August 1, 2018 Newsletter

Think you have the Most Beautiful Garden? Perhaps all of that hard work and creativity can literally pay off by entering our Most Beautiful Garden Contest. We invite individual households to submit photographs along with our entry form to Klein’s via our online form. Entries are due August 18, 2018. On Sunday, August 19 all of the entries will be uploaded to our Facebook page and voting begins!

Winners are chosen by you and your friends! All entries will be uploaded to our Facebook page where everyone can vote on the most beautiful garden. The winners will be determined by the number of likes his/her garden receives.Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places include gift cards for a Klein’s shopping spree.

They say pictures say a thousand words and sometimes the most simple of designs says more than the most elaborate. Visit www.kleinsfloral.com/garden-contest for details and entry information.

—Buy One, Get One Free on all Remaining Annuals. We continue to have a beautiful supply of 5” annuals to freshen up your tired looking containers or to fill in bare spots in your flower beds. There are at least two months of summer left to enjoy the added beauty and color to your garden.

—25% Off All Remaining Tropicals & Flowering Hanging Baskets. Please note that this sale does not include houseplants.

Specials may change as the month progresses, supplies run out and as our fall crops become available later in the month

A semi-load of houseplants has arrived FROM FLORIDA! Quality and selection are now at their peak. Some of our more interesting items include a selection of air plants, curly-leaved dracaenas, terrarium miniatures, birds-of-paradise, colorful bromeliads and unique succulents, in addition to indoor tropicals in all shapes and sizes.

Ask any of your gardening questions by e-mailing them to us at madgardener@kleinsfloral.com. Klein’s in-house Mad Gardener will e-mail you with an answer as promptly as we can. We’ve also posted a link to this e-mail address on our home page for your convenience. Your question might then appear in the “You Asked” feature of our monthly newsletter. If your question is the one selected for our monthly newsletter, you’ll receive a small gift from us at Klein’s. The Mad Gardener hopes to hear from you soon!

Sorry, we can only answer those questions pertaining to gardening in Southern Wisconsin and we reserve the right to leave correspondence unanswered at our discretion. Please allow 2-3 days for a response.

Please note that our Mad Gardener is not only an expert gardener, but can answer all of your indoor plant questions as well.

Monday thru Friday : 8:00-6:00

Saturday: 9:00-5:00

Sunday: 10:00-4:00

Throughout August, visit Klein’s and check out our specials on perennials, shrubs and remaining annuals. Specials and selection change weekly so give us a call for the most up-to-date information at (608) 244-5661 or toll free at 888-244-5661 or on our home page @ www.kleinsfloral.com. We pride ourselves in having the best cared for plants in even the hottest weather.

And later in August, watch for the appearance our fall mums, ornamental kales and cabbages, mixed fall containers and cool weather vegetables, including; chard, kale, lettuces and cole crops. We still have a nice selection of seeds for the fall vegetable garden, including; radishes, spinach, lettuce and SO much more!

August 26–Full Moon

September 3–Labor Day. Special Store Hours: 10:00-4:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hi Kathleen,

Depending on how large/established the fuchsias were when you purchased them, it may simply be a little too early in the season for them to start blooming (question received 7/1). Technically, fuchsias are woody plants and can take a while for them to establish themselves and set bud after planting.

That said, the more likely problem is that they are probably in a position that’s a little too shady. We get this question all the time when customers place their fuchsias under covered porches or on the north sides of their homes. Though fuchsias are ‘shade tolerant’, they bloom best in full morning sun with at least 4-6 hours of direct or indirect sunlight (and in a protected location from winds). They cannot be placed in south or west locations in full sun.

Fuchsias are very light feeders. If you are regularly applying an all-purpose fertilizer, this could also pose a problem; causing the plant to produce foliage at the expense of blossoms.

Thanks for your question,

Klein’s Mad Gardener

Though mums and fall garden plants are already appearing at big box stores and national home improvement chains, locally grown blooming mums won’t hit stores until later in August and closer to Labor Day, peaking during September. Usually grown in Canada or forced into bloom in artificial conditions, the chain store mums are a tempting impulse purchase to fill in tired spots in the garden. But with weeks of summer heat remaining, these early mums have no chance of surviving to add color to your fall landscape. That said and until our own homegrown mums are ready for sale, a selection of blooming mums purchased from outside vendors usually becomes available at Klein’s during mid-August for early sales.

The appearance of the garden mums signals fall is surely here. We receive our fall mums already in May, arriving as rooted 1” plugs. Upon arrival, we pop them into small pots to buy some time. Because that is also the busiest time of the year for us, we don’t have room yet out back for the thousands of larger pots. During late May and most of June, they’re allowed to root out. We give them one soft tip pinch during June for well-branched bush plants down the road.

Around July 4 the mums are then stepped up into their larger pots. At Klein’s we sell them in 6” and 8” pots, hanging baskets and in larger decorative containers. Later we’ll also plant up some gorgeous fall mixes using grasses, kales, pansies and other cool weather annuals. For the rest of the summer the mums enjoy plenty of sun and pampering sitting out in the open on the ground in the back part of our property. Our mums get plenty of moisture and fertilizer during this growing period. They require no more pinching and will begin blooming in succession by variety usually beginning about August 20, though extreme heat can delay blooming. This is when the first ones become available to the consumer. Color choices run the full spectrum of fall colors: yellow, gold, orange, bronze, red, purple, pink, etc.

If planning a special event this fall, give us a call. Because we grow our thousands of mums on site, we always have more out back and at varying stages of bloom. We generally have mums well into November.

Please note that mums planted into the garden in the fall will usually not winter over. As the ground cools there’s generally not enough time for the plants to root out before the ground freezes. For mums to perennialize, it’s best to plant them in the spring when they are available in small pots in our perennial area. These mums have the entire summer establish themselves, greatly increasing chances of winter survival.

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.

The Becker farm is located in a unique area just north of Madison, WI called the Cherokee Marsh. This area is typical of many marsh’s with a few exceptions. The farm proper is located on “high ground” which allows us to grow veggies.

