March 1, 2016 Newsletter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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. 

 

 

We would like to thank all of you for making the Wisconsin Public Television Garden Expo at the Alliant Energy a great success for us at Klein’s this past February.  Your feedback and support were above and beyond.  Attendees commented often that they appreciated the burst of spring we brought to the expo with our spring blooming plants and fresh herbs.  

 

We also welcome all of you who newly subscribed to our monthly newsletter at the show. The Garden Expo is Klein’s biggest gardening event of the year.  We enjoy talking with all of you and sharing our love of gardening with you.  

 

 

Monday thru Friday :  8:00-6:00

Saturday:   9:00-5:00

Sunday:         10:00-4:00

 

Open Easter Sunday, March 27, 10:00-4:00.

 

 

 

March 13–Daylight Saving Time Begins.

 

March 17–St. Patrick’s Day.  From shamrocks to green carnations–we have it!

 

March 20–First Day of Spring!!!!  It’s still too early to plant, but you’ll notice spring bulbs peeking through the cold soil, trees buds bulging and maybe even that first robin.  Keep in mind that Madison’s average last frost date is May 10 so there’s usually still lots of cold and snow to come. 

 

March 20—Palm Sunday

 

March 23–Full Moon

 

March 25–Good Friday

 

March 27–Easter Sunday, Klein’s will be open 10:00-4:00.

 

April 1–April Fool’s Day

 

 

 

The following information is from the Society of American Florists website at www.aboutflowers.com

 

Spring flowers include: tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, iris, daisies, lily of the valley, violets, pansies, lilies, mini carnations, gerbera daisies, pussywillow, and flowering branches such as forsythia and cherry blossoms.

 

Potted plants in season include: tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, azaleas, Easter lilies, daisies, violets, and kalanchoe.

 

•Decorate your brunch table with votive candles interspersed among several vases of spring blooms. Guests can each take home a small vase as a party favor.

•Surprise your guests with corsages and boutonnieres to wear to religious services.

•Line your entryway with beautiful blooming spring plants. A wreath of spring flowers on your front door is a fabulous finishing touch.

•Decorate each place setting at your table with a different flower variety. Include each variety in a vase for your table centerpiece.

•Garnish hors d’oeuvre trays with spring flowers.

•Ask your florist to make a design in a teapot or a cluster of teacups. Or place a small bloom on each saucer when serving tea.

•Fill a traditional wicker basket with mixed spring flowers to use as a centerpiece. Or place blooms among the eggs in your Easter basket. For a charming effect place smaller baskets and candles next to the flowers. This can also be done with clay pots.

 

Easter/Passover accounts for 10 percent of the floral purchases made for holidays.

 

Holiday Ranking (Based on consumer purchases of fresh flowers and plants for holidays at all outlets in dollar volume.)

Christmas/Chanukah–30%

Mother’s Day–25%

Valentine’s Day–25%

Easter/Passover–10%

Thanksgiving–5%

 

Flowering and green houseplants–46%

Outdoor bedding and garden plants–28%

Fresh Flowers–26%

 

Lilies–52%

Other (such as 4% azaleas, 2% African Violets)–48%

 

Mixed flowers–34%

Daffodils/Iris/tulips–15%

Roses–9%

Carnations–8%

Chrysanthemums/daisies–5%

Lilies–5%

Orchids/tropicals–1%

Other flowers types (breakdown not available)–23%

 

Women–74%

Men–26%

 

Self–27%

Gift–73%

Mother–27%

Spouse/significant other–18%

Friend–11%

Daughter/son–8%

Other relative/other–36%

 

Data collected by IPSOS-Insight FloralTrends Consumer Tracking Study, 2005.

 

According to the National Animal Poison Control Center, certain types of lilies can cause renal failure in cats that have ingested any part of the lily.  While the poisonous component has not yet been identified, it is clear that with even ingestions of very small amounts of the plant, severe kidney damage could result. The Society of American Florists recommends keeping lilies out of the reach of cats. It is important to note that lilies do not pose a problem for other pets or humans.

 

 

 

 

Hi Nisa,

Epiphyllums (orchid cactus) are among my very favorite blooming plants.  Their huge blooms are something to behold.  Though called a ‘cactus’, like holiday ‘cactus’, it is tropical or subtropical in nature.  I have 6 different epiphyllums that I have collected over 20 year period.

 

From my personal experience, epiphyllums thrive best in the following conditions:  In a semi-shady to rather shady outdoors during the summer months and then in a cool, dry, bright location during the winter months.  The cool temperatures, dryish soil and short days typically send my plants into bloom beginning in late April and lasting through mid-June.  Once finished blooming, they continue to grow and thrive for the rest of the summer in their shady location.  Sun will scald their flat, paddle-like leaves.  The scald won’t kill them, but it’s not very attractive and will endure until those leaves are removed.  I bring my plants back indoors only once nighttime temps are nearing freezing; usually late September here in Madison.

 

For the winter, I place them in a very cool and bright location.  Epiphyllums do not need to be fertilized during the winter months.  I use a very dilute fertilizer when watering them during the summer months. I water them rather freely during the summer months; cutting back drastically to once per month during the dead of winter.

 

Like many plants, epiphyllums bloom and bloom best (in addition to the time of the year) when potbound and stressed (dry).  The fact that yours were repotted just this past summer could have set them back a year or two while they are rooting out into the new soil.  Mine are all in there original 8″ clay pots from the late 1990’s!

 

My advice is to remain patient and make sure you’re not overwatering during the winter months (especially now that there’s more soil to hold the moisture).  In March, begin increasing the watering and begin with a dilute fertilizer.  Most importantly, move your plants outdoors in the summer months to a shady and protected location where they can receive natural rainwater.  Your plants should rebound quite nicely!

 

If still in doubt, don’t hesitate to bring one of your plants in to Klein’s to have us take a look at it.  As an example, people oftentimes repot their plants into the wrong type of potting soil.  Like I said at the beginning, though called a ‘cactus’, epiphyllums are tropical and require a somewhat richer and more water retentive soil than cactus soil.

 

Please note that one of my very favorite sources for orchid cacti is Logee’s www.logees.comGreenhouses.  Orchid cacti are seldom available at retail outlets and at that supply and color choices are very limited. 

 

Thanks for your question,

Klein’s Mad Gardener

 

 

 

Literally, phenology refers to “the science of appearance.” In the simplest terms, phenology is the study that measures the timing of life cycle events in all living things.

 

Have you ever noticed that some natural events, such as bird migration or flower blooming, occur on different calendar dates each year, but always happens in a predictable pattern relative to the weather and other seasonal events? Phenology is the study of the timing of natural events in relation to weather.

