
CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
January 1–New Year’s Day. HAPPY 2016!
January 9 & 10—The Wedding Planner and Guide Bridal Show at the Alliant Energy Center. From start to finish, everything needed for that special day is at the show with over 200 vendors offering products and services catering to your needs. Make sure to get a seat for the daily fashion show at noon and 3 pm. Open on Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm, tickets are $7 in advance and $10 at the door. Visit www.wedplan.com for tickets and more information.
If a wedding is on your horizon, set up your free wedding consultation as early as possible. Our schedule fills up fairly quickly. Klein’s talented team of designers can make your wedding day a perfect one. Call Sue (sue@kleinsfloral.com) or Darcy at 608/244-5661.
Mid January–Seeds begin arriving for retail sale. Believe it or not, it’s time to start thinking about spring planting. If starting your own seeds at home, some such as lisianthus, geraniums, pentas and bananas should be started now so they are ready for spring planting. Please check out our Newsletter Archive @ kleinsfloral.com/newsletter.php for everything you’ll need to know about indoor seed starting.
January 18–Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 23–Full Moon
Throughout January–Ever thought about working at a greenhouse? Now is the time to stop in and ask if we’ll be hiring for spring and pick up an application. We always need temporary, part-time counter help in the spring and greenhouse production swings into gear by mid-February. If you’re interested, ask for Sue or Kathryn for the retail area or Jamie or Rick for the greenhouses. Benefits include a generous discount on all those plants you buy at Klein’s anyway. Join our team and experience first hand how we make the magic happen.
February 12-14—Wisconsin Public Television’s Garden Expo at the Alliant Energy Center. Please join us. Tickets are now available at Klein’s for a lesser price than at the door. Details available at www.wigardenexpo.com.
February 14–Valentine’s Day. Order early for guaranteed delivery. We deliver throughout Madison and most of Dane County.
‘THE FLOWER SHOPPE’:
Flowers & Religion
—Flowers And Christianity
The archetypal flower symbolizing purity is the white Madonna lily (Lilium candidum). The association of the flower with the Virgin Mary dates to early Christianity, an apparent legend, according to which her tomb was filled with lilies after her assumption into heaven. Religious commentators, including the Venerable Bede, explained that the white petals represented her spotless body and the golden stamens, her glowing soul. This mystic flower appeared most often in paintings of the Annunciation, representing the moment when the Angel Gabriel announced to the Virgin that she would bear God’s son. A white lily was placed in a vase in the foreground of the scene, or held by the Angel, and sometimes a small enclosed garden known as the hortus conclusus reinforced the message of virginity. This type of devotional painting influenced other scenes of the Virgin and Child with saints, also set in gardens with lilies and other flowers. Other white, lily-like flowers reflected this meaning, especially lily-of-the-valley, leucojum and snowdrops, or white flowers with golden centers like roses and daisies.
The rose flower is used in Italy all through the month of May. Everyone who can secure roses, places them in his oratory or on a table. Both red and white roses have been emblematic of the Virgin since very early times, and were dedicated to Venus before that. When St. Dominic instituted the devotion of the Rosary, he recognized this symbolism and indicated the separate prayers as tiny Roses. May – the Month of May or Madonna’s Month – was originally linked to Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers and of spring. Further, the five petals of a rose flower are believed to represent Christ´s wounds – white was the color of purity and red, that of his sacrificial blood.
—Flowers And Hinduism
Both in worship and in portrayals of the divine, Hindus are infatuated with flowers. The very name of the Hindu worship ritual, puja, can be translated as “the flower act.”
The lotus is the foremost symbol of beauty, prosperity and fertility. According to Hinduism, within each human inhabiting the earth there is the spirit of the sacred Lotus. It represents eternity, purity and divinity and is widely used as a symbol of life, fertility, ever-renewing youth and describes feminine beauty, especially the eyes.
One of the most common metaphysical analogies compares the Lotus´ perennial rise to faultless beauty from a miry environment to the evolution of man’s consciousness – from instinctive impulses to spiritual liberation. In the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu text, man is adjured to be like the Lotus – he should work without attachment, dedicating his actions to God, untouched by sin like water on a Lotus leaf and the beautiful flower standing high above the mud and water. In the postures of Hatha Yoga, a major branch of Yoga, the lotus position, padmasana, is adopted by those striving to reach the highest level of consciousness, which itself is found in the thousand-petaled lotus chakra at the top of the head.