The immediate surrounding area is marsh that has been cut for hay for the last 35 years. This long cropping history means that the marsh grass that is harvested is free of many of the other native species that exist in most marshes, such as red sumac and cat tails. This means it is also 100% free of any weed seeds. No more volunteer weed seed in your garden that hitched a ride on your mulch.

Marsh hay is unique in it’s mulching properties as well. The blades of grass have a very fine edge that interlocks with other blades of grass. This means it holds together very well when on the ground. After a good rain, it will not be going anywhere, even with some good gusts of wind.

Our bales are the small squares like you are used to seeing. They can weigh anywhere from 30-40lbs each or more. A single bale will usually cover about 100sq ft. A little less if you want a thicker mulch.

On a personal note, what a difference a year makes!! A year ago this month and beginning on August 16, 2017 the demolition of the old Klein’s began. And now just a year later, we’ve already gone through our first amazing spring growing season in our new, modern, safe and beautiful facility. After a decade (or more) discussing the possibilities and probabilities of a new facility, the reality is beyond what I expected. The last year has been a whirlwind (literally with a tornado in October) of SO much hard work, emotion and uncertainties on all of our parts. But in the end, it was all SO worth it!

After nearly 30 years working at Klein’s, friends, family and customers still ask if I miss the old place. Longtime customers share their memories of shopping at Klein’s with their parents or grandparents. They talk about the Klein family (Oscar, Joyce and Sue as a kid), the cats, the colors, the smells, the quaintness and the quirkiness. But most of all they talk about quality of the plants and the staff. I remember my very first time walking into Klein’s as a college student in the late 1970’s. I remember my very first task as a newly hired employee, October 6,1991—cleaning disgusting mealybugs off of spikes. There have been so many happy times, so many sad times and so many good friends made over the years.

Do I miss the old place? Sure I’m sentimental when I think back (and for the same reasons as our customers), but no….I don’t really miss it. The time had come to change, to grow and to move forward. Now I can happily look forward to another 30 years at Klein’s.

Like every other year, the perennials at Klein’s just went 25% off for the 4th of July holiday. I couldn’t pass up this opportunity to purchase a few fill-in perennials now that the sale is better than my employee discount. Selection is still excellent and the plants haven’t succumbed to the summer heat and nonstop watering. One group of perennials I treasure for their stature and impressive beauty are those from the Silphium genus of Wisconsin native prairie plants. The most well-known members of these members of the aster family include compass plant (Silphium laciniatum), cup plant (S. perfoliatum), prairie dock (S. terebinthinaceum) and rosinweed (S. integrifolium). Plants from this group are extremely rugged, tall and dramatic and add a lot of flare to the back of my perennial border out back. Flowers from all species are yellow and set high up on thick stalks and all attract tons beneficial insects and birds to the garden.

The following descriptions are from the University of Texas Austin website at www.wildflower.org

Compass plant is a tall, coarse, sunflower-like perennial, growing 3-12 ft. high. Deeply cut, hairy leaves, up to 2 ft. in length, usually orient themselves north and south to avoid the heat of the noonday sun. Scattered along the top half of the stout, sticky stem are 2-5 in. wide, yellow, radiate flowers. A tall plant bearing yellow flower heads with large, hairy-edged, green bracts; stem exudes resinous sap.

Cup plant is a course perennial, 3-6 ft. tall with numerous large, yellow composite flowers. Each flower head has 20-30 yellow rays and darker yellow disks. Stout leaves are joined at stem to form a small cup that holds water and attracts birds, especially goldfinches.

The very large, wide, spade-shaped basal leaves of prairie dock subtend a 3-8 ft. flowering stalk. Bright yellow, composite flower are numerous on older plants. Another common name for prairie dock is prairie rosinweed due to the copious resin exuded from injured parts of the plant. Prairie youngsters used the resin for chewing gum. It tastes like carrots and pine.

Wholeleaf rosinweed is a coarse perennial, 2-6 ft. tall with large, yellow composite flowers and rough, paired, oval to lance-shaped leaves.

* * * * *

While in the garden this morning I watched as oodles of bumblebees and other smaller pollinators were all over the now fully-in-bloom native wild senna that graces my front yard. It was then that I noticed that, by chance, I had placed a large pot of soon-to-bloom popcorn cassia right next to it. The similarities in appearance of these two very related plants from completely differently parts of the world is striking. To many, they would be hard to tell apart, minus the slightly larger leaves and the distinctly popcorn scent of the popcorn cassia.

Popcorn Cassia, Senna didymobotrya (syn. Cassia didymobotrya):

The plant commonly known as popcorn cassia is a legume (family Fabaceae) from tropical central and eastern Africa that is common in disturbed areas, but it is also grown as an ornamental plant world-wide. The species Senna didymobotrya has also been used as a cover crop or green manure crop in some locations. It was previously classified in the genus Cassia, and that has remained as part of its common name. The other part of the common name comes from the scent of the foliage when rubbed – often described as that of buttered popcorn, but other interpretations of the smell include the less appealing “mice” or “wet dog”. Although this tropical plant is only hardy in zones 9-11, because of its rapid growth and habit of flowering when small it is easily used as a seasonal annual in cool climates.

In the Midwestern garden popcorn cassia is used as an unusual accent plant with its bright yellow showy flowers contrasting with its striking black buds, for the tropical effect of its foliage, and for vertical interest with its tall flower spikes. Plant it among other annuals in the border, or as a specimen in a large container. In a mixed container it can function as the “thriller” or tall plant to contrast with other trailing or mid-sized filler plants. The large but feathery foliage contrasts nicely with other tropical with large leaves (such as bananas, elephant ears or castor bean) or anything with dark-colored leaves. Try mixing it with pink cosmos and orange dahlias for a bright burst of color, or use it with yellow dahlias and snapdragons for a sophisticated monochromatic color scheme.

Popcorn cassia grows best in full sun in rich, moist, well-drained soil. Provide with ample water and fertilize regularly to promote lush growth and flowering. As a tropical plant it will languish in cool weather, but will thrive in the heat and humidity of summer. Prune after flowering to keep more compact, but this will delay repeat blooming. It does not have any significant pests and is not favored by deer.

