February 1, 2019 Newsletter

If so, we ask that as we go into the new year and busy spring season, that you update your new address in association with Klein’s Rewards Program and so you continue to receive all possible benefits.

A couple of times each year, Klein’s sends out valuable coupons and we want to make sure you’re not missing out. In the future, we’re hoping for added mailings for even more savings; including a birthday club with added savings during the month of your birthday.

If your address has recently changed, please send your new information to info@kleinsfloral.com and please include your name and your old address as reference.

Did you know that if you buy both a plant and it’s new pot at Klein’s, we will pot it up for free and on the spot—time and staff permitting. That means no mess or hassle at home. Let Klein’s staff make it easy for you.

Klein’s has an amazing assortment of houseplants ranging from the smallest plants for terrariums and dish gardens, to tropical trees, to succulents and cactus and a huge assortment of air plants. Our knowledgeable staff will help select the perfect plant for any location and occasion, offering care tips and sound advice.

Obviously, we are overly busy (i.e. during the Valentine’s or spring rush) or understaffed, we may ask that you pick up your newly potted plants at a later convenient time.

Similarly, if your current houseplants have outgrown their pots, take advantage of Klein’s repotting services. Our repotting fees for existing plants are based on pot size and include soil and labor.

***Please note that this service is only available with houseplant purchases and not for seasonal bedding plant and tropical patio plant purchases where normal potting charges apply.

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.

Now is the time to stop in and ask for an application or fill one out at Employee Application. We’re primarily looking for seasonal, part-time retail help. Responsibilities include customer service, stocking, etc. Retail experience and computer skills are a plus. Benefits include our generous discount and a hands-on opportunity in a horticultural setting. Hours can be flexible. If possible, we’re seeking people with 20 or more hours availability per week. Some weekend and evening shifts are expected.

Monday thru Friday : 8:00-6:00

Saturday: 9:00-5:00

Sunday: 10:00-4:00

Wednesday, February 13: 8:00-7:00

Thursday, February 14: 8:00-7:00

February 2—Succulent Workshop @ noon at Klein’s. Join us for a succulent workshop and build your own custom creation. Green thumb not required! Our workshop starts with a discussion of cactus and succulents including care, planting tips, growth patterns, and the importance of using the correct soil. Everything you need will be available. Price: $30 and up, depending on materials used. Registration required – email john@kleinsfloral.com to sign up.

February 2–Ground Hog Day

February 8-10—Wisconsin Public Television’s Garden Expo at the Alliant Energy Center. The Klein’s booths will entice all senses with fresh herbs, colorful windowsill bloomers, spring annuals and garden decor. Tickets for Wisconsin Public Television’s Garden Expo are available at Klein’s for a lesser price than at the door. More details are available at www.wigardenexpo.com. There, you’ll find a complete list of exhibitors and a calendar of scheduled events.

February 14—Valentine’s Day. Order early for guaranteed delivery. We deliver throughout Madison and most of Dane County.

February 16—Terrarium Workshop @ noon at Klein’s. Our workshop starts with a discussion of terrariums including building techniques, maintenance, appropriate plant and container selection, etc… Everything you need will be available. Price: $30 and up, depending on materials used. Registration required – email john@kleinsfloral.com to sign up.

February 18–Presidents’ Day

February 19–Full Moon

For centuries, roses have inspired love and brought beauty to those who have received them. In fact, the rose’s rich heritage dates back thousands of years. If floral orders are

a reliable measure of popularity, the rose is America’s favorite flower. This beloved bloom is as rich in history as it is in fragrance and beauty. Below are a few interesting facts about the rose.

—The largest rose bloom ever bred was a pink rose measuring approximately 33 inches in diameter, bred by Nikita K. Rulhoksoffski from San Onofre, California.

—The largest living rose is in Tombstone, Arizona. When it is in bloom it has over 200,000 blossoms, and is supported by an arbor under which people can sit. It is a white Rosa banksiae.

—The longest living rose is believed to be over a thousand years old and grows on the wall of Hildesheim in Germany. Its presence has been documented since 815 A.D. It is a wild dog rose, or Rosa canina.

—Rosa Mundi (R. gallica versicolor) is the oldest striped rose variety, available since 1581.

—The oldest fossilized imprint of a rose was found in Florissant, Colorado, and is estimated to be 35 million years old.

—One rose hip contains as many as 40 to 50 seeds.

—The miniature rose Overnight Sensation was the first rose to leave Earth for experiments in space. The purpose was to test the effect of low gravity on fragrance.

—Rose hips contain more Vitamin C than oranges. The farther north of the equator a rose hip is grown, the richer it is said to be in Vitamin C. Rugosa rose hips are said to be the best source of Vitamin C.

—There are no species roses which originate south of the equator.

—Buds of the smallest roses are the size of a grain of rice.

—There are no true-blue or black species roses because roses lack a gene to produce delphinidin, which is the source of blue coloring.

—The rose is the national flower of England, Honduras, Iran, Poland, Romania, and the United States. It is the official state flower of Georgia, Iowa, New York, North Dakota, the District of Columbia, and the province of Alberta.

—The state flower of Georgia, the Cherokee Rose, is R. laevigata, which actually originated in China. Scholars are unsure how it managed to spread across the southern United States by the time Michaux discovered it in Georgia in 1788.

—June is National Rose Month in the United States.

—The American Rose Society was appointed the International Registration Authority for Roses at the 14th International Horticultural Congress in Scheveningen, Holland in 1955.

—The rose was chosen as herb of the year for 2012.

—The Peace Rose was first known as #3-35-40 and was hybridized by Francis Meilland in 1935. Buds were passed around the world, and several nurseries started growing it. A German nursery called it Gloria Dei, an Italian nursery called it Gioia, and it was also known as Madame A. Meilland in honor of the hybridizer’s mother. It was formally named and introduced on April 29, 1945, as the Peace Rose.