 

The calendar indicates spring begins on the vernal equinox, March 20. In Wisconsin there is no such thing as a “normal” weather year. There are usually extremes during at least one season out of every year. It is for this reason that the solar calendar is often not the most accurate indicator of natural events.

 

Because many factors such as latitude, altitude, and the buffering effects of large bodies of water affect climatic conditions, regional differences occur in all biological events. Because of the wide range of variability in climate, scientists look elsewhere to predict natural events. This area of science is called phenology.

 

Phenology can be defined as the timing of natural living processes with weather events. The return of various migratory songbirds, the blooming of wildflowers and woody landscape plants, and the development of local populations of insects are all examples of phenological events which are easily observed each spring in any location. Phenology observes the relationship between 1) discrete natural events, 2) events and the season, 3) events and local weather conditions, and 4) events and climatic changes. Records of such natural events over a period of several years are helpful in determining climatic changes as well as any shifts in native plant or animal populations.

 

Until the early 1900’s, phenology was frequently used to predict when certain life events were expected to occur. The father of plant taxonomy, Carl Linnaeus, was one of the first people to begin recording phenological observations. In Wisconsin, Increase A. Lapham and Aldo Leopold kept detailed records of natural events.

 

In 1959, a number of people with a common interest in phenology met in Madison to discuss ways of systematically collecting phenological data. It was from this interest that the Wisconsin Phenological Society was born. The first meeting of this new society was held in January 1961. The initial response to the membership drive was outstanding. During the early years, membership was consistently above 500. Some of the early activities of the Wisconsin Phenological Society include the observation of phenological events on the common lilac, emergence of promethea silkmoth (Callosamia promethea), and the freezing and thawing dates of Wisconsin lakes. On a larger scale, Wisconsin phenological observers participated in the lilac plant survey in the northeastern United States.

 

Some common events gardening phenologists keep track of are the dates of the first and last frosts, when the ground freezes and thaws, the best time to hunt morel mushrooms, the planting and blooming of herbaceous and woody landscape plants and the emergence of insect pests. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “plant corn when oak leaves are the size of a squirrel’s ear”. We all know that planting corn has nothing to do with oak leaves or squirrel’s ears but over time, farmers have learned that when oak leaves have reached this size, the soil is warm enough for corn seed to germinate without rotting in the soil. This holds true for all warm-season annual plants.

 

Crabgrass, the bane of many gardeners, germinates when the soil temperature at 4″ stabilizes at 55°F. Although it is difficult to correlate soil activities with ambient temperature, this soil temperature correlates roughly with when the common lilac is in the early bloom stage. This is important to know if you plan to apply an herbicide to prevent crabgrass seed from germinating. Too early or late an application will miss the window of opportunity and you’re left with only mechanical tools (cultivation) with which to control this weed.

 

In some years, weather patterns put spring into a state of suspended animation, with spring-flowering bulbs putting on a spectacular show for weeks. But in other years spring seems non-existent with bulbs and wildflowers rushing through bloom because of warmer than normal temperatures.

 

Another area where phenology is useful in gardening is in the prediction of insect pest problems. Because insects are cold-blooded, their growth and development is directly correlated with weather conditions, particularly temperature. Plant-feeding insects have evolved closely with their host plants and therefore there is a similar developmental period between the two. By monitoring plant development, which is characterized by distinct life stages, you can also monitor insect development. For example, Eastern tent caterpillar (Malacosoma americanum) egg hatch coincides with bud break on flowering crabapple and wild plum – their most common host plants. Looking for, and controlling, tent caterpillars at this early stage is much more successful than waiting until they have defoliated your plant.

 

Allergy sufferers will also find phenology useful. Allergies to plant pollen are often seasonal. Exact times of allergic reactions will vary depending on the weather and the rate of development of the offending plant. Trees typically pollinate in May while grasses are troublesome in June. Ragweed (Ambrosia spp.) typically doesn’t become a problem until August. But in a warm year, blooming may occur earlier than the norm so that sneezing and itching eyes starts earlier too.

 

Phenology can be more than just a hobby for gardeners, it can become a way of connecting better with nature. For centuries farmers have relied on the signs of the seasons to help them grow a crop. You too can use phenology to develop your own calendar and grow a beautiful garden. Observers are very important to the continued collection of phenological data. If you’re serious about becoming a phenological observer, the Wisconsin Phenological Society and USA National Phenology Network offer advice to help you with your observations, and ways to contribute to larger collections of data.

 

Source:  The Wisconsin Master Gardener website @ wimastergardener.org posted March 11, 2013 

 

 

 

Growing up in rural eastern Wisconsin, one of my family’s, friends’ and school’s favorite day excursions was to the big city, Milwaukee, just 60 miles or so to the south of my hometown.  Favorite memories from those visits include the Milwaukee County Zoo, the museum, the breweries, Summerfest, oodles of Brewers games and, of course the “three domes” at Mitchell Park.  The tropical and desert domes were my first experience in those seemingly alien environments.  Family and friends often had to test their  patience as I dillly-dallied amongst the plants in those giant terrariums.  When there, I became Bruce Dern from ‘Silent Running’; one of my very favorite books and movies from the early 1970’s.  Set in space (and in similar domes), Bruce was the single person who could save all remaining plants from human stupidity and greed.

 

Jumping ahead 40 years, the Mitchell Park domes are apparently in bad need of repair.  They are literally crumbling.  The following portions of news articles by Lee Bergquist and Chris Foran recently appeared in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (www.jsonline.com)

 

“An engineering study of the Mitchell Park Domes has concluded the cost of refurbishing the deteriorating south side landmark could range between $65 million and $75 million, County Executive Chris Abele said Monday.

 

The beehive-shaped structure at 524 S. Layton Blvd. would have to be entirely reconstructed if officials decided to move ahead with repairs of the conservatory, which has attracted millions of visitors over the years.

 

The Domes were closed over the weekend to protect the public and employees from potentially falling debris after officials closed one of the three glass structures that houses desert plants on Jan. 28.

 

All three will remain closed until temporary repairs can be made. The county has already started notifying wedding parties and representatives for other scheduled events that the venue, for now, won’t be open, and is trying to find alternate accommodations.

 

At a news conference at his office, Abele said a short-term, labor-intensive fix would begin soon — perhaps in two weeks — to wrap thousands of spots to prevent more concrete from falling.

 

He estimated the cost as “in the big six figures,” but he could not say when those repairs would be finished. The county will have a better idea in the next few weeks, he said.

 

The wrapped areas could last as long as “double digits,” referring to years, Abele said, but the repairs would not be a long-term solution.”