Although it will tolerate light frost, if you want to try to keep this plant over the winter in a greenhouse or a bright window, try to bring it indoors when nighttime temperatures are in the high 30’s. (Source: wimastergardener.org) The article is written by Susan Mahr.

Wild Senna, Senna hebecarpa (syn. Cassia hebecarpa):

Wild Senna is a versatile plant that we think deserves more recognition as a great choice for garden or restoration projects. Its lovely, bright yellow flowers bloom July-August, attracting many bees and butterflies. Autumn brings beautiful leaf colors and the formation of long black pods with seeds favored by larger birds like wild turkeys. A horizontal root system provides strength against winds, allowing the plant’s stately (4-6′) beauty to be appreciated even after the storm. Some gardeners use this sun-loving plant to form a hedge.

The preference is partial to full sun, and moist to mesic conditions. A rich loamy soil is preferred, although sandy and rocky soil are also tolerated. This plant can become quite tall when the soil is fertile and moist.

This species is occasional in some areas, and uncommon or absent in others. Populations in the wild are probably declining as a result of modern development. Habitats include moist meadows near rivers, savannas, fens, pastures, and roadsides. Some disturbance is beneficial when it reduces competition from shrubs and trees.

The flowers attract bumblebees primarily, which seek pollen. Halictid bees also visit the flowers for pollen, but are less likely to achieve cross-pollination. The extra-floral nectaries, on the other hand, attract primarily ants and a few other insects, including ladybird beetles and flies. It is possible that some of these insects protect the plant from other insects that would attack the foliage. The caterpillars of some Sulfur butterflies rely on the foliage of Senna spp. (Sennas) as a source of food. (Sources include: www.illinoiswildflowers.info and www.prairiemoon.com.

Klein’s carries both popcorn cassia (among our potted annuals) and wild senna (in our perennial area) in the springtime. Supplies of these ever-popular plants are usually depleted by the end of June.

The hot and dryish weather so far this summer has made for the nicest zinnias I’ve ever grown in my garden. The plants and the flowers are near perfection and without blemishes. The plants are tall and sturdy and the flower heads large and full. They are of cut flower quality. In most years, the foliage is chewed on early in the season by a wide assortment of insect pests, then followed by the earwigs. But with the dry weather we’ve been experiencing, the earwig population in my yard is next to nothing. Most years, the zinnias’ giant flower heads hide countless earwigs between their many petals. It’s during the night, the earwigs emerge and devour the flowers that hide them during the daytime. And I have yet to see a spot of powdery mildew on the zinnia plants. More than any other problem, it’s powdery mildew that makes them look their worst as the season progresses.

In addition, I’m very satisfied with the varieties and color choices. Too often in the past, I’ve selected mixes that are oftentimes a little heavy on the colors I like the least; particularly white and pale pink. Nowadays I choose single colors to form a palette from my very favorite colors in bight shades of yellow, orange, red, purple and pink. I grow all of my zinnias started from seed in my basement in early April. This year I chose Benary’s Giant Wine, Violet Queen, Orange King, Daffodil Yellow, Cherry Queen, Will Rogers red, Royal Purple and Cherry Queen, among others, Their uniform 3 foot heights and eye-popping colors have made for a stunning display!

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

Summertime, family picnics and fresh, cold, summer salads all go hand in hand. Its now that the early cabbages are making their appearance at local markets and produce stands. Nothing could be easier to make than a fresh slaw. For the easiest of cabbage salads, simply shred a head of cabbage and a few carrots. Chop an onion and a green pepper and toss with one of the many jarred, ready-made slaw dressings available at all grocery stores or make a simple dressing combining mayo, vinegar, sugar and some poppy or celery seeds. For something a little more unique, try one or more of these Klein’s employee family favorites.

CABBAGE & APPLE COLESLAW–There are many slaw recipes that combine cabbage, apples and grapes, but we’ve found this old, tried-and-true recipe from Better Homes & Gardens to be the most flavorful and reliable. Having withstood the test of time, this is a sure crowd pleaser.

1/3 cup mayo

2 TBS. cider vinegar

2 TBS. sugar

2 tsp. coarse brown mustard

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

4 cups coarsely shredded cabbage

2 medium, tart apples, chopped

3 whole dill pickles, chopped (1 cup)

1/2 cup halved grapes

1/4 cup chopped onion

In a bowl, whisk together the mayo, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt and pepper. Combine the rest of the ingredients in a large serving bowl. Add the dressing and toss to coat. Cover and chill. Stir before serving. Serves 6-8.

ENSALADA DE REPOLLO (Cabbage Salad)–A Spanish twist from a 2004 issue of Cooking Light magazine.

7 cups shredded cabbage

1 cup chopped red bell pepper

1/4 cup chopped onion

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

3 stalks celery, chopped

3 medium plum tomatoes, chopped

1 medium cucumber, chopped

1/4 cup fresh lime juice

2 tsp. olive oil

3/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

Combine all of the veggies in a large bowl. Whisk together the oil, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the veggies and toss to coat. Allow to rest at least 30 minutes. Serves 8.

ASIAN COLESLAW–Our employee’s review for this salad says “beautiful and unique with strong flavors.” Oddly, this wonderful recipe comes from an issue of Horticulture magazine (date unknown).

1 head red cabbage, cored and shredded

1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 bunch of green onions, chopped

3 carrots, shredded

1/2+ cups golden raisins

1/2 cup toasted sesame seeds

Dressing:

3/4 cup toasted sesame oil

1/4 cup rice vinegar

2 tsp. sugar

1 tsp. soy sauce

1 tsp. molasses

1 tsp. grated ginger

1 tsp. minced garlic

Combine the salad ingredients in a large bowl. Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a small bowl until the sugar is dissolved. Toss the dressing with the salad ingredients until well coated. Sprinkle with the sesame seeds. Serves 6-8.

GRILLED COLESLAW–Something easy and unique from the July 2008 issue of Bon Appetit magazine.

