‘THE SAGE’-Klein’s Online Newsletter—NOVEMBER 2017
Klein’s Floral & Greenhouses
3758 E. Washington Ave.
Madison, WI 53704
608/244-5661 or info@kleinsfloral.com
THIS MONTH’S HIGHLIGHTS:
20% Off Floral Orders During the Month of November…See Details Below
Klein’s Holiday Open House Weekend is November 17-19
Rebuilding Is Progressing Quickly and YES…WE ARE OPEN FOR BUSINESS!
Our ‘Mad Gardener’ Is Ready for Your Questions
Plant Your Spring Bulbs Into Early December
Check Out Our End of Season Savings
A History of Janesville’s Rotary Gardens
The 11 Best Foods You Aren’t Eating
Klein’s Favorite Seed, Bulb & Plant Sources
You Asked the Mad Gardener About Reblooming Last Year’s Amaryllis
Plant of the Month: Amaryllis
Klein’s Favorite Turnip Recipes
Product Spotlight: Klein’s Homegrown Poinsettias
Notes from Rick’s Garden Journal—From October 2017
—A Tornado Hits Klein’s
—Overwintering Mandevilla
—Bulb Planting Tools & Tips
November 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
“November always seemed to me the Norway of the year.” Emily Dickinson
KLEIN’S 2017 OPEN HOUSE WEEKEND is November 17 thru November 19. Enter a winter wonderland filled with our homegrown poinsettias, holiday plants and gift ideas. Let us inspire you with our extensive collection of gift ideas and ornaments for all your decorating needs.
Receive Double Rewards Points on All Applicable Purchases on Saturday and Sunday (Nov. 18-19)! (Visit kleinsfloral.com/loyalty-program/ to sign up if you are not currently a member of our Rewards Program)
WEEKEND EVENTS INCLUDE:
On Friday, November 17 from 5:00-8:00 join us for our HOLIDAY SNEAK PEEK SALE when everything in the store will be 30% OFF the the current price (including clearance priced merchandise)!
Enlighten your senses as you step into our warm and cozy greenhouses. The serene beauty of being in a greenhouse after dark is a truly unique experience. Surround yourself with the sights, sounds and smells of the holidays!
On Saturday, November 18 and on Sunday, November 19 join us for the following workshops:
From 10:00-12:00 & from 1:00-3:00 ~ Design & Create Outdoor Holiday Containers with fresh pine greens, branches, berries and all the traditional (and not-so-traditional) holiday baubles, bangles and beads. Oodles of pre-made containers will be available or make your own on site. Bring your own empty container(s) or purchase one of ours and we’ll get you started. This workshop is being conducted with the help of Klein’s own Sonya Kutz and Kathryn Derauf. Cost is $40 (includes evergreens, soil and design consultation) plus accessories. Please sign up on Facebook or contact Sue at sue@kleinsfloral.com if interested in taking part.
From 1:00-2:00 ~ Create Your Own Miniature Garden, Fairy Garden or Terrarium. Here’s your chance to purchase pre-made miniature gardens and supplies or make your own on-site. Bring your own container or purchase one of ours. This workshop is being presented by Kathryn Derauf. No cost for soil or design consultation. Containers and plants are available for purchase. Please sign up on Facebook or contact Sue at sue@kleinsfloral.com if interested in taking part.
From 1:00-2:00 ~ Birch Log Decor. Decorate a trio of birch logs with ribbon, permanent evergreens and accessories with floral designer Darcy Schenkel. Cost is $50. Please sign up on Facebook or contact Sue at sue@kleinsfloral.com if interested in signing up.
From 2:00-3:00 ~ Sugar Pinecone Cluster. Decorate a trio of sugar cones with ribbons, permanent evergreens and accessories with Darcy Schenkel. Cost is $30. Please sign up on Facebook or contact Sue at sue@kleinsfloral.com.
From 3:00-4:00 ~ Thanksgiving Floral Centerpiece Workshop. Join owner and floral designer, Sue Klein, in Klein’s behind-the-scenes design shop in learning how to create your own stunning Thanksgiving masterpiece using long-lasting fall flowers. Once your design is complete, we’ll store it for you in our coolers, if you like, for pick-up later in the week. Cost is $35. Please sign up on Facebook or contact Sue at sue@kleinsfloral.com if interested in taking part.
AND on Sunday, November 19 from 12:00-4:00:
Holiday Family Photo Shoot. Come in with your family and/or pet for a photo in front of a beautiful, elegant Christmas display of white poinsettias and lighted trees. Julie Fix once again will be our photographer. Receive a free 5 x 7 and have the opportunity to purchase Christmas cards and/or additional photos. To reserve your time and for more information, please sign up on Facebook or contact Sue Klein at sue@kleinsfloral.com.
