‘THE SAGE’-Klein’s Online Newsletter—MAY 2017
Klein’s Floral & Greenhouses
3758 E. Washington Ave.
Madison, WI 53704
608/244-5661 or info@kleinsfloral.com
THIS MONTH’S HIGHLIGHTS:
Our 2017 Spring Plant List Is Now Online!
Our ‘Mad Gardener’ Is Ready for Your Questions
Plant Your Own Containers in Our ’Creation Station’
FAQ Answers About Klein’s Ever-so-Easy Loyalty Program
Don’t Forget Mom This May 14!
Tips for a Weed-free Garden Without Chemicals
Klein’s Favorite Seed, Bulb & Plant Sources
You Asked the Mad Gardener About Flowers to Attract Hummingbirds
Plant of the Month: Coleus
Our Favorite Strawberry Recipes
Product Spotlight: Water Plants from Van Bloem Gardens
Notes from Rick’s Garden Journal—From April 2017
—The Move to the Outdoors Begins
—Dealing with Bulb Foliage Dieback
—A Fertilizing Regimen for Containers
May in the Garden: A Planner
Gardening Events Around Town
Review Klein’s @: Yelp, Google Reviews or Facebook Reviews
Join Us on Twitter
Follow Us on Facebook
Join Klein’s Blooming Plant or Fresh Flower Club
Delivery Information
Related Resources and Websites
Plants Harmful to Kids and Pets
OUR 2017 SPRING PLANT LIST can be viewed on-line beginning about April 15 by clicking on Spring Plants on the left side of our home page. This comprehensive listing contains every plant that Klein’s will be offering for the 2017 season and is extremely helpful for both the home gardener and landscaper alike. The list contains fun facts, cultural information and pot or pack size for each item and comes in very handy in planning your garden this spring.
KLEIN’S ‘CREATION STATION’ POTTING SHED
Bring in your own pots or purchase one of ours. Then, using our potting soil at no charge, you’ll be able to create your own masterpiece onsite! We’ll simply charge you for the plants. We require, of course, that no plants be brought in from outside sources and it’s always a good idea to call ahead to reserve a spot–especially during peak hours and to ensure the table is stocked with soil. Just contact Sue (sue@kleinsfloral.com) or Kathryn (kathryn@kleinsfloral.com) at (608) 244-5661 for more information. Our talented staff will be available to answer all questions, help pick out some plants and to get you started. We’ll even deliver them for you for an added fee.
FOR NEIGHBORHOOD EVENTS OR GARDEN TOURS that you would like posted on our web site or in our monthly newsletters, please contact Rick at (608) 244-5661 or rick@kleinsfloral.com or Sue at sue@kleinsfloral.com. Please include all details, i.e. dates, locations, prices, brief description, etc. Our readership is ever-growing so this is a great opportunity for free advertising. Events must be garden related and must take place in the immediate Madison vicinity.
THE MAD GARDENER
“Madison’s Firsthand Source for Expert Gardening Advice”
Ask any of your gardening questions by e-mailing them to us at madgardener@kleinsfloral.com. Klein’s in-house Mad Gardener will e-mail you with an answer as promptly as we can. We’ve also posted a link to this e-mail address on our home page for your convenience. Your question might then appear in the “You Asked” feature of our monthly newsletter. If your question is the one selected for our monthly newsletter, you’ll receive a small gift from us at Klein’s. The Mad Gardener hopes to hear from you soon!
Sorry, we can only answer those questions pertaining to gardening in Southern Wisconsin and we reserve the right to leave correspondence unanswered at our discretion. Please allow 2-3 days for a response.
Please note that our Mad Gardener is not only an expert gardener, but can answer all of your indoor plant questions as well.
MAY STORE HOURS:
Again during the 2017 spring season, Klein’s will open at 7:00 a.m. every Tuesday! Year long, Tuesday is Klein’s Senior Discount Day. On Tuesdays those 62 and over save an extra 10% off all regular priced items. Beginning Tuesday, May 1, we opened the doors an hour early. Avoid the lines and shop early! The extended Tuesday hours last through mid-June.
In addition, with the incredible success of our outdoor checkout located in our bedding plant area, we will be making this one of our primary checkout options again for the 2017 spring season. Weather and staffing permitting, the outdoor register will be open every weekend and as customer traffic dictates. The outdoor checkout is located just outside our Potting Shed at the back of Showroom Number 1.
Monday thru Friday : 8:00-8:00 (Open Tuesdays at 7:00)
Saturday: 8:00-6:00
Sunday: 9:00-5:00
Open Memorial Day, May 29, 9:00-5:00
CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
May 5–Cinco de Mayo
May 6–This is Madison’s average last frost date (May 10 in the outlying areas), but keep your eye on the weather before planting. Madison has a notorious reputation for late May frosts. Many local old-time gardeners refuse to plant, especially their tomatoes, peppers, morning glories, etc. until Memorial Day weekend when the soil has warmed properly. Novice gardeners have a tendency to plant too early!
May 10–Full Moon
May 14–Mother’s Day. Order early and shop early!!! Mother’s Day is second only to Valentine’s Day for deliveries and the Saturday before Mother’s Day is traditionally our busiest day of the entire year. Extra drivers will be on the road Saturday, May 10 for prompt and efficient service. Click on Delivery Information on the left side of our home page for more details about Klein’s delivery. Because this is our busiest day of the year in the greenhouse, will not be delivering on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 14.
May 27—Ramadan begins.