—Attar of roses takes 180 pounds of roses—about 60,000 flowers—to make a fluid ounce of rose oil.

—Most often, the highest concentration of fragrance is in the rose petal.

—The first patent issued for a plant was a patent for a hybridized rose which gave ever-blooming characteristics to the climbing rose. It was issued by the United States Patent Office on August 18, 1931.

—The Rose Bowl Parade started as a procession of flower-covered carriages in 1890 as a celebration of California’s mild winter climate.

—The Tournament of Roses was patterned after the Battle of the Flowers held in Nice, France. Afternoon games included foot races, tug-of-war contests, and sack races.

—On October 11, 1492, the crew on the Nina sighted a branch with rose berries in the ocean. The ship had been becalmed in the Sargasso Sea, and this, along with other sightings, encouraged the crew and Christopher Columbus to press onward and discover America. We don’t know whether rose berries refers to red berries, or rose hips.

—The Latin phrase sub rosa means “under the rose” and is used in English to denote secrecy or confidentiality.

—The War of the Roses in England was fought between the House of Lancaster, which had a red rose as its emblem, and the House of York, which had a white rose as its emblem. Soldiers at that time did not wear uniforms, but did wear a small patch on their clothing to identify the side of the battle they were on. The ultimate winner in the War of the Roses was Henry Tudor, and the Tudors adopted a badge that featured both red and white.

—The rose may be the most popular flower mentioned in songs. Some chart topping hits include, “The Yellow Rose of Texas,” popular during the 1970’s. “The Rose,” by Bette Midler topped the charts. Hits from the early 1900’s include, “Woodland Rose,” “Bring Me a Rose.” Other more modern songs include “Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses,” “Desert Rose,” “Like the Red on a Rose,” and “Every Rose Has Its Thorn.”

Sources: garden.org and www.professorshouse.com/

Hi Rose,

Mold on the soil surface usually indicates moist soil and humid conditions. Like the plants themselves, most molds can’t thrive under other conditions. Maybe you could bring one of your worst plants to a garden center (wrapped and when it’s warmer outside), so we/they can conclusively identify the problem and steer you in the correct direction. If it is truly a mold, there must be a source from which the spores are spreading to your other plants. Perhaps a bag of potting soil you’ve purchased is laden with mold spores or a plant your keeping and is seemingly doing well is the culprit.

That said, sometimes problems are misdiagnosed. Maybe it’s not a mold at all. I’ve had customers over the years misdiagnose calcium deposits, for example, as a mold issue. If that’s the case, it’s due to our high calcium water here in southern Wisconsin.

Again, it’s best to have us take a look at one of your worst affected plants. Ask for Sonya or Jamie. One of them will be able to steer you in the right direction.

Thanks for your question,

Klein’s Mad Gardener

By Julie Knapp for the Mother Nature Network @ www.mnn.com

In the late ’80s, NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America studied houseplants as a way to purify the air in space facilities. They found several plants that filter out common volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Lucky for us, the plants can also help clean indoor air on Earth, which is typically far more polluted than outdoor air. Other studies have since been published in the Journal of American Society of Horticultural Science, further proving the science. Top choices include:

This easy-to-grow, sun-loving succulent helps clear formaldehyde and benzene, which can be a byproduct of chemical-based cleaners, paints and more. Aloe is a smart choice for a sunny kitchen window. Beyond its air-clearing abilities, the gel inside an aloe plant can help heal cuts and burns.

People have been using aloe vera for more than 6,000 years when it was known as “the plant of immortality” in early Egypt, according to the National Institutes of Health. It was used for skin conditions and to heal wounds, as well as used as a laxative. Today, although the science is lacking, aloe vera is typically used topically for sunburns, burns, abrasions and other skin conditions.

Even if you tend to neglect houseplants, you’ll have a hard time killing this resilient plant. With lots of rich foliage and tiny white flowers, the spider plant battles benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene, a solvent used in the leather, rubber and printing industries. As an added bonus, this plant is also considered a safe houseplant if you have pets in the house.

Also known as airplane plants, spider plants are also easy to regrow. Just cut off one of the “spiders” and place it in a pot. Spider plants are incredibly easy to grow, but thrive in cool-to-average home temperatures and prefer dry soil. Bright indirect sunlight keeps them growing best.

Also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, this plant is one of the best for filtering out formaldehyde, which is common in cleaning products, toilet paper, tissues and personal care products. Put one in your bathroom — it’ll thrive with low light and steamy humid conditions while helping filter out air pollutants.

You may also want to put a couple of these sharp-leafed plants in your bedroom. Interestingly, they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen at night (the opposite of the process most plants follow). Sharing your room with these plants could give you a slight oxygen boost while you sleep.

Another powerful plant for tackling formaldehyde, this fast-growing vine will create a cascade of green from a hanging basket. Consider it for your garage because car exhaust is filled with formaldehyde. (Bonus: Golden pothos, also know as devil’s ivy, stays green even when kept in the dark.)

Golden pothos plants need bright, indirect light. Don’t overwater or you’ll end up with a case of root rot, reports Wisconsin Horticulture.

Heads up: Golden pothos is a poisonous plant and should be kept away from small children and pets.

The red edges of this easy dracaena bring a pop of color, and the shrub can grow to reach your ceiling. This plant is best for removing xylene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde, which can be introduced to indoor air through lacquers, varnishes and gasoline.

There are many dracaena plants. This distinctive version is distinguished by the purple-red edges on its ribbon-like green leaves. Although it grows slowly, it can eventually get as high as 15 feet tall, so maybe put it in a room with high ceilings and moderate sunlight.

A ficus in your living room can help filter out pollutants that typically accompany carpeting and furniture such as formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene. Caring for a ficus can be tricky, but once you get the watering and light conditions right, they will last a long time.

The New York Botanical Garden says the weeping fig likes consistency and looks its best when grown in bright, indirect light. “It is challenged by dramatic temperature and light-level fluctuations.”

