‘THE SAGE’-Klein’s Online Newsletter—JANUARY 2020
Klein’s Floral & Greenhouses
608/244-5661 or info@kleinsfloral.com
THIS MONTH’S HIGHLIGHTS:
Wisconsin Public Television Garden Expo Is Feb. 7-9
Our ‘Mad Gardener’ Is Ready for Your Questions
Ever Thought about Working at a Garden Center?….
The Best Natural Cough Remedies
Guy’s Guide to Giving Flowers
PBS Wisconsin’s Garden Expo @ 27 Years
Klein’s Favorite Seed, Bulb & Plant Sources
You Asked the Mad Gardener about Overwintered Coleus
Plant of the Month: Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)
Klein’s Favorite Sweet Potato Recipes
Product Spotlight: Fountains From Henri Studios
Notes from Rick’s Garden Journal—From December 2019
—Houseplant Do’s & Don’ts During Winter
—Sad Loss of America’s Best Flowers
—Indoor Pest Control the Natural Way
January in the Garden: A Planner
Gardening Events Around Town
Join Us on Twitter
Follow Us on Facebook
NOW HIRING PART-TIME FLORAL DELIVER DRIVER
Klein’s is currently looking for a part-time floral delivery driver. We’re looking for someone with a flexible schedule, who is available 2-3 days a week from about 8:00-2:00. Occasional Saturdays and floral holidays (Valentine’s Day, Mothers’ Day, etc.) are required. No experience is necessary with on the job training. A good driving record is a must, however.
This may be a perfect job if you’re retired and want to remain active or a student who would like some extra cash.
If you enjoy meeting people and putting a smile on their face, this might be the job for you!!
Please stop by the store or contact Rick @ 608-244-5661 for more information.
THE MAD GARDENER
“Madison’s Firsthand Source for Expert Gardening Advice”
Ask any of your gardening questions by e-mailing them to us at madgardener@kleinsfloral.com. Klein’s in-house Mad Gardener will e-mail you with an answer as promptly as we can. We’ve also posted a link to this e-mail address on our home page for your convenience. Your question might then appear in the “You Asked” feature of our monthly newsletter. If your question is the one selected for our monthly newsletter, you’ll receive a small gift from us at Klein’s. The Mad Gardener hopes to hear from you soon!
Sorry, we can only answer those questions pertaining to gardening in Southern Wisconsin and we reserve the right to leave correspondence unanswered at our discretion. Please allow 2-3 days for a response.
Please note that our Mad Gardener is not only an expert gardener, but can answer all of your indoor plant questions as well.
JANUARY STORE HOURS:
Monday thru Friday : 8:00-6:00
Saturday: 9:00-5:00
Sunday: 10:00-4:00
CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
January 1–New Year’s Day. HAPPY 2020!
January 7–Orthodox Christmas
January 10–Full Moon
January 11 & 12—Winter Wedding Show at the Alliant Energy Center. Plan your entire wedding in just one weekend! Meet with over 200 local wedding vendors, marvel over ideas & inspiration from stunning wedding scapes curated by the area’s most talented wedding designers, taste decadent food and dessert bites and catch our high-energy runway fashion show both days at 2 pm. Open 11:00-4:00 both Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $7 in advance @ https://www.brownpapertickets.
If a wedding is on your horizon, set up your free wedding consultation as early as possible. Our schedule fills up fairly quickly. Klein’s talented team of designers can make your wedding day a perfect one. Call Darcy or Sue (sue@kleinsfloral.com) at 608/244-5661 or @ floral@kleinsfloral.com.
January 14–Orthodox New Year
Mid-January–Seeds begin arriving for retail sale. Believe it or not, it’s time to start thinking about spring planting. If starting your own seeds at home, some such as lisianthus, geraniums, pentas and bananas should be started now so they are ready for spring planting. Klein’s carries an extensive seed selection from Seed Savers, Botanical Interests, Livingston Seeds and Olds Seeds.
January 20–Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 25–Chinese New Year
Throughout January–Have you ever thought about working at a garden center? Perhaps now’s the time to explore the possibility.
January is the perfect time to stop in and and pick up an application or fill it out online @ kleinsfloral.com/employment/. By the end of February we try to have most of our hiring in place.
We’re always in need of temporary, part-time counter help in the spring and greenhouse production swings into gear by mid-February. If you’re interested, ask for Sue or Kathryn for the retail area or Jamie or Rick for the greenhouses. Benefits include flexible hours, a generous discount on all purchases and a stimulating and fun work environment. Join our team and experience first hand how we make the magic happen.
February 7-9—Wisconsin Public Television’s Garden Expo at the Alliant Energy Center. Please join us. One, Two and Three Day Tickets are now available at Klein’s for a lesser price than at the door. Details available at www.wigardenexpo.com.
February 14–Valentine’s Day. Order early for guaranteed delivery. We deliver throughout Madison and most of Dane County
‘THE FLOWER SHOPPE’:
Guy’s Guide to Giving Flowers
From the Society of American Florists website @ www.aboutflowers.com
What’s the best way for a man to make a lasting impression on a woman? Recent consumer research shows that the answer to making a memorable impact is right under his nose– through flowers. In fact, the study shows that 92% of women can remember the last time they received flowers, and 89% say receiving flowers makes them feel special.
Giving great floral gifts, however, still remains a mystery to most men. To help them out, author and TV host Rebecca Cole provides guidance on giving females flowers.
“If the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, then the pathway to a woman’s heart is through her other senses,” said Cole, author of Flower Power and co-host of Discovery Channel’s Surprise By Design.
“Flowers are a sensual gift that can express any emotion so simply – with just a little knowledge and a phone call to the florist.”
Cole begins by offering advice to guys on how to send just the right message to the woman in his life – a new girlfriend, that special someone, Mom or a good friend.
•The New Thing. This emotion may be the most difficult for a man to express, so Cole provides style advice for the guy who wants to show his new romantic interest exactly how he feels. “A passionate arrangement is filled with hot pinks, oranges, reds and golds. Add a thoughtful card to help communicate just the right sentiment,” says Cole.
