July, 1 2016 Newsletter

Think you have the Most Beautiful Garden?  Perhaps all of that hard work and creativity can literally pay off by entering our Most Beautiful Garden Contest.  We invite you to submit photographs along with our entry form to Klein’s via e-mail or snail mail by September 1.  Winners are selected by our staff and will be announced on our website in early September.  Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places include gift cards for a Klein’s shopping spree.  We have a separate category for container gardens.

They say pictures say a thousand words and sometimes the most simple of designs says more than the most elaborate.  Please visit our home page in the following weeks at  www.kleinsfloral.com  for details and entry information.

KLEIN’S IS A PROUD SPONSOR OF THE 2016 OLBRICH HOME GARDEN TOUR being held Friday, July 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, July 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are $12 for Olbrich members and $14 for the general public.  Advance tickets are available at Olbrich’s Growing Gifts Shop.

Olbrich’s 2016 Home Garden Tour features seven exceptional gardens in the established neighborhoods of Nakoma and Arbor Hills.

Front yard gardens with annuals, perennials, vegetables, and fruit trees spread color and fragrance through the neighborhood. Ligularia, hellebore, and hardy begonias weave together an exceptional Japanese maple collection in a backyard plant oasis. Walk across a footbridge banked with lush grasses and vibrant irises to a captivating Asian-inspired gazebo. Wander up a secluded wooded landscape wrapping around a mid-century modern home.

Talk with homeowners, landscape designers, Master Gardeners, and other Olbrich volunteers and get tips about incorporating various garden techniques in your own home landscape!

Visit www.olbrich.org for more information and a garden sneak preview.

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.

Monday thru Friday :  8:00-6:00

Saturday:   9:00-5:00

Sunday:         10:00-4:00

Throughout July, visit Klein’s and check out our specials on annuals, vegetables, herbs, hanging baskets and containers.  Specials and selection change weekly so give us a call for the most up-to-date information at (608) 244-5661 or toll free at 888-244-5661 or on our home page @ www.kleinsfloral.com.  We pride ourselves in having the best cared for plants in even the hottest weather and throughout the month we’ll continue to offer a full selection of annuals and perennials.

July 4–Independence Day.  Special Store Hours:  10:00-4:00.  Check out special savings on most remaining annuals, herbs, hanging baskets, containers, perennials and shrubs.  Selection is excellent and quality remains top notch.  Make Klein’s your first stop en route to any Fourth of July celebration you might have.

July 8 & 9—Olbrich Garden’s 2016 Home Garden Tour.  See above for details or visit www.olbrich.org for more information.

July 19–Full Moon

Now that our growing season is in full swing, locally grown fresh flowers make up a large portion of the seasonal bouquets sold here at Klein’s.  The quality of locally grown product is unsurpassed and we are proud to work hand in hand with other members of our local business community.  The vast majority of our locally grown fresh flowers is supplied to us by Fair Field Flowers from Mt. Horeb.  For many a year now Fair Field Flowers delivery truck stops by a couple of mornings per week loaded to the brim with the freshest of fresh cut flowers.

Fair Field Flowers is a cooperative partnership of experienced producers of floral material. We provide the freshest and highest quality local and sustainably grown product available to florists and other floral retailers.

Our flowers and other unique floral materials are grown in the deep, rich prairie soils of South Central Wisconsin and distributed in Madison and Milwaukee and surrounding areas.

At Fair Field Flowers, we are serious about fresh.  We cut your flowers when you need them, at the peak of their perfection, straight into water. No overnight trips in cardboard boxes, no long waits in the sun on airline loading docks, no fumigation, middlemen, brokers or consolidators.  In Wisconsin we know Fresh.

Each flower we sell is from a plant we grow ourselves. Here. Just down the road. No fuel was burned jetting from Ecuador or Holland. No diesel consumed on the long, long haul from California or Florida. And everything is grown by folks with deep roots in the local economy and community. Local growers serving your local business, providing the freshest flowers and the best service. That’s what we mean by Local.

Our sustainable growing methods create the safest product for consumers, the healthiest conditions for our growers, and the gentlest use of our land. Instead of relying on chemical fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides, we implement crop rotations, selective cultivars, diverse cover crops, wild margins, compost-based fertilizers, and we closely monitor our crops. In addition, we use only organic inputs. That’s Sustainable.

Please visit Fair Field Flowers website at http://fairfieldflowers.biz.

Hi Leslie,

Are you meaning annual or perennial salvia?