A study found that English ivy reduces airborne fecal-matter particles. It has also been shown to filter out formaldehyde found in some household cleaning products.

Although popular as a potted houseplant, the National Park Service doesn’t seem to be such a fan. The plant is called “an aggressive invader that threatens all vegetation levels of forested and open areas.” Fortunately, ivy shouldn’t do much damage in a pot in your home. It grows best with moist soil and four or more hours of direct sunlight each day.

This easy-to-care-for plant can help filter out a variety of air pollutants and begins to remove more toxins as time and exposure continues. Even with low light, it will produce blooms and red berries.

Southern Living actually calls the Chinese evergreen “the easiest houseplant” because these plants thrive in low light and will grow in places where other plants won’t grow. Because they are tropicals, they like humid air. If your air is too try, tips might turn brown, so you might want to mist the leaves occasionally.

This climbing vine plant isn’t a good option if you have kids or pets — it’s toxic when eaten, but it’s a workhorse for removing all kinds of VOCs. Philodendrons are particularly good at battling formaldehyde from sources like particleboard.

Heart leaf philodendron are very low-maintenance plants. They thrive with indirect light and very little maintenance. The trailing vines can just fall from the container or can be trained to climb up a screen, trellis or pole.

Shade and weekly watering are all the peace lily needs to survive and produce blooms. It topped NASA’s list for removing all three of most common VOCs — formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene. It can also combat toluene and xylene.

Peace lilies are renowned for their easy care. The peace lily is hardy, forgiving, and will even let you know when it is thirsty — look for the telltale droop.

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.

We at Klein’s see the light at the end of the very long tunnel called winter, once our showrooms have been emptied of all holiday merchandise and the seed racks for the upcoming growing season begin to arrive throughout January; including seeds from Botanical Interests, Seed Savers Exchange, Olds Garden Seeds and Livingston Seeds, with possibly more choices in the years ahead.

Madisonians are passionate about home seed starting and we are happy to offer such a broad selection to satisfy their needs. For hard-to-find and less common seed varieties, please check out our list of favorite seed sources further on in this newsletter.

Klein’s carries a full line of seed starting supplies and can answer all of your seed starting questions.

At Botanical Interests our goal is to inspire and educate the gardener in you. That is why, since 1995 we have been supplying gardeners with the highest quality seed in the most beautiful and informative seed packets on the market. Today, you can find Botanical Interests seeds available at independent garden centers, hardware stores, and gourmet grocers throughout the United States. We enthusiastically signed the SAFE SEED PLEDGE: We do not knowingly buy, sell or trade genetically engineered seeds or plants.

Seed Savers Exchange was founded in Missouri in 1975 by Diane Ott Whealy and Kent Whealy. Diane’s grandfather entrusted to them the seeds of two garden plants, ‘Grandpa Ott’s’ morning glory and ‘German Pink’ tomato. These seeds, brought by Grandpa Ott’s parents from Bavaria when they immigrated to Iowa in the 1870s, became the first two varieties in the collection.

Seed Savers Exchange conserves biodiversity by maintaining a collection of over 20,000 different varieties of heirloom and open-pollinated plants, varieties with the ability to regenerate themselves year after year. These seeds (and tissue cultures or other plant materials, depending on how a plant reproduces) have the power to withstand unforeseen pestilence and plant disease, climate change, and limited habitat, and to stop dinnertime boredom forever.

Olds Garden Seed is only sold through independent garden retailers nationwide. Olds is not sold by ‘big box’ stores or discount chains. While several retailers may offer our products on their web sites, we do not sell retail via the Internet or mail order. The Olds’ brand dates to 1888, when Levitt Lincoln Olds founded the L.L. Olds Seed Co. at Clinton, Wisconsin. Through the years, Olds became known for selling only the finest quality seed of better varieties, whether selling alfalfa and seed potatoes for Wisconsin farms or garden seed through a mail order catalog for 97 years.

Livingston Seed is a wholesale company, selling only to the trade. We have done the research to find out what our consumers are looking for in a seed company. Our packets are designed to fill these needs. Each packet showcases beautiful photographs shot in our own trial garden. Every packet contains easy to read, helpful information. Our packets are truly unique and designed with your customer in mind. Our patented window in our Bonus Packs allows customers to actually see the seed!

At Livingston Seed we make it a priority to be the value leader in the industry. We offer more seed in our packets at a lower price value than any other company. We are committed to independent businesses and do not sell to the “big box” stores.

Livingston Seed Company states that all varieties offered for sale do not contain any Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO’s). We provide seeds that are developed using traditional breeding techniques and have not undergone any genetic transformation.

Over the past few months I’ve noticed a lot of browning needles on the two 30 foot Colorado blue spruces in my front yard. I’ve never found the trees particularly attractive. They were here when I bought the house in 1986. Though badly located in the yard, they provide, however, a nice buffer between the house and our busy street and look gorgeous in the winter covered in snow.

I took the gradual browning for granted most of late last summer and for the most part it went unnoticed. The new growth appeared to be fine. But then in November a friend pointed out how truly sparse and scraggily the trees are beginning to look and that maybe I should be concerned about losing them. Though not strongly attached to the trees, their loss would have a great impact on the appearance of our front yard.

I now learned that due to the very wet summer we had last season and the abnormally wet summers we’ve had many of the previous summers, my trees are probably infected with Rhizosphaera needle cast, a fungal problem that has exploded throughout the state.

Rhizosphaeara needle cast is one of the most common fungal diseases of Colorado blue spruce. It can make Colorado blue spruce unsightly and unusable in many landscape settings. The disease can also affect other conifers including black, Engelmann, Serbian, Sitka, and white (e.g., Black Hills) spruce; Austrian, mugo and eastern white pine; Douglas fir and western hemlock.