1/2 cup tarragon vinegar

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup+ canola oil

2 TBS. Dijon mustard

1 tsp. tarragon

1 medium head green cabbage, quartered

1 medium head red cabbage, quartered

1 bunch green onions, trimmed but left whole

Prep grill to medium high heat. Whisk together the vinegar, sugar, 1/2 cup oil, mustard and tarragon in a small bowl and set aside. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Brush the cabbages and onions with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill the cabbage pieces 3-4 minutes per side until grill marks appear. Grill the onions just 2-3 minutes without turning. Once grilled, shred the cabbage and chop the onions. Toss together with the dressing in a very large serving bowl and reseason to taste.

Though it’s the middle of summer, it’s time to plan your veggie garden for fall harvests. In some seasons, cool weather vegetables like carrots and kale can be harvested all the way into December. Given the fact that Madison’s first average frost date is about October 10, here is a list of vegetables and planting dates for the upcoming weeks. Klein’s fall crop of starter vegetables including chard, lettuce and the cole crops will be available for sale in just a few weeks. In addition, we still have on hand a nice selection of cool weather seed items for you to start at home; including spinach, radishes, carrots, lettuce and so much more! Fall is also the time for planting spring harvested garlic. Garlic bulbs from Seed Savers Exchange will be available in early September for fall planting.

Beans–The last planting for a fall bean harvest should can be no later than mid-July, so it’s a little late for planting beans . . . but make a note for next year!! Oftentimes gardeners are unaware they can plant successive bean crops for later harvests.

Beets–Seeds for fall harvest can be planted beginning about August 1 and continuing through August. Fall grown beets are small, tender and sweet compared to their summer counterparts. Beets do not transplant well.

Broccoli–Seeds can be sown directly into the garden beginning about August 1 and continuing through August. August is also the best time for transplanting broccoli into the garden for largest heads.

Cabbage–Though a cole crop, it’s too late to plant cabbage into the garden after mid-July. Cabbage needs the extra time for heads to mature. This is a commonly asked question at Klein’s as customers search for cabbage starters among the other cole crops we offer.

Carrots–Sow carrots beginning about August 1 and continuing through all of August. Carrots can be harvested until the ground freezes. Late harvests yield the sweetest carrots, though sometimes small because they haven’t had the time to grow and mature. Carrots must be direct sown. Transplants are unavailable.

Cauliflower–Cauliflower, like broccoli, can be direct sown or transplanted throughout the month of August–the earlier the better in order for the heads to grow and mature before cold weather sets in.

Chard–Seeds can be planted throughout August and even into the first week of September. Though chard is best direct sown, transplants are available and are best planted into the garden before Labor Day. We offer ‘Bright Lights’ in 4-packs. It’s both beautiful and edible!

Collards–Collards seeds can be sown for fall harvest beginning already the end of June in that, unlike many common cole crops, they are far more heat tolerant–hence their popularity in the south. On the other hand, they mature slower and need some extra time. Fall collards should be in the garden no later than August 1.

Head Lettuce–Direct sown head lettuce can be planted into the garden anytime during the month of August. Look for varieties that mature quicker allowing full heads to form before cold weather. Bibb types are great! Transplants should be planted by mid-month.

Kale–Seeds can be planted into the garden anytime after mid-July and continuing into mid-September. Kale is one of our cold hardiest crops and light frosts enhance its flavor. Fresh kale from the garden can be a nice Thanksgiving treat. Klein’s offers Red Russian and Redbor transplants beginning mid-August. Ornamental kales are also delicious and make a nice garnish.

Kohlrabi–Can be direct sown into the garden through August and into mid-September. Fall harvest kohlrabi is delightfully sweet and tender. Spring grown kohlrabi can become tough and bitter as the summer heats up. Transplants are available at Klein’s.

Leaf Lettuce–Unlike head lettuce, leaf lettuce requires little time to mature and is a treat in the fall garden. Planted too early, garden sown seed can bolt in hot weather so wait until at least mid- or late August for best results and then continue sowing all the way into mid-September. Transplant started plants throughout September.

Mustard Greens–Closely related to kale, mustard greens can be sown starting mid-July and continuing into mid-September. Flavor sweetens as the weather cools. Klein’s offers mustard green transplants only in the springtime.

Peas–Though peas are a cool weather crop, they require time to mature before harvest. Peas planted too early for fall harvest suffer in summer heat . . . too late and there’s not enough time before frost. Peas planted right around August 1 should have enough time to mature for a fall crop. In certain microclimates they can be sown maybe a week or two later.

Radishes–Radishes relish our cool fall weather. Whereas spring crops can sometimes turn woody and bitter as the weather warms, fall crops remain crisp and sweet. Seeds should be sown beginning in mid-August and then into the end of September. Like carrots and beets, radishes can continue to be harvested long after our first frost date has passed.

Spinach–Fast growing spinach should not be planted into the garden until the heat of mid-summer has passed and the nights are cooler. Begin sowing into the garden at the end of August and continue sowing into mid- or even late September. It’s not unusual to harvest fresh spinach for your Thanksgiving meal (though you may have to protect it from extreme cold spells during November).

Turnips–Fall grown turnips are super-sweet! Sow starting about August 1 and continuing throughout the month. Because turnips are a root crop, they can be harvested well into the fall.

And a reminder that your radish, turnip and beet greens are also delicious when used young in salads or in sautes and braises once they mature.

Sweet corn or corn on the cob is a variant of Zea mays, Zea mays var nigosa or Zea saccharata (meaning sugary). It originated in what is now Mexico and Central America, from a wild grass, which was crossed with teosinte (another wild grass) but the original ancestor no longer exists. Popcorn comes from Zea mays var. everta. Zea mays is the original corn that was grown by the tribes of Central America and Mexico, the Aztecs, Mayans and Olmecs and can be yellow, white, purple, red, brown and even have multi-colored kernels. Some corn pollen grains were found in drill cores 200 feet below Mexico City which are believed to be 80,000 tears old, so it has a very ancient history. Perhaps it originated in the Tehuacan Valley in Mexico, but scientists are not certain of this.