May 29–Memorial Day-the unofficial beginning of summer! Store Hours: 9-5:00
‘THE FLOWER SHOPPE’:
The weekend of Mother’s Day is THE busiest time of the year at Klein’s, far surpassing even Valentine’s Day. The showrooms bustle with not only shoppers looking for that perfect Mother’s Day gift, but also gardeners with cartloads of annuals, vegetables, perennials, seeds and garden supplies. Our retail cooler is filled to the brim with stunning spring arrangements for mom and buckets of loose cut flowers to create your own at home. An array of beautiful blooming plants makes your selection even more difficult.
Avoid the rush by shopping early. Call us 608/244-5661 or 888/244-5661 to talk to one of our designers personally or order on line @ Klein’s Floral Delivery
Klein’s has it all for mom–”one-stop shopping” for floral arrangements, gorgeous hanging baskets and patio pots, interesting and whimsical garden ornaments or the ever-appreciated gift certificate.
Extra drivers will be on the road Saturday, May 7 for prompt and efficient service. Visit Delivery Information for more details about Klein’s delivery.
YOU ASKED THE MAD GARDENER . . .
I wish to feed hummingbirds via a flowering plant in a hanging planter that will be in partial shade, although I can move it to more sun. What do you recommend & will you have it in stock? I have attended Michael and Kathi Rock’s hummingbird presentation at the Garden Expo–they recommend Cuphea ‘David Verity’ . Will you carry that cultivar? Thanks! Karen
Hi Karen,
The sunnier the location, the more options you have. A question for you: Is your goal to feed hummingbirds using plants exclusively? Or are you wanting to attract hummingbirds and then have a supplemental feeder nearby? Again, your options are far greater with the latter, in that hummingbirds are lured in by a great number of flowers that don’t necessarily provide them nectar. Red impatiens are the best example of that.
For part shade, your best option is fuchsias; especially those with tubular flowers–though any will attract hummingbirds. Gartenmeister is the best, but is upright and too tall for baskets. There are smaller varieties on the market including Firecracker, which has variegated leaves, and Eruption.
Your second best choice are the cuphea igneas, of which David Verity is a cultivar. David Verity is a specific C. ignea (cigar plant) cultivar that gets fairly tall and bushy in containers. Flowers are tubular and in red/orange/yellow shades. We carry ‘Vermillionaire’, a shorter, bushier variety that I find more floriferous and a great hummingbird attractant to my own deck. If you’re looking for David Verity specifically, I’ve ordered the plants from Select Seeds @ www.selectseeds.com. Their plants are always healthy and at a good price. They also carry ‘Eruption’ fuchsia, by the way. Though cupheas bloom more profusely in more sun, they are somewhat shade tolerant.
For a sunnier location, your very best choices are salvias of all types (!!!), pentas, lantanas, hyssops and cape fuchsia (phygelius), all of which we carry.
Thanks for your question,
Klein’s Mad Gardener
madgardener@kleinsfloral.com
DID YOU KNOW. . .
. . . about Klein’s fantastic and easy-to-use Loyalty Program?
Klein’s Floral and Greenhouses appreciates your business! We’ve put together a wonderful rewards program for our loyal customers to provide you more gardening information, invitation only events, preferred pricing promotions as well as monthly e-mail newsletters. And, we make it easy for you to earn your rewards. There is no card to carry, we keep track of everything! And it’s FREE! Earn a point for every dollar you spend at Klein’s (excludes gift cards, services, tax and events outside premises). Points accumulate and do not expire. When you reach 200 points, you will receive $10 off your next purchase.
Your Privacy is Our Priority – Klein’s is committed to protecting the privacy of its customers. Therefore, you have our word that the information you give us will remain strictly confidential. We promise that we will not sell any personal identifying information (name, address, phone number, or email address) to any person, company, organization, or agency. Phone numbers are used to look up customers in store; we will not contact customers by phone.
Rewards members will automatically be added to our mailing lists. Most correspondence and notices will be sent via e-mail. You can expect e-mails to keep you up to date with happenings at the store, special notification by email of unannounced/unadvertised specials, sales, membership appreciation events and receipt of monthly newsletter “The Sage” packed with information and gardening tips!
The loyalty program will automatically deduct your senior discount if you are 62 years old or more on Tuesdays. The loyalty program will also deduct your Master Gardener discount (must be updated annually).
It’s our way of saying thank you for your patronage of our business. We know you have other choices and are grateful that you have chosen us. It’s also a great way for us to connect with our best customers, give you tips and advice, and reward you with exclusive offers and savings.
To get started, simply click Loyalty Program Sign-Up
Please note:
No points are given for prior purchases. Returns will be deducted from Loyalty point balances.
Membership is non-transferrable and may only be used by an individual member for personal benefit. Businesses and organizations excluded, sorry!
Program benefits may not be combined with other benefits accrued by another member or other group discount programs.
Klein’s reserves the right to exclude certain purchases from our loyalty program at our discretion. Klein’s reserves the right to modify or discontinue our loyalty program at any time, with or without notice.
Special Birthday Mailers – Receive a birthday gift certificate during the month of your birth.
Can’t find you receipt? If you used you rewards account then we can find it for you after your initial sign up information has been entered in our computer system!
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.