 

“They, the Domes, were such a symbol of the future that the president’s point person on the environment compared them to America’s premier space-age icon.

 

The Mitchell Park Domes, first lady Ladybird Johnson said at a dedication ceremony on Sept. 21, 1965, are “Milwaukee’s exciting new astrodomes for nature,” according to a Milwaukee Sentinel story on Sept. 22, 1965, chronicling her visit.”

 

The Mitchell Park Conservatory has been part of the Milwaukee scene since the first conservatory was built in 1898. The original conservatory exhibited flowers in a “greenhouse” setting and served the public until 1955. Because it was determined to be unsafe and impractical to repair, the conservatory was demolished.

 

A design competition, won by a local architect, produced the plans for the new conservatory. Donald Grieb’s winning entry called for three beehive-shaped (not geodesic) glass domes, 140 feet in diameter at the base and 85 feet high, offering 15,000 square feet of growing space for plant display. Each dome would have a distinct climate and exhibit plants in a naturalistic setting. These are the Desert, Tropical, and Floral Show domes.

Construction began in 1959 and proceeded in stages. The total cost was $4.5 million when it was completed in 1967.

 

 

 

A customer of ours emailed us today telling us that leaf mulch sales are being suspended this year due to invasive jumping worms.  I thought I’d pass on this information to you,

 

From Olbrich Botanical Garden’s website @ www.olbrich.org

 

Olbrich Botanical Gardens is suspending the sale of leaf mulch. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has recommended that leaves not be spread through Dane County due to the possibility of spreading invasive jumping worms.

The DNR has identified that invasive jumping worms are increasing in Wisconsin, including in Dane County and we are committed to reducing the spread of this invasive species.

 

Jumping worm cocoons have been found to survive the winter in Wisconsin and can be spread through soil, compost, and mulch (hardwood and leaf).

 

This decision to suspend our leaf mulch sales was made with significant input from the Wisconsin DNR, the City of Madison, and other invasive species experts.

 

Olbrich Botanical Gardens is committed to sustainable gardening methods and following the best practices of invasive species management as outlined by the Wisconsin DNR.

 

And from the DNR website @

 

Jumping worm is an invasive earthworm native to East Asia. This active and damaging pest was found in Wisconsin in 2013. It is known and sold under a variety of common names including crazy worms, Alabama jumpers and snake worms.

 

The name speaks for itself! They slither and thrash when handled and behave more like a threatened snake than a worm. Jumping worms can be 1.5 to eight inches long. The narrow band around their body (clitellum) is cloudy-white and smooth, unlike other species which have a raised clitellum. A jumping worm’s clitellum will also completely circle the body.

 

Jumping worms change the soil by disrupting the natural decomposition of leaf litter on the forest floor. They turn good soil into grainy, dry worm castings (poop) that cannot support the understory plants of our forests. In residential and urban areas they can also harm ornamental plantings and turf.

 

Jumping worms reproduce and spread quickly, so it’s extremely important for us to learn where they are in Wisconsin and help slow the spread. Use the jumping worm identification card [dnr.wi.gov/topic/forestmanagement/documents/pub/FR-550a.pdf] and brochure [dnr.wi.gov/topic/forestmanagement/documents/pub/FR-550.pdf] and watch for this pest. Report finds to invasive.species@wi.gov.

 

Follow these simple steps to reduce the spread of jumping worms. These “best management practices” are also listed on the jumping worm brochure [PDF]:

 

•educate yourself and others to recognize jumping worms;

•watch for jumping worms and signs of their presence;

•ARRIVE CLEAN, LEAVE CLEAN – Clean soil and debris from vehicles, equipment and personal gear before moving to and from a work or recreational area;

•only use, sell, plant, purchase or trade landscape and gardening materials and plants that appear to be free of jumping worms; and

•only sell, purchase or trade compost that was heated to appropriate temperatures and duration following protocols that reduce pathogens.

 

 

For those of you who are wishing for a touch of spring and longing to get into the garden, perhaps this video we previously posted in January 2012, titled ‘Life of Flowers’, will tide you over.  In all honestly, I believe Klein’s sells at least one variety of nearly every flower shown in this video at some point during the year.  Sit back and enjoy!

 

 

 

 

KLEIN’S RECIPES OF THE MONTH—These are a selection of relatively simple recipes chosen by our staff.  New recipes appear monthly.  Enjoy!!

 

Needless to say, it would be difficult to find a person who doesn’t enjoy pizza in one of its many incarnations; be it thin crust, thick crust, pan-style, stuffed, on flatbread or as pizza bites.  Ingredient choices are probably more diverse than in any type of food:  from vegetables to fruit to meat or seafood…you name it!  The following are a few of Klein’s very favorite pizza ideas and ingredients. 

 

 

AN ANGELIC PIZZA—A light, thin and crispy piece of heaven that not only makes a fantastic quick dinner idea but a delightful non-dairy and vegetarian appetizer.  The toppings are equally divided on the two flatbreads.  Pizzas can be made ahead of time and kept refrigerated. 

1 package Angelic Bakehouse 12” Flatzza crusts (2/pkg.)

your favorite pizza sauce (our staff member recommends 1x 15 oz. can Pastorelli original)

olive oil

garlic powder

1 medium onion, chopped

1 smallish sweet bell pepper, chopped

1/4 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)

1x 6.5 oz. jar marinated artichokes, drained and well chopped (Roland’s grilled recommended but any will do)

1/2 cup chopped kalamata or black olives

1x 10-12 oz. pkg. chopped frozen spinach, thawed and well drained

Italian seasoning

 

Ahead of time, sauté the onion, pepper and mushrooms in a little olive oil over lowish heat until caramelized. Set aside to cool.  Preheat the oven to 400º.  If using a pizza stone (recommended method) place the stone in the oven to preheat.  Place one of the crusts on a large cutting board.  Brush the top lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with a dusting of garlic powder.  Now spread with half of the sauce (about 3/4 cup).  Top evenly by hand with half of the sautéed vegetables.  Next top evenly with half of the marinated artichokes and half of the olives.  Top evenly with half of the well-drained spinach.  Sprinkle with Italian seasoning.  Set aside and repeat with the remaining ingredients. Either place the prepped pizza on a pizza pan or on the hot  pizza stone and bake 8-10 minutes until at desired crispiness being careful not to burn.  Makes 2 12” pizzas.   

 

BEST WHOLE WHEAT PIZZA CRUST—This perfect pizza crust recipe yields enough for 2 12” pizzas.