It is believed that it was first domesticated between 9,000 and 8,000 BC and by 2,000 to 1,500 BC it had become a staple food in the diets of the Olmecs and Mayans, who held it in great reverence, so much so that it became part of their daily rituals and took on religious significance. It also featured in their art.

Native Americans also valued corn and used it as both a food and medicine as well as for other purposes, such as weaving the fibers from the plant into sleeping mats, moccasins, baskets and other items. Corn husk dolls were also made after using the edible kernels.

They used corn for grinding into flour, and this cornmeal was also used in poultices for bruises, swellings and to cure sores and headaches. They also used corn as a diuretic to get rid of excess fluids in the body. The corn husks would be burned and parts of the body which had sores, ulcers, or other skin problems would be held over the smoke, to cure them.

Corn has wound healing properties due partly to the presence of allantoin which is often used in herbal remedies, but which comes, in other countries, from comfrey, Symphytum officinale.

The Spaniards came across corn in the 15th century and too it back to Spain in the 16th. It was the only grain known in the Americas at the time. To begin with sweet corn was greeted with suspicion in Europe and confined to having purely ornamental value. The same thing happened with the aubergine, potato, sweet potato and of course the tomato when they were first introduced into Europe.

The introduction of corn caused some confusion in the England and Wales as corn was the name in those countries for what is now called wheat, and this is how cornflowers got their name. In Scotland and Ireland, corn was the name used for oats, which further confused the issue. Even now, wheat fields are referred to as corn fields by many in England and Wales. Corn on the cob is called that and sweet corn to distinguish between wheat and what the Native Americans called and still call maize.

Corn contains some of the B-complex vitamins including B1 (thiamin), B2 (niacin), B3 (riboflavin) B5 (pantothenic acid) and B6, making corn good for hair, skin, the digestion, heart and brain. It also contains vitamins C, A and K along with amino acids, flavonoids, and large amounts of beta-carotene and a fair amount of selenium which improves the functions of the thyroid gland and plays a role in the proper functioning of the immune system. Beta-carotene is also found in tomatoes, papaya, pumpkin and red peppers. Corn therefore possesses potent antioxidant properties which help to protect the body from the ravages of free radicals which can damage the cells and cause cancer. Corn also contains fiber which is essential to our diet. It also helps with production of sex and stress-related hormones and is good for our sexual health especially that of men as niacin can help with erectile dysfunctions.

It is believed that it can help with the symptoms of arthritis and rheumatism as the B-complex vitamins can improve joint mobility.

Today there are many uses for corn, and the majority of that grown is not used for human consumption, but to make ethanol which is used instead of lead to increase the octane level of petrol, and for animal feed. We use cornstarch for glue used in binding books, for printers’ ink, shoe polish, aspirin and cosmetics as well as for strengthening fabrics. Corn starch is also made from this plant, and that is found in more than 2,000 processed foods, including marshmallows (the sweet, not Marsh mallow the plant) and ice creams.

Source: herbs-treatandtaste.blogspot.com/2011/07/sweet-corn-history-uses-and-health.html

Sundays, May 6 thru October 14, 1:30-3:00

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

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

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

3330 Atwood Ave., Madison

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

Thru August 12

Daily from 10:00-4:00

In the Bolz Conservatory

Experience the magnificence of free-flying butterflies while strolling through the tropical Bolz Conservatory. Live butterflies emerge from chrysalises daily in the Conservatory, including low-flyers like the playful yellow and black striped zebras and bright orange julias.

More than a dozen species of butterflies, native to both Wisconsin and the more tropical areas of the southern United States can be seen at various times during the exhibit.

The life span of different butterflies varies from a few weeks to a few months. All flying butterflies are allowed to live out their natural lives in the Conservatory, with food sources remaining for them after the exhibit dates.

Learn about the plight of the Monarch through Monarch Meet-Up, a new program designed to educate visitors about the declining population of monarch butterflies and challenge visitors to take ACTION in monarch conservation.

Friday, August 3
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Join us for a special day with representatives from local monarch conservation organizations! Interactive displays focused on monarch butterflies will highlight what you can do to help the population. Monarchs make one of the longest known insect migration on earth and everyone can make a difference in supporting their spectacular journey!

The cost is $7 for adults, $3 for children ages 12 and under, and free for children under 2. Olbrich Botanical Society members are admitted free. Parking is free. Bus tours are welcome; groups of 10 or more must register by calling 608/246-4550. The Bolz Conservatory will be closed Monday, July 16 and Tuesday, July 17 in preparation for Olbrich’s Blooming Butterflies.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

3330 Atwood Ave., Madison

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

Friday, August 3, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center, Spring Green 5607 Hwy. C , Spring Green, Wisconsin 53588

Join us for this early evening stroll through the spectacular gardens of Taliesin. Learn about Frank Lloyd Wright’s relationship to nature beginning with a 10 minute drive through the 800 estate.

The tour continues with a guided look of the gardens surrounding Frank Lloyd Wright’s home. Enjoy views of the unique and dramatic Driftless Area while discussing topics tailored to your interests in horticulture or the natural landscape with your guide and fellow guests. Finish your evening enjoying hors d’oeuvres and drinks in the garden courtyard, relaxing and taking inspiration from the Frank Lloyd Wright curated flowers and breathtaking views.

Adults (Ages 21 & up): $50

Saturday, August 4, 1:00-3:00

Class

We will cover the basics of insect and spider identification and learn about their ecological roles, and then spend time outside looking for them in the prairie and gardens. Indoors, with outside field time; wear sturdy shoes and come prepared for weather and insects. Instructor: Lisa Andrewski, Arboretum naturalist. Fee: $20. Register by July 30. Meet at the Visitor Center.

Register @ arboretum.wisc.edu/classes/insects-and-spiders/

University of WI Arboretum

1207 Seminole Hwy.

Madison, WI 53711

608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu

Add a little bit of musical enjoyment to your Sunday afternoons this summer with Summer Sundays: Concerts in the Garden. This concert series will feature some of the best musical groups in Madison ranging from classical to jazz chamber music. The concerts will be held alternating Sunday afternoons starting June 24 and ending September 16, from 5-6:15 p.m.