—Flowers And Islam
Not much religious use of flowers is seen among Muslims except on occasions like marriages and funerals. On the day of the wedding the groom leads his family to the bride’s home. Upon arrival at the bride´s place, the bride’s sisters welcome the groom’s party by playfully hitting them with a stick wrapped around flowers. The groom may wear a special head-dress of flowers for the wedding.
—Flowers And Buddhism
For the Buddhists, Lotus symbolizes the most exalted state of man – his head held high, pure and undefiled in the sun, his feet rooted in the world of experience. For the Buddhist, the Lotus flower symbolizes the Buddha. In Bodh Gaya, in Northern India where Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment, there is a raised platform, which is a part of the Mahabodhi temple complex. This is called the Jewel Promenade Shrine. This structure marks the place where the Buddha is supposed to have paced to and fro in meditation. Legend has it that wherever he stepped, a Lotus flower (a symbol of knowledge) sprang up and this is depicted through the 18 lotus flowers carved on the platform.
About a mile south of the Mahabodhi Temple, was a dry pond called Mucalinda tank where the Buddha was supposed to have spent his sixth week after enlightenment. It is now a large pond filled with Lotuses. In most of the Buddhist art depictions the lotus flower symbolizes the Buddha.
—Flowers And Chinese Religions
In Taoism and such other Chinese folk religions flowers do not just represent beauty, but are also the symbols of life, happiness, and fertility. In Chinese culture, white flowers are the symbol of death and used only in funerals. The meaning of red in Chinese weddings is deep and powerful. Red is the symbol of love, joy, prosperity, happiness and ultimate joy in Chinese culture. The bride’s wedding gown, the wedding invitations and wedding gift boxes or envelopes for cash gifts are all in red.
Flowers like Peonies, Orchids, Lotus and Daffodils are widely used in Chinese weddings. For the Chinese, Peony flower is a symbol of spring and renewed life. Orchid is the Chinese symbol of love and fertility, a perfect token for weddings. For the Chinese, the Lotus flower represents four virtues in the Buddhist religion (scent, purity, softness, and loveliness). Narcissus flower symbolizes spring, representing change and end of hibernation, and are perfect for spring weddings. Other common names of this joyful flower are Daffodil and Jonquil.
—Use of Flowers in Other Religions
Although there are no specific religious Flowers in most of the other religions, flowers are nevertheless used in various religious ritual performances. Particularly, flowers are common in almost all the wedding ceremonies. Flowers are also used in all the funeral observances except in Judaism. Indeed, there is even evidence indicating the use of flowers during funerals by the Neanderthals who inhabited Europe and parts of western Asia about 230,000 years ago.
Source: www.theflowerexpert.com
YOU ASKED THE MAD GARDENER . . .
I bought my lime from you about six months ago. I repotted it and it bloomed its head off even though it kept losing leaves. I have it inside and now have about eight leaves left and one tiny lime. The branches are still green. Any hope for this poor plant? Thanks, Coral
Hi Coral,
Seeing as you have experience with citrus, my advice is to keep doing what you’re doing. It’s not unusual for plants to lose leaves when the days are at their shortest in the middle of winter. The fact you repotted it can contribute to leaf loss as the plant invests its energy into rooting out. Place your lime in the brightest window you have, be careful of overwatering during the winter, don’t fertilize until new growth appears in late winter and wait for spring to get it back outside come May. Though it looks sad now, I’d be surprised if it doesn’t come through the winter with flying colors.
Thanks for your question,
Klein’s Mad Gardener
madgardener@kleinsfloral.com
DID YOU KNOW. . .
. . . that winter isn’t an excuse to stop gardening with kids?
Children Can Grow Along with the Houseplants They Tend
By Kari Richardson for the Chicago Tribune @ www.chicagotribune.com
Children seem to have an innate need to nurture living things. In summer, it’s easy to satisfy that need by dedicating a sunny corner of the yard to growing a tomato or carrot crop.
But growing plants indoors — whether due to inhospitable weather or lack of space — is another, often overlooked option.
“Plants bring a house to life,” says Sharon Lovejoy, an author-illustrator who enjoys connecting children with nature. “Having a green, growing thing to tend is a wonderful relationship for a child.” Lovejoy is the author of “Roots, Shoots, Buckets & Boots: Gardening Together With Children” (Workman) and “Camp Granny” (Workman).
Houseplants offer some advantages over garden beds. Living in close proximity to plants allows children to play an even greater role in their care, as well as to observe things that might go unnoticed in an outdoor setting, where interactions are more sporadic. Plants might be kept in a child’s room, too, as long as there’s sufficient light.