1 cup lukewarm water

1 pkg. active dry yeast

1 cup white flour

1 TBS. nutritional yeast (or brewers yeast)

1 TBS. soy flour (or whole wheat if n.a.)

1 tsp. salt

1 Tbs. oil

2 cups (approximately) whole wheat flour

 

Sprinkle the yeast over the water and stir in the 1 cup white flour.  Mix in the nutritional yeast, soy flour, salt and oil.Stir in the remaining flour until a workable dough is formed.  Knead until smooth and elastic, about 10-15 minutes.  Place the dough in a lightly oiled mixing bowl and turn the dough so all parts are oiled.  Cover with a damp towel.  Let rise in a warm place until more than doubled in size, 1 1/2 – 2 hours.  Punch down, cover with the towel and refrigerate until needed or cold.  

 

Divide the dough evenly into two balls.  On a lightly floured surface and with a floured rolling pin, roll the balls into 12” circles.  Place the rolled crusts onto well greased baking sheets or pizza pans, turning the edges up slightly.  Brush each crust lightly with oil.  Preheat the oven to 425º.  Top each pizza as desired with sauce, veggies of choice, cheese, etc. and bake 20-25 minutes or until the crust is at desired doneness. 

 

LOIS’ (MOM’S) HOMEMADE PIZZA CRUST—Pizza night at home watching the Brady Bunch and the Partridge Family remains a favorite family memory to this day.

1 1/2 cups warm water

1 TBS. active dry yeast

2 TBS. olive oil

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

2 cups white flour

 

Combine the water and the yeast and let stand 5 minutes. Add the rest of the ingredients and knead 10-15 minutes to form a a workable dough.  Place in a bowl, cover with a towel, place in a warm place and allow to rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.  Roll into two equal crusts on a floured surface and with a floured rolling pin.  Preheat the oven to 375º.  Top each crust with your favorite sauce (mom liked jarred spaghetti sauce like Ragu or Prego) and favorite toppings.  Bake 20-30 minutes until the crust is at desired doneness.

 

HOMEMADE PIZZA SAUCE—The perfect amount for two 12” pizzas.  This easy and delicious recipe appeared in the September 2006 edition of Cooking Light magazine.  It freezes very well for storing multiple batches.

olive oil

1/4 cup chopped onion

1 clove minced garlic

1/4 cup white wine

2 TBS. tomato paste

1 tsp. dried oregano

1/8 tsp. pepper

1x 14.5 oz. can crushed tomatoes

1 tsp. dried basil

1/2 tsp. balsamic vinegar

 

Heat the oil in a saucepan and sauté the onion over medium high heat until tender.  Add the garlic and sauté 30 seconds longer.  Stir in the wine and cook 30 seconds. Add the paste, oregano, pepper, tomatoes and basil.  Reduce the heat and simmer 20 minutes or until thick.  Off heat, stir in the vinegar.  Makes 1 1/3 cups.

 

EASY PIZZA SAUCE—This recipe appeared in Better Homes & Gardens magazine in February 2012.  No cooking involved!!  How’s that for easy?!

1x 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes

1 1/2 tsp. red wine vinegar

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. dried basil

1/4 tsp. dried oregano

1/4 tsp. dried thyme

1/4 tsp. pepper

1/4-1/2 tsp. salt

1/4-1/2 cups water

 

Whisk together all ingredients except the salt and the water.  Taste, then whisk in 1/4 cup water and salt to taste.  Add more water only to reach desired consistency.  Reseason as desired.  Makes 3 cups.

 

PIZZA PRONTO—A favorite summer appetizer from 365 Great Barbecue & Grilling  Recipes by Lonnie Gandara 

4x 6” pita breads

2 TBS. olive oil

1/2 cup favorite pizza sauce, jarred or fresh

1/2 lb. crumbled feta

1/4 cup chopped black olives

 

Prepare a medium-hot fire for charcoal grills or set a gas grill to low for direct grilling. Brush both sides of the pita breads with olive oil.  Spread the sauce on one side of each bread, then top with cheese and olives.  Place the prepped pizza on the oiled, heated grill 4-6” from the coals or at low heat for gas.  Grill until the topping is hot and the crust nicely browned, about 4-5 minutes, watching closely.  Cut each into quarters.

 

The recipe also works nicely with using mozzarella or provolone instead of feta for a more traditional pizza.  If desired, replace the olives with chopped mushrooms and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.  

 

 

 

 

Are you dreaming of spring and signing up for your 2016 CSA share? Have you heard of CSA and want to learn more about it? Do you long for a closer connection to your food and community?

 

FairShare’s 24th Annual CSA Open House is scheduled for noon-4 p.m. Sunday, March 13 at Monona Terrace, 1 John Nolen Drive in Madison. More than 35 farmers who deliver shares to the greater Madison area will be in attendance to answer your questions and share information about their farms. Learn how CSA works and how to make the most  of your CSA shares at free workshops throughout the event.

 

This year, in addition to our farmers, many local food producers will also be sampling and selling their products. This event is also the same day as the Natural Family Expo, held downstairs at Monona Terrace.

 

Watch for FairShare’s 2016 CSA Guide in the Isthmus on Thursday, March 3. It lists all 59 FairShare-endorsed farms across Southern Wisconsin and includes farm descriptions, share types, and pick-up locations, with infographics on how to select a farm that’s a good fit.

 

For more information about the CSA Open House, or to sponsor the event or participate as a local producer or food-related non-profit organization, please contact Julie Garrett at julie@csacoalition.org.

 

From the Madison Area Community Supported Coalition website @ www.macsac.org/index.html

 

“CSA is a unique social and economic arrangement between local households and farmers who work together to share the responsibility of producing and delivering fresh food. Households support the farm by paying an annual fee in the winter or spring that entitles them to a “share” of the season’s harvest. Once harvesting begins, members pick-up a weekly box of fresh foods which may include produce, fruits, cheeses, eggs, meats, poultry, flowers, herbs or preserves. Pick-up sites are often located at a member’s house or at the farm. Most farms create a newsletter that accompanies each delivery with notes about farm activities, descriptions of what’s in the delivery, cooking tips and recipes. Many farms also create opportunities for their members and families to visit the farm and participate in farm events. The typical CSA season in Wisconsin runs from the end of May through mid-October. Farms offer a diversity of share options including extended season shares, multiple share types and sizes, and special funds and payment plans to accommodate households on a tight budget. CSA farmers use sustainable and organic methods to produce high quality to reduce the impact of agriculture on the environment. 

 

The goals of CSA support a sustainable agriculture system which provides farmers with direct outlets for farm products and ensures fair compensation.

•Encourages proper land stewardship by supporting farmers in transition toward low or no chemical inputs and utilization of energy saving technologies.