•The Real Deal. Flowers are intimately – and internationally – linked with the art of romance, and for good reason says Cole. “As relationships grow, flowers become symbols of different events and milestones in our lives together. Take note of her favorite flowers – the varieties at your wedding, flowers you sent her when you first started dating or the ones she buys for herself. Those will have great meaning and impact.”
•Leading Ladies. “No woman – especially moms, grandmas and sisters – should live without a little TLC,” says Cole. A fabulous flowering plant or a garden-style arrangement with greens and soft pastel hues – no matter what the flower – will send the message that you care.
•The Gal Pal. “Flowers that show you’re thinking of someone, but not in a sensual way, have a natural, just-picked feeling,” says Cole. She advises to ask for a selection of garden-style flowers or a bright bold color palette that is fun and whimsical. A basket with a mix of flowering and green plants delivered to her door or office is also a sure fire winner.
Research shows that 96% of women like to receive flowers when they’re not expecting them. “Guys should know that they don’t have to wait for a special occasion to give flowers,” Cole says. “Make an occasion by sending flowers to the woman in your life, just because. They’ll never forget it.”
Cole offers advice for men willing to try something trendy. She suggests these three top design styles that men can ask for with confidence:
•Monobotanic. Arrangements featuring only one type of flower (such as all roses, tulips, lilies or iris) are in style and may even include different colors of the same flower in the vase or container.
•Monochromatic. Pick a color, any color and stick with it! If her favorite color is pink, for example, ask your florist for a fresh bouquet of different flowers in the same color range.
•Bunches of Texture. Ask your florist to select complementary flowers of various textures to place in bunches in an elegant glass container. This unique look has a bold, contemporary feel and will surely provide the “wow” factor.
In Addition. . .
•Be Spontaneous. You don’t have to wait for a special occasion to give flowers. In fact, most women say “no reason” is the best reason to get flowers.
•Size Doesn’t Matter. Trust your florist to help you send an arrangement that is appropriate for the occasion. Bouquets both big and small can make a bold statement. It’s the sentiment that makes the impact.
•Score Big Points. Surprise her by sending a bouquet to her office, and see how much attention you’ll get because of the attention she got.
•Relax. Flowers don’t have to mean commitment. Women know when an arrangement simply means that you care.
“The most important thing to remember is that you simply cannot go wrong with flowers,” said Cole. “Your florist is there to help, but you’ll get all the credit.”
YOU ASKED THE MAD GARDENER . . .
I brought 2 coleus plants inside before the freeze. I didn’t cut them back and they are quite large. Right now, I have them under a grow light in my basement. I’m wondering what I should do so they survive through the winter. Do I need to cut them back or do anything special with them? Sylvia
Hi Sylvia,
You shouldn’t need to do anything at this time. Simply water as needed, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Keeping the light nearer the plant will help prevent drastic leaf loss. Through the winter, your plants will experience a bit of leaf loss due to the lower light levels. This is OK so long as the growing tips remain healthy and strong. By the end of winter, your plants may not look too great.
About March 1 is the time to give them a good pruning to shape them and to encourage more branching and better shape for next summer. If you can, move them to a spot with natural light. The days are lengthening quickly by that time promoting quick growth. You can take some cuttings and root them in water at that time if you like as “money in the bank” in case something happens to the parent plant. You can begin fertilizing at that time. Watch for aphids during the winter and treat as needed if they appear.
Hope this is of some help and
Thanks for your question,
Klein’s Mad Gardener
DID YOU KNOW. . .
. . . that PBS Wisconsin’s Garden & Landscape Expo will celebrate its 27th year this February (7th-9th, 2020)?
…And Klein’s has been an exhibitor at the show nearly every year since (missing just the first one or two).
PBS Wisconsin’s Garden & Landscape Expo is a midwinter oasis for people ready to venture out and dig their hands in the dirt. This three-day event celebrates the latest trends in gardening and landscaping, and attracts more than 20,000 people from across the Midwest. Join other gardening enthusiasts to share ideas, gain inspiration and connect with professional landscapers. All proceeds support PBS Wisconsin.
Things to do at the Garden Expo:
- Learn something new at one of more than 150 free educational seminars and stage demonstrations.
- Connect with dozens of landscaping professionals who can help deliver your landscape dream.
- 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 Wisconsin Cooperative Extension Horticulture experts.
- Relax with a casual walk through the beautiful garden displays—courtesy of Wisconsin Nursery & Landscape Association (WNLA).
- Purchase seeds, tools and everything else you need to be ready when the trees bud and the ground thaws.
- Cultivate a love for gardening and the outdoors with your entire family in Nature Cat’s Backyard!
- Attend the Sunday farmers’ market, featuring farmers, food artisans and local food retailers.
Save Some Money…
Advance one, two and three day tickets are now available at Klein’s for just $8, $13 and $16.
Visit our booths (427-429 & 507) at Garden Expo for a breath of spring air with windowsill herbs, primrose, violas and so much more to stimulate your senses.
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT—Each month we spotlight some product that we already carry or one that we’ve taken note of and plan to carry in the near future. Likewise, if you would like to see Klein’s to carry a product that we don’t currently, please let us know. Our goal is to be responsive to the marketplace and to our loyal clientele. If a product fits into our profile, we will make every effort to get it into our store. In addition, we may be able to special order an item for you, whether plant or hard good, given enough time.
WATER FOUNTAINS AND STATUARY FROM HENRI STUDIO
‘The Creativity Continues’
The soothing sounds of running water has become increasingly popular in Madison area gardens in the past few years and nothing could be easer to maintain or look more stunning than a self contained fountain from Henri Studio. Their elegant designs are craft in cement; making them virtually indestructible and resistant to anything Mother Nature can throw at them. All styles come with a pump and all accessories needed for immediate set up.
At Klein’s we currently carry many popular designs in stock. Many are lit with long-lasting LED lights for added nighttime effect. That said, Klein’s is able to order any fountain in the current Henri Studio catalog for pick up at the store or drop shipped to your home for an added fee.