Caring for a houseplant may even teach life lessons, says Randy Seagraves, curriculum director for the International Junior Master Gardener Program and extension program specialist with Texas A&M AgrilLife Extension Service. Children learn how to consider the needs of another living thing — and the consequences if you don’t. Another possible plus for parents: Houseplants come without the full-scale responsibility of a pet.
“Growing something teaches kids the concept of delayed gratification,” Seagraves adds. “When you plant a seed or take care of a plant, you have to take care of it over a period of time.”
If the plant thrives, it could be around for years. If not, the consequences aren’t terribly serious — but they are tangible.
Kids can benefit at almost any age, taking on more responsibility as they mature. Preschool-age children can mist leaves with a sprayer or clean dusty plants with a sponge.
Older children will be able to help even more, removing dead leaves or helping to repot a plant that has outgrown its container. They can also create a calendar with notations when it’s time for a weekly watering or monthly fertilizing.
When a plant fails to thrive, provide a magnifying glass and kids can play detective, looking for clues to the root of the problem. Use the acronym PLANTS — place, light, air, nutrients, thirsty (water) and soil — to figure out what the plant might need, Seagraves suggests.
Now that you’re ready to get started, here are some plant selections for all types of children and situations:
Plants that multiply. “Kids often love the idea of sharing their plants,” says Kathryn Masuda, youth programs manager for the Atlanta Botanical Garden. “They can decorate a pot and give a new plant to someone else.” Spider or airplane plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are easy to grow and to propagate. Be on the lookout for shoots, called spiderettes, extending off the end of leaves. These little plantlets can be collected, replanted and given away. Succulents such as jade (Crassula ovata) or hen and chicks (Sempervivum) also thrive indoors and send shoots that can be potted and shared.
Tough plants. Money tree (Pachira aquatica) is easy to grow and a good choice for kids who like to wield the watering can, says Justin Hancock, a horticulturist with Costa Farms, a wholesale producer of houseplants. In nature, it grows near streams, so it likes a good amount of water. Typically seen with braided stems, money tree can also be found in bonsai versions that measure about 6 inches tall, Hancock adds. If low light is an issue, pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a viney plant that grows quickly, comes in a variety of colors and patterns, and can make do with less sunshine.
Edible plants. Many herbs will grow indoors. A simple pot of chives or basil can be placed on a sunny windowsill and used to garnish a variety of dishes. For households with inadequate light and/or humidity for herbs to thrive, indoor garden systems (such as AeroGarden) can ensure success. A dwarf banana plant reaches heights of about 3 feet and produces fruit — though technically edible, the plants are grown more for ornament. Just note that it needs plentiful light to thrive.
Plants for experimentation. Lovejoy is a fan of what she calls “garbage gardens.” Try planting a seed to see if it grows. You might be surprised at the results, says Lovejoy, whose favorites to date have included grapefruit and lemons. Just be sure to keep the fledgling plants away from heating vents or drafty spots. “It’s not the ultimate success or failure that’s important,” she says. “It should be an adventure.”
Let kids choose their own. The aisles of garden centers and big-box stores are filled with plants that thrive indoors. For a small investment, allow your child to choose a variety that appeals, whether it’s a plant with shiny leaves or a fuzzy texture. Enlist help from staff as necessary to figure out what might work best in the conditions you can offer. Just be sure to avoid toxic varieties, and sharp or prickly plants if the child is young.
“Once they’ve had it for a few months, they can go back and pick out another one,” Seagraves says. “It’s really that simple.”
Kari Richardson is a freelance reporter.
NOTES FROM MY GARDEN JOURNAL–Tips and Observations from My Own Garden by Rick Halbach.
ENTRY: DECEMBER 1, 2015 (A Reader’s Response to ‘Rabbit Proofing the Garden’)
In response to an article we posted today about protecting valuable garden plants from rabbits during the winter months, a reader of ours (and we love hearing from you!) suggested that we deter rabbits from eating our garden shrubs and tree bark by offering rabbits alternative food choices during harsh winters. Our reader suggested putting out cheap apples cut into pieces or hay from a local farm. Though I’m not a fan of purposely luring rabbits to my garden, I thought I’d share the following article I found online @ www.ehow.com.