Watch for our popular ’12 Days of Christmas’ Specials. Each day from Monday, December 12 though December 23, Klein’s will feature a new item for holiday gift-giving, culminating on Saturday, December 23 with all featured products on sale for last minute shoppers and bargain seekers. Visit our website or watch for emailed updates. We will be closed Sunday, December 24 this year for staff to enjoy with family and friends.
FANTASTIC SELECTION OF SPRING BULBS AND NOW ON SALE …..WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!
We have all of your favorites–tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, crocus, alliums–and a few not-so-well known treasures for your garden. November is the Best Time to plant your spring bulbs (planting too can early promote premature leaf growth) and nothing could be more uplifting after a long winter than crocus, snowdrops and winter aconite blossoms peeking through the snow come spring. Allow the Klein’s staff to share planting tips and ideas to keep those pesky squirrels from digging up those newly planted bulbs. And for indoor blooms, don’t forget a few hyacinths, paperwhites and amaryllis for indoor forcing. We carry a lovely assortment of forcing glasses, vases and decorative pottery. Forced bulbs make for an inexpensive and treasured holiday gift. Any bulb questions? Don’t forget our Mad Gardener @ madgardener@kleinsfloral.com!
A Reminder: Bulbs can be planted until the ground freezes . . . usually into early December. Watch for increased season-end savings on bulbs for the garden during the month of November and as the weather cools. Note that any discounts will not include holiday amaryllis, paperwhites, forcing hyacinths or gift boxes.
CONSTRUCTION OF KLEIN’S NEW FACILITY IS WELL UNDER WAY! …and we are open in our temporary retail space in our growing greenhouses at the back of the property with easy access from both East Washington Ave. and Stoughton Rd.
Windowsill herbs, spring bulbs and holiday gift items are now available AND our homegrown poinsettias are nearly ready for sale. In addition…our growers are currently busy ordering product for the 2018 spring season for our brand new state-of-the-art garden center.
Our floral cooler is stocked daily with fresh arrangements and cut flowers and designers are available for all of your floral needs. Floral orders and daily deliveries continue as usual and can be made by calling our designers at 608-244-5661 or online at www.kleinsfloral.com. Our goal is to keep everything running as close to status quo as possible during construction.
Follow our progress on Facebook as the work proceeds.
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.
NOVEMBER STORE HOURS:
Monday thru Friday : 8:00-6:00
Saturday: 9:00-5:00
Sunday: 10:00-4:00
CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
The new 2018 FTD Calendar is available at our checkout. These beautiful, flower-filled calendars are free. No purchase necessary.
Watch for great specials on all remaining spring bulbs while supplies last. November is the perfect month for planting next spring’s bloomers. Selection becomes limited and includes daffodils, tulips, crocus and more. Sale does not include paperwhites, amaryllis, forcing hyacinths and gift boxes.
November 4–Full Moon
November 5–Daylight Savings Time ends
November 7–Election Day
November 11–Veterans’ Day
November 17 thru November 19–KLEIN’S OPEN HOUSE WEEKEND. Enter a winter wonderland filled with holiday plants and gift ideas. Let us inspire you with our extensive collection of gift ideas and ornaments for all your decorating needs. Free refreshments on hand and receive Double Rewards Points on all applicable purchases on Saturday and Sunday (Nov. 18 & 19)!
November 23–Thanksgiving Day (Store Closed)
November 24—Black Friday. Escape to Klein’s from the hustle and bustle of the malls and big box chain stores for a more relaxing and intimate holiday gift shopping experience. We not only carry merchandise for the gardener in your life, but many fun, interesting and unique gift ideas.
November 25—Small Business Saturday. In our appreciation for supporting our small and local business, Klein’s will give you a $20 gift on future purchases (January 1-March 31) for all purchases of $100 or more.
‘THE FLOWER SHOPPE’:
20% Off Floral Orders During the Month of November…
As a personal thank you to our thousands of newsletter subscribers, Klein’s is offering 20% Off any floral order of $50 or more placed and delivered during the month of November. Simply enter (or mention) promo code FALL17 when ordering online (www.kleinsfloralandgreenhouses.com) or by phone (608-244-5661).
Klein’s complete reconstruction is progressing as planned and our floral department is up and running without missing a beat…..
…..As always, the floral cooler in our cozy, temporary retail area is stocked daily with fresh arrangements and loose cut flowers for immediate service and pick up and our talented design team of Darcy, Sue and Bonnie are available for any special requests, advice or consultations. Daily deliveries throughout Madison and most of Dane County continue as usual and our retail area is stocked with houseplants, gorgeous, seasonal blooming plants and lovely containers and accessories to fit all your gift-giving needs. (See kleinsfloral.com/delivery-information/ for details.)