If annual salvia (sage), the fact you say they’re becoming leggy leads me to believe that the light levels you have them in might be a little too low.  Annual salvias of all kinds, whether scarlet sage (S. splendens), mealycup sage S. farinacea), autumn sage (S. greggii) or Brazilian blue sage (S. guaranitica), are bushy by nature and should not need to be pruned at all during the summer.  Their only requirement is the occasional deadheading.  If you can, move them to a brighter location.  Prune them back lightly so they bounce back into bloom as quickly as possible. Staking them is another option.  If already located in a full sun (at least 6 hours) spot, the only other reason they may be becoming leggy might be overfertilizing.

As for perennial salvias (S nemerosa, among others), they can be clipped to about 3″ from the ground once they have finished blooming (which should be about the end of June).  Doing so promotes completely fresh growth and reblooming in about a month.  The second round of growth will not be floppy and quite bushy.  The flowers will usually be a bit smaller.

Thanks for your question,

Klein’s Mad Gardener

So far (as of the end of June), this has been a fantastic gardening season (waterwise) in the Madison area.  Rains have been generally adequate and nicely space out and stored moisture in the soil is above adequate levels.  A report in a recent Wisconsin State Journal article states that Wisconsin crops (corn, soybeans, oats, alfalfa, etc.) are currently ranked as the best in the nation.  Though moisture is adequate now, this information doesn’t necessarily mean that the rest of the summer and fall will continue with this trend.  Gardens and crops perform best when they receive about 1” of moisture per week.

Adequate moisture is an integral part of successful gardening. Established gardens generally need an inch of water a week, according to University of Illinois Extension. Thorough watering encourages deeper rooting, which is beneficial to plants because strong root systems reach more soil water and nutrients. A light daily watering actually does more harm than good. Many areas restrict lawn and garden water consumption, so it’s wise to know garden watering tips.

Know the watering needs of your garden. Young seedlings and newly seeded lawns will be more susceptible to drought than well-established lawns and gardens. Maturing vegetables or fruits need plenty of water to produce yields. Pay attention to growth stages and to the particular water needs of individual plants. For instance, watermelons need more watering than green beans. Time of year and site of planting both impact water needs. One area of a garden may require more water than another for success. Use of mulches and soil amendment with organic composts go a long way in water conservation.

Additional daily waterings are, of course, required as needed, especially during hot and windy weather.  In addition, certain plants and beds near mature trees will require extra watering.  Pines and maple trees are notorious for sucking huge amounts of water from the soil around them.

Decide which method of watering is best for a particular garden. A small container garden on a deck may only require a watering can, but that method is too laborious for a substantial garden. A hose with an adjustable spray nozzle is an option, but this, too, is time-consuming. Water sprinklers with oscillating heads are useful and can be moved around the garden where water is needed. These can be wasteful, however, as it’s difficult to be sure all areas receive the right amount of moisture. On the other hand, it’s easy to determine the needed 1” of rain when using a sprinkler by simply placing a rain gauge in the garden until the 1” level is reached. Lawn watering is particularly difficult with oscillating lawn sprinklers. A lot of the water is lost to evaporation, and it’s often difficult to reach all areas. Drip irrigation is the most efficient method and is easy to install. Drip irrigation supplies water directly where garden plants need water the most—to the root system.

Water garden plants early in the day, especially in the heat of summer, so plants are well-hydrated before wilting under a scorching sun. Afternoon watering is acceptable, but avoid watering too late in the day when water will stay on plants for long periods. Extended moisture on plants encourages disease pathogens.

Source:  www.gardenguides.com

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.

“If It’s Not ZillaGreen™ it’s Not Flexzilla®”

Testimony from a Klein’s staff member says that this is far-and-away the best garden hose she’s ever purchased!!

Flexzilla® Garden Hose was engineered with a lightweight Premium Hybrid Polymer to lie flat and eliminate kinking under pressure. It redefines flexibility, making it easy to maneuver around trees, bushes or other obstacles. Zero memory means your sprinkler stays put without twisting. And Flexzilla® Garden Hose doesn’t fight you when you coil it. Plus, with our superior O-ring you get a long-term, leak-free connection at the spigot that outlasts the competition by far. (Limited Lifetime Warranty)

Features:

Extreme all-weather flexibility

Lightweight, coils easily

No memory – lays flat

Abrasion resistant

Kink resistant core design

Bend restrictor

3/4 in. – 11 1/2 GHT fittings both ends

Crush resistant anodized aircraft aluminum male and female fittings

Max. working pressure at 70° F:150 psi

Drinking Water Safe

Source:  www.flexzilla.com

Believe it or not, one of my favorite foliage plants to use in the summer landscape is the poinsettia.  Few plants relish our summer heat and humidity as well as the poinsettia.