Water Plants from Van Bloem Gardens
For many years now, Klein’s has carried a nice selection of water plants from Van Bloem Gardens (also our supplier for spring and summer bulbs and many of our tropicals and caladiums). Our water plant selection will consist of many of the must-haves for any pond, fountain or water feature. And for larger ponds, don’t forget to about our many beautiful, native perennials including; cardinal flower, swamp milkweed, joe-pye weed and so many more. Klein’s selection of water plants for the 2017 season include:
(*)=Hardy Perennial for Zone 5 or Lower
(*) Acorus (Sweet Flag)
Alocasia
(*)Anemopsis (Lizard Tail)
Alpinia (Shell Ginger)
(*) Anemone canadensis)
(*) Aristolochia durior (Dutchman’s Pipe)
(*) Aruncus (Goatsbeard)
(*) Asclepias incarnata (Swamp Milkweed)
(*) Caltha (Marsh Marigold)
Canna hybrids
(*) Carex spp. (Asst. Sedge)
(*) Chelone glabra
Colocasia
Cyperus (Papyrus)
Dichromena (Star Grass)
(*) Dryopteris spp. (Fern spp.)
Ensete (Banana)
Equisetum (Horsetail)
(*) Eupatorium (Joe-Pye Weed)
(*) Filipendula rubra
(*) Helenium spp.
(*) Hibiscus moscheutos
Hibiscus spp. (Coppertone Mallow)
(*) Hierochloe odorata (Sweet Grass)
(*) Hippuris vulgaris (Mare’s Tail)
(*) Houttuynia cordata (Chameleon Plant)
(*) Iris siberica
(*) Iris versicolor (Flag Iris)
(*) Juncus (Rush)
(*) Ligularia spp.
(*) Lobelia cardinalis
(*) Lysimachia nummularia (Moneywort)
(*) Matteuccia struthiopteris (Ostrich Fern)
(*) Myriophyllum propium (Parrot’s Feather)
Musa (Banana)
(*) Nelumbo (Lotus)
(*) Nymphaea (Waterlily)
(*) Osmunda spp. (Fern spp.)
(*) Pontederia (Pickerel Weed)
(*) Rumex sanguineus (Bloody Dock)
(*) Sagitaria latifolia (Arrowhead)
Setcreasea
(*) Sarracenia (Pitcher Plant)
Scirpus (Fiber Optic Grass)
(*) Silphium perfoliatum (Cup Plant)
Thalia (Flag)
(*) Trollius spp. (Globeflower)
Zantedeschia (Calla Lily)
Zephryanthes (Rain Lily)
For more information about each plant, visit Spring Plants. From there click on Annuals or Perennials. Or go to the Van Bloem Garden’s website at www.vanbloem.com. Our Van Bloem assortment will be arriving in early May.
NOTES FROM MY GARDEN JOURNAL–Tips and Observations from My Own Garden by Rick Halbach
ENTRY: APRIL 15, 2017 (The Move to the Outdoors Begins)
In checking the weather forecast, it seems like we’re in for a period of fairly warm weather. It’s time to start getting a few plants from winter storage. Because the nights are still rather cold and will be for weeks to come, I need to be selective about the plants I choose to bring outside and then be prepared to bring them back indoors if necessary. The first plants that I move outdoors are those that are very cold tolerant. These include many of the potted bulb containers that I’ve overwintered in the root cellar.
Around March 1, I moved many of those containers to a warmer part of the basement to give them a good start before I move them to the garden. By now, many of them, including callas, pineapple lilies, agapanthus (Lily-of-the-Nile), are four or more inches tall. In moving them outdoors while it’s still cool, I can control their growth and prevent them from becoming weak and spindly. Natural rainwater instead of tap water is an added bonus. I place my plants very near the garage so I can move them inside quickly on cold nights. Over the next month or so I may need to move my plants in and out 4-6 times depending on the weather. During extended cold spells I’ll keep the pots in the garage for a few days. Due to the cool temperatures, the lack of light won’t hurt them for a few days.
If the weather continues to be pleasant, I’ll begin hardening off some of my tougher overwintered potted annuals (like geraniums) and seed sown cool weather lovers like calendulas, violas, pansies, nasturtiums and rudbeckia . Even young petunias can take a fair amount of cold. Initially I set them just inside the garage door and open the door during the daytime. When nights are forecast to be above 40º I keep them outside overnight, moving them back inside the garage during cold snaps. It may seem like a lot of work, but I’m rewarded with sturdy, pest-free and acclimated plants ready to go into the garden in early May.
On the other hand, I’m very careful not to move my “warm weather” plants outdoors until the nighttime temperatures are forecast to be consistently in the 50’s or above. These include overwintered coleus, cannas and brugmansia and seed sown peppers, tomatoes, basil, marigolds, sunflowers, morning glories and zinnias These plants all succumb quickly in cold and damp conditions. I usually begin hardening off these plants during the first week of May for planting in the garden after May 15 when air and soil temperatures are sufficiently warm.
* * * * *
ENTRY: APRIL 27, 2017 (Dealing with Bulb Foliage Dieback)
It seems like nearly every entry in my garden journal this spring refers to the incredibly warm weather we’ve had and how fast the garden is progressing. Rarely in the past have I started dealing with spent bulb foliage in April!! The daffodils are just about finished and today I pulled the tulips from the tulip bed (I plant new ones there each fall).
What to do with spent bulb foliage is one of the more common questions we’re asked at Klein’s in the upcoming weeks as gardeners are wanting to clean up their beds and plant their annuals. As the foliage begins yellowing many gardeners are tempted to cut off the foliage. However, doing so threatens the life of the bulb or future bloom. The foliage must remain in tact to supply the energy for next spring’s growth and bloom. As for myself, I turn a blind eye for the few weeks it takes for the foliage to wither to the point it detaches from the bulb naturally. I plant spring annuals in and amongst the bulbs and tuck daffodil foliage close to the soil in and around the surrounding garden plants. As the weather warms and the surrounding plants grow, the yellowing foliage becomes hidden from sight.