Remember, Klein’s Floral & Greenhouses is easily accessible from both East Washington Ave. and from Stoughton Rd. behind Walgreens. Parking is at the back of our property nearest Club LaMark on Stoughton Rd. during construction. Then simply follow the signs to ‘Klein’s Entrance’.
We look forward to our state-of-the-art floral shop in of new facility scheduled to open in early 2018. The foundations are in place and floors have been poured. The new buildings should take shape quickly over the next few weeks and before winter sets in. Follow the exciting progress of the new Klein’s on our Facebook Page.
YOU ASKED THE MAD GARDENER . . .
I have an amaryllis that was a gift last Christmas and bloomed beautifully. After that, I allowed it to grow (long leaves). I cut it back to 2″ this summer and it grew more long leaves. What should I do now if I want it to bloom again?
Hi Pam,
In order for it to rebloom it must go through an 8-10 week period of complete dormancy. Typically that should have started in August when watering should have ceased. That said, it’s not too late. However, at this point you probably won’t get blooms until March or April or even later. Simply stop watering and set the pot in a dry, dark location. Once the pot has completely dried out, allow it to rest for 10 weeks. Remove the foliage once it has yellowed and detached from the bulb on its own. After 10 weeks (or more), move the pot to a bright location and water thoroughly. Continue watering from that point onward only when the soil is very dry to the touch. Once the first flower stalk has reached 6″ you can begin watering more often and much like any other houseplant.
After flowering, allow the greenery to remain on the plant and move it outdoors once the weather warms. If you can plant it in the garden next summer in a sunny spot, it’ll perform even better than in the pot. You’ll be amazed!! The bulb will grow much larger and the new foliage will be firm and sturdy (unlike the foliage that formed indoors). It’s actually quite an attractive plant. In August, dig up the bulb (foliage and all) and allow it to go dormant in that dry, dark location mentioned above. Remove the yellowed foliage as the weeks pass. In 10 weeks (mid- to late October), pot it up and begin the process anew.
Thanks for your question,
Klein’s Mad Gardener
madgardener@kleinsfloral.com
DID YOU KNOW. . .
. . .that Rotary Gardens in Janesville occupy the site of an abandoned sand and gravel quarry?
Yes, its true! Rotary Gardens (among the most beautiful and renowned public gardens in the Midwest) occupy the site of an abandoned sand and gravel quarry on Palmer Drive. In 1988, the original site between Lions Beach and Kiwanis Pond was covered with debris and used as storage for the Parks Department and a BMX bicycle racetrack. The Gardens’ founder and original visionary, retired orthodontist Dr. Robert Yahr, approached the two Rotary Clubs in Janesville and inquired about their interest in developing a botanical garden for the community to enjoy. Both clubs agreed to this service project. Dr. Yahr’s original idea was to clean up the pond and surrounding area as a club project, but his imagination began to soar and the result was an ambitious new project for Janesville Rotarians.
The clubs began with a 10-year plan to clean up the grounds, create gardens with international themes, convert an old brick structure to a visitors’ center, improve the area across the road from the proposed gardens, and develop and beautify the Ice Age Trail. On May 2, 1988, the City of Janesville agreed to lease what is now a 20-acre site to the Janesville Rotary Foundation at no charge for a period of 99 years. Rotarians began their work at the site with a massive cleanup effort, removing tons of broken glass, rusty barrels, old tires, concrete slabs, rusty cyclone fencing and underbrush. With the cooperative efforts of volunteers and the expertise of engineers, contractors and carpenters, the project moved ahead. Jobs Bank workers from General Motors began renovation of the dilapidated brick building, first fortifying the foundation, and then gutting the interior. Duane Rath donated $160,000 for the complete renovation. The refurbished structure, the Rath Environmental Center, housed a meeting room, library, solarium, workshop and second floor administrative offices.
The Wisconsin Conservation Corps provided assistance with the development of the gardens, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources helped with the pond. Wooden benches were installed to provide resting spots at the water’s edge and along the walkways, and brick paths were created that are marked with the names of people who made financial contributions.
Structures completed in 2002 as result of a $3.2 million campaign included: a new horticultural building and the Parker Visitor/Educational Center (an expansion of the Rath Environmental Center) with meeting rooms, educational classrooms and a gift shop.
With the help of local Rotarians, countless volunteers, supporters and the City of Janesville, Rotary Botanical Gardens has become a botanical treasure enjoyed by both the community and visitors from around the country and the world. It has grown into a retreat which offers peace, beauty and serenity, but also serves as a prime destination for educational programs, family-friendly events, weddings and community gatherings.