And new in 2020: All Henri Studio fountains and statuary will be 20% off our retail price if ordered and purchased by January 6, 2020! Visit the Henri Studios website at www.henristudio.com for a look at their amazing catalog. Then call or email Kathryn @ 608-244-5661 or kathryn@kleinsfloral.com for information and pricing. All orders must be picked up (or arrangements made) immediately upon arrival @ Klein’s. Please note that orders placed after January 6 will be at regular price.
About Henri Studio:
Over the past 50 years, Henri Studio has become synonymous with excellence in cast stone fountains, statuary and garden décor. Acclaimed worldwide, Henri sets the benchmark for innovative concepts and premium products in a category which it virtually created.
Season after season, our flow of original designs in fountains and garden décor has energized the Henri brand. From classic to contemporary, Henri creations are sculpted with an eye for detail and a time-tested sensibility.
The artisan’s touch shapes every Henri creation. Each piece is poured by hand in the tradition of meticulous Old World craftsmanship, complemented by our rich, trend-setting finishes. Our fountains are expertly engineered and all Henri products are skillfully made in America.
The result is an evolving legacy of beauty. Henri fountains and garden décor continue to enhance distinctive homes and landscapes around the world, adding elegance and enjoyment to your outdoor living experience.
Creativity and quality are our passion. And with Henri fountains and garden décor, beauty and elegance are yours to enjoy now, and for years to come.
NOTES FROM MY GARDEN JOURNAL–Tips and Observations from My Own Garden by Rick Halbach
ENTRY: DECEMBER 1, 2019 (Houseplant Do’s & Don’ts During Winter)
Concerns and questions about deteriorating and dying houseplants are pretty much nonstop this time of the year at Klein’s. I’m called to the phone or retail area continuously throughout the day as worried customers try to figure out why their plants are all suddenly taking a turn for the worse after months of flourishing. The answers almost always come down to the fact it’s now winter and that winter plant care can sometimes be drastically different than summer care. As a rule, plants this time of the year tend to be overwatered, over-fertilized and essentially over-pampered.
Tips on Caring for Houseplants in the Winter
by Marie Iannotti
Indoor plants, whether they are year-round houseplants or plants you brought inside to over-winter, face several challenges. Temperatures that fluctuate from daytime heat to evening chill, dry air, short days and limited light are less than ideal growing conditions.
Adjust Your Watering Routine
It may sound counter-intuitive, but indoor plants need less water during the winter. While it’s true that winter air is drier, plants experience a slower rate of growth during the cold weather. Some even go completely dormant. Less water is needed to keep them hydrated and overdoing it can lead to root rot.
The soil on the surface will dry quickly, but that’s not a good indicator that the plant needs water. Poke your finger into the soil and check to see if it is dry an inch or two below the surface. That’s when it’s time to pull out the watering can. And try to use water that is about the same temperature as the air, to avoid shocking the plant’s roots.
While most plants need less water during winter, don’t wait until the leaves drop or start to dry, before giving them a drink. Keep in mind that different plants have different water needs; that remains as true in winter as in summer. Drought tolerant cacti and other succulents might not need watering at all.
Improve Humidity
Low humidity is probably the biggest hurdle to overcome during winter. The humidity level in heated homes can drop to 10 to 20 percent in winter and plants prefer a level closer to 50 percent. If you have a humidifier in your home, move your plants to a spot where they will enjoy its benefits. If you do not have a humidifier, you’re going to need to raise the humidity level by other means.
Start by clustering your plants in groups. Plants naturally release water through their leaves by transpiring and grouping them together will put that moisture to good use. If you have room in the bathroom or kitchen, these are the best rooms to congregate your plants, other than the one with the humidifier in it, because they accumulate the most moisture from showers and boiling water.
Another good option is the old trick of placing your plants on or near a tray of water. Just don’t let the plants sit in the water. Raise the bottom of the pots above the water level by placing stones in the water (higher than the water level) and sitting the pots on the stones.
Misting tends to be better at making the gardener feel good than the plant. You may think you are giving your plants some relief, but it’s only a temporary blast of moisture (and it makes a mess!!). You’d need to mist multiple times a day to really see any benefit since the heat will evaporate the moisture quickly. If you have only a couple of plants and you think you will be very conscientious about misting, give it a try. It’s hard to over mist an indoor plant. During humid summers, misting plants can lead to fungal problems. That should not be a problem during winter. There is less moisture in the air, to begin with, and there is even less, once the heat clicks on.
Pay Attention to Temperature
Most plants, like people, are comfortable in daytime temperatures between 65 to 75º. and nighttime temps above 50º. To provide that for your plants, keep them away from both cold drafts and sources of heat, like radiators, ovens, fireplaces, and electronic devices. Fluctuations in temperature can kill houseplants just as easily as prolonged periods of heat or cold.
Follow the Sun
Not only is there less sunlight during winter, it comes in at a lower angle. You may need to relocate your houseplants to a brighter spot or even add supplemental light. A good spot would be a south or west facing window that remains sunny all day. Just don’t move them so close to a frosty window that they are getting a draft.
Rotate the pots when you water them so that all sides of the plant get some sun and to keep the plants growing evenly, rather than stretching to reach the light.
Put Your Houseplants on a Diet
Since your plants are barely growing, they don’t need any fertilizer. Feeding them now will just upset their natural cycle, so hold off until early spring. When you start to see signs of new growth, or the green of the existing leaves appears to perk up, resume fertilizing, to give them a boost for the growing season.
Give your houseplants the essentials to sustain them through winter, but don’t fuss over them or kill them with kindness. Keep an eye out for early signs of problems, which can still include insect pests, even in winter. But wait until the growing season resumes, before you re-pot them or start taking cuttings. Consider winter an offseason for your houseplants and let them rest.