 

•Strengthens local economies by keeping food dollars in local communities.

 

•Directly links producers with consumers allowing people to have a personal connection with their food and the land on which it was produced.

 

•Makes nutritious, affordable, wholesome foods accessible and widely available to community members.

 

•Creates an atmosphere for learning about non-conventional agriculture, animal husbandry, and alternative energy systems not only to the farmers and their apprentices, but also to members of the community to educators from interdisciplinary study, and to students of all ages.”

 

Most Madison area heath plans  give preventative wellness rebates to their members who are also members of local CSA farms.  These rebates can drastically lower the costs for CSA members making your support of a local CSA farm far more affordable.  For complete details about wellness rebates, simply click on www.macsac.org/rebates.html.

 

 

 

 

 

Succulent plants are easy to love. Their ease of care, sunny dispositions and moderate growth habits make them perfect for warm seasons outdoors or well lit interiors. The Echeveria succulent plant is just such a specimen, thriving on brief periods of neglect and low water and nutrients. Echeveria care is practically foolproof and grows well in either containers or toasty garden beds. The many varieties and colors of Echeveria plants provide wonderful tones and texture for mixed beds and pots.

 

Echeveria spp. stem from thick-leaved rosettes. The leaves are fleshy and have a waxy cuticle on the exterior. Often the leaves are colored and a firm touch can mar the skin and leave marks. The Echeveria succulent plant is slow growing and usually doesn’t exceed 12 inches in height or spread.

 

Native from Texas to Central America, the plants prefer desert conditions, but will tolerate periods of moisture as long as they are allowed to dry out before applying more water. Growing Echeveria in an unglazed clay pot, which will allow water to evaporate, is ideal. Otherwise, they need full sun and well drained soil.

 

There are 150 cultivated varieties of the plants, one of which is probably right for you.

 

These easy little succulents produce offsets or baby plants nestled against the mother rosette. These are easy to separate and grow. Just pull the little rosette away and replant in a cactus mixture or homemade blend of equal parts sand, topsoil and compost.

 

You can also start new plants from leaf cuttings. Simply lay the leaf on the surface of the soil. It will root within a few weeks and soon a small rosette will grow next to the rooted leaf. The leaf will dry up and crumble off of the new plant.

 

The most important part of good Echeveria care is watering. The biggest issue with the succulents is overwatering. Provide moderate amounts of water in the hot, dry season. Let the soil dry out completely before you irrigate again. Potted plants should not be left in a wet saucer. Soft rots and root rot issues occur when the plant is too wet.

 

The only other issue of concern is the mealybug. Their feeding behavior can seriously minimize the plants vigor.

 

Situate the plants in full sun and mulch around them with gravel or sand to help prevent weeds and conserve moisture.

 

Protect the plants from freezing temperatures and store potted plants indoors in winter. The plants do not need pruning, but you may pinch off damaged or errant growth as needed.

 

The sheer variety of these plants and other succulents means they lend themselves well to group displays. Potted displays with several varieties or different types of succulents and cacti make attractive additions to the home interior or exterior. Mix and match colors and sizes for unique settings.

 

Put the larger varieties in the center and the trailing or shorter types at the edges. Continue general care instructions for Echeveria, which will also work for most other types of succulents.

 

 

Please Note that Klein’s currently has an enormous selection of echeveria and other succulents and cacti in 4” pots in all shapes and sizes.  Shop now while selection at its best.  And make sure to check out our collection of Sonya’s super-creative succulent gardens to inspire the artist in you!  We carry not just the plants, but all the little do-dads to personalize your creation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thursdays, March 3 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.

 

 

—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).

 

Dane County University of Wisconsin-Extension

5201 Fen Oak Dr, Suite 138

 

 

Saturday, March 5, 8:00-4:00

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

 

Capture the first signs of spring with a colorful and classic primula at the Primula Sale at Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Take home a rainbow of primroses in striking purple, red, yellow, orange, and pink, all grown from seed in Olbrich’s greenhouses.

 

These primulas are hardy and will bloom year after year in your garden. Often one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, some primulas also bloom again in the fall when the weather becomes cool. Primulas are cool weather perennials that do best when planted in the ground. They make wonderful gifts, so purchase them for your friends and yourself!

 

Olbrich’s primulas are grown in fiber pots instead of hard plastic pots. The fiber pots are “compostable, not plantable,” meaning that the primulas must be taken out of the pot and planted in the ground or a container. Then the fiber pot can be added to your compost bin.  All proceeds from the sale benefit the Gardens.  Plants are $5.00 each.

 

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

3330 Atwood Ave., Madison

608/246-4550 or www.olbrich.org for details.

 

 

March 5 thru March 20

Daily from 10:00-4:00

In the Olbrich Atrium

 

Immerse yourself in the splendor of spring!

 

Meander through an array of spring flowers and leave the stark winter landscape behind. Relish in the fragrance of hyacinths and admire the delicate petals of elegant tulips and the sunny hues of brilliant daffodils.

 

Admission:  $3 for adults 13 & up, $2 for children 3-12, children 2 and under are free. Proceeds benefit Olbrich Gardens.

 

Select flowers from the show will be available for purchase on Monday, March 21, 12:00-3:00.

 

Olbrich Botanical Society members are the first to glimpse the beauty of spring in this indoor exhibit of spring blooms from 8-10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 5. Enjoy the invigorating colors and scents of spring bulbs, trees, and shrubs, and then enjoy music and light refreshments in the Evjue Commons.

 

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

3330 Atwood Ave., Madison

608/246-4550 or www.olbrich.org for details.

 

 

Sunday, March 13, 12:00 – 4:00 pm

Monona Terrace 

1 John Nolen Dr., Madison, Wisconsin

 

Bring your friends and neighbors to this FREE community event, featuring a diverse array of CSA farms, workshops, kids’ activities, music, a raffle, and tasty samples of farm-fresh foods to showcase the many benefits of CSA. 

 

The Annual CSA Open House brings most of the CSA growers serving the Madison area right to one location. You can meet, mingle with, learn from, and sign up for your CSA shares right here at the Monona Terrace.