How to Feed Wild Rabbits in the Winter
Attracting wild animals into your yard is not always the best idea, because the animals may become dependent on an unnatural food source, and they may destroy parts of your yard. Some wild animals may also be carriers of certain diseases, which is problematic if your yard is a play area for children or pets. Though a yard overrun with wild rabbits is not ideal due to the damage they can inflict on gardens and flowers, leaving natural food sources for rabbits in wintertime or anytime may keep them from harming plants you want left alone.
Avoid putting out fruits and vegetables as a winter food source for rabbits. This can attract other animals you may not want in your yard, such as raccoons and possums. Also, the rabbits may start relying on you as a food source rather than looking for food on their own.
Place small branches and twigs from fall pruning on the ground in your yard for rabbits to eat during the winter. In late fall until spring a rabbit’s diet naturally shifts from fresh greenery. Rabbits consume twigs, branches, young trees, and shrub buds in the winter.
Instruct children not to feed the rabbits or run at the rabbits, which will frighten the rabbits and cause them to run away.
ENTRY: A LOOK BACK FROM DECEMBER 11, 2011 (Tap Water & Houseplants)
Just like animals, plants thrive best without added chemicals in their water supply. And though the concentration of chlorine in most city tap water may be low enough to not cause significant damage in most plants, we can give them chemical free alternatives.
Store bought distilled water (or water from a dehumidifier) is one choice. Another alternative is collected rainwater and/or melted snow. Well-water is also, as a rule, chemical-free if one lives in a rural setting. And chlorine is easily removed from city tap water by allowing it to sit in an open container or watering can for at least 24 hours. Over time, the chlorine dissipates into the air. People who have aquarium fish are already familiar with this simple trick. Allowing the water to sit a while also brings the water up to room temperature (tap water from the faucet is about 50º), thereby eliminating shock to the roots.
A few ‘winter watering’ tips:
Be careful not to overwater plants during these short winter days. Water most houseplants only once dry to the touch a little below the soil surface. DO NOT water your houseplants on a set schedule. This is probably the most common mistake. Many plants can go for weeks without watering this time of the year. Each type of plant has different needs and a plant’s environment oftentimes dictates when the plant needs to be watered (amount of sunlight, humidity, pot size, soil type, etc.). When watering, water thoroughly, but do not allow plants to sit in a saucer of water. Humidity during the winter months can be quite low in most people’s homes (hence browning leaf tips on many houseplants during the winter). Misting will help those plants that prefer more humid conditions. Keep succulents and cactus VERY dry during the winter. They are extremely susceptible to rot during the winter months. Cool and dry conditions also promotes flowering in many succulents.
ENTRY: DECEMBER 30 , 2015 (Scaling Down)
Each January, as I’m ordering my seeds and plants, I ponder the gardening season that lay ahead. Sometimes the thought of all the upcoming work–the planning, the clean up, the planting and the hauling–can be daunting. Each spring I plant hundreds of containers and place them throughout the yard. I have monstrous tubs of cannas, brugmansias, elephant’s ears, pineapple lilies, dahlias, salvias and so much more stored in the basement. That’s a lot of soil to be lugging around—even for a healthy 55 year old. When will the madness end?
Paging through an old issue of Horticulture magazine I came across the following poem by Virginia Bach Folger. It seems poignant as I look to the season and years ahead.
Scaling Down
No longer fifty tulips,
But just twelve, a mere dozen.
No longer bags of daffodils
To plant and then divide each year.
This insistent heart craves armfuls
Of blooms to greet spring, but my hands
Grow cold in the autumn air, moving
Somehow slowly, now less certain.
In opposite measure, my days
Move faster, crowded and compressed.
So many used and behind me
Like candle stubs, blackened and dead.
There is so much still to breathe in,
And the vast world most untasted.
I want rainbows of flowers and
Long days lying on lush spring grass.
Will a dozen flowers suffice?
The sky above turns grey from blue.
The sunset burns to empty ash.
Place armfuls on the cold dark grass.
KLEIN’S RECIPES OF THE MONTH—These are a selection of relatively simple recipes chosen by our staff. New recipes appear monthly. Enjoy!!
Dreaded among children, brussels sprouts are in the midst of a resurgence. These tasty small cabbages store rather well for reasonable periods, but are at their sweet best when eaten as soon after harvest as possible. And like many members of the cabbage family, sweetness and flavor is actually enhanced after a light frost. Brussels sprouts are delicious on their own, steamed and then tossed with butter and a little salt, but are especially scrumptious when roasted in the oven. Klein’s is happy to share these family favorites with your family. Bon appetit!