Source: The Spruce @ https://www.thespruce.com
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ENTRY: DECEMBER 13, 2019 (Sad Loss of America’s Best Flowers)
I learned this past week that America’s Best Flowers in Cottage Grove (and Edgerton) will be closing soon and with the end of this holiday season. Like many avid Madison area gardeners, America’s Best has always been on my list of area garden centers I visit each spring, once the craziness of Klein’s slows down and I have time to breathe. I was usually able to find some garden plant at America’s Best I simply had to have that Klein’s didn’t carry. Seldom would I shop there when I didn’t see owners Ed and Carol on the sales floor. And never, if they saw me there, did they not take time out of their hectic day to pause and say hi and chat for a while. For many a year at Garden Expo each February, America’s Best Flowers huge and eye catching display has always been directly across the aisle from ours. Our employees have always helped each other navigate vehicles during the chaotic set up (sometimes helping each other unload vans). Ed and Carol would always take time stop and say hello if they saw me working in my front garden on their way to grocery shop at Woodman’s after Sunday mass at St. Dennis’.
Owner, Ed Knapton, passed away from cancer this past November. His passing and America’s Best Flowers’ closing will leave a large hole for gardeners in our area. Warm thoughts to Carol, family and friends.
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ENTRY: DECEMBER 27, 2019 (Indoor Pest Control the Natural Way)
Aphids are beginning to show up on some of the coleus I’m overwintering in the basement and rather than using chemical sprays, I usually try to control them by natural means. Luckily aphids are among the easiest pests to control on indoor plants. Here are a few sprays one can make with simple household ingredients.
Red Pepper Spray
Red pepper powder spices up your meals and also keeps unwanted pests off your houseplants. Make a spray by mixing 2 tablespoons of red pepper powder, 6 drops of gentle dish soap and 1 gallon of water. Pour it into a clean spray bottle and spray in on houseplants once a week. When applying the red pepper spray, make sure the liquid thoroughly coats the tops and undersides of the leaves.
Herbal Spray
Heavily scented herbs — such as basil, lavender, mint, rosemary and sage — can help get rid of aphids, mites and other bugs attacking your houseplants. Make the herbal bug spray ahead of time by gathering the fragrant herbs, crushing them slightly and placing them inside a mesh sack. Leave herb-filled sack to brew in the sun in a covered bucket with 1/2 gallon water for four to six day days. Then, remove the herb-filled sack from the liquid. The herbal spray can be stored in a dark, cool location until you are ready to use it. Pour the herbal liquid into a clean spray bottle, add about 1/8 teaspoon of gentle dish soap, shake the bottle to mix and thoroughly coat the houseplants with the herbal bug spray.
Baby Shampoo Spray
Baby shampoo generally contains little to no unneeded fragrances or additives, and mixing 2 tablespoons of the gentle shampoo with 1 gallon of water will help control bugs on indoor plants. The mixture must cover the pests completely to provide proper control of the pests. Avoid using the baby shampoo spray on plants with a waxy coating or hairy leaves, and rinse the houseplant with water a few hours after you have applied to baby shampoo spray.
Cooking Oil Spray
The cooking oil sitting in your kitchen pantry will control spider mites, aphids, whiteflies, thrips, mealybugs and scale insects attacking your indoor plants. Mix 1 cup of cooking oil with 1 tablespoon of gentle dish soap produces a concentrated solution that you can store in a cool, dark area until you need it. If possible, use a new bottle of cooking oil just opened to create the concentrated solution. When ready to use, mix 4 teaspoons of the concentrated spray with 1 pint of water and liberally mist the plant. Multiple treatments with seven days between each application may be required to thoroughly control the bugs.
Considerations
Although homemade bug sprays are generally less toxic and safer to use than commercial pesticides, they can still harm the plant if not used properly. Before treating the houseplant with the homemade sprays, test the mixture on a small area of the foliage. If after two to three days there is no damage to the treated area, use the bug spray as needed. During the treatment, refrain from placing the houseplant in direct sunlight or in areas where the temperature is above 90º. Direct sunlight and high temperatures mixed with insecticides of all types can lead to burned foliage, stems and flowers.
Source: homeguides.sfgate.com
KLEIN’S RECIPES OF THE MONTH—These are a selection of relatively simple recipes chosen by our staff. New recipes appear monthly. Enjoy!!
Oftentimes served sweet, with brown sugar or maple syrup, juice, fall spices, pecans and topped with marshmallows, there are also many wonderful and savory sweet potato recipes to be found. In many soups and stews, sweet potatoes and winter squashes, like pumpkins or butternut squash, can be used almost interchangeably and, in fact, some sweet potato pie recipes taste nearly identical to their pumpkin counterparts.
In the garden, sweet potatoes (sometimes called yams in the south, but not related to true yams) are a member of the morning glory family of plants (Ipomoea) and are actually the same ornamental sweet potato vine species found at all garden centers in the springtime. Though ornamental sweet potato vines produce small edible tubers, they are grown for their robust and colorful foliage. Like their ornamental siblings, edible sweet potatoes require a lot of room in the garden and do best in a long and hot growing season. Though we’re able to grow sweet potatoes here in the north, they fare better in the southern parts of the country. For that reason, most store bought sweet potatoes originate from Louisiana, North Carolina and Georgia. Sweet potatoes do quite poorly under cool conditions and are unable to tolerate even the lightest frost. Sweet potatoes are a native to Central and South America and were brought to Europe by Columbus.
ROASTED SWEET POTATO FRIES—A Klein’s staff member’s absolute favorite sweet potato recipe and nothing could be easier! From a now defunct Martha Stewart magazine called Everyday Food from December 2004.
1 1/2 lbs. (2-3 medium sized) sweet potatoes, halved lengthwise, then each half sliced into 4 wedges
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. coarse salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 TBS. olive oil
Preheat the oven to 425º. In a large bowl, toss together all of the ingredients with the olive oil. Line a large rimmed sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the potato wedges in a single layer on the parchment paper. Roast, turning once halfway through, until tender and browned, about 30 minutes. Allow to cool on the pan a bit before serving. Serves 4. Easily doubled, but allow a bit more cooking time @ each stage.
SUNDAYS AT MOOSEWOOD’S PERFECT GROUNDNUT STEW—A classic from 1990’s wonderful Sundays at Moosewood cookbook. This hearty recipe is amazingly simple to make!