As for tulips, it’s a bit trickier in that the stems aren’t flexible. The good thing is that tulip foliage withers and detaches quicker from the bulb than daffodils and many other spring bulbs.
* * * * *
ENTRY: APRIL 30, 2017 (A Fertilizing Regimen for Containers)
One of the more common questions I’m asked as neighbors and friends visit my garden is how I can possibly keep all of my containers looking so healthy from spring until fall. My simple answer is FERTILIZE, FERTILIZE & FERTILIZE! Starting in a few weeks, I begin a rigid schedule of fertilizing all of my containers every two weeks (give or take a few days depending on the weather). Many experts recommend weekly fertilizing, but with experience, I’ve found every second week to be adequate. The key to my success is using a calendar or my garden journal in planning the fertilizing schedule. Doing so ensures that I actually do this most important of garden tasks.
I fertilize my containers in a cycle of three beginning in mid-June using a water soluble, all-purpose fertilizer like Jack’s (Klein’s brand of choice) or Miracle-Gro. An all-purpose fertilizer is higher in nitrogen to promote vigorous and rich green growth. It’s very important to closely follow the recommended rates on the box for outdoor plants. I repeat the process again two weeks later–again, using regular an all-purpose balanced fertilizer to encourage strong new growth. But every third watering I now use one of three fertilizers based on the plant and intended results. For my foliage containers (coleus, palms, elephant’s ears, bananas, houseplants, etc.), I continue using an all-purpose fertilizer for vigorous growth and healthy color. For the vast majority of my blooming containers (and vegetables), I now use a high in phosphorous “bloom booster” for added flower power, making sure to closely follow the instructions. Without a bloom booster, flowering typically slows for most annuals as the summer progresses and as the plant spends its energy. Now for my petunias, calibrachoas, gerbers and certain other plants that tend to yellow, I instead use a fertilizer higher in acid, such as Mir-acid or similar. For these plants, the acid in the fertilizer helps prevent bare and woody stems and the typical yellowing foliage as the season progresses.
In two weeks, the cycle begins again until about mid-September. As an added note, I’ve found that fertilizing is most effective if the soil is slightly moist. Not only do the plants take up the fertilizer more quickly and efficiently, but less is wasted. If the soil is overly dry, much of the fertilizer is lost as the water quickly runs through and out of the pots.
KLEIN’S RECIPES OF THE MONTH—These are a selection of relatively simple recipes chosen by our staff. New recipes appear monthly. Enjoy!!
Strawberry season is a number of weeks away yet, but it’s never too soon to go into the new pick-your-own season with a few new recipes in hand. With the local farmers’ markets in full swing, hoop house, locally raised berries will be appearing in short order. Some say homegrown berries taste the best of all! Klein’s offers several varieties of both June and ever-bearing varieties for the home garden.
SPINACH STRAWBERRY SALAD–Talk about fresh spring flavors! This favorite of adults and kids alike is from Asparagus to Zucchini: A Guide to Farm-Fresh Seasonal Produce.
2 TBS. sesame seeds, toasted and set aside
4 TBS. sugar
4 TBS. red wine vinegar
Minced garlic to taste
1 tsp. dry mustard
coarse salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup vegetable oil (not olive)
2 bags of spinach
2+ cups sliced strawberries
1 tsp. dried dill
Combine the sugar, vinegar, mustard, garlic, salt and pepper in a bowl. Whisk in the oil in a thin stream. Toss together with the spinach, berries, dill and sesame seeds. Serves 8.
RHUBARB STRAWBERRY SAUCE–We don’t remember the source for this one, but it’s absolutely delicious over ice cream or pancakes. A sure family favorite!
3 cups rhubarb in 1/2” chop
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1 pt. strawberries, halved
2 TBS. fresh, chopped mint
Combine the rhubarb, sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved. Simmer gently for 7 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the strawberries. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the mint. Serve either warm or chilled.
ROSY CHAMPAGNE PUNCH–This party pleaser will become a favorite for its sheer ease and refreshing qualities. Appeared in a December 1989 issue of Parade. The punchbowl quantity shown here can be easily adjusted as needed.
8 cups ripe strawberries
1 cup sugar (fine if possible for easy dissolving)
2 bottles (750 ml) chilled dry white wine, e.g.. chablis
4 bottles (750 ml) chilled champagne
2 cups chilled strawberry juice or any berry juice.
Wash and hull the berries, halving the large ones as needed. Place the berries in a large punch bowl. Sprinkle with the sugar and toss gently. Pour the wine over the berries and let rest in a cool place fro 2-3 hours. Just before serving stir in the champagne and the juice.
RHUBARB STRAWBERRY CRISP–Strawberries and rhubarb are a match made in heaven; hence the hundreds of recipes that combine the two. Both appear at the same time in the garden perhaps making the pairing inevitable. The following appeared in the April 2008 issue of Cooking Light magazine.