In my own garden, six small, almost leafless and yellowed plants left over at the greenhouse from last Christmas and planted in two large containers are now over three feet tall and equally wide shrubs that fill large spaces in my perennial beds.  I essentially have two beautiful specimen plants were there were none before.  The variety I have is called ‘Tapestry’ and has eye-catching green and gold variegated foliage.  The bright red petioles add more color to this already stunning plant.  Friends often ask what these unique looking shrubs are and where they can purchase them.  The pots they’re planted in is hidden by the perennials surrounding them so they appear to be planted in the ground.  By summer’s end, the plants are oftentimes well over four feet tall!

In order to thrive, poinsettias in the garden require a very sunny spot protected from strong winds.  The hotter the summer, the better they perform.

I usually throw out my ‘over-summered’ poinsettias at season’s end.  That said, I’ve also brought them in to Klein’s in years past to use as large display plants for the holidays.  The past few summers, however, due to inattentiveness on my part, my plants became infested with whiteflies (the most common poinsettia pest) and became unusable in the greenhouse with the new season’s poinsettias already in stock.  Given the gorgeous plants this season, maybe I’ll be a little more vigilant against whiteflies in the upcoming months.

Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is a summer-blooming phenological indicator plant.  It’s said when the first flowers of chicory open, not only do Japanese beetles first appear, but now is the right time to prevent damage from the squash vine borer as the eggs are laid.  The chicory has now just begun blooming here along the streets and medians in the Madison area…and like clockwork the Japanese beetles have arrived. Chicory is so tough, I find it growing in the cracks in my driveway and sidewalk.

If you live in the US, you have more than likely seen this bright blue flowered, slightly scraggly looking herb/weed. It grows in every part of the country, and has become so common that many of us don’t even notice it along the roadside. Chicory deserves more respect than it is given however. One of the oldest known herbal writings from the first century even mentions it. Brought to the colonies and then naturalized throughout the country, chicory is an herb that offers a bright spot in the garden, a delicious root for roasting and making a warming beverage, a delicious green for our salads (endive is a chicory) and fodder for livestock.

Chicory came to us from Europe, probably arriving with the first European settlers. Many of our common roadside weeds, including chicory, are found in every state and have long been naturalized here. A theory I’ve heard is that they may have been mixed in with the hay and bedding that was used to bring over the first animals that our forefathers brought when the colonies were established on the East coast.

The use of roasted chicory roots as an adulterant for coffee seems to be a French thing, possibly starting during the Napoleonic era when supplies of coffee were disrupted during the Revolution. In the U.S., chicory-laced coffee is found primarily in New Orleans.

The principle ingredients of chicory root are two polysaccharide, inulin and fructose. When roasted, inulin is converted to oxymethylfurfurol, a compound with a coffee-like aroma.

Some of my very favorite tropicals for the garden are the oleanders.  Though a very common perennial garden shrub in the south, oleanders grown as potted tropical annuals are a rather new phenomenon here in the north.  From personal experience, few tropicals are as durable or as easy to grow.  Give them a sunny spot and a little water and you’re good to go!!  Oleanders are extremely drought tolerant, love heat and humidity and are virtually pest-free.  In addition, they flower nearly non-stop during the summer months with clusters of super-fragrant single or double blooms in shades of red, white, yellow, pink or peach.

Here in the north, oleanders must be overwintered indoors and are very tolerant of bright cool indoor conditions.  However, any bright location indoors will do.  Some leafdrop will occur during the winter months; much like a ficus tree.  I prune mine to shape in the fall as not to waste a minute of bloom time come spring; even though much of the literature says to prune in the spring.  Whereas mine are already in bloom now, had I pruned them earlier in spring, I wouldn’t have seen flowers until maybe August or even September.  Every few years I keep some to the soft wood prunings to start new plants.  Oleanders are very easy to propagate from soft wood cuttings kept in a warm and bright location.

In my own garden, I’m using my six oleander standards as small trees to create height and definition along the path to the screenhouse and throughout the garden.  I’ve had many of these oleanders for a number of years and even pruned are at 7’ tall.  By summer’s end, they often reach 8-10‘ tall.  It’s like having a small tree where there was none before.  And because they’re potted, I can move them around the garden from year to year to change things up a bit.

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

Eating more whole grains may reduce the risk of premature death, according to a whole grains study by researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.  The study was published online June 13, 2016 inCirculation.

The whole grains study found that people who ate the most whole grains (70 grams/day, about 4 servings), compared with those who ate little or no whole grains, had a lower risk of dying during the study period.

“These findings further support current dietary guidelines that recommend at least 3 daily servings (or 48 grams) of whole grains to improve long-term health and prevent premature death,” said Qi Sun, assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition and senior author of the study.