2 cups chopped onions
2 TBS. peanut or vegetable oil
1/2 tsp. cayenne or other ground dried chiles
1 tsp. pressed garlic cloves
2 cups chopped red or green cabbage
3 cups cubed sweet potatoes
3 cups tomato juice
1 cup apple or apricot juice
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. grated peeled fresh ginger root
1 T. chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
2 chopped tomatoes
1 1/2 to 2 cups chopped okra (usually available fresh or frozen at supermarkets)
1/2 cup peanut or almond butter
Sauté the onions in the oil for about 10 minutes. Stir in the cayenne and garlic and sauté for a couple more minutes. Add the cabbage and sweet potatoes and sauté, covered, for a few minutes. Mix in the juices, salt, ginger, cilantro, and tomatoes. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender. Add the okra and simmer for 5 minutes more. Stir in the nut butter and simmer for a few more minutes. Add more juice or water if the stew is too thick. Serves 6.
Always serve groundnut stew on one of the West African starches–rice, millet, or stiff porridge (ugali). And alongside serve any of the following: hard-boiled eggs, chopped scallions, chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, cubed papaya, sliced bananas, mangos, pineapples, or oranges, grated coconut, whole or crushed peanuts.
ROMANI STEW OVER BROWN RICE–This absolutely delicious recipe appeared in the Willy Street Co-op newsletter in March (2009) and, though it looks like a lot of ingredients, the reviews say “easy & delicious”.
2 TBS. olive oil
4 cups chopped onion
2 stalks celery, diced
4 large cloves garlic, minced
2 sweet potatoes, diced (4 cups)
2 carrots, diced
2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. turmeric
2 tsp. dried basil
1/4 tsp. cayenne
a large dash of cinnamon
2 bay leaves
2 tsp. tamari (Japanese soy sauce)
6 cups water
2 x 15 oz. cans garbanzos (chick peas)
2 sweet bell peppers, diced
2 x 15 oz. cans diced tomatoes with juice
Cooked brown rice
Sauté the onion, celery, sweet potato and carrot in a large pot in the oil until tender. Add the garlic, salt, paprika, turmeric, basil, cayenne, cinnamon and bay leaves and cook a few minutes. Add the tamari and the water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until everything is soft; about 20 minutes. Add the garbanzos, peppers and tomatoes. Cover and simmer 10-15 minutes more or until of desired consistency. Serve over cooked brown rice.
SWEET POTATO WEDGES WITH SOY DIPPING SAUCE–Another simple and savory sweet potato recipe from one of the Klein’s family. Original source unknown.
Sauce:
2 TBS. soy sauce
2 TBS. rice vinegar
1/4 tsp. toasted sesame oil
The Rest:
4 medium sweet potatoes in 3/4” thick wedges
1 TBS. + 1 tsp. olive oil
1/4 tsp. coarse salt
1 1/2 tsp. sesame seeds
Combine the sauce ingredients and set aside. Preheat oven to 500º. Toss the wedges with the oil and salt in a large bowl. Arrange them in a singe layer on a rimmed pan and roast, turning once, until tender and lightly browned, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with the seeds. Serve with the sauce. Serves 6.
KALE, SWEET POTATO AND SAUSAGE SOUP–A very simple and hearty recipe that appeared in the March 2007 issue of Cooking Light magazine.
2 TBS. olive oil
4 cups chopped onion
1 tsp. salt, divided
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 lb. sweet Italian turkey or pork sausage
8 cups coarsely chopped sweet potato (2 1/4 lbs.)
5 cups water
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 lb. torn fresh kale
1 x can cannellini (white kidney beans), rinsed and drained
Heat the oil in a pot over medium-high. Sauté the onion until tender. Add 1/2 tsp. salt, the pepper flakes and the garlic and cook 1 minute more. Remove the casings from the sausage and add to the pot. Cook until lightly browned, stirring to crumble. Add the sweet potato, water and broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer 8 minutes. Gradually add the kale. Return to a boil, reduce and cook 10 minutes or until the kale is tender. Stir in the rest of the salt and the beans and cook 5 minutes or till hot. Reseason as desired. Serves 10.
Note: No sausage on hand? It’s also delicious with leftover cooked chicken or ham. For a vegan/vegetarian version, it’s wonderful with any brand of non-meat Italian sausages.
NATURAL NEWS–
The Best Natural Cough Remedies
Source: www.healthline.com/
What’s in a cough?
Generally speaking, coughing is perfectly normal. A cough can help to keep your throat clear from phlegm and other irritants (Hence cough suppressants are sometimes an unhealthy choice.). However, sustained coughing can also be symptomatic of a number of conditions, such as an allergy, a viral infection, or a bacterial infection.
Sometimes a cough isn’t due to anything related to your lungs. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can also cause a cough.
You can treat coughs due to colds, allergies, and sinus infections with a number of over-the-counter medicines. Bacterial infections will require antibiotics. However, for those who prefer to avoid chemicals, here are a few home remedies that can help.
1. Honey
Honey is a time-honored remedy for a sore throat. According to one study, it can also relieve coughs more effectively than over-the-counter medicines that contain dextromethorphan (DM), a cough suppressant.
You can create your own simple remedy at home by mixing up to 2 teaspoons of honey with herbal tea or warm water and lemon. The honey does the soothing, while the lemon juice can help with congestion. You can also simply eat the honey by the spoonful or spread it on bread for a snack.
2. Probiotics
Probiotics are microorganisms that can provide a host of health benefits. While they don’t relieve a cough directly, they do help to balance your gastrointestinal flora. Gastrointestinal flora are the bacteria that live in your intestines.
This balance can support immune system function throughout the body. Evidence also suggests that Lactobacillus, a bacterium in dairy, can reduce the likelihood of a cold or flu and sensitivity to certain allergens, such as pollen.
Fortified milk is a great source of Lactobacillus. You should be cautious, however, as dairy may make phlegm thicker. You can also purchase probiotic supplements at most health food stores and drug stores. Each supplement manufacturer may have different daily recommended intakes. Probiotics are also added to some yogurt types and are present in miso soup and sourdough breads.