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

Performance by Johannes Wallmann Quartet

Dr. Johannes Wallmann, Director of Jazz Studies at UW-Madison, leads a quartet of top-notch artists to offer up high-energy, imaginative, and infectious original compositions.

Performance by Michael BB Quartet

One of Madison’s most versatile keyboardists (jazz, blues, rock, funk, salsa, big band, and classical), Michael BB assembles here a classic quartet of keyboards, horns, bass & drums offering a joyously spirited high-energy read of jazz standards from The Great American Songbook, together with some original compositions, in music that is infectiously cheerful and optimistic.

Performance by The Stellanovas

“Cafe jazz” by the Stellanovas-intimate, swinging, original, dynamic music accompanied by unique instrumentation: violin, accordion, cello, ukulele, Hawaiian guitar, drums, electric guitar, and vocals. Expect a straight-ahead set of swinging vintage and original jazz, offering sweet melodies and swing rhythms. Chris Wagoner, Mary Gaines, Doug Brown, and Erik Radloff.

Performance by J Clocks in Motion

Hailed as “nothing short of remarkable” and “the most exciting addition to Madison’s classical music scene,” this percussion quartet performs new music, builds many of its own instruments, and breaks down the boundaries of the traditional concert program, serving up virtuosic performances that include theater and art, consistently offering a joyous entertainment experience.

Allen Centennial Gardens

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

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

Tuesday, August 7, 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Willy Street East Community Room

Instructor: Megan Cain

Fee: $25 for Owners; $35 for non-owners

Even in Wisconsin you can harvest from your garden all year round! August is the month to take action to extend your harvests past the fall frosts, serve produce from your yard for holiday dinners, and continue the harvest into 2019. Learn the best planting dates for fall vegetables, cold weather varieties, and how to use season extension techniques like row cover, cold frames, and low tunnels.

Payment is required at registration; please register by stopping at the Willy East Customer Service desk or by calling 608-251-6776.

Willy Street Co-op East

1221 Williamson St.
Madison, WI 53703

(608) 251-6776 or www.willystreet.coop

Enjoy the summer evening with a concert on the Great Lawn of Olbrich’s outdoor gardens. A wide variety of music is highlighted, including jazz, folk, honky-tonk, and much more. Olbrich’s Summer concerts are Tuesdays, June 19 – August 14 at 7 p.m. with special performances August 1 and August 8. A $2 admission donation is suggested.

Olbrich Concerts in the Gardens 2018 Schedule:

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

Madison Public Library’s Summer Reading Club Concert feat. Jack & Kitty—Vaudeville Jug Band

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

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

3330 Atwood Ave., Madison

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

Wednesday, August 8, 7:00-dusk

Susan Carpenter, Arboretum native plant gardener, will focus on color, size, and features of native Wisconsin grasses, from tiny mustache grass to big bluestem. 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

Wednesday, August 8, from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m

A summer symposium featuring topics for home gardeners, occupational therapists, activity professionals, special educators, social workers, other clinicians, and Master Gardeners.

Join us as we explore the therapeutic effects and benefits of people-plant interactions. Featured presenters include:

—Barb Kreski – Director of the Horticultural Therapy Services at the Chicago Botanic Garden

—Roberta Hursthouse, BS, HTR – Registered Horticultural Therapist and owner of Accessible Gardens and Hursthouse, Inc.

—Mark Dwyer, – Director of Horticulture at Rotary Botanical Gardens

—Darcie Olson, Ph.D, OTR – Instructor at Madison College

—Dr. Tom McCoy – retired Osteopathic Physician

—Janice Peterson – Grounds Horticulturist at Rotary Botanical Gardens

—Carla Roth, MS, CTRS – Recreation Therapist, Rosecrance

—Keri Fager, CTRS, CDAC – Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator, Rosecrance

Advance tickets/registration required @ www.eventbrite.com/e/horticultural-therapy-symposium-tickets-47487365990

Check-in begins at 8 a.m., the program will begin at 9 a.m. Cost is $89/person.

Cost includes handouts, materials, instruction/activity, continental breakfast, lunch, admission to Rotary Botanical Gardens’ grounds (gluten-free and vegan options available upon request). CEUs available, certificates will be awarded to participants upon completion of the symposium. The deadline to register is August 5.

Rotary Botanical Gardens

1455 Palmer Drive

Janesville, WI,

608/752-3885 or www.rotarybotanicalgardens.org/

Saturday, August 18, 9:00-1:00

West Madison Agricultural Research Station

8502 Mineral Point Road

Verona, WI 53593

608/262-2257

Mark your calendars for August 18th for a FREE open house at UW-Madison’s West Madison Ag Research Station. The display gardens will be holding their annual summer event from 9am-1pm in which the public is invited to tour the outstanding collections of flowers, vegetables, and fruit.

This year’s trials and demonstrations include nearly 300 cultivars of annual and perennial flowers and one of the biggest displays of coleus in the Midwest. Nearly 200 different cultivars of vegetables and many cultivars of cold-hardy table and wine grapes are also on display.

—Taste the garden’s fresh fruits and vegetables

—View displays of hundreds of cultivars of flowers, vegetables and grapes

—Pollinator exhibits

—Fun activities for families and kids

—University & Extension experts will be attending to share their knowledge & answer questions.

The West Madison Agricultural Research Station is located at 8502 Mineral Point Road, about a mile west of the beltline on the north side of the road. Admission and parking are free.

Visit their web site @ westmadison.ars.wisc.edu

Saturday, August 18, 10:00-4:00

Sunday, August 19, 10:00-3:00

Goodman Community Center

149 Waubesa St., Madison, WI 53704

Dahlias are late summer bloomers known for their diverse forms and bright colors. Sponsored by the Badger State Dahlia Society. For more information call 608/577-1924.

This is half a mile from Olbrich Gardens. FREE admission. On Sunday at 2 p.m., we give away all the blooms, so bring a vase or bucket to carry away some beautiful and FREE cut blooms for your table.

Please visit badgerdahlia.org/meetings-and-events/ for more details.