 

For more event and CSA information see our Natural News section of this newsletter or visit www.csacoalition.org

 

 

Saturday, March 19, 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

at Rotary Botanical Gardens

 

 

$65 for RBG Friends

$65 for Active Master Gardeners

$85 General Public

 

Do you LOVE gardening? Do you LOVE exploring new plant selections, arrangements and designs for your containers, borders and beds? If so, then this is the perfect Symposium is perfect for you.  Speakers and topics include:

 

by Andrew Bunting of the Chicago Botanic Garden

 

by Christina Salwitz, Personal Garden Coach and Horticulturist

by Mark Dwyer, Director of Horticulture for Rotary Botanical Gardens

 

Questions? Contact Mark Dwyer at 608/754-1779 or at mark.dwyer@rotarygardens.org

 

Rotary Botanical Gardens

1455 Palmer Dr., Janesville, WI

 

 

Tuesday, March 29, 6:30-8:30 p.m

Rotary Botanical Gardens, 1455 Palmer Drive, Janesville, WI

 

While all gardeners enjoy flowers, the importance of foliage in the garden can’t be overstated. Foliage offers a wide range of colors and textures which frequently provide a longer season of interest as well.  We’ll explore a wide range of annuals, perennials and woody plants that get a grade of A+ for excellent foliage.

 

Admission: $3 for RBG Friends members and $5 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

 

 

Saturday, April 2

From 10:00-4:00 while supplies last

 

Celebrate spring with a cheery pansy, panola, or viola grown in Olbrich’s own greenhouses. Pots of pansies are $6 each, with three plants per pot. Decorative containers are extra. Proceeds benefit Olbrich Botanical Gardens.

 

Pansies are cool weather plants that do best if planted in the ground. However, they also look great in a container, and make wonderful springtime gifts. Not only decorative, pansies are also edible and add a flash of color to dishes as a garnish. Or, try planting colorful pansies in a container with lettuce – it’s an entire salad in one pot!

 

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

3330 Atwood Ave., Madison

608/246-4550 or www.olbrich.org for details.

 

 

Saturday, April 2

From 10:00-Supplies Last

 

Celebrate spring with a blooming orchid plant. Orchid Growers Guild members will be available to answer questions. Sponsored by the Orchid Growers Guild. A portion of the proceeds benefits Olbrich Gardens. For information call 608-233-5559.

 

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

3330 Atwood Ave., Madison

608/246-4550 or www.olbrich.org for details.

 

 

Saturdays, January 9 thru April 9, 8:00-noon

Madison Senior Center

330 W. Mifflin

 

For details visit www.dcfm.org

 

 

 

MARCH IN THE GARDEN—A checklist of things to do this month.

___Pinch back over wintered geraniums one last time. Root cuttings if needed.

___Check perennials for heaving during warm spells.  Remulch as needed.

___Check for early spring bloomers like crocus, winter aconite & hellebores. 

___Begin uncovering roses by month’s end.

___Continue bringing out your cooled forced bulbs for indoor enjoyment.

___Inspect stored summer bulbs like dahlias, cannas and glads for rotting.

___Check for and treat for pests on plants brought in from the garden.

___Keep birdfeeders full.  Clean periodically with soap and water.

___Keep birdbaths full and clean for the return of the first robins & other arrivals.

___Repair and clean out birdhouses.  Early arrivals will be here soon!

___Inventory last year’s leftover seeds before ordering or buying new ones.

___Seed starting is in full swing: petunias, tomatoes, peppers and cole crops.

___Sterilize seed starting equipment and pots with a 1:16 bleach solution.

___Shop for summer bulbs like gladiolas, lilies and dahlias.

___Remove mulch & rodent protection (chicken wire) from tulip and crocus beds

___Use the winter days to plan next summer’s garden.

___March is the month to prune most fruit trees and apply dormant oil.

___Prune late summer and fall blooming shrubs.

___Do not prune spring blooming shrubs like lilacs, forsythia or viburnum.

___Begin bringing in branches for forcing: pussy willow, forsythia, quince, etc.

___As the days lengthen and new growth occurs, increase fertilizing houseplants

___Check your garden for any plant damage from weather or rodents.

___Ready the lawn mower—just a few weeks to go.

___Visit Klein’s—the showrooms are filling up with spring annuals.  Pansies, violas, calendula, cole crops & onion sets become available by month’s end.

 

 

Some of our very favorite seed and plant sources include:

 

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

 

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

 

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! 

 

Starting your own plants from seed can be both rewarding and frustrating for the beginning gardener.  From experience, it’s best to start out slow.  This eliminates some of the frustration.  Experience will gain you knowledge and confidence.  Before starting your seeds, read the packet and get a little basic information.  Some seeds are best sown directly in the garden come spring and not started indoors.  It’s best to do a little research by going on-line or purchasing a good gardening book.  The packets themselves will usually tell you whether to direct sow in the garden or how many weeks before our last frost date to sow indoors.  Our last frost date is about May 10.  Using a calendar, count back from May 10 and this will be your sow date.

 

One can start seeds on any sunny windowsill and in almost any container.  Warmth and moisture are critical in getting most seeds to germinate.   But  a few pieces of basic and inexpensive equipment purchased at your garden center and/or hardware store will help you get started and make your seed starting experience a great success.  Here is a shopping list:

 

*A heating mat–makes seeds germinate quickly and uniformly

*A few 10×20” trays without holes

*A few clear humidity domes

*A sterile seed starting mix

*A 4’ shop lamp w/ 2 fluorescent bulbs (you don’t need “gro-lights”)

   or a seed growing rack if you’d like to make an investment

*A few 10×20” trays with holes

*A few sheets of empty cell packs, e.g. 4-packs or 6-packs 

*A water mister

*A timer

*A soilless potting mix 

 

Again, following package instructions, sow the seeds, as many as you want, in a very shallow, open container, filled with moistened seed starting mix.  This container can be anything from very low or cut off dairy containers to disposable food storage containers.  Per package instructions, cover or don’t cover the seed.  Some seeds require light for germination.  Next place your seeded containers in a tray without holes, mist them till well watered and cover with a humidity dome.  Place your covered tray on the plugged in heating mat under the shop light.  Set your timer so the shop light is on for 13 hours (off for 11 hours). 

 

In a few days, as your seeds begin to sprout, remove them from under the humidity dome and place in a well-lit, warm location.  Keep your seeds and seedlings moist.   Different seeds sprout at different rates so this can take from a few days to a few weeks.  Once all your seeds have germinated, unplug your heating mat.  You can now move all of your seedlings to under the shop light still set at 13 hours.