3. Bromelain
You don’t usually think of pineapple as a cough remedy, but that’s probably because you’ve never heard of bromelain. There’s evidence to suggest that bromelain — an enzyme found only in the stem and fruit of pineapples — can help suppress coughs as well as loosen the mucus in your throat. To enjoy the most benefits of pineapple and bromelain, eat a slice of pineapple or drink 3.5 ounces of fresh pineapple juice three times a day.
There are also claims that it can help relieve sinusitis and allergy-based sinus issues, which can contribute to coughs and mucus. However, there is insufficient evidence to support this. It’s also sometimes used to treat inflammation and swelling.
Bromelain supplements should not be taken by children or adults who take blood thinners. Also, be careful using bromelain if you’re also on antibiotics such as amoxicillin, as it can increase the absorption of the antibiotic. Always speak to your doctor before taking new or unfamiliar supplements.
4. Peppermint
Peppermint leaves are well known for their healing properties. Menthol in peppermint soothes the throat and acts as a decongestant, helping to break down mucus. You can benefit by drinking peppermint tea or by inhaling peppermint vapors from a steam bath.
To make a steam bath, add 3 or 4 drops of peppermint oil for every 150 milliliters of hot water. Drape a towel over your head, and take deep breaths directly above the water.
5. Marshmallow
Marshmallow is made from Althaea officinalis, a perennial that flowers in summer. The leaves and roots of the herb have been used since ancient times to treat sore throats and suppress coughs. There are no well-controlled studies to support these claims, but the herb is generally considered safe.
The marshmallow herb contains mucilage, which coats the throat and soothes irritation.
Today, you can get marshmallow root as tea or in capsule form. The warm tea can be soothing to a cough that’s accompanied by a sore throat. Marshmallow root is not recommended for children.
6. Thyme
Thyme is used by some for respiratory illnesses. One study suggests that the essence extracted from thyme leaves mixed with ivy can help relieve coughing as well as short-term bronchitis. The leaves contain compounds called flavonoids that relax the throat muscles involved in coughing and lessen inflammation.
You can make thyme tea at home using 2 teaspoons of crushed thyme leaves and 1 cup of boiling water. Cover the cup, steep for 10 minutes, and strain.
7. Salt and water gargle
While the remedy may seem relatively simple, a salt and water gargle can help soothe a scratchy throat that causes you to cough. Mixing 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water can help to relieve irritation.
Note that children under age 6 aren’t especially good at gargling. It’s best to try other remedies for this age group.
When to call your doctor
Seek emergency medical treatment if your cough is affecting your ability to breathe or if you’re coughing up blood. Respiratory tract infections involve body aches and fever, whereas allergies do not. See your primary care physician if you experience the following symptoms in addition to your cough:
- chills
- dehydration
- fever higher than 101˚F (38˚C)
- malaise, or a general feeling of being unwell
- productive cough that has foul-smelling, thick, green- or yellow-tinted phlegm
- weakness
JANUARY’S PLANT OF THE MONTH:
Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)
Klein’s currently has a nice selection of Money Trees in 4”, 6” and larger pots.
With a braided trunk and lush, glossy leaves, it’s no wonder this plant is so popular. It is said to bring luck and wealth, adds vitality to any home, and is also highly-rated as an air-purifier!
A “money tree” is actually multiple Pachira aquatica trees painstakingly braided together during growth. Pachira aquatica is a broadleaf evergreen native to Central and South America and has many common names including Malabar chestnut, Guiana chestnut, French peanut, saba nut, monguba, pumpo, provision tree, and wild kapok tree.
In the wild, Pachira aquatica can grow up to 59 feet tall.
You might expect that the symbolism of the money tree goes back centuries. In reality, the first modern money tree was cultivated in Taiwan as a bonsai by a truck driver in the 1980s! It quickly became a symbol of prosperity and highly sought after by Feng Shui practitioners.
A legend was born along with the cultivation of the money tree:
A man who was down on his luck prayed for prosperity, and soon discovered the money tree and took it home. He soon realized that from its seeds he could cultivate many more trees. He made a business selling these beautiful trees to others and made his fortune.
That is why the money tree is a popular gift in East Asian culture, in business as well as personal affairs.
In Feng Shui, there are several plants that can be used to promote abundance, but the money tree is favorable in many ways.
The braided trunk of the Chinese money tree is said to be able to trap fortune within its folds. The five leaves typically found on a stalk are said to represent the five elements of balance: earth, fire, water, wind, and metal. Finding a stalk with seven leaves is incredibly rare, and also said to bring immense luck to the owner.
Along with its status as a luck-magnet, money tree plants are incredibly easy to care for. They only require indirect light and infrequent watering, making it an easy plant for beginners.
The money tree is also highly-rated as an air-purifier. A famous NASA study of indoor plants on air quality lists Pachira aquatica as one of the most effective filters of harmful pollutants.
The icing on the cake is that money trees are ASPCA-certified pet-friendly. However, while it is non-toxic, it can cause digestive upset if consumed in large volumes.
Source: bloomscape.com
AROUND TOWN:
For neighborhood events or garden tours that you would like posted in our monthly newsletter, please contact Rick at (608) 244-5661 or rick@kleinsfloral.com. Please include all details, i.e. dates, locations, prices, brief description, etc. Events must be garden related and must take place in the Madison vicinity and we must receive your information by the first of the month in which the event takes place for it to appear in that month’s newsletter.
Family Walk: Phenology
Sunday, January 5, 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
Aldo Leopold and his graduate students kept journals to record the timing of natural events (phenology) in Wisconsin and at the Arboretum. Start the new year learning to track annual life cycles and events. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
University of Wisconsin Arboretum
1207 Seminole Highway
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu for details.
Night Walk: Full Wolf Moon
Friday, January 10, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
This moon was named for wolves howling on cold winter nights under a full moon. Learn a few tips for enjoying the night sights and sounds. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
University of Wisconsin Arboretum
1207 Seminole Highway
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu for details.