Saturday, August 18, 10:00-4:00

Sunday, August 19, 11:00-3:00

Sponsored by the Wisconsin Daylily Society

For info call 608/221-1933 or visit www.wisdaylilysoc.org

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

3330 Atwood Ave., Madison

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

Monday, August 20, 3:00-5:00

West Madison Agricultural Research Station

8502 Mineral Point Road

Verona, WI 53593

608/262-2257

This is a free event.

The West Madison Agricultural Research Station is located at 8502 Mineral Point Road, about a mile west of the beltline on the north side of the road. Admission and parking are free.

Visit their web site @ westmadison.ars.wisc.edu

Wednesday, August 22, from 6:30-8:00 p.m

How important are pollinators to life around us? Over 80% of plants require an animal pollinator to reproduce.

All pollinators are in trouble for many reasons. Learn about all the different pollinators that are at work in your garden that you may have over looked.

You will be amazed at the lengths that flowers go to in order to attract pollinators and will appreciate the interdependence that pollinators have with plants that we take for granted.

Pollinators include butterflies, hummingbirds, bees and even flies, beetles and wasps.

Learn interesting facts about these pollinators and enjoy the photography by Larry Scheunemann in the program “Gardening for Pollinators.”

Handouts will be provided on gardening for butterflies and hummingbirds.

$7 general admission, $5 RBG Members; this event includes printed and note taking materials (where applicable), you will have access to Rotary Botanical Gardens’ grounds, and light refreshments. You may purchase tickets to this event at the door, or online, in advance. If you are interested in Membership perks, such as discounted rates,

Rotary Botanical Gardens

1455 Palmer Drive

Janesville, WI,

608/752-3885 or www.rotarybotanicalgardens.org/

August 25 thru October 27, 2018

Thursdays thru Saturdays in September from 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. in October, rain or shine

In the gardens @ Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Definition: Gleam n. a flash of light; n. an appearance of reflected light; v. shine brightly like a star or light; v. appear briefly

GLEAM, Art in a New Light, is an annual exhibit featuring local, national and international artists creating light-based installations throughout Olbrich’s 16-acre outdoor gardens. Visitors wind their way through dimly lit pathways, encountering strange and surprising forms that pulse and shimmer in the night around every corner.

Experience the gardens after dark in a whole new light!

GLEAM will be viewable daily, during regular public daytime hours in September and October. When the sun sets, the Gardens will open for extended viewing hours and art installations will be illuminated.

“GLEAM 2018 features artists and designers from right here in the Midwest, Pittsburg, PA, Brooklyn, NY, down south in Tulsa, OK, and all the way across the Atlantic from the Netherlands! These provocateurs design original light installations using everything from video projection and lasers to simple paracord string to create awe inspiring visuals. The Thai Pavilion will be highlighted for the first time, broadening the range of the nighttime garden experiences.”

Admission for the general public is $15 for adults 13 & up ($11 for members) and $7 for children ages 3-12 ($6 for members).

Tickets available at the door starting at 7:30 p.m. pending online ticket sales. Gardens will close to the public at 6 p.m. on evening viewing dates. Last ticket sold at 10 p.m. (9:00 in October).

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

3330 Atwood Ave., Madison

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

Friday, August 31, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center, Spring Green 5607 Hwy. C , Spring Green, Wisconsin 53588

Join us for this early evening stroll through the spectacular gardens of Taliesin. Learn about Frank Lloyd Wright’s relationship to nature beginning with a 10 minute drive through the 800 estate.

The tour continues with a guided look of the gardens surrounding Frank Lloyd Wright’s home. Enjoy views of the unique and dramatic Driftless Area while discussing topics tailored to your interests in horticulture or the natural landscape with your guide and fellow guests. Finish your evening enjoying hors d’oeuvres and drinks in the garden courtyard, relaxing and taking inspiration from the Frank Lloyd Wright curated flowers and breathtaking views.

Adults (Ages 21 & up): $50

Saturdays, April 14 thru November 10, 6:15-1:45

On the Capitol Square

Wednesdays, April 18 thru November 7, 8:30-1:45

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

For details visit www.dcfm.org

Sundays, May 6 through October 21, 8:30-12:30

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

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

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

The market accepts Quest, WIC and Senior FMNP vouchers.

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

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

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

Parking is always FREE!

For details visit www.northsidefarmersmarket.org

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

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

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

___Mulch beds to conserve moisture and keep down weeds.

___Deadheading spent blooms as needed.

___Collect seeds for next year’s garden.

___Make notes in your garden journal for changes, improvements, etc.

___Take pictures of your garden for record keeping.

___Stake and support tall plants as needed.

___Divide daylilies as they finish blooming.

___Transplant and divide iris and peonies.

___Plant late crops of lettuce, spinach, radishes, etc.

___Order spring bulbs for fall planting: daffodils, tulips, hyacinth, etc.

___Plant fall blooming crocus bulbs.

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

___Stop fertilizing all trees and shrubs.

___Keep and eye on the weather. Water as needed.

___Watch for pests and control as needed or desired.

___Shop for early mum selection and fall pansies.

___Begin checking out the garden centers for spring bulb selection.

___Stop watering held over amaryllis for 8 weeks for holiday blooms.

___Begin taking cuttings of geraniums, coleus and other plants to winter over.

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

Some of our very favorite seed and plant sources include:

Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds @ www.rareseeds.com or 417/924-8887