Rotary Botanical Gardens is a non-profit, award-winning botanical showcase, located on 20-acres in the heart of Janesville, Wisconsin. Our awe-inspiring landscapes and gardens are a vibrant and welcoming host to an estimated 100,000 visitors each year. Supported solely by donations, the Gardens receive no tax dollars.
Source: www.rotarybotanicalgardens.org
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.
Homegrown Poinsettias from Klein’s
Nowhere in Madison will you find a larger selection of healthy homegrown poinsettias; inspected daily for your satisfaction.
Did you know that Klein’s grows its thousands of breathtaking poinsettias from tiny cuttings sent to us last July?
After potting, the cuttings spend the first week or so under timed misters. The added humidity lessens the shock of transplanting and allows them to perk up faster during hot summer days.
A few weeks later, the poinsettias are then “pinched”, creating bushier plants. But many are left “unpinched”. These are our famous “uprights”. These plants are left to grow on their own and will be taller with fewer, but substantially larger blooms. In September, we begin “tying up” the poinsettias with twine or a plastic support hoop. This process gives our plants their perfect shape. Also during this time we try to keep the plants from “stray light”, i.e. streetlights and even headlights. Poinsettias bloom as the days shorten. Therefore, any unnecessary light during the nighttime hours can actually delay blooming.
Slowly in late October the bracts begin to show their spectacular color. We at Klein’s pride ourselves in offering you the newest varieties and color selections on the market–from the richest reds to the purest whites and everything in between. Our poinsettias are known throughout the Madison and Dane county, brightening countless area churches, businesses and homes during the holiday season.
Upon your selection, we will carefully wrap your poinsettia for the trip home. Poinsettias are extremely cold sensitive and cannot tolerate temperatures below 50 degrees for very long. Once home, carefully unwrap your plant from the bottom up. This ensures that the delicate branches and blooms will not be damaged or broken.
The biggest problems for poinsettias in most homes are: not enough light, drafts (both cold and warm) and either over or under watering. Poinsettias prefer indirect or diffuse sunlight at least 6 hours per day. Plants prefer to be constantly moist, but not soggy, and never let the plants stand in water. Therefore, make sure there is a hole in any decorative foil around the pot and set the pot in a plate or saucer to protect furnishings. There’s no need to fertilize your poinsettia during the winter months. Drafts encourage leaf drop. This will usually not hurt the plant, but will make it rather unsightly.
Though poinsettias will not bloom in your garden during the summer, they make attractive additions to the patio or garden. Plants grow quickly during our hot, humid summers and the deep green, dense foliage makes an attractive shrub in the landscape or in a container. Getting your plant to rebloom next year is difficult and time consuming, requiring very specific lighting conditions. Doing so can be very rewarding, but we recommend disposing last year’s plant in favor of a pest free specimen. Poinsettias that spend the summer outside are prone to whitefly and tend to become terribly misshapen with much smaller blooms.
NOTES FROM MY GARDEN JOURNAL–Tips and Observations from My Own Garden by Rick Halbach
ENTRY: OCTOBER 7, 2017 (A Tornado Hits Klein’s)
Today, while on a bucket list two week trip in Ireland, it was surreal to receive a Facebook message from a coworker (who also happens to be in Ireland at the very same time) that a tornado had hit Klein’s. My coworker heard about it immediately in that a family member, who lives in a nearby neighborhood, was also affected by the tornado. Once it passed, she raced over to Klein’s to see if and how we were affected, to make sure everyone was OK and to help with any clean up. We learned that everyone at work was fine (but shaken) and that we had sustained some damage. Once googled, I saw clear video footage taken just hours before, of the tornado along East Washington Ave. at the Fair Oaks Ave. intersection just a few blocks from Klein’s. We lucked out in that it was a small F0 tornado and that due to Klein’s current reconstruction, there isn’t really much in terms of structures on the property to be damaged.
Once I returned from my vacation the following week, the tornado’s path along East Washington Ave. is clearly visible with a lot of snapped off trees and some structural damage along the entire route.
At Klein’s, the tornado passed along the back property line where trees are snapped off and phone lines are down. The supporting pipes of some of our back greenhouses were pulled toward the tornado and are now bent slightly off center and to the north. We lost some pottery and glassware as the structures moved and shook. Along the back of the property, a rubber mat that weighs hundreds of pounds was pulled off the ground and twisted into a pile and a few heavy tables and racks we have stored out back during our reconstruction were tossed into a neighbor’s property. Neighboring trees are strewn with debris and part of the roof from a nearby house was torn off. Literally, all of the fencing around the construction site was blown over. Given the damage we sustained, we were all-in-all VERY lucky.