Winter Class: Gardening without Gravity
Saturday, January 11, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Pyle Center
702 Langdon St., Madison, WI 53706
Plants don’t need much to thrive: sunlight, water and some soil, but how do you garden on the International Space Station where even the air has to be shipped from the Earth and a watering can simply doesn’t work? We will discuss the challenges of growing plants in space and how this environment offers unique insight into both how plants work and how they serve to promote well being, even when traveling at 17,500 miles per hour and 250 miles straight up.
About the speaker: Simon Gilroy has been a professor in the Department of Botany at the University of Wisconsin-Madison since 2007. He grew up in the United Kingdom, where “every one is a gardener” and his research focuses on how plants sense the world around them and then how they use that information to survive and thrive.
The cost is $15 (Free for Friends of ACG Members and UW Students with ID). Tickets available @ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/
Allen Centennial Gardens
620 Babcock Dr. on the University of WI campus, Madison
608/576-2501 or allencentennialgarden.org for details.
Winter Enrichment Lecture: How Winter and Invasive Plants Modify Small Mammal Behavior in Wisconsin Forests
Thursday, January 16, 9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
John Orrock, professor, Department of Integrative Biology, UW–Madison. Fee: $10. Register by January 13.
University of Wisconsin Arboretum
1207 Seminole Highway
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu for details.
Winter Class: Gardens Full of Life
Saturday, January 18, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Pyle Center
702 Langdon St., Madison, WI 53706
Native plant gardens are diverse, dynamic, and resilient. A native plant garden itself illustrates a local flora, appropriate plant placement, and seasonal change. Garden care demonstrates sustainable practices and broader environmental stewardship. Like the plant communities they represent, these gardens inspire questions and observations. Communicating effectively with a wider community about what we learn is challenging, yet significant.
About the speaker: Susan Carpenter’s professional training is in the fields of biology, plant ecology and science education. Since 2003, she has served as the Wisconsin Native Plant Gardener at the UW Arboretum, maintaining a 4-acre native plant garden in collaboration with garden designer Darrel Morrison and teams of student interns and community volunteers. She is an expert on native plant gardening, sustainable gardening practices and pollinators and, along with her gardening responsibilities, is actively involved in numerous education, university outreach and citizen science activities.
The cost is $15 (Free for Friends of ACG Members and UW Students with ID). Tickets available @ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/
Allen Centennial Gardens
620 Babcock Dr. on the University of WI campus, Madison
608/576-2501 or allencentennialgarden.org for details.
Family Walk: Winter Wonderland
Sunday, January 19, 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
Even when the ground is frozen and the air is cold, beauty and activity abound in the natural world. Springs remain ice-free and support year-round wildlife. Discover winter’s liveliness on this naturalist-led walk. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
University of Wisconsin Arboretum
1207 Seminole Highway
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu for details.
Rainforest Rhythms at Olbrich Gardens
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 2020 Schedule: (Performances are on Saturdays at 10:30 and 1:30)
January 25
The Barefoot Hawaiian
February 8
Atimevu Drum Ensemble
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave., Madison
608/246-4550 or www.olbrich.org for details.
Winter Class: Our Urban Tree Canopy: Niches and Policies
Saturday, January 25, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Pyle Center
702 Langdon St., Madison, WI 53706
From the health of a single tree to the vitality of the contiguous urban forest, the canopy that covers our city is a crucial component of our municipal infrastructure. Yet even though the benefits of this canopy extend to the city as a whole, its management is fragmented across disparate governmental jurisdictions and thousands of private property owners. This two-part presentation first outlines the potential for local not-for-profit programs to operate between the private and public realms in order to grow and diversify canopy coverage on individual sites and across the metropolitan region. It will then describe the recent work and results of the Urban Forestry Task Force which was charged with a comprehensive review of Madison’s policies and programs affecting trees.
About the speaker: Jeremy Kane received undergraduate degrees in Urban Planning and History from Virginia Tech and a Master’s of Landscape Architecture from Cornell University where he was a Clarence Stein research fellow and Buttrick-Crippen teaching fellow. He has worked in a range of urban planning, land preservation, and landscape design and construction endeavors that range from a GIS-based urban watershed forestry analysis of the Yahara River watershed to the building of New York City green roofs. He is currently the Director of the Madison-based Urban Tree Alliance, a practicing ISA-certified arborist with Urban Tree Management, and an instructor in Madison College’s urban forestry program. Through 2018 and 2019 he served as the chair of Madison’s Urban Forestry Task Force.
The cost is $15 (Free for Friends of ACG Members and UW Students with ID). Tickets available @ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/
Allen Centennial Gardens
620 Babcock Dr. on the University of WI campus, Madison
608/576-2501 or allencentennialgarden.org for details.
Wild Food/Wild Medicine Through the Seasons: A Virtual Plant Walk
Monday, January 27, 5:30 pm-7:30 pm
Location: Lakeview Library, 2845 N. Sherman Ave., Madison, WI 53704
Join herbalist and Forager Linda Conroy for this fun presentation! She will lead the class on a virtual tour of the flora of Wisconsin, focusing on the plants that can be foraged for food and medicine during each season. Suggestions for how to prepare the plants and how to incorporate them in your kitchen and apothecary will be shared. The class will conclude with an herbal drink as well as herbal/wild food snacks.
Registration for this class opens on 1/13. Please register through Lakeview Library by visiting www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/
Willy Street Co-op Central Office
1457 E. Washington Ave.
Madison, WI 53703
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 251-0884
32nd Annual Orchid Quest 2020
Saturday, February 1, 9:00-4:00
Sunday, February 2, 9:00-3:00
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.
There will be both an exhibit area to view, and a vendor area with thousands of fragrant orchids for sale. Also planned will be growing seminars, raffle, silent auction and plenty of advice for orchid growers (new and experienced)! Visit orchidgrowersguild.org for more details. Admission and parking free.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave., Madison
608/246-4550 or www.olbrich.org for details.
Winter Class: Cultural Significance of Nature and Gardening to Indigenous Tribal Peoples
Saturday, February 1, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Pyle Center
702 Langdon St., Madison, WI 53706
To preserve wild rice (Manoomin) is to protect and restore its place in the sacred practices of Wisconsin Native cultures. Peterson’s interviews with the Menominee and Ojibwe Tribal elders highlight the cultural significance of Manoomin along with the importance of preserving a vital natural resource for future generations.