(Mortality rate is a measure of the number of deaths in a particular population for a specific period of time.)

Previous studies have found that whole grains may reduce risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, and poor gut health, among other conditions. The researchers note that multiple bioactive compounds in whole grains could contribute to their health benefits, and that high fiber content may lower cholesterol production and glucose response and increase satiety.

The researchers recommend that people choose foods that are high in whole grain ingredients—such as bran, oatmeal, and quinoa—that have at least 16 grams per serving, while reducing consumption of unhealthy refined carbohydrates.

EDAMAME QUINOA SALAD—Fantastic, light and super-easy to make. From Better Homes & Gardens magazine, June 2014.

1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed

2 cups frozen, shelled edamame, thawed

2 cups fresh corn kernels (or frozen, thawed)

1 cup halved cherry tomatoes

1/2 cup chopped cilantro

1/2 cup fresh lime juice (juice of two limes)

4 TBS. olive oil

In a saucepan, combine the quinoa and 2 cups water.  Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover and simmer 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Set aside.  Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine the edamame, corn, tomatoes and cilantro. Add the quinoa and toss.  Add the juice and the oil and toss to coat.  Season with salt and pepper.  Serves 8.

WHEAT BERRY SALAD—Great textures and flavors—and beautiful to boot!  Suggested to make well ahead of serving for the flavors to meld.

1 cup wheat berries

1/2 tsp. salt

olive oil

1 large onion, sliced

1 small red pepper, sliced

1 small green pepper, sliced

1 small yellow pepper, sliced

3 TBS. tamari

2 TBS. chopped fresh parsley

pepper to taste

Rinse the wheat berries and place in a saucepan with the salt plenty of water. Bring to a boil and simmer 50 minutes or until tender.  drain and set aside. Meanwhile, heat a small amount of oil in a large skillet.  Sauté the onion until golden over medium heat.  Add the peppers and cook until softened. In a bowl, toss together the wheat berries and the sautéed vegetables along with the tamari, parsley and plenty of pepper.  Serves 6.

WONDERFUL BARLEY & LENTIL SALAD—This delicious recipe appeared in Cooking 1 cup green or brown lentils

1x 14 oz. can chicken broth

1 cup pearled barley

2 3/4 cups water

3/4 cup diced red onion

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup e.v. olive oil

1/2 tsp. salt

2 clives minced garlic

Combine the lentils and broth in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Stir in the barley and the water and simmer 18 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally.  Once cooked, transfer to a large bowl.  Add the onion, parsley, juice, oil, salt and garlic and stir well.  Cool to room temperature, then cover and chill.  Serves 6.

QUINOA SALAD—This summer salad has become standard picnic fare for one of Klein’s staff members. This favorite comes from AARP Magazine, August 2013.

2 cups quinoa

4 cups vegetable stock, water or a combination thereof

1 cup diced cucumber

1 cup diced tomato

half an onion, diced

4 green onions, thinly sliced

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

half a jalapeño pepper, fine chopped

6 TBS. e.v. olive oil

2 TBS. fresh lemon juice

In a pot combine the quinoa and the stock/water and bring to a boil.  Reduce to a simmer, cover and cook 10-15 minutes or more until the liquid is absorbed.  Allow the cooked quinoa to cool completely. In a large bowl toss together the quinoa and the remaining ingredients and chill.  Serves 8.

BULGAR SALAD—Again Cooking Light magazine is the source for this delightful summer salad.  It appeared in the April 2010 issue.

2 cups bulgar

2 cups boiling water

4 TBS. e.v. olive oil

4 TBS. fresh lime juice

1 tsp. salt

16 chopped basil leaves

2 cloves minced garlic

1/2 cup chopped onion

1 1/2 cups sliced green olives

2 large tomatoes, chopped

lime wedges to serve

In a large bowl, mix together the bulgar and the boiling water.  Cover and let rest 45 minutes. Combine the oil, juice, salt, basil and garlic in a bowl.  Add this mixture and the onion, olives and tomatoes to the bulgar.  Toss well and serve with lime wedges.  Serves 8.

By Jon Traunfeld from the University of Maryland Extension

“My pepper plants look terrible”; “something is eating my tomato plants”; there are brown spots all over my cucumber leaves”. These are a few of the many laments that we hear during the summer. We teach the integrated pest management (IPM) approach and the first step in IPM is correct identification of the problem. In many cases, the problem is fleeting or results in very little real injury to the plant. Gardeners can often correct or prevent problem with simple techniques- removing infected leaves or plants, hand-picking an insect pest, covering plants with a floating row cover, etc. Applying pesticides is rarely warranted in a food garden. But some pest problems can greatly reduce plant growth and harvest if not managed.