NOTE: For additional favorite brussels sprouts recipes, please visit our February 2010 newsletter @ www.kleinsfloral.com/cms/2010%20Newsletters/THE%20SAGE%20February%202010.pdf
MAPLE ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS—This recipe from the ‘Dash’ insert of the Wisconsin State Journal from January 2014 has become a new family favorite!
2 lbs. smallish brussels sprouts
3 TBS. olive oil
3 TBS. maple syrup
1 1/2 tsp. balsamic vinegar
salt and pepper to taste
Preheat the oven to 400º. Toss all of the ingredients together in a large bowl. Spread onto a large, rimmed baking sheet. Roast 25 minutes, stir and roast another 15 minutes until browning and glazed. Serves 4-6.
SAUTÉED BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH PECANS—The reviews say ‘sheer perfection’. From the Willie Street Co-op Reader from October 2014.
1/4 cup whole pecans
salt to taste
1 1/2 lbs. whole, smallish, trimmed brussels sprouts
4 TBS. butter
1 TBS. olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves chopped garlic
pepper
Preheat the oven to 400º. Place the pecans on a baking sheet and roast 6-8 minutes until browning, but not overdone. Set aside. Bring a saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the sprouts and cook on high 3-5 minutes until just soft when pierced with a paring knife. Drain and cool until able to handle and cut lengthwise. Set aside. Heat the butter and oil in a large skillet on medium high heat. Sauté the the onions until soft. Stir in the garlic and the halved sprouts. Sauté 5 minutes, stirring often until the sprouts are golden in spots. Fold in the pecans. Re-season with salt and pepper to taste. Serves 4-6.
ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS AND CARROTS—From the old PBS ‘Victory Garden’ TV show from November 2000. Simple and flavorful!
1 lb. brussels sprouts, halved lengthwise
1/2 lb. thickly, angle-sliced carrots
olive oil
salt & pepper to taste
Preheat the oven to 400º. Stir together all of the ingredients in a large bowl and spread onto a large, rimmed baking sheet. Bake 20 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Serves 4.
SPICED BRUSSELS SPROUTS—From Martha Stewart’s Everyday Food magazine, November 2010. Eliminate the lemon zest for a less lemony flavor.
2 lbs. halved brussels sprouts
3 TBS. olive oil
1 tsp. curry powder
coarse salt to taste
2 tsp. lemon zest
2 TBS. fresh lemon juice
Preheat oven to 450º. In a large bowl, toss together the sprouts, oil, curry powder and salt. Spread onto a large, rimmed baking sheet. Roast 20 minutes, stirring and rotating the pan at 10 minutes. Transfer to a serving bowl . Top with the lemon zest and drizzle with the juice. Serves 4.
BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH HAM AND LEEKES—A new and as-of-yet untried recipe from Midwest Living magazine, September 2015—but it looks pretty darn good!
2 lbs. brussels sprouts, halved if large
2 TBS. olive oil
1/2 cup diced country ham
1 large leek, halved and thinly sliced
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
3 TBS. freshly squeezed orange juice
1 TBS. cider vinegar
Boil or steam the brussels sprouts until tender crisp. Over medium high heat, saute the ham, leek, salt and pepper in hot oil for 2-3 minutes, until the leeks are just tender. Add the cooked sprouts and cook 2 minutes more until heated through. Drizzle with the juice and vinegar and serve. Serves 6-8.
NATURAL NEWS–
Monarch Migration News:
By Elizabeth Howard
The overwintering season in Mexico is now underway. The population was measured in December and predictions are promising — monarch numbers may have doubled since last year! However, watch the weather! At this coldest time of year, monarchs are at the greatest risk of mortality from deadly winter storms.
Mexican officials have confirmed the monarch’s massive arrival to the winter sanctuaries. During field trips November 6-8, clusters were found in the Piedra Herrada, El Rosario, and Sierra Chincua sanctuaries. Notably, 10 trees in the Sierra Chincua were almost completely covered with butterflies. Monarchs had been flying overhead continuously since November 7th and, with sunny skies and gentle winds predicted, conditions for migration into the region were ideal according to the November 15th press release.
“Let’s raise our glasses to toast the arrival of this healthy, strong generation of monarchs of the 2015-2016 winter season!” exclaimed Estela Romero, our local reporter in Angangueo.
Based on Journey North’s fall migration data, we predict the population will be twice as large as last year.