Burpee @ www.burpee.com or 800/888-1447

Harris Seeds @ www.harrisseeds.com or 800/514-4441

Johnny’s Select Seeds @ www.johnnyseeds.com or 207/861-3901

Jung’s Seeds @ www.jungseed.com or 800/247-5864

Park’s Seeds @ www.parkseed.com or 800/845-3369

Pinetree @ www.superseeds.com or 207/926-3400

Seeds of Change @ www.seedsofchange.com or 888/762-7333

Seed Savers @ www.seedsavers.org or 563/382-5990

Select Seeds @ www.selectseeds.com or 800/684-0395

Territorial Seeds @ www.territorialseed.com or 888/657-3131

Thompson & Morgan @ www.thompson-morgan.com or 800/274-7333

Brent & Becky’s Bulbs @ www.brentandbeckysbulbs.com or 877/661-2852

Colorblends @ www.colorblends.com or 888/847-8637

John Scheeper’s @ www.johnscheepers.com or 860/567-0838

McClure & Zimmerman @ www.mzbulb.com or 800/883-6998

High Country Gardens @ www.highcountrygardens.com or 800/925-9387

Logee’s Greenhouses @ www.logees.com or 888/330-8038

Plant Delights Nursery @ www.plantdelights.com or 912/772-4794

Roots and Rhizomes @ www.rootsrhizomes.com or 800/374-5035

Wayside Gardens @ www.waysidegardens.com or 800/213-0379

White Flower Farm @ www.whiteflowerfarm.com or 800/503-9624

Note: To receive every possible seed, plant or garden supply catalog imaginable, check out Cyndi’s Catalog of Garden Catalogs @ www.gardenlist.com. Most catalogs are free and make for great winter reading!

BEHIND THE SCENES AT KLEIN’S—This is a sneak peek of what is going on each month behind the scenes in our greenhouses. Many people are unaware that our facility operates year round or that we have 10 more greenhouses on the property in addition to the 6 open for retail. At any given moment we already have a jump on the upcoming season–be it poinsettias in July, geraniums in December or fall mums in May.

—The poinsettias continue grow and thrive in our back greenhouses. They’re so big already, we’ve had to give them adequate spacing.

–The first of the mums, pansies and fall cole crops go out onto the sales floor.

—Summer maintenance projects are under way. This year’s plans include replacing old benches, replacing and repairing some roofs and some general touchups.

—We continue to space and pamper the fall mums that are now just beginning to bloom.

—We’re prepping our main showrooms for the semi-load of houseplants arriving from Florida about mid-month. We time this shipment with the arrival of the college students. Select from all shapes and sizes; from tropicals to succulents. The showrooms become a veritable jungle.

—We begin ordering plants for the 2018 season.

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

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

We can only answer those questions pertaining to gardening in Southern Wisconsin and we reserve the right to leave correspondence unanswered at our discretion. Please allow 2-3 days for a response.

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

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

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

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

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

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

A minimum order of $25.00 is required for delivery.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

University of Wisconsin Extension

1 Fen Oak Ct. #138

Madison, WI 53718

608/224-3700

Plant Disease Diagnostics Clinic

Dept. of Plant Pathology

1630 Linden Dr.

Madison, WI 53706

Insect Diagnostic Lab

240 Russell Labs

1630 Linden Dr.

Madison, WI 53706

U.W. Soil and Plant Analysis Lab

8452 Mineral Point Rd.

Verona, WI 53593

608/262-4364

American Horticultural Society

Garden Catalogs (an extensive list with links)

also http://www.mailordergardening.com/

Invasive Species

Community Groundworks

3601 Memorial Dr., Ste. 4

Madison, WI 53704

608/240-0409

Madison Area Master Gardeners (MAMGA)

Wisconsin Master Gardeners Program

Department of Horticulture

1575 Linden Drive

University of Wisconsin – Madison

Madison, WI 53706

608/265-4504

The Wisconsin Gardener

Allen Centennial Gardens

620 Babcock Dr.

Madison, WI 53706

608/262-8406

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

3330 Atwood Ave.

Madison, WI 53704

608/246-4550

Rotary Gardens

1455 Palmer Dr.

Janesville, WI 53545

608/752-3885

University of WI Arboretum

1207 Seminole Hwy.

Madison, WI 53711

608/263-7888

University of Wisconsin-West Madison

Agricultural Research Center

8502 Mineral Point Rd.

Verona, WI 53593

608/262-2257

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

•Bird of paradise

•Bull nettle

•Castor bean

•Chinaberry tree

•Crocus

•Daffodil

•Deadly nightshade

•Dieffenbachia (dumb cane)

•Foxglove

•Glory lily

•Hemlock

•Holly berry

•Indian tobacco

•Iris

•Jimsonweed

•Lantana

•Larkspur

•Lily of the valley

•Marijuana

•Mescal bean

•Mexicantes

•Mistletoe

•Morning glory

•Mountain laurel

•Night-blooming jasmine

•Nutmeg

•Oleander

•Philodendron

•Poison ivy

•Poison sumac

•Pokeweed

•Poppy

•Potato

•Privet

•Rhododendron

•Rhubarb

•Water hemlock

•Wisteria

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

•Aconite

•Apple

•Arrowgrasses

•Autumn Crocus

•Azaleas

•Baneberry

•Bird-of-Paradise

•Black locust

•Bloodroot

•Box

•Buckeye

•Buttercup

•Caladium

•Carolina jessamine

•Castor bean

•Chinaberry tree

•Chockcherries

•Christmas berry

•Christmas Rose

•Common privet

•Corn cockle

•Cowbane

•Cow cockle

•Cowsliprb

•Daffodil

•Daphne

•Day lily

•Delphinium (Larkspur)

•Dumbcane

•Dutchman’s breeches

•Easter lily

•Elderberry

•Elephant’s ear

•English Ivy

•European Bittersweet

•Field peppergrass

•Foxglove

•Holly

•Horsechestnut

•Horse nettle

•Hyacinth

•Iris

•Jack-in-the-pulpit

•Jerusalem Cherry

•Jimsonweed

•Lantana

•Larkspur

•Laurels

•Lily of the valley

•Lupines

•Mayapple

•Milk vetch

•Mistletoe

•Monkshood

•Morning glory

•Mustards

•Narcissus

•Nicotiana

•Nightshade

•Oaks

•Oleander

•Philodendrons

•Pokeweed

•Poinsettia

•Poison hemlock

•Potato

•Rhododendron

•Rhubarb

•Rosary pea

•Sago palm

•Skunk cabbage

•Smartweeds

•Snow-on-the-mountain

•Sorghum

•Star of Bethlehem

•Wild black cherry

•Wild radish

•Wisteria

•Yellow jessamine

•Yew