Because the tornado occurred just after close at about 5:10, there were no customers in the store at the time. Three coworkers, who were in the process of closing, said they thought it was straight line winds until they heard about the tornado after the fact. There were also no tornado sirens until after the fact.
To see the exact path of the tornado click on www.weather.gov/images/mkx/images/madisonsptornadopath.PNG
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ENTRY: OCTOBER 20, 2017 (Overwintering Mandevilla)
As gardeners, we all learn something new nearly every day!
One of the most common questions I get in the fall is whether one can and how to overwinter that precious mandevilla that graced a garden trellis this past summer with its vigorous twining vines and huge typically pink or red blooms. It’s really quite easy to overwinter this tropical beauty in any home. Until today, however, I had always told customers to cut the vines off to about 10-12”, place it in a bright location near a south or west window or patio door and treat it essentially as a houseplant through the winter months; pruning any new growth lightly about March 1.
But today, while paging through the latest issue of Garden Gate magazine, I learned that one can store a mandevilla over winter in a completely dormant state—especially useful when space and/or pests are an issue. They advised the following:
First cut the vines to the 10-12” as advised above. Wash the remaining stems thoroughly to remove all pests. Move the potted plant into a cool basement, root cellar or heated garage that stays above freezing all winter. A temperature around 50ºF is ideal, although anywhere between 45º and 60ºF is fine. Because you want it to go dormant, supplemental light is not necessary and should be avoided. Water it only occasionally and only so it doesn’t dry out completely. Do not fertilize. About March 1, move your plant to a lit and warmer location, if desired, and begin watering and fertilizing as usual to promote new growth and earlier flowering in the summertime. Move the plant outdoors only after nighttime temperatures are above 55ºF.
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ENTRY: OCTOBER 27, 2017 (Bulb Planting Tools & Tips)
One of the very last tasks of the gardening season is the planting of spring bulbs. Every year I add a few here and there throughout the yard. In the front yard I have an entire bed of 150 tulips that I replant each fall for an incredible spring display. Given nice weather (and the fact we’ll be spending the next 5 months indoors), I find bulb planting a relaxing and rewarding chore. In addition, we’ve had some soaking rains over the past few weeks. Moist, tillable soil is essential when one has a lot of bulbs to plant.
After many years of gardening (and thousands of bulbs), I’ve learned there are easy ways to plants bulbs and there are hard ways to plant bulbs. For example, planting bulbs when the soil is dry and compacted is a hard way to plant bulbs. Digging individual holes with a hand trowel amongst mature perennial roots is another hard way to plant bulbs. And planting bulbs under a mature maple tree or near a mature spruce . . . forget it!! You’ll always hit roots!!
Here are a couple of my own handy tips to make the job easier:
If it hasn’t rained, thoroughly water the area where you’re planning on planting bulbs! This is one of our biggest complaints at Klein’s. Customers oftentimes purchase traditional bulb diggers (whether handheld or the long-handled foot-type) and they say they just don’t work! This is nearly always true if there are roots or rocks beneath the surface. But in moist, tilled beds, they work perfectly fine. I’ve found the type where the handle pops open to release the soil plug back into the hole works the best. It can sometimes be difficult to pry the soil out of the traditional kind where the tube doesn’t pop open to release the soil. When planting bulbs with a bulb planter, gardening gloves are a must to prevent blisters and a soft kneeling pad is useful. Bulb planters are tedious if you have a lot of bulbs to plant and aren’t useful for a large area unless you till the area ahead of time.
For larger areas, the most effective way to plant bulbs is to remove the soil completely to 6” deep, lay out the bulbs and replace the soil. I usually remove the soil on to a tarp lying next to the area I’m planting to make the task and clean up a bit easier. With this method it’s also easier to layer and mix bulbs of different types for a staggered blooming period.
Unlike the bigger tulip and daffodil bulbs, planting tiny bulbs like scilla, chionodoxa, pushkinia, species crocus and snowdrops, etc., is a breeze. I simply scatter the small bulbs over the soil surface to give a random and natural, rather than a planned, effect. Then I take a narrow trowel, jab it a few inches into the soil and pull back to create a slit into which I drop the bulb. I try to make sure the growing tip is pointing upward, but bulbs (especially these small ones) have a tendency to right themselves when planted incorrectly. Then with the heal of my hand, I push the slit closed and move on. Hundreds of bulbs can be planted in very short order. A kneeling pad is a necessity when planting hundreds of bulbs. This method works great when planting bulbs in the lawn. The sod is simply pressed back into place.