Based on tagging data, Dr. Chip Taylor of Monarch Watch also predicts the population will have doubled. He also notes that since conditions this breeding season were similar to those of 2011 he wouldn’t be surprised to see the population reach the level of 2011
The Backstory:
Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) of North America are renowned for their long-distance seasonal migration and spectacular winter gatherings in Mexico and California. The monarch butterfly population has recently declined to dangerously low levels. In the 1990s, estimates of up to one billion monarchs made the epic flight each fall from the northern plains of the U.S. and Canada to sites in the oyamel fir forests north of Mexico City, and more than one million monarchs overwintered in forested groves on the California Coast. Now, researchers and citizen scientists estimate that only about 56.5 million monarchs remain, representing a decline of more than 80% from the 21 year average across North America.
Sources: www.learner.org/jnorth/monarch/ & www.xerces.org
JANUARY’S PLANT OF THE MONTH:
THE PHILODENRON
By Jon VanZile
The philodendron genus contains some of the most beautiful foliage plants in the plant kingdom. Native to the tropical Americas, there are several hundred species of philodendrons, with more being added all the time. Indoors, there are two basic types of philodendrons: the climbing varieties and the self-heading, or non-climbing, types. In the wild, some of these plants can grow into massive, tree-swallowing specimens, but indoors they aren’t nearly so vigorous.
Newer hybrids have mixed the vigor and ease of the hanging varieties with the convenience of the self-heading varieties.
Growing Conditions:
—Light: Dappled, bright light, as in a tropical canopy. They can be acclimated to nearly direct sunlight in the right conditions, but they thrive in light shade.
—Water: Keep compost moist at all times and mist frequently during the growing season. Push aerial roots into the soil on climbing varieties.
—Temperature: Variable, but no philodendron likes going below about 55ºF for long.
—Soil: Rich, loose potting media. Use a moss stick or other support for the climbing types.
—Fertilizer: Slow-release pellets in the beginning of the growing season or weekly liquid fertilizer.
Propagation:
Climbing philodendron are easy to propagate from stem cuttings in a simple glass of water. Rooting hormone will increase the chances of success. Self-heading philodendron sometimes send out plantlets that can be potted up once they are larger. Philodendron rarely flower indoors.
Repotting:
Some of the philodendron varieties are extremely fast-growers, especially the climbers. Pinch off the new growth to keep the plant manageable and repot annually as needed. Repot larger self-heading varieties as needed. These kinds (esp. P. selloum and P. bipinnatifidum) can sometimes grow into very large (8 feet tall, with 2-3 foot leaves) specimens, so be aware you’ll need room.
Varieties:
—P. scandens. A very popular climber, sometimes called the sweetheart plant. It has heart-shaped leaves that are sometimes variegated.
—P. erubescens. A vigorous climber with reddish stems and leaves.
—P. melanochrysum. A stunning climber with dark, velvety leaves powdered in bronze.
—P. Rojo. A self-heading hybrid that stays small and manageable but retains its vigor.
—P. selloum. Large, self-heading plant with deeply lobed leaves. Sometimes called Lacy Tree Philodendron
—P. bipinnatifidum. Large, self-heading plant with half-lobed leaves. Sometimes called Tree Philodendron.
Grower’s Tips:
The key with philodendrons is to provide plenty of warmth, bright light and moisture. These plants are not prone to insects, and are generally vigorous growers. Feed generously during the growing season. The climbing varieties also make excellent hanging or trailing plants, and the P. scandens, or sweetheart plant, is one of the most dependable and toughest of all houseplants. Of all the philodendrons, it will survive best indoors. The varieties with velvety leaves are less tolerant of bright light and need higher humidity and warmth. Use the newer self-heading hybrids if you want to avoid climbing plants.
Source: www.about.com/homegarden
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.
Bolz Conservatory Exhibit—Chocolate: The Bitter and the Sweet
October 31, 2015 thru February 28, 2016
Daily from 10:00-4:00, Sundays 10:00-5:00
In the Bolz Conservatory
Smell the sweet allure, and learn about one of the all-time favorite flavors – chocolate! This exhibit highlights the cacao tree, first cultivated in South America. The seeds from this tree are commonly called cacao beans and are surrounded by a pod. Chocolate is derived from the cacao beans. The high proportion of fat in the bean kernels (cocoa butter) is used in medications, cosmetics, and soaps. The pulverized residue, called cocoa, is used in beverages and as a flavoring. Visit the Bolz Conservatory to see the cacao plant up close and to discover where chocolate comes from and how it is made.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave., Madison
608/246-4550 or www.olbrich.org for details.