 

Once your seedlings have 2 sets of “real” leaves it’s time to “prick them out” (transplant them).  Do this by placing a sheet of empty cell packs in a tray with holes.  The holes now become necessary for proper drainage.  Fill the cells with soilless potting mix and moisten well with the mister.  Using a pen or pencil “dibble” a hole into each of the cells.  This is where you’ll now place your seedling.  Remove the seed starting mix and seedlings as a clump from their starting containers.  Gently break apart this root ball, separating your seedlings.  The pen or pencil will come in handy as an added tool to help separate the seedlings.  Carefully place one seedling in each of the holes you put in the prepped cells.  Gently firm in with your finger tips.  Mist well to water thoroughly and place in a warm, well lit area.  Using your shop light again makes this easy.  The seedlings may seem weak and somewhat abused, but they’re very resilient and will pop back quickly.  When watering, fertilize your new plants with a very dilute solution, rather than at full rate.  By May 10 your flowers and vegetables should be ready to put in your garden and you can say that you did it yourself–beginning to end.

 

 

 

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 MARCH:  

—Transplanting is in full swing on the transplanting line in our back greenhouses.  

Employees work 8-10 hour shifts planting thousands of plugs and tiny seedlings into the cell packs you purchase in the spring.  Once planted, the flats move by conveyor and then monorail into the various greenhouses, all kept at different temperatures depending on the plant. 

 

—The greenhouses and showrooms are filling fast with thousands of hanging 

and potted plants.  We’re constantly moving product around, trying to make the best use of our limited space.

 

—By the end of the month we’re moving product outside into cold frames and 

hoop houses.  We move product that is very cold tolerant, such as pansies, dianthus, dusty miller, alyssum and even petunias.  The cold keeps them compact and pest free and hardens them off for the transition outside.  We also need the room in our ever-filling greenhouses.            

 

—Perennial plugs and bare roots arrive and are stepped up into 3 1/2”, quart and gallon sizes.  Our perennials are grown quite cold so they invest their energy into rooting out, rather than growing.  Plants remain compact.  Any remaining perennials from last season are moved outdoors from an unheated greenhouse.  

 

—Geraniums are pinched and shaped for the last time by the first week of the 

month.  Any later pinching will delay blooming too much for spring sales.

 

—Retail items are arriving nonstop for unpacking and pricing, everything from 

garden ornaments and pottery to pesticides and fertilizers.

 

 

 

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. 

 

 

Handmade in Holland

 

The right tools make all the difference.

Our reputation was built on high-quality tools made from the best materials so you can have a tool that gets the job done, gets it done right, and continues to work for you year after year.

 

The DeWit difference comes from:

•European FSC-Certified Ash Hardwood Handles

•High-Quality Swedish Boron Steel (the same steel used on a popular brand of bulldozer blades)

•Forging the Steel for Long-Lasting Strength and Durability

•Each Product comes with a Lifetime Guarantee

•With Hundreds of Tools in our Portfolio, we have a Unique Tool for Every Garden Task.

 

As gardeners, we believe in making the world a better place and playing our part in maintaining our natural resources.

 

As we designed our tools, it was important for us to consider the environment and how we could build a better tool that lasted longer using renewable resources.  And we did just that.

 

All of our DeWit tools have ash wood handles that come from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, government-controlled forests. This regulates the use of wood and the replanting of trees for a greener environment.

 

On April 1, 1898, Willem de Wit started his blacksmith company in Kornhorn, a small village in northern Holland. Today, the 4th generation of the forging family is running the company. Old-fashioned quality combined with innovative designs make DeWit tools the ultimate gardener’s choice.

 

 

 

 

Have our monthly newsletter e-mailed to you automatically by signing up on the right side of our home page.  We’ll offer monthly tips, greenhouse news and tidbits, specials and recipes. . .everything you need to know from your favorite Madison greenhouse.  And tell your friends.  It’s easy to do.  

 

Ask us your gardening questions by e-mailing us at madgardener@kleinsfloral.com.  Klein’s in-house Mad Gardener will e-mail you with an answer as promptly as we can.  The link is posted on our home page and in all newsletters.  

 

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.

 

 

Follow Klein’s on Facebook where we post updates and photos on a regular basis.

 

Join Klein’s on Twitter where we post company updates and photos on a regular basis.

 

We offer a 10% Off Senior Citizen Discount every Tuesday to those 62 and above.  This discount is not in addition to other discounts or sales.  Please mention that you are a senior before we ring up your purchases.  Does not apply to wire out orders or services, i.e. delivery, potting, etc. 

 

Plastic flower pots and garden edging can now be recycled as part of the City of Madison’s rigid plastic program. Flowerpots and edging must be free of dirt and can be placed in your green recycling bin. For more information call 267-2626 or visit www.cityofmadison.com/streets/recycling/plastic.cfm

 

 

There’s no easier way to give gorgeous blooming plants or fresh flower arrangements, month after month.  Each month a seasonal blooming plant or fresh arrangement will arrive on yours or a loved one’s doorstep.  You choose the start date and we’ll make your special delivery the very same day each month.    

 

For just $75, $150 or  $300, respectively, we’ll send 3 month’s, 6 month’s or a year’s worth of seasonal blooming plants–perhaps a bulb garden or azalea in the spring, one of our famous large geraniums or a tropical hibiscus in the summer, a chrysanthemum or Thanksgiving cactus in the fall or one of our homegrown poinsettias or cyclamen for the holidays and winter months.  Selection of the blooming plant will be based on availability.  

 

And for just $90, $175 or $350, respectively, receive one of Klein’s lovely fresh floral arrangements.  All arrangements will be seasonal and will contain only the freshest flowers.  All arrangements are Designer’s Choice, but are sure to satisfy the most discerning lover of fresh flowers.  

 

Prices include delivery within our delivery area.  Enclosure cards will accompany all gift deliveries if desired.  For delivery details visit the “Permanent Features” section of our newsletter below.  If your chosen delivery date happens to fall on a Sunday or holiday, we will deliver it on the next available delivery day.  All regular delivery conditions apply.

 

Join our Blooming Plant or Fresh Flower Club  by calling Klein’s at 608/244-5661 or  888/244-5661 or by stopping in.  We request that payment be made in full before the first delivery and prices do not include sales tax.

 

 

Klein’s Floral and Greenhouses delivers daily, except Sundays, throughout all of Madison and much of Dane County including: Cottage Grove, DeForest, Fitchburg, Maple Bluff, Marshall, McFarland, Middleton, Monona, Oregon, Shorewood Hills, Sun Prairie, Verona, Waunakee and Windsor.  We do not deliver to Cambridge, Columbus, Deerfield or Stoughton.

Current delivery rate on 1-4 items is $7.95 for Madison, Maple Bluff, Monona and Shorewood Hills;  $8.95 for Cottage Grove, DeForest, Fitchburg, McFarland, Sun Prairie, Waunakee and Windsor; and $9.95 for Marshall, Middleton, Oregon and Verona.  An additional $3.00 will be added for deliveries of 4-10 items and $5.00 added for deliveries of more than 10 items.  For deliveries requiring more than one trip, a separate delivery charge will be added for each trip.  