Until recently I was a skeptic of the auger-type bulb planters for power drills–but no more! It’s important to use a corded drill rather than the cordless type. I’ve found my cordless drill a little weak for deeper holes and areas with a lot of roots. Having said that, a corded drill works perfectly in established perennial beds where roots would otherwise be a problem. The drill bit cuts through those roots with ease! (Tree roots are another story). I purchased the two foot long version with a wide auger. Because the auger is long I can stand while drilling the holes. I then go back and drop the bulbs (growing tip up) into the holes. I go back again and refill each hole. I’ve found I can plant hundreds of bulbs in short order with the drill bit. The wider auger also allows me to plant larger allium bulbs easily.
And an added note: I normally wait until the first part of November to plant my bulbs into the garden. First off, they don’t sprout if the weather remains warm through the fall. They’ll have plenty of time to root into the still unfrozen soil, but didn’t have a chance to send up shoots. Doing so reduces flower power the following spring (except for a few like grape hyacinths which always send up greenery in the fall).
In addition, I’ve generally put the entire garden to bed by the first part of November. Perennials have been cut back and shrubs have lost their leaves. With nothing in the way, bulb planting is made easy.
Please note that during the month of November and while supplies last, all spring bulbs are from 20-50% off changing as the month progresses and weather dictates. Bulbs can be planted into the garden until the ground freezes in early December.
KLEIN’S RECIPES OF THE MONTH—These are a selection of relatively simple recipes chosen by our staff. New recipes appear monthly. Enjoy!!
Turnips are a root vegetable commonly associated with potatoes or beets, but their closest relatives are radishes and arugula, which, like turnips, are members of the mustard family. Large or old turnips can become unpleasantly “hot” unless properly cooked and combined with milder vegetables like potatoes, but younger turnips add a great zip to dishes, and are even tasty (and crunchy) raw.
Turnips are available all year long, but are at their best in fall, when mature specimens are fresh, and spring, when they are small and sweet. Larger turnips necessarily develop tougher skins and a stronger flavor, but are great for mashing and/or adding to soups and stews. Like most root vegetables, turnips are a great storage vegetable to use when you want to keep eating locally throughout the winter.
Contrary to conventional wisdom, turnips can be eaten raw. Baby turnips can be cut into wedges and served as crudités with dip, or sliced and added to salads for a crisp, lightly zippy tang (or made into a salad all on their own—just slice them thinly and drizzle on your favorite dressing).
Turnips are more commonly cooked, however, and lend themselves to a variety of preparations. They are delicious roasted (a process that mellows and yet concentrates their sometimes watery flavor at the same time), mashed, baked, or added to soups or stews.
Source: www.thespruce.com
VEGETABLE MAAFE (STEW)—A favorite 2007 recipe from the Willie Street Co-op newsletter.
2 large onions, chopped
4 TBS. vegetable oil
2 cups peeled butternut squash or sweet potatoes, cut into chunks
4 medium turnips, cut into chunks
2 large carrots, cut into thick slices
2 large tomatoes, quartered
1 bunch of chopped greens of choice, collards, kale, etc.
2 tsp. cayenne pepper or to taste
salt to taste
2 cups tomato sauce
1 cup or more water
3/4 cup peanut butter
cooked rice or warm bread
Brown the onions in hot oil over medium heat in a large pot. Stir in the vegetables, on at a time, in the order listed, sweating each a bit (cover on) before adding the next. Stir in the tomato sauce and 1 cup of water. Stir in the cayenne. Reduce the heat and simmer, salting to taste. Before the veggies are completely tender, mix 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid with the peanut butter to thin. Add back to the pot and simmer about 1 hour until all is very tender. Thin as desired with more water if needed. Serve over cooked rice or as a stew with bread.
MASHED RUTABAGA, TURNIP AND POTATO–Easy and rich. A great holiday side dish. From The Frugal Gourmet Celebrates Christmas by Jeff Smith.
1 3/4 lbs. rutabaga, peeled and cut into large chunks
1 1/2 lbs. turnips, peeled and quartered
1 lb. russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
1/2 stick (4 TBS.) butter, melted
1/2 cup whipping cream
salt and pepper
Place rutabaga in a large pot with ample water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook 15 minutes. Add the turnips and potatoes and cook 15 minutes more or until all is very tender. Drain well and mash with the butter, cream, salt and pepper.
ROASTED TURNIPS—From the pages of Everyday Food magazine from December 2010.
2 lbs. turnips, peeled and cut into 1/2” thick wedges
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
2 TBS. extra virgin olive oil
coarse salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup parmesan
Preheat the oven to 475º. In a bowl, combine the turnips, cayenne, nutmeg and the oil. Season to taste and toss.Sprinkle with the parmesan and toss lightly. Arrange the turnips on a rimmed baking sheet and roast until golden, about 25-30 minutes, flipping the pieces about half way through. Serves 4.