Winter Enrichment Lecture: Tracking Bumble Bees—Lessons in Pollinator Conservation from Research and Citizen Science
Thursday, January 28, 9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Grady Tract
Presenters: Jeremy Hemberger, graduate student, Department of Entomology, and Susan Carpenter, Arboretum Native Plant Gardener. Hemberger’s research uses RFID technology to track individual bees and habitat use. Susan Carpenter will present results from the Arboretum’s citizen science project, which uses photography to document bumble bee species, floral use, and more.
The cost is $10. Registration is required for this event. Register @ https://arboretum.wisc.edu/classes/we-bumble-bees/
University of Wisconsin Arboretum
1207 Seminole Highway
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or www.uwarboretum.org for details.
Rotary Garden’s Evening Garden Seminar: Sensational Shrubbery
Thursday, January 28, 6:30-8:00 p.m
Rotary Botanical Gardens, 1455 Palmer Drive, Janesville, WI
Shrubs offer flowers, form and foliage in our gardens but all too often we are guided to a limited number of selections. Explore the diverse range of available shrubs for a wide range of garden situations and learn how they can be used for maximum impact. We will discuss proper selection and care of these important garden components as well.
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
29th Annual Orchid Quest 2016
Saturday, January 30, 10:00-5:00
Sunday, January 31, 10:00-4:00
Marriot West Conference Center, 1313 John Q. Hammons Dr., Middleton.
In the middle of winter it is so delightful to be surrounded by the colorful and exotic fragrance of the world at a handy and comfortable location. It will be the 29th year for the Madison Orchid Growers Guild to host Orchid Quest.
The Marriott conference center is the host for all the usual huge orchid displays in the exhibit area and thousands of fragrant orchids for sale from vendors. Also planned will be the growing seminars, quilts, artwork, painted porcelain, raffle, silent auction, a bistro area and plenty of advice for new orchid growers!
20+ vendors from the Midwest and East Coast will be selling their exotic blooming orchids. You will be able to find everything you need to take care of your new orchid plants including literature, growing media, fertilizer, orchid pots, and more. Come see this multidimensional show. Visitwww.orchidguild.org for more details. Tickets are $9 or $14 for the two days. Children under 12 are free. Parking is FREE at the Marriot.
23rd Annual Wisconsin Public Television Garden Expo
Friday, February 12, 3:00-9:00
Saturday, February 13, 9:00-6:00
Sunday, February 14, 10:00-4:00
Garden Expo is a midwinter oasis for people ready to venture out and dig their hands in the dirt. Now in it’s 23rd year, this three-day event celebrates the latest trends in gardening and landscaping. Join other gardening enthusiasts to share ideas, gain inspiration and create something new. All proceeds support Wisconsin Public Television.
Things to do at the Garden Expo;
-Get your hands dirty with more than 150 educational seminars, demonstrations and hands-on workshops.
-Visit with hundreds of businesses, independent contractors, nonprofits and artists to share ideas and learn about the newest in gardening and landscaping equipment and services.
-Relax with a casual walk through the central garden—courtesy of The Wisconsin Nursery and Landscape Association, Madison Chapter Inc..
-Discuss innovative gardening techniques with experts from the UW-Extention/Cooperative Extension Horticulture Team.
-Purchase seeds, tools and everything else you need to be ready when the trees bud and the ground thaws.
Tickets cost $7 in advance, $8 at the door. Children 12 and under are admitted free. Two and three-day passes are available for added savings. Advance tickets are available at Klein’s. Visit www.wigardenexpo.com for more information.
Alliant Energy Center Exhibition Hall
1919 Alliant Energy Center Way
Madison, WI 53713
608/267-3976 or www.alliantenergycenter.com
2016 Green Thumb Gardening Series
Thursdays, February 25 thru April 14, 6:30-9:30
Dane County UW-Extension Office, 5201 Fen Oak Dr, Suite 138
The 2016 Green Thumb Gardening Series will give you the practical knowledge to keep your home garden thriving! University of Wisconsin Extension educators, specialists, and local horticulture experts will provide in depth and accessible information for everyone from the novice to the experienced gardener.