Here are two commercially available organic pesticides you may find useful if faced with significant insect and disease problems. In this context, the word “organic” simply means approved for organic farming by certifying organizations. Home gardeners can find these products at garden centers, hardware stores, big box stores, and via the internet.

When different formulations of copper are dissolved in water, copper ions are released into solution. These copper ions are toxic to fungi and bacteria because of their ability to destroy proteins in plant tissues. However, because copper can kill all types of plant tissues, the use of copper fungicides carries the risk of injuring foliage and fruit of most crops. Factors contributing to injury include: 1) the amount of actual copper applied, and 2) cold, wet weather (slow drying conditions) that apparently increases the availability of copper ions and, thus, increases the risk of plant injury.

Diseases copper will control: it’s a fungicide/bactericide and will control a wide range of common vegetable diseases including anthracnose (leaf and fruit); early blight and Septoria leaf spot of tomato/potato; bacterial leaf spot of pepper; powdery mildew, downy mildew, angular leaf spot, gummy stem blight of cucurbits. Copper fungicides have shown limited effectiveness in preventing late blight infections.

Bordeaux- copper sulfate (also known as blue vitriol or bluestone) was the original copper fungicide. When this mined material was combined with lime in French vineyards, it became known as Bordeaux mixture.

Fixed copper fungicides: following the discovery and use of Bordeaux mixture, several relatively insoluble copper compounds or fixed coppers were developed. Fixed copper formulations (e.g. tribasic copper sulfate) are available in liquid or dry form and are less injurious to plant tissues than Bordeaux mixture.

—Bonide Liquid Copper Fungicide- 10% Copper Octanoate (Copper soap); 1.8% metallic copper (Klein’s carries Bonide products.)

—Ortho Garden Disease Contro- .08% Copper Soap

—Kocide (dry/flowable or wettable powder)- cupric hydroxide (20-50% metallic copper)

—Ready-to-use (RTU) copper fungicides are also available.  Klein’s carries an RTU version from Bonide.

How to use: it is a protectant and must be applied prior to infection. It will not “cure” infections- just prevent new ones. The smaller the particle/droplet size the better. Don’t apply on very hot days and don’t over-apply. Typical rates are 1-3 teaspoons per gallon of water. The dried spray will degrade and needs to be re-applied in 7-10 days. Don’t mix with other pesticides. Cautions: although safe to use with a long storage life, copper can build up in the soil and become a contaminant- use it sparingly. It should be used as a last resort for persistent vegetable diseases.

Spinosad was developed in the mid-1990s. It’s a secondary metabolite from the aerobic fermentation of Sacharopolyspora spinosa (a naturally occurring soil microorganism). Spinosad is a nerve and stomach poison and must be ingested to kill insects. Paralysis and death occur within minutes although insects may remain on the plant for up to two days. Spinosad has limited translaminar activity, meaning it can move somewhat into leaf tissue. This makes it effective against leafminers that feed within leaves. It has very low toxicity to non-target organisms including pollinators and other beneficial insects.

Spinosad will control: caterpillars (e.g. armyworms, European corn borer, cabbageworm, corn earworm, cutworms, hornworm) and borers, thrips, leafminers, sawflies, Colorado potato beetle. Less effective on beetles and not effective against sucking insect pests such as bugs and aphids.

—Monterey Garden Insect Spray – 16 Oz. Concentrate

—Bonide Captain Jack’s Deadbug Brew Ready to Spray .5%

—Bonide Colorado Potato Beetle Beater- Concentrate .5%

—Gardens Alive- Bulls-Eye (http://www.gardensalive.com (link is external))

How to use: Only a small amount per gallon is required- about 4 tablespoons per gallon of water). It’s very important not to spray spinosad more than 2—3 times per growing season to reduce the risk of pests developing resistance to the active ingredients. Organic farmers alternate spinosad with B.t. for controlling caterpillar pests.

Source:  extension.umd.edu

The 67 species of Nicotiana hail from Australia, North America, and tropical South America. All have tubular or trumpet-shaped flowers that usually open in the evening and at night, sometimes releasing a potent fragrance. They can be used as specimen or bedding plants, in borders, woodland gardens or containers. Heights range from less than 1 foot to over 10 feet.

Nicotianas are from the Solanaceae family of plants; whose members include tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, petunias, calibrachoa, nierembergia, daturas and brugmansias, among others

Noteworthy characteristics:  Long-blooming, attractive plants with trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of green, white, red, and pastels. Some species have attractive foliage. Fairly easy to grow from seed. Contact with the hairy foliage may irritate skin.