 

A minimum order of $25.00 is required for delivery.

We not only deliver our fabulous fresh flowers, but also houseplants, bedding plants and hardgoods.  There may be an extra charge for very large or bulky items.

Delivery to the Madison hospitals is $5.95. Deliveries to the four Madison hospitals are made during the early afternoon.  Items are delivered to the hospital’s volunteer rooms and not directly to the patients’ rooms per hospital rules.

There is no delivery charge for funerals in the city of Madison or Monona, although normal rates apply for morning funeral deliveries to Madison’s west side (west of Park St.).  Our normal rates also apply for funeral deliveries in the surrounding communities at all times.  Although we don’t deliver on Sundays, we will deliver funeral items on Sundays at the regular delivery rate. 

 

Morning delivery is guaranteed to the following Madison zip codes, but only if requested: 53703, 53704, 53714, 53716, 53718 and Cottage Grove, DeForest, Maple Bluff, Marshall, McFarland, Monona, Sun Prairie, Waunakee and Windsor.

We begin our delivery day at 8:00 a.m. and end at approximately 3:00 p.m.  We do not usually deliver after 4:00 unless specific exceptions are made with our drivers. 

Except for holidays, the following west-side zip codes and communities are delivered only during the afternoon: 53705, 53706, 53711, 53713, 53717, 53719, 53726, Fitchburg, Middleton, Oregon, Shorewood Hills and Verona.

During holidays (Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, etc.) we are able to make morning deliveries to all of the above areas. We are not able to take closely timed deliveries on any holiday due to the sheer volume of such requests.

It’s best to give us a range of time and we’ll try our absolute hardest. Orders for same day delivery must be placed by 12:30 p.m. or by 2:30 p.m. for Madison zip codes 53704 and 53714.

 

 

DEPARTMENT HEADS:  Please refer all questions, concerns or feedback in the following departments to their appropriate supervisor.

Phone: 608/244-5661 or 888/244-5661

 

Horticulturalist & General Manager–Jamie VandenWymelenberg  jamie@kleinsfloral.com

Accounts, Billing and Purchasing—Kathryn Derauf kathryn@kleinsfloral.com

Delivery Supervisor & Newsletter Coordinator—Rick Halbach rick@kleinsfloral.com

Owner, Floral Designer & Purchasing—Sue Klein  sue@kleinsfloral.com

 

 

University of Wisconsin Extension

1 Fen Oak Ct. #138

Madison, WI 53718

 

Plant Disease Diagnostics Clinic

Dept. of Plant Pathology

1630 Linden Dr. 

Madison, WI 53706

 

Insect Diagnostic Lab

240 Russell Labs

1630 Linden Dr.

Madison, WI 53706

 

U.W. Soil and Plant Analysis Lab

8452 Mineral Point Rd.

Verona, WI 53593

 

American Horticultural Society

 

Garden Catalogs (an extensive list with links)

 

Invasive Species

 

Community Groundworks 

3601 Memorial Dr., Ste. 4

Madison, WI 53704

 

Madison Area Master Gardeners (MAMGA)

 

Wisconsin Master Gardeners Program

Department of Horticulture

1575 Linden Drive

University of Wisconsin – Madison

Madison, WI 53706

 

The Wisconsin Gardener

 

Allen Centennial Gardens

620 Babcock Dr.

Madison, WI 53706

 

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

3330 Atwood Ave.

Madison, WI 53704

 

Rotary Gardens 

1455 Palmer Dr.

Janesville, WI 53545

 

University of WI Arboretum

1207 Seminole Hwy.

Madison, WI 53711

 

University of Wisconsin-West Madison

Agricultural Research Center

8502 Mineral Point Rd.

Verona, WI 53593

 

 

Children may find the bright colors and different textures of plants irresistible, but some plants can be poisonous if touched or eaten. If you’re in doubt about whether or not a plant is poisonous, don’t keep it in your home. The risk is not worth it.  The following list is not comprehensive, so be sure to seek out safety information on the plants in your home to be safe.

•Bird of paradise

•Bull nettle

•Castor bean

•Chinaberry tree

•Crocus

•Daffodil

•Deadly nightshade

•Dieffenbachia (dumb cane)

•Foxglove

•Glory lily

•Hemlock

•Holly berry

•Indian tobacco

•Iris

•Jimsonweed

•Lantana

•Larkspur

•Lily of the valley

•Marijuana

•Mescal bean

•Mexicantes

•Mistletoe

•Morning glory

•Mountain laurel

•Night-blooming jasmine

•Nutmeg

•Oleander

•Philodendron

•Poison ivy

•Poison sumac

•Pokeweed

•Poppy

•Potato

•Privet

•Rhododendron

•Rhubarb

•Water hemlock

•Wisteria

 

Below is a list of some of the common plants which may produce a toxic reaction in animals. This list is intended only as a guide to plants which are generally identified as having the capability for producing a toxic reaction.  Source:  The National Humane Society website @  http://www.humanesociety.org/

•Aconite

•Apple

•Arrowgrasses

•Autumn Crocus

•Azaleas

•Baneberry

•Bird-of-Paradise

•Black locust

•Bloodroot

•Box

•Buckeye

•Buttercup

•Caladium

•Carolina jessamine

•Castor bean

•Chinaberry tree

•Chockcherries

•Christmas berry

•Christmas Rose

•Common privet

•Corn cockle

•Cowbane

•Cow cockle

•Cowsliprb

•Daffodil

•Daphne

•Day lily

•Delphinium (Larkspur)

•Dumbcane

•Dutchman’s breeches

•Easter lily

•Elderberry

•Elephant’s ear

•English Ivy

•European Bittersweet

•Field peppergrass

•Foxglove

•Holly

•Horsechestnut

•Horse nettle

•Hyacinth

•Iris

•Jack-in-the-pulpit

•Jerusalem Cherry

•Jimsonweed

•Lantana

•Larkspur

•Laurels

•Lily of the valley

•Lupines

•Mayapple

•Milk vetch

•Mistletoe

•Monkshood

•Morning glory

•Mustards

•Narcissus

•Nicotiana

•Nightshade

•Oaks

•Oleander

•Philodendrons

•Pokeweed

•Poinsettia

•Poison hemlock

•Potato

•Rhododendron

•Rhubarb

•Rosary pea

•Sago palm

•Skunk cabbage

•Smartweeds

•Snow-on-the-mountain

•Sorghum

•Star of Bethlehem

•Wild black cherry

•Wild radish

•Wisteria

•Yellow jessamine

•Yew