—February 25: Soils & Composting (Joe Muellenberg & Lisa Johnson)
—March 3: Vegetable Garden Planning & Techniques (Claire Strader)
—March 10: Vegetables Families, Pests & Diseases (Joe Muellenberg & Lisa Johnson)
—March 17: Native Plants for Gardens & Pollinators (Frank Hassler)
—March 24: Shrub Selection & Care (Lisa Johnson)
—March 31: Wildlife in the Garden (David Drake)
—April 7: Annuals & Perennials (Lisa Johnson)
—April 14: Landscape Design (Ben Futa)
Sign up for individual classes at $20.00 each OR the complete class series for 125.00 (Includes a set of handout materials to accompany each class).
To register, please visit dane.uwex.edu/horticulture/greenthumbclasses
Dane County University of Wisconsin-Extension
5201 Fen Oak Dr, Suite 138
608/224-3700
Dane County Winter Farmer’s Market
Saturdays, January 9 thru April 9, 8:00-noon
Madison Senior Center
330 W. Mifflin
For details visit www.dcfm.org
JANUARY IN THE GARDEN—A checklist of things to do this month.
___Place your used Christmas tree in the garden for added wildlife protection.
___Inspect stored summer bulbs like dahlias, cannas and glads for rotting.
___Check for and treat for pests on plants brought in from the garden.
___Begin forcing stored elephant’s ears at the end of January.
___Keep birdfeeders full. Clean periodically with soap and water.
___Inventory last year’s leftover seeds before ordering new ones.
___Order your seeds. By ordering early, there are usually freebies & discounts.
___Start certain slow-growers like lisianthus, geraniums, pentas and bananas.
___Shop for summer bulbs like begonias, caladium, calla and elephant’s ears.
___Use the winter days to plan next summer’s garden.
___Check your garden for any plant damage from weather or rodents.
___Have trees trimmed–it’s often times cheaper and easier to schedule.
___Visit Klein’s—it’s green, it’s warm, it’s colorful—it’s always spring.
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 JANUARY:
—This is the quietest month at the greenhouse. All 10 greenhouses in our back range have been shut down to save on energy and prep them for all the spring plants that start arriving in February.
—We take advantage of the warm and sunny rooms in our front range (the retail area) to do any touch up painting or construction to ready ourselves for the spring season.
—Thousands of geranium cuttings arrive for our 5” pots and we begin planting up our geranium hanging baskets and flower pouches.
—We begin stepping our tropicals into larger pots for spring sale. This early jump gives you larger and more vigorous plants than many of our competitors.
—We spend much of our time ordering product for next summer, from plants to pottery to garden ornaments and sundries.
—We begin to access our needs for spring staffing and try to have the new people in place and trained by March 1. March and April are the busiest months behind the scenes in the greenhouse and we rely on a dedicated, hardworking team to have everything ready for the customer come May 1 and the spring onslaught.
—Hundreds of herbs for windowsill culture are thriving in the sunny, warm greenhouses . We have chosen only the best assortment for indoor growing and winter harvest. Choose from rosemary, lavender, parsley, thyme and more.
—We continue to plan and prepare for Wisconsin Public Television’s Garden Expo at the Alliant Energy Center in February by sprucing up display pieces and potting up thousands of violas, primrose, cineraria, etc. for sale at the show. This is Klein’s biggest annual event and our most important advertising.
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.
Seed Sprouter and Sprouting Seeds from Botanical Interests®
“Let Us Inspire & Educate the Gardener in You!”
From the Botanical Interests website @ botanicalinterests.com:
Introducing the Botanical Interests Seed Sprouter. Now you can grow up to 4 varieties of our healthful, delicious sprouts at once.
We designed our sprouter to work better than the rest. Our larger trays and unique removable tray dividers give you lots of options.
Do you want to grow a lot of sprouts? Our larger trays are over 6 1/2” wide and allow for bigger batches of sprouts.
Do you want to grow smaller batches of sprouts? Insert our unique removable tray dividers and grow up to 4 smaller batches. Grow 4 kinds all at the same time or start a new batch every few days and always have fresh sprouts at the peak of flavorful perfection!
There are so many fun possibilities. Mix – Match – Rotate and grow them just how you like it every time!
It’s as easy as:
1: Add seeds
2: Rinse Frequently
3: ENJOY!
Homegrown sprouts are always fresh and delicious…and a fraction of the price.
Our sprouter is great for storing your sprouts in the refrigerator, too. Just cover with the lid and keep cool. Repeated rinsing will keep your sprouts fresh, crunchy, and delicious.
Don’t forget the seeds! Choose from alfalfa, broccoli, fenugreek, mung bean, radish and more. All Botanical Interests seeds are certified organic and non-GMO.