TURNIPS & GREENS—This recipe comes from a Kripalu yoga newsletter.
2 1/2 cups cubed turnips
2 TBS. olive oil
2 1/2 cups sliced onions
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. minced garlic
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 1/2 tsp. salt
4 cups (5 oz.) chopped collard greens
3 cups (4 oz.) chopped mustard greens
1/2 cup water
1 TBS. red wine vinegar
Steam the turnips 10 minutes and drain. In a large, deep skillet, heat the oil and sauté the turnips and onions over medium high heat for 5 minutes. Stir in the paprika, garlic, pepper and salt and continue sautéing 10 minutes more. Add the greens and the water, cover, and steam 5 minutes. Uncover and cook until the water has evaporated. Stir in the vinegar and serve. Serves 4.
NATURAL NEWS–
The 11 Best Foods You Aren’t Eating
- Beets:Think of beets as red spinach, said Dr. Jonny Bowden (author of The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth), because they are a rich source of folate as well as natural red pigments that may be cancer fighters.
How to eat: Fresh, raw and grated to make a salad. Heating decreases the antioxidant power.
- Cabbage:Loaded with nutrients like sulforaphane, a chemical said to boost cancer-fighting enzymes.
How to eat: Asian-style slaw or as a crunchy topping on burgers and sandwiches.
- Swiss chard:A leafy green vegetable packedwith carotenoids that protect aging eyes.
How to eat it: Chop and sauté in olive oil.
- Cinnamon:May help control blood sugar and cholesterol.
How to eat it: Sprinkle on coffee or oatmeal.
- Pomegranate juice:Appears to lower blood pressure and loaded with antioxidants.
How to eat: Just drink it.
- Dried plums:Okay, so they are really prunes, but they are packed with antioxidants.
How to eat: Wrapped in prosciutto and baked.
- Pumpkin seeds:The most nutritious part of the pumpkin and packed with magnesium; high levels of the mineral are associated with lower risk for early death.
How to eat: Roasted as a snack, or sprinkled on salad.
- Sardines:“Health Food in a Can.” They are high in omega-3’s, contain virtually no mercury and are loaded with calcium. They also contain iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper and manganese as well as a full complement of B vitamins.
How to eat: Choose sardines packed in olive or sardine oil. Eat plain, mixed with salad, on toast, or mashed with dijon mustard and onions as a spread.
- Turmeric: The “superstar of spices,” it may have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
How to eat: Mix with scrambled eggs or in any vegetable dish.
- Frozen blueberries:Even though freezing can degrade some of the nutrients in fruits and vegetables, frozen blueberries are available year-round and don’t spoil; associated with better memory in animal studies.
How to eat: Blended with yogurt or chocolate soy milk and sprinkled with crushed almonds.
- Canned pumpkin:A low-calorie vegetable that is high in fiber and immune-stimulating vitamin A; fills you up on very few calories.
How to eat: Mix with a little butter, cinnamon and nutmeg.
NOVEMBER’S PLANT OF THE MONTH:
AMARYLLIS
November marks the arrival of a holiday favorite. After the poinsettia and the holiday cactus comes the amaryllis in popularity and it’s one of the easiest and showiest of the holiday bloomers. Klein’s offers the largest and healthiest amaryllis bulbs available on the market. We offer bulk bulbs as well as gift boxes. In early December, started plants with 4-6” flower stalks become available for holiday gift giving. In addition to pottery of all types, we carry lovely, clear amaryllis vases. These are similar to hyacinth glasses though larger; for starting amaryllis with just water, rather than soil. There are no showier flowers for indoor enjoyment!
Amaryllis are large bulbs and form their own family of bulbs. There are different types of holiday amaryllis based on flower structure and bloom time, but cultural requirements are the same for each. More popular types include:
Christmas Flowering (singles and doubles)–Smaller bulbs but still large flowers that bloom only 4-6 weeks after planting. Excellent when blooms are desired by the holidays. Plants grow to 16-20” tall. This is the type we carry at Klein’s.
Royal Dutch Hybrids (singles and doubles)–Bulbs and flowers are larger, but take 8-12 weeks to bloom after planting The bulbs themselves are given as gifts or in gift boxes with the pot and soil already included. Have the largest of the amaryllis blooms. Flower stalks can grow to 3’.
Miniature Amaryllis–Available both as Christmas flowering and Royal Dutch Hybrids. Same flower power on smaller plants. Grow to 10-16”.. Klein’s sells the Christmas flowering type.
Cybister Amaryllis–A species-type with slender, spidery flowers. Should be grown year round and not allowed to go dormant.