The first noticeable symptom of Rhizosphaera needle cast is a browning and loss of the innermost needles on the lower branches of spruce trees. Often the youngest needles at the tips of branches remain healthy. Rows of small, black spheres form along the length of infected needles and are visible with a 10X hand lens. These black spheres are fruiting bodies (i.e., reproductive structures) of the fungus that causes the disease and are diagnostic.

Rhizosphaera needle cast is typically caused by the fungus Rhizosphaera kalkhoffii, although other species of Rhizosphaera can be involved depending on the host. Infected needles, including those that are still attached to branches and those that have fallen to the ground, produce spores that can be blown or splashed to healthy needles.

Consider treating affected trees with fungicides containing the active ingredient copper (e.g., Bordeaux mixture) or chlorothalonil. Treatments will not cure existing infections, but can prevent additional infections. Apply treatments every three to four weeks starting as new needles emerge in the spring. Continue applications through periods of wet weather. For fungicide treatments to be effective, thoroughly cover all needles. This may be extremely difficult with large trees. Be sure to read and follow all label instructions of the fungicide(s) that you select to ensure that you use the fungicide(s) in the safest and most effective manner possible.

The easiest way to avoid Rhizosphaera needle cast is to avoid planting Colorado blue spruce. If you do plant blue spruce, consider using dwarf varieties and allow adequate spacing between trees so that branches will not overlap when trees are full size. Dwarf varieties and properly spaced larger spruce varieties will have better air penetration and needles will dry more quickly. Dry needles are less likely to be infected. Also check existing spruce trees for the disease. Remove and destroy any diseased branches and needles by burning (where allowed), burying or hot composting.

Source: Brian Hudelson, UW-Madison Plant Pathology

Though a little early (and considering extremely cold temps in the days ahead), I heard a male cardinal sing his spring song this morning as they begin pairing up for the upcoming breeding season. Other than simple chirps to stay in contact with other nearby birds, cardinals are generally pretty silent during the winter months. In winter, they (both males and females) are oftentimes seen in groups of up to a dozen or more birds as they roost and feed. But come mid-February, the males become very vocal to lure a mate and to establish territories. As the spring continues, competition for females can become fierce and any male that enters an established territory is immediately driven away by the resident male.

I’ve read that male and female cardinals sing equally well, but I have yet to see a female put on the performance of the male. Males are often heard in late winter and early spring in a ritual called countersinging; where one bird sings from a prominent perch and neighboring birds respond with a matching song. This countersinging strengthens bonds between pairs and helps define territory. Once pairs are established, they are nearly inseparable; always communicating with a chirp so they always know where their partner is. During courtship, males are often seen feeding seeds to the female. Birds nest close to their food sources so are very common backyard nesters wherever food is made available. Cardinals are, for the most part, seed eaters. The nests themselves are made up of leaves, fine twigs and blades of grass. They are almost always 4 to 6 feet off the ground and usually built in shrub thickets. Cardinals commonly nest in foundation plantings right alongside the house; oftentimes in a perfect location for indoor viewing. The female lays 2-4 spotted, grayish-blue eggs, with up to three nestings in a single season. Cardinal nests are frequent targets of cowbirds who, when the opportunity presents itself, pushes the cardinal egg out of its nest in order to lay its own and have it reared by the cardinal family. I’ll oftentimes see female cowbirds in the yard eyeing up the local cardinals visiting the feeders.

I usually hear the first male cardinal singing his spring song closer to mid-February so it was a nice surprise and a welcome treat this morning.

Enjoy and share this breathtaking YouTube video from National Geographic and think spring!!!

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

Debating the health benefits and risks

Source: health.clevelandclinic.org

One of the biggest dilemmas comes at the seafood counter. You know fish such as salmon and trout provide many health benefits and contain lots of omega-3 fatty acids. But you’ve also heard alarming stories about contaminants and risks. What is a shopper to do?

Years of research and education materials have helped consumers, but the debate lingers on. Farmed fish has become more common as the world’s fish stocks have declined — and our demand for tasty fish hasn’t. Do you risk the downsides of farmed fish (contaminants and effects on health) for the perks (source of omega-3 fatty acids, price, availability and, to some, better taste)?

To help you choose, use this detailed look at the health benefits and risks of farmed salmon versus wild salmon.

There are some key nutritional differences between wild and farmed salmon, according to USDA data. A small fillet of wild salmon has 131 fewer calories and half the fat content of the same amount of farmed salmon. And although farmed salmon may have slightly more omega-3 fatty acids, it also has 20.5 percent more saturated fat content — and that’s fat you do not want.

The bottom line: Wild salmon gets the edge for having fewer calories and less saturated fat.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs for short) sound dangerous. They are. POPs have been linked to several diseases, including type 2 diabetes and obesity. Evidence suggests obesity might be even more of a risk factor for diabetes when POPs are present in your body. And specific types of POPs increase the risk of stroke in women. Why does this matter? Because PCB (one type of POP) levels are five to 10 times higher in farmed fish than in wild fish.

The bottom line: Wild salmon wins here, hands down.

In the wild vs. farmed debate, this is a tricky issue. Although both offer omega-3 fatty acids, eating large amounts of either type of fish to get their full benefits could expose you to cancer-causing chemicals. These chemicals come from the potentially polluted water fish swim in. That’s why your omega-3 sources need to be broad, with fish as only one piece of the puzzle. However, one study does conclude: “The benefit-risk ratio for carcinogens and noncarcinogens is significantly greater for wild salmon than for farmed salmon.”

The bottom line: Both wild and farmed salmon come with risk if eaten in large quantities. But eaten in moderation, wild salmon is safer.

In recent studies contaminants in farmed salmon were generally higher than in wild salmon. Contaminants were below the approved U.S. Food and Drug Administration tolerance levels, but they still exceeded the levels considered safe “for frequent consumption” by the Environmental Protection Agency. Likewise, other research has suggested that children, women of child-bearing age and pregnant women should choose wild salmon — or other sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

The bottom line: Both wild and farmed salmon contain contaminants, but wild salmon has lower levels and is considered safer overall.