6 cups sliced rhubarb
2 1/2 cups halved strawberries
3/4 cup sugar
3 TBS. cornstarch
1 tsp. orange zest
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
2/3 cup flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup rolled oats (not quick cooking)
1/4 tsp. more cinnamon
a dash of salt
6 TBS. chilled butter cut into small pieces
Preheat the oven to 375º. Combine the rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, orange zest and 1/2 tsp. cinnamon. Spoon into a 9 x 13” baking dish coated with cooking spray. Combine the flour, brown sugar, oats, 1/4 tsp. cinnamon and salt in a bowl. Cut in the butter with a pastry blender. Sprinkle over the filling. Bake for 30 minutes until bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes.
NATURAL NEWS–
The are many effective ways to control weeds without resorting to the use of chemical herbicides.
A simple mulch is one of the easiest and most accessible. Weed suppressing mulches include grass clippings, hay or straw, wood mulches, recycled rubber tire chips, newspaper, gravel, landscape fabric and others. All are used in different situations, but with the common goals of retaining moisture and controlling weeds. Mulches control weeds by not allowing them to germinate or grow, smothering them or simply making the few that do grow easier to pull by hand.
Mechanical means of weed control includes a variety of hoes and hand tools. Some are more effective than others. For tight spaces, circle hoes are invaluable. Forked handweeders are excellent for weeds with long tap roots like dandelions, thistles and burdock. There are also propane weed torches on the market, but their use can be limiting.
Manual hand weeding remains the most effective form of weed control of all, however. One thorough weeding during the month of June with lighter follow-up weedings will keep most weeds at bay. A thorough weeding early in the season allows your garden plants to out compete and shade out many weeds, making the day to day weeding much easier. Daily weeding as you water also makes the task less daunting. With a proper attitude, weeding can be approached as a relaxing endeavor, rather than a chore. The key is to weed when the soil is moist and to weed early or late in the day–not in the hot sun.
It’s important to try to get the entire root system out when weeding. Many plants will resprout if any speck of root remains. Most perennial weeds fall into this category. Garden cleanup is also essential. Many weeds, like chickweed and creeping charlie, will send out new roots if any piece of stem remains in contact with the soil.
Recognizing weeds is also very helpful. Many weeds like lamb’s quarters, campion and purslane are annuals. By removing them before they’ve set seed, you’ve essentially eliminated them from your garden for good.
Excellent reference books for learning to recognize common weeds of the Midwest include:
Roadside Plants and Flowers by Marian S. Edsall and put out by University of Wisconsin Press and Wildflowers and Weeds by Booth Courtenay & James H. Zimmerman, published by Simon and Schuster. Both use real photographs for easy identification.
MAY’S PLANT OF THE MONTH:
Coleus (Solenostemon)
Coleus far and away remains one of Klein’s most popular warm weather annuals, if anything for its sheer versatility. Coleus works equally well in beds and in containers. There are varieties full sun and for almost complete shade and every light requirement in between. Some are tall (up to 4’), some are short and some even trail, cascading over the sides of hanging baskets and containers. The color spectrum is enormous; in colorful patterns containing pink, magenta, red, maroon, burgundy, orange, salmon, green, chartreuse, gold, yellow and white. Leaf shape can be very simple and rounded to heavily toothed and serrated. They even flower. Flowers are spikes of light blue and, if left to remain on the plant, oftentimes standout against the striking foliage. What more could one want from a plant?
Coleus are generally grown for their foliage and are used in mass plantings or mixed containers. It’s very important to read the light requirements when choosing a coleus. Some, such as the ‘Kong’ and ‘Wizard Series’ prefer a shady location, whereas some of the newer vegetative varieties prefer full sun. Some varieties can even be grown in full shade to full sun. Under the different light conditions, leaf color can vary dramatically and create a very different effect. All coleus prefer evenly moist soil but can dry out to the point of wilting between waterings.
Coleus are very easy to propagate from stem cuttings. Doing so not only saves gardeners a bit of money, but also ensures that a favorite coleus won’t disappear from one’s garden. Coleus cuttings can be rooted in water and then planted, or stuck directly into a light. soilless potting mix.
Coleus were used extensively during Victorian times, both outdoors in the garden and indoors as a houseplant. In fact, they were some of the first houseplants brought to America by the Europeans. They’ve gone in and out of fashion throughout the generations and are currently at a peak of popularity with little decrease in the foreseeable future. Their square stems reveal that they are a distant relative to the mints. Coleus should never be placed into the garden until at least the middle of May when air and soil temperatures have warmed adequately. They are among the least cold tolerant of our garden annuals and are among the first to go when cold weather hits us in the fall.
For a complete listing of the dozens of coleus varieties available at Klein’s, visit Spring Plants, then Annuals and scroll down to the coleus section. You’ll be in awe of the number of choices that await you!
AROUND TOWN:
For neighborhood events or garden tours that you would like posted in our monthly newsletter, please contact Rick at (608) 244-5661 or rick@kleinsfloral.com or Sue at sue@kleinsfloral.com. Please include all details, i.e. dates, locations, prices, brief description, etc. Events must be garden related and must take place in the Madison vicinity and we must receive your information by the first of the month in which the event takes place for it to appear in that month’s newsletter. This is a great opportunity for free advertising.
10 Mistakes I Made in My Vegetable Garden So You Don’t Have To
Wednesday, May 3, 6:15-7:15 p.m.
DreamBamk
One North Pinckney, Madison, WI 53703
Dreaming of growing fresh vegetables in your own backyard, but just aren’t seeing the results you’d hoped for? Megan Cain can relate. She’ll share her top mistakes as a gardening novice, what she learned, and how you can avoid making the same mistakes. While trial and error is always a part of the gardening experience, this workshop will help you avoid common mistakes, so you can have more fun, more success, and more fresh veggies!