Diana Peterson is a PhD candidate at the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, UW–Madison.
The cost is $15 (Free for Friends of ACG Members and UW Students with ID). Tickets available @ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/
Allen Centennial Gardens
620 Babcock Dr. on the University of WI campus, Madison
608/576-2501 or allencentennialgarden.org for details.
27th PBS Wisconsin Garden & Landscape Expo
Friday, February 7, 12:00-7:00
Saturday, February 8, 9:00-6:00
Sunday, February 9, 10:00-4:00
PBS Wisconsin’s Garden & Landscape Expo is a midwinter oasis for people ready to venture out and dig their hands in the dirt. Now in its 27th year, this three-day event celebrates the latest trends in gardening and landscaping, and attracts more than 20,000 people from across the Midwest. Join other gardening enthusiasts to share ideas, gain inspiration and connect with professional landscapers. All proceeds support PBS Wisconsin.
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
Dane County Late Winter Farmer’s Market
Saturdays, January 4 thru April 4, 8:00-noon
Now at the newly renovated Garver Feed Mill behind Olbrich Botanical Gardens!
3241 Garver Green (access off Fair Oaks Ave.)
The Late Winter Market runs each Saturday from the new year until the beginning of the outdoor season. Get your market fix all year long. You will still find many of your favorite Dane County Farmers’ Market members, as well as a full array of fruits and vegetables, cheeses, hyper-local meats, honey, bakery items, and many specialty items…and now in a BEAUTIFUL new location!!
For details visit www.dcfm.org
JANUARY IN THE GARDEN-–A checklist of things to do this month.
___Place your used Christmas tree in the garden for added wildlife protection.
___Inspect stored summer bulbs like dahlias, cannas and glads for rotting.
___Check for and treat for pests on plants brought in from the garden.
___Begin forcing stored elephant’s ears at the end of January.
___Keep birdfeeders full. Clean periodically with soap and water.
___Inventory last year’s leftover seeds before ordering new ones.
___Order your seeds. By ordering early, there are usually freebies & discounts.
___Start certain slow-growers like lisianthus, geraniums, pentas and bananas.
___Shop for summer bulbs like begonias, caladium, calla and elephant’s ears.
___Use the winter days to plan next summer’s garden.
___Check your garden for any plant damage from weather or rodents.
___Have trees trimmed–it’s often times cheaper and easier to schedule.
___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:
Some of our very favorite seed and plant sources include:
For seeds:
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds @ www.rareseeds.com or 417/924-8887
Burpee @ www.burpee.com or 800/888-1447
Harris Seeds @ www.harrisseeds.com or 800/514-4441
Johnny’s Select Seeds @ www.johnnyseeds.com or 207/861-3901
Jung’s Seeds @ www.jungseed.com or 800/247-5864
Park’s Seeds @ www.parkseed.com or 800/845-3369
Pinetree @ www.superseeds.com or 207/926-3400
Seeds of Change @ www.seedsofchange.com or 888/762-7333
Seed Savers @ www.seedsavers.org or 563/382-5990
Select Seeds @ www.selectseeds.com or 800/684-0395
Territorial Seeds @ www.territorialseed.com or 888/657-3131
Thompson & Morgan @ www.thompson-morgan.comor 800/274-7333
For bulbs:
Brent & Becky’s Bulbs @ www.brentandbeckysbulbs.com or 877/661-2852
Colorblends @ www.colorblends.com or 888/847-8637
John Scheeper’s @ www.johnscheepers.comor 860/567-0838
McClure & Zimmerman @ www.mzbulb.com or 800/883-6998
For plants:
High Country Gardens @ www.highcountrygardens.com or 800/925-9387
Logee’s Greenhouses @ www.logees.com or 888/330-8038
Plant Delights Nursery @ www.plantdelights.com or 912/772-4794
Roots and Rhizomes @ www.rootsrhizomes.com or 800/374-5035
Wayside Gardens @ www.waysidegardens.com or 800/213-0379
White Flower Farm @ www.whiteflowerfarm.com or 800/503-9624
BEHIND THE SCENES AT KLEIN’S—This is a sneak peek of what is going on each month behind the scenes in our greenhouses. Many people are unaware that our facility operates year round or that we have 10 more greenhouses on the property in addition to the 6 open for retail. At any given moment we already have a jump on the upcoming season–be it poinsettias in July, geraniums in December or fall mums in May.
IN JANUARY:
—This is the quietest month at the greenhouse. All 10 greenhouses in our back range are usually shut down to save on energy and prep them for all the spring plants that start arriving in February.
—Thousands of geranium cuttings arrive for our 5” pots and we begin planting up our geranium hanging baskets and flower pouches.
—We begin stepping our tropicals into larger pots for spring sale. This early jump gives you larger and more vigorous plants than many of our competitors.
—We spend much of our time ordering product for next summer, from plants to pottery to garden ornaments and sundries.
—We begin 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.
—Hundreds of herbs for windowsill culture are thriving in the sunny, warm greenhouses . We have chosen only the best assortment for indoor growing and winter harvest. Choose from rosemary, lavender, parsley, thyme and more.
—We continue to plan and prepare for Wisconsin Public Television’s Garden Expo at the Alliant Energy Center in February by sprucing up display pieces and potting up thousands of violas, primrose, cineraria, etc. for sale at the show.
PERMANENT FEATURES–
KLEIN’S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
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.
THE MAD GARDENER–“Madison’s Firsthand Source for Expert Gardening Advice”
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.
TO WRITE A REVIEW OF KLEIN’S, PLEASE LINK TO
FACEBOOK
Follow Klein’s on Facebook where we post updates and photos on a regular basis.
TWITTER
Join Klein’s on Twitterwhere we post company updates and photos on a regular basis.
SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNT
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.
RECYCLING POTS & TRAYS
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/
DELIVERY INFO
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
RELATED RESOURCES AND WEB SITES
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)
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
PLANTS POISONOUS TO CHILDREN:
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
PLANTS POISONOUS TO PETS:
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