This was a big source of debate in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when Chilean salmon imports to Japan had higher antibiotic amounts than allowed under regulations. The concern: Too much exposure to antibiotics could lead to resistance to their effects. Antibiotic use in farmed fish is said to have been reduced, but it is unclear just how much use is still occuring.

The bottom line: Farmed salmon comes with uncertainty about antibiotic use. Wild salmon does not.

Both farmed and wild salmon have nutrients we all need. But it is becoming clearer that the risks associated with farmed fish are higher than concerns about wild fish. If you want to get the many health benefits fish such as salmon provide, your best bet is to keep it wild.

In conclusion….Klein’s would like to share a few of our staff’s very favorite baked salmon recipes. All are very simple and require under an hour prep time once the salmon is thawed. Enjoy!!

WALNUT CRUSTED BAKED SALMON—a tried-&-true, super-easy recipe that always produces restaurant quality results. This is a fantastic savory alternative to sweet honey, maple syrup or marmalade glazed salmon. Source: Everyday Food, April 2008.

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

2 TBS. seasoned breadcrumbs

1 TBS. fresh lemon zest

2 tsp. olive oil

1/2 tsp. course salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

24 oz. skin-on or skinned salmon fillets

1 TBS. Dijon mustard

lemon slices for serving

Preheat the oven to 425º. Line a rimmed cookie sheet or broiler pan with foil and sprays with cooking spray. Pulse the walnuts, breadcrumbs, lemon zest, oil, salt and pepper in a food processor until crumbly. Place the salmon (skin-side-down if skin-on) on the pan and brush evenly with the mustard. Press the crumbs evenly onto the fillets. Bake until done—15-18 minutes depending on the thickness. Serve with lemon slices. Serves 4.

HONEY WASABI BAKED SALMON—appeared in the Wisconsin State Journal, January 2017

3 TBS. mirin

1 TBS. rice vinegar

1TBS . soy cauce

1 TBS. honey

1 tsp. fresh minced ginger

2 tsp. (or more to taste) wasabi paste

About 24 oz. skin on salmon fillets

Heat the oven to 425º. Prep a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. Place the salmon, skin sides down, on the prepped sheet. Brush the salmon with a small amount of oil and lightly season with salt and pepper. Bake 15-18 minutes or until tender.

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan combine the mirin, vinegar, soy sauce, honey, ginger and wasabi paste, cooking and stirring over medium-high heat until thickened a bit, about 4-5 minutes. Keep warm.

Place the cooked fillets on a warmed serving platter and top with the warm sauce, spreading it evenly over the filets. Sprinkle with chopped green onions as garnish if desired. Serves 4.

HONEY MUSTARD SALMON–This super easy recipe was given to us by a regular Klein’s shopper and is a family favorite.

2 lbs. skin-on salmon fillets

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

2 TBS. honey

2 TBS. brown grainy or Dijon mustard

2 TBS. brown sugar

squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Preheat the oven to 365º. Spray all sides of the fillets with cooking spray and place on a foil lined, rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Mix together the honey, mustard, brown sugar and lemon juice. Drizzle the mixture and spread evenly over the salmon. Bake 25 minutes or until the fish flakes easily. Serves 4-6.

ORANGE ROASTED SALMON–This flawless salmon recipe appeared sometime in the 1990’s in the Parade section to the Sunday paper.

2 TBS. olive oil

1/4 cup fresh orange juice

finely mince zest of one orange

2 tsp. minced garlic

2 tsp. dried tarragon

salt and coarse ground pepper to taste

24-30 oz. skin-on salmon fillets (not salmon steaks)

2 tsp. minced chives (optional)

In a bowl combine the olive oil, orange juice, zest, tarragon, salt and pepper. Pour the marinade into a shallow glass dish. Add the salmon fillets to the marinade. Turn to coat. Allow the salmon to marinate 1 hour at room temperature, turning a few times to make sure well coated. Preheat the oven to 475º. Place the fillets skin side down in a shallow glass baking dish that has been coated with cooking spray. Bake about 15 minutes. Pour and evenly spread the remaining marinade over the fillets and bake about 10 minutes more, checking for doneness until flaky and cooked through. Sprinkle with chives and serve.

CAJUN SALMON—Source: All Recipes from December 2016.

24-30 oz. skin-on salmon fillets (not salmon steaks)

2 tsp. olive oil

1 2/3 TBS. Old Bay Seasoning

4 tsp. fresh lime juice

Preheat the oven to 425º. Evenly sprinkle both sides of the salmon with the Old Bay Seasoning. Drizzle and rub both sides of the salmon with the oil. Place the filets skin side down in a shallow baking dish, lightly coated with cooking spray. Bake until tender, about 10 minutes. Drizzle with the lime juice and serve on warmed plates. Serves 4.

Toxic? No. Gorgeous? Yes.

By Tom Vellner for www.buzzfeed.com

It’s natural to worry that having plants might harm your pets since there are so many poisonous ones out there, but fear not! There are lots of non-toxic ones that won’t harm your curious critters if they take a little nibble. Of course, ingesting any plant material could still give them an upset stomach, so keep an eye on them like the good pet parent you are and make sure they’re not chowin’ down on an entire plant for dinner.

Here are some pet-friendly plants that are safe for your cat or dog to cuddle up to (and how to care for them):

If you’re thinking, “OK, sure, these plants are pet-friendly, but I also don’t get much sunlight!” I have news for you. The bird’s nest fern does very well in low-light situations, and since it’s used to growing on anything from tree trunks to buildings, you can feel free to pot it or fix it to a plank and hang it on a wall.

Sun: Low to medium light

Water: Weekly

You probably already thought the rattlesnake plant was cool because it’s pet-friendly and has some killer stripes, but you’ll also be fascinated by its leaf movements. Because of a flux of water pressure in the nodes at the base of its leaves, it raises and lowers them from day to night! So, when you close up shop and hit the hay, so will your lil’ rattlesnake buddy.