Website Registration Link: https://www.dreamfearlessly.com/?p=4923
$30 for non-members | $24 for members
DreamBamk
One North Pinckney, Madison, WI 53703
608/286-3150
Horticulture Society Plant Sale
Friday, May 5, 3:00-7:00 p.m.
620 Babcock Dr., Madison, WI 53706
Purchase plants supporting the Horticulture Society.
Allen Centennial Garden
620 Babcock Dr., Madison, WI 53706
608/576-2501 or allencentennialgarden.org
Lilacs and Crabapples
Saturday, May 6, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
In the Longenecker Gardens
David Stevens, LHG curator, will lead this tour through two signature collections, focusing on the history, beauty, and landscape value of crabapples and lilacs, which are some of the favorite ornamental woody plants in the Midwest. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
University of WI Arboretum
1207 Seminole Hwy.
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu
UW Family Gardening Day
Saturday, May 6, 9:00-1:00
Join us for the 12th Annual UW Family Gardening Day at D.C. Smith Greenhouse, 465 Babcock Drive; Allen Centennial Gardens, 620 Babcock Drive; Steenbock Memorial Library, 550 Babcock Drive; and the UW Biotron, 2115 Observatory Dr.
You can park nearby at Lot 40 (460 Babcock Drive), Lot 36 (1645 Observatory Drive) and Lot 34 (1480 Tripp Circle).
UW Family Gardening Day gives everyone a chance to see & explore some of the splendid facilities for teaching, research and outreach in the plant sciences as well as to tour the beautiful gardens on campus. We look forward to seeing you there!
—Free, family friendly event
—Tour the D.C. Smith Greenhouse
—Visit Allen Centennial Gardens for inspiring home garden ideas. While you’re there, pick up a Pasta Four-Pack (while supplies last)
—Tour the UW Biotron facility and investigate a variety of plant growing environments (including space!)
—Check out the Steenbock library for the Library Gardening Collection and a UW-
—Check out the Steenbock Library as well for hands-on activities with BioCommons and Wisconsin’s Water Library
—Stop by the Babcock Hall Dairy Store for tasty treats (11:00-4:00)
—Explore hands-on activities with soil, seeds and seedlings
— Build a terrarium or look at insects under a microscope
—Use all 5 of your senses to experience plants
Visit www.science.wisc.edu/family-gardening-day.htm#sthash.ugjcsqEH.dpuf for details.
Dahlia Tuber Sale
Sunday, May 7, 11:30-2:00
Dahlias are late summer bloomers popular for their extravagant blooms, diverse forms, and bright colors. They’re subtropical annuals grown each year from tubers dug up in the fall and overwintered in a cool, dry environment. The sale is sponsored by the Badger State Dahlia Society. For more information call 608-577-1924.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave., Madison
608/246-4550 or www.olbrich.org for details.
West Side Garden Club Plant Sale
Friday, May 12, 8:00-6:00
Saturday, May 13, 8:00-4:00
3918 Nakoma Rd., Madison (near Thoreau School and the intersection of Seminole & Nakoma Roads)
The West Side Garden Club is celebrating ninety-five years in 2017 and we’ve been holding a plant sale for nobody knows for sure how many years……
Choice perennials, specialty annuals and herbs. Expert advice from experienced gardeners. Plant sale proceeds support: Allen Centennial Gardens Scholarship, William Longenecker Memorial Scholarship, Blue Star Memorial, South Madison Police Station Grounds, Community Groundworks at Troy Gardens, Friends of the School Forest, Lakeshore Nature Preserve, Audubon Society, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Aldo Leopold Nature Center and the Longenecker Endowment Fund. Please join us.
For additional information, please contact Nancy Mead 608-233-2637 or mead@att.net
Olbrich’s Plant Sale with the Pros
Friday, May 12, 11:00-5:00
Saturday, May 13, 9:00-3:00
Get great plants and expert advice from area professionals this year at Plant Sale with the Pros. The sale features everything from annuals and perennials to ornamental grasses and shrubs. Olbrich’s staff carefully chooses unique plants that do best in this climate. Find the newest, hardiest, disease-resistant cultivars on the market. Local plant pros, master gardeners, and Olbrich’s horticulturists will be available to answer questions.
Proceeds from the plant sale benefit Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Shop early since quantities are limited. Shoppers are encouraged to bring cartons, wagons, or boxes for carrying plants. Cash, checks, MasterCard, Visa, and Discover are accepted. Maximize your support of the Gardens by using cash or check.
Early Bird Shopping
Got your eye on a particular plant? All Plant Sale with the Pros shoppers can take advantage of an Early Bird Shopping opportunity. By giving a $20 per person donation, or $30 per couple, you can shop from 9 to 11 a.m. on Friday before the sale officially opens.
Pro Potting Bench
Take advantage of free container design and potting services at the Plant Pro Potting Bench. Get help selecting the best plants for a stunning container garden or hanging basket…then let a professional plant them for you!
Design Stations
Friday, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Refresh a lack-luster garden area at the Design Station during a short, 20 minute consultation. Local landscape architects will sketch out basic garden designs on the spot using your printed photos and feedback. Be sure to note the features of areas in your landscape, for example, how much water is received, lighting conditions, existing plantings, etc.
Plants
Plant Sale with the Pros features everything from annuals and perennials to ornamental grasses and shrubs. Choose cultivars on the market including tropical plants that will fire up your garden, small-scale garden conifers, herbs, and butterfly plants along with hundreds of annuals and perennials. Find rare shrubs and trees, including hardy shrub roses that thrive in the challenging Wisconsin climate.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave., Madison
608/246-4550 or www.olbrich.org for details.