Care:  Full sun to part shade in fertile, moist soil with good drainage. Stake plants that are not grown in sheltered locations.

Propagation:  To get Nicotianas going, you could just scatter seed in early spring, but you won’t get much of a display until August. For earlier blooms, start the minuscule seeds inside 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost date at 64°F. Seeds should be surface-sown since they need light to germinate. In 10 days or so, the seeds sprout and soon form attractive little rosettes. Leaves yellow quickly if the seedlings get hungry. Feed with a weekly draught of fish emulsion and water-soluble 20-20-20 fertilizer, using each at half strength. As the frost-free date nears, gradually acclimate seedlings to life outdoors. By early summer, nicotianas started indoors should be in bloom. Many species self-sow.

Problems:  Once up and running, plants are essentially problem-free, though aphids sometimes favor woodland tobacco, and many species are prone to slug attacks in moist, shady sites. Also possible are viruses, stem rot, stalk rot, downy mildew, damping off and root rot, as well as caterpillars, leaf miners and spider mites.

—Nicotiana alata

This short nicotiana bears fragrant, flat, star-like flowers in many colors: crimson, purple, wine, rose, pink, lime green, and white. It is a day-bloomer with uniform size and compact habit. Cultivars vary in height: from ‘Avalon’ (8-10 inches),  ‘Perfume Series’ (16-20 inches), and ‘Daylight Sensation’ (36 inches), as well as flower color and foliage. Blooms face upward or horizontally and remain open in full sun.

—Nicotiana langsdorffii (Langsdorff tobacco)

Broad, deep-green leaves nearly a foot long and panicles of flowers the color of a Granny Smith apple make this Nicotiana a great companion for many other garden plants. It looks especially handsome with dark-foliaged trees or shrubs like purple smoke bush ( Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’) or ‘Diabolo’ ninebark ( Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Diabolo’). It is also good with grasses. N. langsdorffii comes into its own as a moderator wherever colors clash. That chameleon-like quality makes this nicotiana’s propensity to self-sow most welcome; no matter where its progeny appear, they look great.

—Nicotiana sylvestris (Woodland tobacco)

This thick-stemmed annual reaches 5 to 6 feet tall, forming a large basal rosette of dark green leaves to 36 inches long. Lightly fragrant, long and tubular white flowers dangle in dense clusters from atop the tall stems. This plant starts blooming in late July or August. Flowers close in full sun.

—Nicotiana x sanderae

Ideal for adding height and interest to the garden, flowering over a very long period.   At 36” tall, this flowering tobacco has clusters of flowers with dusky rose petals, lime green backs and unusual azure pollen in the center of each flower.

Source:  www.finegardening.com

Saturday, July 2, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Habermann Park, Lodi (Follow the signs from Main St., Lodi (State Hwy 113) to Fair Street and Habermann Park.)

Featuring fine arts, crafts, music, children’s activities, and great food nestled in the shade of the trees along Spring Creek.  Free admission.

Sponsored by the Lodi Art Club

For more information, call Jeanne Kohl 608/592-4432.

Enjoy the summer evening with a concert on the Great Lawn of Olbrich’s outdoor gardens. A wide variety of music is highlighted, including jazz, folk, honky-tonk, and much more. Olbrich’s Summer concerts are Tuesdays, June 21 – July 26 at 7 p.m. with special performances August 2 and August 9. A $2 admission donation is suggested.

Olbrich Concerts in the Gardens 2016 Schedule:

(All concerts are on Tuesdays at 7 p.m.)

WYSO—Youth Orchestra

Listening Party—Alt-Folk

Bird’s Eye—Funk/Hip-Hop/Soul

 Stone Barone and the Mad Tones—Funk/R&B

Madison Public Library Summer Reading Program Concert. Performer TBA.  Open to the public

Fresco Opera-Opera Made Fresh.  Live opera performances in different locations throughout the Gardens. Stand and stroll concert viewing; no seating provided.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

3330 Atwood Ave., Madison

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

Wednesday, July 8, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

In the Longenecker Gardens

LHG curator David Stevens will share the gardens’ extensive and varied hydrangea collection and highlight other summer-flowering woody plants. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.

University of WI Arboretum

1207 Seminole Hwy.

Madison, WI 53711

608/263-7888 or uwarboretum.org/events

Friday, July 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, July 9, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Olbrich’s 2016 Home Garden Tour features seven exceptional gardens in the established neighborhoods of Nakoma and Arbor Hills.