Sun: Low to bright indirect light

Water: Weekly

3. Spider Plant

Spider plants are another variety that can thrive in low light while keeping your pets company. They’re also known to sprout spider plant babies, which you can pluck off and propagate in water or soil.

Sun: Medium to bright indirect sunlight

Water: Weekly

You might hear “palm” and think of a sunny, balmy climate, but the parlor palm has actually been prized since the Victorian era for its resilience to indoor conditions. It can also grow to six-feet tall with the right amount care. Just don’t repot it too often — its roots like to relax.

Sun: Low to bright indirect light

Water: Weekly

Just like the bird’s nest fern, the staghorn fern is a really popular plant for fixing to a plank and hanging on a wall, where it looks an awful lot like mounted antlers. Cool, right? Also, pro tip: Leave the dead shields on your staghorn because they help it regulate water.

Sun: Medium to bright indirect light

Water: About every 1–2 weeks

6. Haworthia (Zebra Plant)

If you’re someone who can never remember to water your plants, this lil’ zebra is for you. It’s used to desert conditions), so as long as it’s getting plenty of sun, you only have to remember to water it every few weeks.

Sun: Bright direct light

Water: About every 2-3 weeks in full sun

All air plants are pet-friendly. Also, air plants don’t even need to be rooted in soil, you just get yourself a cute hanging or mounted holder and you’re good to go.

Sun: Bright direct light

Water: Weekly

The money tree is another great choice for all you neglectful plant parents out there. It’s ~grown~ in popularity because it can bounce back even if you ignore it for a while. If you do take good care of it, this cutie will grow big and strong.

Sun: Medium to bright indirect light

Water: About every 1-2 weeks

Continuing with the trend of plants that are basically immortal, not only can you easily propagate the peperomia by cutting off its leaves, it can also regenerate after completely dying. So, yeah, even the blackest of thumbs can probably manage this one!

Sun: Low to bright indirect light

Water: Weekly

This gorgeous plant can literally grow out of cracks in rocks, so it should do perfectly fine in your home. It’s also just really beautiful — even though it’s so abundant in its natural habitat that it’s practically considered a weed.

Sun: Bright direct light

Water: About every 2-3 weeks in full sun

First of all, Boston ferns look so damn good in hanging baskets. That’s where they live their best life. Second, they love humidity. So, if you’re keeping it indoors, you can either display it in your bathroom so it can absorb all that steam, mist it daily, or run a humidifier.

Sun: Medium indirect light

Water: Keep soil consistently moist

A bamboo palm will add those ~tropical vibes~ you love to your home — and without much effort on your part. All you have to do is water it a few times a week, keep it out of full sun, and if it’s lookin’ a little cramped in its pot, just bump it up to a larger holder. It’ll even purify the air in your home!

Sun: Bright indirect light

Water: 1-3 waterings weekly

The name of this one ~stems~ from the fact that prayer plants’ leaves lay flat during the day and then fold upward at night. Neat! Also neat: They’re perfect for dimmer rooms in your home, as they thrive in low light. Those pink patterns are also super stylish.

Sun: Low to medium light

Water: Keep soil consistently moist

Swedish ivy is sort of a liar because it isn’t Swedish or an ivy, but we love it anyway. It looks incredible in a hanging planter and it’s easy to take care of: It can handle low light and as long as you water it once a week, it’ll keep on growin’. Its other nickname is Creeping Charlie.

Sun: Bright indirect light

Water: Weekly

Cast iron plants are native to the forest floors of Japan and Taiwan — aka they’re used to very little sunlight — so they won’t mind a dim home. Direct sunlight can actually burn their leaves, so you should keep them near north-facing windows to prevent that, or just place them away from any windows at all.

Sun: Besides direct light, any exposure will do

Water: Let soil dry out between waterings

By Jon VanZile for the Spruce @ www.thespruce.com

Known as cast iron plants (and ballroom plants), Aspidistra have earned their reputation as nearly indestructible houseplants. They are fairly undemanding and will survive through neglect that would easily kill a lesser plant. They will practically grow in the dark. They’re excellent for those difficult to fill areas in deep shade and pet-friendly.

Native to the Osumi Islands of Japan, it inhabits forest floors. New species of this plant are currently being discovered throughout East Asia.

These tough, attractive plants are members of the lily family. The cast iron plant grows well in low light indoors. Using cast iron plants in landscaping is common as a ground cover under trees. You can also use it as a background plant in your flower bed or along with azaleas for a nice in-between filler plant. They feature upright, strappy leaves that grow from an underground rhizome. The leaves are oftentimes used in tropical floral arrangements. The plant has small purple flowers that only appear near the soil surface and are hidden its foliage.

Cast iron plants may be tough, but they have their preferences. Here’s how you can ensure they thrive:

Light: Semi-shade to bright, but will not tolerate direct sun.

Water: Keep soil continuously moist throughout spring and summer, and reduce watering in the winter.

Temperature: Thrives at temperatures from 60 F to 80 F. Does not like extreme cold.

Soil: A well-drained potting mix.

Fertilizer: Fertilize regularly during growing season with liquid fertilizer, or use controlled-release twice during growing season.

Aspidistra plants propagate by division. To start a new plant, take pieces of the rhizome that include at least two leaves. Pot into pieces of the rhizome that include at least two leaves. Pot into fresh potting soil and keep moist and warm until new shoots begin to emerge. Although new plants are slow to grow, with some patience and time, the new plant will thrive. Repot every year or every other year as needed. As rhizomatous plants, cast iron plants can tolerate less frequent repotting.

Closely related to the lily, there are eight species in the Aspidistra genus. All are native to Asia. Of these, only one is commonly grown, A. elatior, which features upright green and dark leaves. A. elatior variegata is a variegated version that has attractive white striping on the leaves.