Rotary Garden’s Spring Plant Sale
Friday, May 12, 9:00-6:00
Saturday, May 13, 9:00-6:00
Sunday, May 14, 9:00-6:00
Rotary Gardens Horticulture Center, 825 Sharon Rd., Janesville, WI
Plant Sales are open to the general public. Those with a RBG Friends membership will receive a 10% discount on purchases. Memberships may be purchased at the sale. The sale includes a wide range of vegetables, herbs, perennials and shrubs.
Rotary Botanical Gardens
1455 Palmer Drive
Janesville, WI,
608/752-3885 or www.rotarygardens.org
Troy Gardens Plant Sale
Saturday, May 13, 10:00-2:00
All of our plants are certified organic and carefully selected and grown by our experienced farmers.
Troy Community Farm
502 Troy Drive
Madison, WI 53704
608/240-0409 or http://www.communitygroundworks.org/
Sunset Garden Club Plant Sale
Saturday, May 13, 8:30-1:30
417 S. Midvale Blvd.
Join us for this annual plant sale.
Call 608/833-8315 for more info.
Native Plant Sale
Saturday, May 13, 9:00-2:00
U.W.-Madison Arboretum Visitor Center
Visit the big tent on the lawn in front of Curtis Prairie to shop for all your native plant gardening needs. The Friends of the Arboretum (FOA) annual native plant sale offers more than 200 species of native plants suitable for a variety of soil and light conditions. Experts will be available to answer questions. Organized by FOA, open to the general public.
University of WI Arboretum
1207 Seminole Hwy.
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or uwarboretum.org/events
Home Compost Bin & Rain Barrel Sale
Saturday, May 13, 10:00-2:00
Spring is here – and that means it’s time to quench your thirst for gardening at the Annual Compost Bin And Rain Barrel Truckload Sale.
It is estimated that our urban communities contribute about 30% of the total phosphorus that enter in lakes Mendota, Monona, Waubesa, Kegonsa, and Wingra from runoff. By harvesting rainwater for your indoor and outdoor plants and putting clippings and leaves into a backyard composters, you don’t just make plants healthier; you’re also reducing run-off and the phosphorus that feeds our algae problem.
Alliant Energy Center in The Olin Ave. parking lot
1919 Energy Center Way
Madison, WI 53713
608/266-4681 or http://www.cityofmadison.com/streets/compost/CompostBinSale.cfm
Crosstown Violet Club Sale
Saturday, May 13, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
This annual sale includes African violets, starter plants, blooming plants, leaves, gesneriads of all kinds, and potting soil and pots. Sponsored by the Crosstown African Violet club. For more information call 608/850-9740
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave., Madison
608/246-4550 or www.olbrich.org for details.
Over-the-Top Containers Workshop
Tuesday, May 16, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
620 Babcock Dr., Madison, WI 53706
Tired of containers that flop in the summer heat? This workshop will teach the basics of container planting and result in a show-stopping container to take home.
Bring your own (reasonably sized) container
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/over-the-top-containers-workshop-tickets-31955423532
$30 for non-members | $24 for members
Allen Centennial Garden
620 Babcock Dr., Madison, WI 53706
608/576-2501 or allencentennialgarden.org
Rotary Garden’s Bonsai Seminar and Demonstration
Wednesday, May 17, 6:00-8:00 p.m
“Bonsai: Its Art and Philosophy” seminar and demonstration by Dr. Charles Mortensen. $5 non-members, $3 RBG members. Maximum 20 participants. Registration required by May 15, 2017.
Rotary Botanical Gardens
1455 Palmer Drive
Janesville, WI
608/752-3885 or www.rotarybotanicalgardens.org/
Badger Bonsai Annual Show
Saturday, May 20, 9:00-4:30
Sunday, May 21, 10:00-4:30
Marvel at these growing miniature landscapes. Sponsored by the Badger Bonsai Society. For more information call 608/249-6195.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave., Madison
608/246-4550 or www.olbrich.org for details.
Dane County UW-Extension’s
Teaching Garden Plant Sale
Sunday, May 21, 11:00-3:00 (rain date May 28)
Dane County UW-Extension Office
5201 Fen Oak Ct, Madison (just off Agriculture Dr. between Pflaum & Femrite)
Mark your calendar for the Dane County Master Gardener Plant Sale. We offer hundreds of perennials for shade or sun, vegetable & herb starts, annuals and more! Master Gardeners will be available to answer your gardening questions. Plants are reasonably priced. Cash or check only.
Madison Area Master Gardeners Association
PO Box 259318
Madison, WI, 53725
608/224-3721 or at http://dane.uwex.edu/horticulture/
Late Woodland Wildflowers
Wednesday, May 21, 1:00 pm –3:00 pm
From the Visitor Center
The naturalist will lead a walk in Gallistel and Wingra woods looking for wild geranium, wild blue phlox, and emerging ferns. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
University of WI Arboretum
1207 Seminole Hwy.
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu
Rotary Garden’s Evening Garden Seminar: Lawn Care Basics for the Wisconsin Homeowner
Wednesday, May 23, 6:30-8:00 p.m
Dr. Paul Koch of the UW-Madison Department of Plant Pathology will talk about “Lawn Care Basics for the Wisconsin Homeowner.” Learn how to have a healthy green lawn by following the suggested timing of fertilizer and pesticide applications. Paul will also discuss alternative healthy lawn practices that can lessen the reliance on traditional pesticides, and also on some ‘lower toxicity’ or ‘reduced risk’ products that can be used in place of traditional pesticides.