Front yard gardens with annuals, perennials, vegetables, and fruit trees spread color and fragrance through the neighborhood. Ligularia, hellebore, and hardy begonias weave together an exceptional Japanese maple collection in a backyard plant oasis. Walk across a footbridge banked with lush grasses and vibrant irises to a captivating Asian-inspired gazebo. Wander up a secluded wooded landscape wrapping around a mid-century modern home.

Talk with homeowners, landscape designers, Master Gardeners, and other Olbrich volunteers and get tips about incorporating various garden techniques in your own home landscape!

Tickets are $12 for Olbrich members and $14 for the general public.  Tickets are available at Olbrich’s Growing Gifts Shop.

On the tour days, tickets will be available for purchase at a private home garden site starting at 9:30 a.m. on Friday and 8:30 a.m. on Saturday.

*Garden site addresses are listed on the tour tickets, which can be purchased at Olbrich Gardens prior to the tour. The garden site addresses are only published on the tour tickets to protect the homeowners’ privacy.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

3330 Atwood Ave., Madison

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

Friday thru Sunday, July 8-10, 8:00-6:00

The Madison Area Iris Society sponsors this sale of iris rhizomes, the roots that grow into iris plants. For more information call 608-271-3607.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

3330 Atwood Ave., Madison

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

Sunday, July 10, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

In the Longenecker Gardens

We will walk the trails of Curtis Prairie to see blazing stars, prairie grasses, and many sunflower species in bloom. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.

University of WI Arboretum

1207 Seminole Hwy.

Madison, WI 53711

608/263-7888 or uwarboretum.org/events

Sunday, July 10, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

A Family Walk

Explore the prairies and gardens with a naturalist and look for beautiful native butterflies. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.

University of WI Arboretum

1207 Seminole Hwy.

Madison, WI 53711

608/263-7888 or uwarboretum.org/events

Add a little bit of musical enjoyment to your Sunday afternoons this summer with Summer Sundays: Concerts in the Garden. This new concert series will feature some of the best musical groups in Madison ranging from classical to jazz chamber music. The concerts will be held alternating Sunday afternoons starting June 26 and ending September 22, from 4 p.m. to 5:30p.m. in our English Garden.

This event is free and open to the public. Brought to you by the Friends of Allen Centennial Garden.

Quartessence—One of Madison’s most popular society quartets. Everything from Bach to the Beatles, Puccini to Pops and classics to covers is sure to be covered.

Doug Brown Group—Acoustic jazz guitarist brings his infectious spirit and imagination to irrepressibly joyous, finely honed swing era jazz standards.

Willy Street Chamber Players—Fun and sassy chamber music by one of Madison’s newest groups, bringing a fresh, imaginative take to classical music

Clocks in Motion—Groundbreaking percussion ensemble serves up virtuosic performances that include theater and art, and consistently offer a joyous entertainment experience.

Harmonious Wail—An infectious blend of continental jazz, swing, gypsy music and melodic vocals.

Paul Muench Quartet—Imaginative improvisations and creative modern arrangements of timeless jazz standards.

Allen Centennial Gardens

620 Babcock Dr. on the University of WI campus, Madison

608/576-2501 or allencentennialgarden.org for details.

July 14-August 7

Daily from 10:00-4:00

In the Bolz Conservatory

Experience the wonder of strolling through a tropical forest on a search for fleeting butterflies. Live butterflies emerge from chrysalises daily in the Bolz Conservatory. Olbrich’s Blooming Butterflies is a great adventure for people of all ages. Children can visit stamping stations in the outdoor gardens with their Butterfly Passport while learning fun facts. Tour the outdoor gardens and visit the Growing Gifts shop. The cost is $7 for adults, $3 for children ages 12 and under, and free for children under 2. Olbrich Botanical Society members are admitted free. Parking is free. Bus tours are welcome; groups of 15 or more must register by calling 608/246-4550.  The Bolz Conservatory will be closed Monday, July 11 and Tuesday, July 12 in preparation for Olbrich’s Blooming Butterflies.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

3330 Atwood Ave., Madison

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

Saturday, July 16, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m (rain or shine)

Visit 8 beautiful gardens and enjoy music at various locations!

Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 the day of the event.  Tickets are available at Rotary Botanical Gardens and K&W Greenery.

Rotary Botanical Gardens

1455 Palmer Drive

Janesville, WI,

608/752-3885 or www.rotarygardens.org

Tuesday, June 19, 6:30-8:30 p.m

Rotary Botanical Gardens, 1455 Palmer Drive, Janesville, WI

Growing plants vertically, while not a new concept, is getting increased attention for applicability in tight locations or areas that are limited in space. We will discuss a wide range of options for maximizing growing space in the garden through proper plant selection and the use of various containers, repurposed structures and other elements.