For a gardener with a brown thumb, this sturdy, long-lasting plant can be used in areas where all else fails. Insects seem to leave it alone, and it very rarely is bothered by disease of any kind.

These are highly dependable, attractive, and tolerant plants. The vast majority of mistakes with cast iron plants are caused by either too much water coupled with dark corners (they dislike waterlogged soil) or by direct sunlight, which will cause leaves to turn yellow, then brown and die. Older plants can often be rejuvenated from intact rhizomes, even ones that might seem to be dried out from lack of water. These are also great patio plants in a shady spot.

Saturday, February 2, 9:00-11:00 a.m.

University of Wisconsin Horticulture Department,

1575 Linden Dr, Madison, WI

Bernadette Williams went to the University of Pittsburgh for both undergrad and graduate school and found her way to Wisconsin after bumping into a Badger and has been here ever since. Working as a Plant Pest and Disease Specialist with the DNR for over ten years she has a deep appreciation of all things invasive especially since she happens to be one myself.

Free for FACG members | $10 for general public

Class is held in the Horticulture Building (1575 Linden Drive) in room 108. Please follow signs on the corner of Babcock and Linden that will direct to the entrance.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/everything-you-secretly-wanted-to-know-about-earthworms-tickets-50963651654

Allen Centennial Gardens

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

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

Saturday, February 2, 10:00-4:00

Sunday, February 3, 10:00-3:00

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

In the middle of winter it is so delightful to be surrounded by the colorful and exotic fragrance of the world at a handy and comfortable location—new this year at Olbrich Botanical Gardens. It will be the 31st year for the Madison Orchid Growers Guild to host Orchid Quest.

You will be able to find everything you need to take care of your new orchid plants including literature, growing media, fertilizer, orchid pots, and more. Come see this multidimensional show. Visit www.orchidguild.org for more details. Admission and parking free.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

3330 Atwood Ave., Madison

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

Friday, February 8, 12:00-8:00

Saturday, February 9, 9:00-6:00

Sunday, February 10, 10:00-4:00

Garden Expo is a midwinter oasis for people ready to venture out and dig their hands in the dirt. Now in it’s 26th year, this three-day event celebrates the latest trends in gardening and landscaping. Join other gardening enthusiasts to share ideas, gain inspiration and create something new. All proceeds support Wisconsin Public Television.

Things to do at the Garden Expo;

-Learn something new at one of the more than 150 free educational seminars and stage demonstrations.

-Visit with hundreds of businesses, independent contractors, nonprofits and artists to share ideas and learn about the newest in gardening, landscaping and local foods.

-Discuss innovative gardening techniques with UW-Extension horticulture experts.

-Relax with a casual walk through the central garden—courtesy of Wisconsin Nursery & Landscape Association

-Purchase seeds, tools and everything else you need to be ready when the trees bud and the ground thaws.

-Attend the Sunday farmers’ market, featuring farmers, food artisans and local food retailers.

Tickets cost $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Children 12 and under are admitted free. Two and three-day passes are available for added savings. Advance tickets are available at Klein’s. Visit www.wigardenexpo.com for more information.

Alliant Energy Center Exhibition Hall

1919 Alliant Energy Center Way

Madison, WI 53713

608/267-3976 or www.alliantenergycenter.com

Saturday, February 16, 9:00-11:00 a.m.

University of Wisconsin Horticulture Department,

1575 Linden Dr, Madison, WI

Mike has been an educator for UW-Extension since 2001. First serving as a county educator, he created gardening programs with the visually impaired, incarcerated and limited ability audiences. As the state director for the Master Gardener Program, he uses a horticultural therapy framework to train volunteers to have more meaningful programs for themselves and their target audiences. Mike has an AHTA certificate in horticultural therapy.

Free for FACG members | $10 for general public

Class is held in the Horticulture Building (1575 Linden Drive) in room 108. Please follow signs on the corner of Babcock and Linden that will direct to the entrance.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/horticultural-therapy-tickets-50964066896

Allen Centennial Gardens

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

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

Saturday, February 16, 9:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

Badger Rock Neighborhood Center, 501 E. Badger Rd., Madison, WI 53713

To view the day’s agenda: https://danegardens.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/2019-summit-agenda-.pdf

(During the afternoon Klein’s own Kurt Schneider will talk about repairing garden tools on behalf of Troy Community Garden)

To register: communitygroundworks.wufoo.com/forms/k1rj4n01nsbpgy/

Community Groundworks

Attn: Gardens Network

2702 International Ln., Ste 200

Madison, WI 53704

608/240-0409 or gardens@communitygroundworks.org

Saturday, February 16, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

Class

Learn the science, tools, and techniques to help ensure healthy tree structure and proper wound closure, as well as shrub pruning for plant renewal. Instructor: David Stevens, Longenecker Horticultural Gardens curator. Fee: $20. Register by February 12.

Register @ https://arboretum.wisc.edu/classes/the-art-of-pruning-2/

University of Wisconsin Arboretum

1207 Seminole Highway

Madison, WI 53711

608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu/ for details.

Enjoy a winter Sunday at Olbrich with musical performances in our Evjue Commons. All Winter Concerts are traditional theatre-style seating.

Admission is $2 per person (cash only).

Children 5 & under are free.

Olbrich Winter Concerts 2019 Schedule:

(All concerts are on Sundays at 2 p.m.)

Angela Puerta—Latin Rock/Pop

Kerosene Kites—Americana

Ladies of the Fjord—Norwegian Hardanger Fiddle Music

Finding North—Folk-Americana/Rock/Country/Blues

Black Marigold—Woodwind Quintet

Gin Mill Hollow—Folk Rock

Le Gran Fromage Cajun Band—Cajun Music from Southwestern Louisiana

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

3330 Atwood Ave., Madison

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

Thursdays, February 21 thru April 18, 6:30-9:00

Dane County UW-Extension Office, 5201 Fen Oak Dr, Suite 138

The 2019 Green Thumb Gardening Series will give you the practical knowledge to keep your home garden thriving! University of Wisconsin Extension educators, specialists, and local horticulture experts will provide in depth and accessible information for everyone from the novice to the experienced gardener.