Rotary Botanical Gardens
1455 Palmer Drive
Janesville, WI
608/752-3885 or www.rotarybotanicalgardens.org/
Spring Plant & Craft Sale
Thursday, May 25, 10:00-4:30
Mendota Mental Health Greenhouses
301 Troy Drive, Madison, WI 53704
Featuring flowers, vegetables, succulents, houseplants, herbs & crafts.
Dane County Farmer’s Market
Saturdays, April 15 thru November 11, 6:00-1:45
On the Capitol Square
Wednesdays, April 19 thru November 8, 8:30-1:45
In the 200 block of Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
For details visit www.dcfm.org
MAY IN THE GARDEN—A checklist of things to do this month.
___By May 1, cool weather items like pansies, cole crops, onion sets, etc. should
already be planted.
___Sow successive crops of radishes and greens every 2 weeks.
___Mow your lawn frequently and at a high setting to control lawn weeds.
___Reseed bare spots in the lawn as needed.
___Begin hardening off your seedlings and overwintered plants. Move inside or cover on cold nights.
___Prep beds as soon as the soil is workable and not too wet.
___Till compost into beds.
___Perennials, shrubs and trees can now all be planted safely.
___Divide and propagate most perennials as desired (except peonies & iris)
___Plant strawberries and asparagus early in the month.
___Plant your leftover Easter Lily into the garden. They’ll bloom each July in the garden.
___Be prepared to move plants indoors if a sudden cold spell (or snow) hits.
___After May 10, begin setting out all plants, but KEEP AN EYE ON THE WEATHER!
___Sow beans and corn after the last scheduled frost date.
___After May 20, begin planting warm weather items: tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, cucumbers, coleus, impatiens etc.
___Mulch beds as needed to cut down on weeds and watering.
___Begin a weeding as needed. The smaller the weed, the easier to remove.
___Prune spring blooming as desired AFTER they are done flowering.
___Wait until after the foliage has yellowed to cut back daffodils, tulips, etc.
___Begin pinching tall perennials like asters, goldenrod, phlox, etc. for shorter and bushier plants.
___Visit Klein’s—SPRING PLANTING IS FINALLY HERE!
Some of our very favorite seed and plant sources include:
For seeds:
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds @ www.rareseeds.com or 417/924-8887
Burpee @ www.burpee.com or 800/888-1447
Harris Seeds @ www.harrisseeds.com or 800/514-4441
Johnny’s Select Seeds @ www.johnnyseeds.com or 207/861-3901
Jung’s Seeds @ www.jungseed.com or 800/247-5864
Park’s Seeds @ www.parkseed.com or 800/845-3369
Pinetree @ www.superseeds.com or 207/926-3400
Seeds of Change @ www.seedsofchange.com or 888/762-7333
Seed Savers @ www.seedsavers.org or 563/382-5990
Select Seeds @ www.selectseeds.com or 800/684-0395
Territorial Seeds @ www.territorialseed.com or 888/657-3131
Thompson & Morgan @ www.thompson-morgan.com or 800/274-7333
For bulbs:
Brent & Becky’s Bulbs @ www.brentandbeckysbulbs.com or 877/661-2852
Colorblends @ www.colorblends.com or 888/847-8637
John Scheeper’s @ www.johnscheepers.com or 860/567-0838
McClure & Zimmerman @ www.mzbulb.com or 800/883-6998
For plants:
High Country Gardens @ www.highcountrygardens.com or 800/925-9387
Logee’s Greenhouses @ www.logees.com or 888/330-8038
Plant Delights Nursery @ www.plantdelights.com or 912/772-4794
Roots and Rhizomes @ www.rootsrhizomes.com or 800/374-5035
Wayside Gardens @ www.waysidegardens.com or 800/213-0379
White Flower Farm @ www.whiteflowerfarm.com or 800/503-9624
Note: To receive every possible seed, plant or garden supply catalog imaginable, check out Cyndi’s Catalog of Garden Catalogs @ www.gardenlist.com. Most catalogs are free and make for great winter reading!
BEHIND THE SCENES AT KLEIN’S—This is a sneak peek of what is going on each month behind the scenes in our greenhouses. Many people are unaware that our facility operates year round or that we have 10 more greenhouses on the property in addition to the 6 open for retail. At any given moment we already have a jump on the upcoming season–be it poinsettias in July, geraniums in December or fall mums in May.
IN MAY:
—Transplanting continues!! Early in the month we finish transplanting the seedlings for spring sales. But during mid-month we begin transplanting the seedlings for our summer “Jumbo-Pack” program. Customers continue to purchase bedding annuals through the summer months. Sometimes they’re replacing plants that have succumbed to summer heat or heavy rains. Or maybe some quick color is needed for selling a house or having an outdoor party. Whatever the case, we can fill their needs.
—The spring onslaught is in full swing. The back greenhouses are filled floor to ceiling with plants awaiting purchase. Our outdoor space is a sea of color. Flats of plants waiting for sale fill most nooks and crannies of our property.
—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.
—Restocking is also constant. Cart loads of product are moved nearly continuously from our back greenhouses to the front showrooms.
—Believe it or not, but our fall mums arrive! The small plants are put into small pots now and then stepped into larger tubs later in the summer. They won’t be available for sale until mid-August.