Admission: $3 for RBG Friends members and $5 for the general public.  No registration required

Rotary Botanical Gardens

1455 Palmer Drive

Janesville, WI

608/752-3885 or www.rotarygardens.org

Wednesday, July 20, 7:00 pm

Native Plant Garden Tour

Learn about summer-blooming native and ornamental species in the gardens. Susan Carpenter, native plant gardener, will highlight plants and gardening practices that support essential pollinators in urban/suburban landscapes. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.

University of WI Arboretum

1207 Seminole Hwy.

Madison, WI 53711

608/263-7888 or uwarboretum.org/events

Wednesday, June 27, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m

Rotary Botanical Gardens, 1455 Palmer Drive, Janesville, WI

Registration

$75/per person conference registration-Includes lunch and all program materials. Registration Deadline:  Monday, July 25, 2016

To register:  Register Here

Rotary Botanical Gardens

1455 Palmer Drive

Janesville, WI

608/752-3885 or www.rotarygardens.org

Sundays, June thru September, 1:30-3:00

Get an insider’s view of Olbrich’s outdoor gardens during a free guided garden stroll. All ages are welcome for this casual overview of the Gardens. Guided garden strolls will vary somewhat according to the season to reflect the garden areas that are at peak interest.

Strolls start and end in the lobby near the Garden entrance and are about 45 to 60 minutes in length. No registration is required; strolls are drop-in only. Strolls are held rain or shine and will be cancelled only in the event of dangerous lightning.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

3330 Atwood Ave., Madison

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

Thru July 10

Daily from 10:00-4:00

In the Bolz Conservatory

The trees are trimmed, the bushes pruned, and it’s time to see the light in the forest. Learn how plants develop and change in the forest as light fluctuates. When a gap in the forest is created naturally or by a clipping from Olbrich’s staff, growth develops at an exceptional rate. The conservatory is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $2 for the general public. Admission is always free for Olbrich Botanical Society members and children 5 and under, and is free for the general public on Wednesday and Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

3330 Atwood Ave., Madison

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

Saturdays, April 16 thru November 5, 6:00-2:00

On the Capitol Square

Wednesdays, April 22 thru November 4, 8:30-2:00

In the 200 block of Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.

For details visit www.dcfm.org

Sundays, May 8 through October 23, 8:30-12:30

In the Northside TownCenter at the intersection of N. Sherman Ave. and Northport Dr. across from Warner Park.

The Northside Farmers Market is a nonprofit community enterprise. It is one of the newest and fastest growing farmers’ markets in Dane County. In keeping with the innovative spirit of Madison’s Northside, we are surpassing what defines the traditional farmers’ market. Our fundamental principles include:

–Providing an abundant selection of high quality, locally grown foods.

The market accepts Quest, WIC and Senior FMNP vouchers.

–Supporting our local agricultural entrepreneurs who are increasingly important today in ensuring that we have the best and safest food possible.

–Educating the community about traditional foods and the history of local agriculture in an attempt to preserve (and expand upon) our rich heritage.

–Promoting nutrition and the market by hosting dinners for neighborhood groups and seniors.

Parking is always FREE!

For details visit www.northsidefarmersmarket.org

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

___Pinch hardy mums until July 4 for bushier less floppy plants.

___Begin sowing and transplanting cole crops for fall harvest.

___Fertilize and mulch asparagus beds.

___Give the garden at least 1” of moisture per week.

___Mow as little as possible and with mower raised to at least 2”.

___Mulch beds to conserve moisture and keep down weeds.

___Deadheading spent blooms as needed.

___Stake and support tall plants as needed.

___Cut spent perennials to the ground to encourage new growth.

___Divide daylilies as they finish blooming.

___Fertilize potted plants at least every 2 weeks.  Follow directions.

___Order spring bulbs from catalogs while your memory is still fresh.

___Keep and eye on the weather.  Water as needed.

___Watch for pests and control as needed or desired.

___Stop fertilizing roses by late July.

___Visit Klein’s—Watch for end of season savings on annuals, perennials & shrubs.

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!

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.

—Watering is a nonstop endeavor.  On hot, windy days, we no sooner finish the first round, when we have to start all over again.  Some plants in our retail areas may need watering 3 or 4 times in a single day!  You wouldn’t do this at home, but customers don’t like to see wilted plants.  It’s not harmful for us to let them wilt a bit, but it makes for bad presentation.

—Yes, the poinsettias arrive.  The small plants are potted and placed in a warm greenhouse out back where they are constantly misted for a few days until they begin rooting out.  After a few weeks they are individually pinched for sturdy and bushy growth.

—Summer maintenance projects are under way.

—We transplant our fall cole crops into cell packs along with our fall pansies and violas.