Amaryllis colors range from the ever-popular red to pink, peach, white and bicolors.
Plant amaryllis bulbs in any well-drained, bagged potting soil. Use a terra cotta or ceramic pot for added weight. Amaryllis are notoriously top heavy. Choose a pot that extends no more than one inch from the edges of the bulb. For proper blooming, amaryllis bulbs require the snug fit. Plant the bulb firmly with 1/4-1/3 of the bulb above the soil line. Water in well and place in a warm location. From this point on, water on the lighter side until the flower stalk is 3-6” tall, after which watering can be increased to the point where the soil never dries out. Move your 3-4” tall amaryllis to a bright location, rotating the pot as needed so the plant doesn’t lean too much.
After flowering, cut off the flower stalk, leaving the foliage. Continue watering as any houseplant, leaving the pot in a bright location.
Come spring, plant your amaryllis into the garden in a fairly sunny location. Your plant should get rather large with firm, deep green foliage. Dig the bulb in early September and allow it to rest in a warm, dry location for 8-10 weeks. The bulb should be large and firm and completely rejuvenated The foliage can be removed once it has yellowed entirely. After the 8 weeks repot your bulb as you did the previous season. The cycle begins anew. Amaryllis bulbs can last for many, many years with proper care.
Klein’s offers a dozen or more amaryllis choices in many types and colors. Gift boxes become available about November 10.
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.
Herb Fair
Saturday, November 4, 9:00-3:00
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Hear about herbs from speakers and vendors. Purchase herbal products. Make & take projects, demonstrations, and a Q & A station. Free! Sponsored by the Madison Herb Society. Visit www.madisonherbsociety.org.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave., Madison
608/246-4550 or www.olbrich.org for details.
Rotary Garden’s Evening Garden Seminar: Plant Selection for Four-Season Garden Interest
Wednesday, November 29, 6:30-8:00 p.m
Mark Dwyer, Horticulture Director of Rotary Botanical Gardens, will speak about “Plant Selection for Four-Season Garden Interest.” Drawing on his experience and expertise, Mark will share photos of his favorite plants that contribute over all four seasons in the garden. Plants with wonderful blooms, fragrance, structure, fantastic foliage and other attributes will be covered with a focus on those plants that offer the most lengthy and significant contribution.
$5 for non-members, $3 for RBG Friends members, no registration required.
Rotary Botanical Gardens
1455 Palmer Drive
Janesville, WI
608/752-3885 or www.rotarybotanicalgardens.org/
Dane County Farmer’s Market
Saturdays, thru November 11, 6:00-1:45
On the Capitol Square
Wednesdays, thru November 8, 8:30-1:45
In the 200 block of Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
For details visit www.dcfm.org
Dane County Holiday Farmer’s Market
Saturdays, November 18 thru December 16, 7:30-noon
Monona Terrace
For details visit www.dcfm.org
NOVEMBER IN THE GARDEN—A checklist of things to do this month.
___Visit Olbrich, Rotary or Allen Centennial Gardens and note plants of fall interest for
spring planting and best selection.
___Put up all birdfeeders and fill daily as needed. Begin feeding raw suet.
___Make water available to the birds. Begin using a de-icer as needed.
___Dig new beds now! It’s easier now than in spring when super-busy.
___Continue planting spring bulbs till the ground freezes.
___Plant bulbs for forcing and put in a cool location for 10-12 weeks.
___Stop feeding houseplants and cut back on watering.
___Continue planting deciduous shrubs and trees until the ground freezes.
___Clean up stalks and leaves of annuals and vegetables, preventing viruses and pests
for next year’s garden.
___Continue harvesting brussels sprouts, kale, greens and root crops.
___Cut perennials back to 4-6”, leaving those for winter interest.
___Make notes in your garden journal for changes, improvements, etc.
___Mow the lawn at shortest setting for last mowing of the season.
___Ready lawnmower and tiller for winter. Prep the snowblower.
___Keep gutters clear of leaves and debris.
___Clean empty pots and containers for winter storage.
___Purchase marsh hay and rose protection. Wait till the ground freezes to apply.
___Wrap trunks of susceptible trees to protect from rodents.
___Visit Klein’s—The poinsettias are just about ready. Look for end of the season savings on all remaining spring bulbs.
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 NOVEMBER:
Who knows this year with our rebuilding underway, but normally…..
—Our employees prep the store inside and out for the upcoming holidays.
—Wreaths, roping and pine boughs arrive mid-month from northern Wisconsin.
—Violas, hardy annuals and herbs continue to arrive for next February’s Garden Expo at the Alliant Energy Center.
—Most plant material has been ordered for the 2018 growing season. We order early to ensure you best selection in spring.