Register for the complete class series at a discounted price ($90.00) or individual classes ($12.00) according to your interests @ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2019-green-thumb-gardening-classes-tickets-50406424974?utm-medium=discovery&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&aff=escb&utm-source=cp&utm-term=listing

February 21: Seed Starting and Saving. Learn different techniques to collect and preserve seeds from the garden, germinate seeds at home, and care for your seedlings as they emerge.

February 28: Vegetable Garden Planning & Techniques. Dane County UW-Extension Small-Scale and Organic Produce Educator Claire Strader will cover organic techniques for growing vegetables, with an emphasis on practical strategies for a successful harvest.

March 7: Garden Landscape Design. Ben Futa, Director at Allen Centennial Garden, will cover fundamentals and elements of landscape design for your annual or perennial garden.

March 14: Hot Composting & Vermiculture. This class covers various techniques including worm composting (vermiculture) and hot composting. Taught by Joe Muellenberg, Dane County UW-Extension Horticulture Program.

March 21: Native Plants for Gardens & Pollinators. Lisa Johnson, Dane County UW-Extension Horticulture Educator will discuss native prairie plants for gardens and some of the best plants to choose to attract butterflies and other pollinators.

March 28: Managing Vegetable Garden Pests, Diseases, Insects, & More. Learn how to prevent and manage diseases and insects that afflict a variety of plants in the home garden. Taught by Lisa Johnson, Dane County UW-Extension Horticulture Educator.

April 4: Backyard Chickens. Learn from Ron Kean, UW-Extension Poultry Specialist, on how to best care for your small flock of egg-layers in a backyard setting.

April 11: Flower Gardening. Learn general techniques for selecting, planting, and caring for annuals and perennials. The session will also highlight new and recommended varieties. Taught by Lisa Johnson, Dane County UW-Extension Horticulture Program.

April 18: Lawn Care. Learn from Doug Soldat, UW-Extension Turf Specialist, on how to best select, start, and maintain a lawn of turfgrass best suited to your needs.

Dane County University of Wisconsin-Extension

5201 Fen Oak Dr, Suite 138

608/224-3700 or dane.uwex.edu

Saturday, February 23, 9:00-11:00 a.m.

University of Wisconsin Horticulture Department,

1575 Linden Dr, Madison, WI

Madge Klais holds a doctorate in medieval history and teaches on-campus and online courses for the Information School at the UW-Madison. The author of “The External School in Carolingian Society (E.J. Brill, 1992), she is also an avid student of garden history. In addition to presenting lecture series on medieval and renaissance gardening for the UW Department of Continuing Studies, she has given presentations on these topics to a variety of gardening organizations in the Madison area.

Free for FACG members | $10 for general public

Class is held in the Horticulture Building (1575 Linden Drive) in room 108. Please follow signs on the corner of Babcock and Linden that will direct to the entrance.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-petal-for-a-paragraph-women-writers-and-the-gardens-that-inspired-them-tickets-50964329682

Allen Centennial Gardens

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

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

The Rainforest Rhythms series celebrates cultures in rainforest (tropical and sub-tropical) regions around the world with authentic performances of music and dance. The series offers performances for all ages and includes free admission to Olbrich’s tropical Bolz Conservatory.

While exploring the Bolz Conservatory before or after the performance, pick up an I Spy activity sheet and search for unique plants in the Bolz Conservatory! Families will have fun learning about plants related to the culture highlighted during the day’s performance.

Tickets available at the door starting an hour before each performance.

Adults (13 & up) – $5, Child (12 & under) – $3, 2 & under – FREE

Admission includes entry to Olbrich’s tropical Bolz Conservatory

Doors open to the performance space approximately 30 minutes prior to each performance.

Olbrich Winter Concerts 2019 Schedule: (Performances are on Saturdays at 10:30 and 1:30)

Indonesian Dance of Illinois

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

3330 Atwood Ave., Madison

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

Saturdays, January 5 thru April 6, 8:00-noon

Madison Senior Center

330 W. Mifflin

For details visit www.dcfm.org

FEBRUARY IN THE GARDEN-–A checklist of things to do this month.

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

___Continue bringing out your cooled forced bulbs for indoor enjoyment.

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

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

___Keep birdfeeders full. Clean periodically with soap and water.

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

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

___Order seeds and plants. Some of our very favorite seed and plant sources include:

___Visit Klein’s—it’s green, it’s warm, it’s colorful—it’s always spring.

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

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.

—We’re readying ourselves for two of our year’s biggest events–Garden Expo and Valentine’s Day. For Garden Expo, we’ve readied our displays and the plants we’re selling are bursting with color. For Valentine’s Day, we’re awaiting the onslaught by prepping the thousands of additional cut flowers, unpacking all the beautiful vases and containers, ordering hundreds of blooming plants and securing additional delivery vehicles and staff.

—Spring plants begin arriving enforce! After Valentine’s Day the first spring bedding annuals arrive. Pansies, violas and dianthus plugs are popped into cell packs so they’re ready for early April sales.

—We’re planting up our thousands of mixed annuals hanging baskets. The geranium hanging baskets planted in January are filling out and almost ready for their first pinching and shaping.

—We reopen greenhouses in our back range as needed. They’ve been shut down to save on heat and eliminate pest problems.

—The deadline approaches for Easter orders. Dozens of area churches order lilies, tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, mums, hydrangeas and azaleas for Easter delivery.

—Spring product begins arriving for unpacking and pricing–the pots, the tools, the sundries. We need to have everything priced and ready to go by April 1.

—We continue to access our needs for spring staffing and try to have the new people in place and trained by March 1. March and April are the busiest months behind the scenes in the greenhouse and we rely on a dedicated, hardworking team to have everything ready for the customer come May 1 and the spring onslaught.

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