‘THE SAGE’-Klein’s Online Newsletter—JULY 2020
Klein’s Floral & Greenhouses
608/244-5661 or info@kleinsfloral.com
THIS MONTH’S HIGHLIGHTS:
Now Hiring Part-time Floral Delivery Driver
Our ‘Mad Gardener’ Is Ready for Your Questions
Tips for Great DIY Flower Arranging
Olbrich Botanical Gardens’ Outdoor Garden Reopens!
How Dirt Makes You Happy
Klein’s Favorite Seed, Bulb & Plant Sources
You Asked the Mad Gardener about a Non-blooming Mandevilla
Plant of the Month: Brugmansia (Angel’s Trumpet)
Klein’s Favorite Tomato Salad Recipes
Product Spotlight: Outdoor Furniture and Accessories from Plow & Hearth®
Notes from Rick’s Garden Journal—From June 2020
—Cristobal-A Wisconsin First
—Swallowtails in the Garden
—My Cardinal Haven
July in the Garden: A Planner
Gardening Events Around Town
Join Us on Twitter
Follow Us on Facebook
NOW HIRING PART-TIME FLORAL DELIVERY 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 on our home page and in our contacts 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.
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.
FOR NEIGHBORHOOD EVENTS OR GARDEN TOURS that you would like posted on our web site or in our monthly newsletters, please contact Rick at (608) 244-5661 or rick@kleinsfloral.com. Please include all details, i.e. dates, locations, prices, brief description, etc. Events must be garden related and must take place in the Madison area.
JULY STORE HOURS:
Monday thru Friday : 9:00-6:00
Saturday: 9:00-5:00
Sunday: 10:00-4:00
Open Saturday, July 4: 10:00-4:00
CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
July 4–Independence Day. Special Store Hours: 10:00-4:00. Check out special savings on select items. Selection is excellent and quality remains top notch. Visit our website for current specials. Make Klein’s your first stop en route to any Fourth of July celebration you might have.
July 4–Full Moon
‘THE FLOWER SHOPPE’:
With the current bounty of fresh seasonal flowers available, here are a few tried and true arranging tips to help make your floral creation look like the pros’:
Add the larger, more dominant flowers first.
When you begin working on the arrangement, start with the largest or most prominent variety of flower first.
—Rather than adding one type of flower and then another, it’s better to work with a single flower type at a time. In this way, you can layer the different varieties, shapes and colors of flower evenly and create a more balanced arrangement.
—Work in a circle, placing in flower around the outer edge of the container. If you’re using wet foam, the stems should slide in easily. If they don’t, use a sharp object to poke a hole first, then insert the stem — just be careful not to make the holes any wider than the flower stems or the flowers won’t be secure.
—Turn the arrangement as you work to ensure that it looks even on all sides — a lazy Susan is great for this!
Layer the flowers as you go.
Once you have finished with the first circle of flowers, move on to the second, using a different variety of flower.
—This circle of flowers should be inside the first. Try to create a domed effect by leaving the stems slightly longer on the inner flowers. The finished arrangement should look like a bunch of flowers growing on a hilltop.
—Continue to layer the flowers in this manner, one variety after another, according to the size and number of flowers in your arrangement.
Use an odd number of flowers in each layer.
One of the main rules when it comes to flower arranging is to use an odd number of each variety of flower.
—For instance, you might have 7 red roses in the outer circle, 5 white roses in the inner circle and 3 sprigs of baby’s breath interspersed between them.
—This uneven number of flowers helps the arrangement to look less uniform and more organic.
Pay attention to height and width.
The height and width of your arrangement is another factor to consider when making your arrangement.
—The general rule when it comes to height is that your arrangement should be one and half times the height of the vase or container it’s held in.
—There’s no clear-cut rule when it comes to the width of your arrangement, but it should be wide enough to balance out the height.
—Rotate the arrangement as you work to ensure that the height and width are even on both sides.
Add any leaves, berries or other greenery last. When you have arranged all of the flowers to your liking, you can add the final touches by inserting any greenery, leaves, berries or other decorations.
—This is step is important — not only to add interest and texture to your arrangement — but also because the greenery helps to separate the blooms, giving air room to circulate in between them so the flowers stay fresh.
—Using filler material also helps to give the impression that there are more flowers in the arrangement than there actually are, so you can create an extravagant looking arrangement without the extravagant price!
Source: www.wikihow.com
YOU ASKED. . .
I got a delightful mandevilla for Mother’s Day as I’ve done every year. For some reason it has not had a single bloom. What suggestions do you have? I have treated it the same as every year and it is in the same spot. Nan
Hi Nan,
Does your mandevilla usually bloom this early in the summer? I have two that are well over 10 years old and they rarely start blooming until about July 10 or even later if we have a cool spring and cloudy summer. Their blooming is entirely based on heat, humidity, nighttime temps and sunlight. Some people make the mistake of fertilizing a little too often; encouraging growth rather than flowering. Another reason for lack of flowers is stepping the plant into a pot that’s a little too large; encouraging rooting, rather than flowering. They bloom much better once established and rootbound.
Keep in mind also, that Mothers’ Day was early this year…it snowed on Mothers’ Day and we had a few very cool weeks right after; forcing people to keep their tropicals indoors longer than usual.
These are all possibilities. It looks very healthy based on your photo so I think it’ll bloom with patience and with a hot summer.
Thanks for your question,
DID YOU KNOW. . .
. . . that Olbrich Botanical Gardens’ outdoor gardens have now reopened after months closed due to COVID?
Beginning Wednesday, June 17, Olbrich Botanical Gardens reopened their outdoor gardens to the public. The following information appears on their website @ www.olbrich.org/
Hours Limited to 12 – 6 p.m.
Open to the Public Tuesday – Sunday
Member Mondays: Open to Members Only on Mondays
Beginning Wednesday, June 17, 2020, our 16-acre outdoor gardens reopened to the public with reduced hours of 12 – 6 p.m. and a limited number of visitors admitted onto the property in order to provide space for physical distancing.
On Mondays, the outdoor gardens will be open to Olbrich Members only, as a way to say ‘Thank You’ to our members for supporting us through the challenges of recent months. Interested in becoming a member? Visit Olbrich Membership
Restoring public access to the free outdoor gardens has been our main priority during the last few weeks of planning. Until comprehensive reopen plans can be implemented for other parts of our facility, the following public spaces at Olbrich will remain closed:
- Bolz Conservatory
- Growing Gifts Shop
- Schumacher Library
- Frautschi Family Learning Center
Things To Know Before Your Visit
Please be patient with us and know that some of these procedures and guidelines may change as we learn and progress through our reopening process.
-Stay Home If Sick
Please do not visit if you are feeling unwell or have symptoms of COVID-19.
-Physical Distancing
Please keep at least 6′ apart at all times from others not in your household.
-Face Coverings
We strongly encourage the use of face coverings during your visit, especially when indoors or where 6′ of physical distance cannot be maintained.
-Limited Visitors
To ensure space for physical distancing, the number of visitors admitted into the outdoor gardens will be limited to a maximum number within each 30 minute window throughout the day. Once in the gardens, there is no time limit on your visit, and you may stay for as little or as long as you would like.
Visitors will be counted as they enter the outdoor gardens, and once our maximum is met, visitors who have not yet entered will be asked to wait in a physically distanced line until the next 30 minute window begins and our visitor count reverts to zero.
As time goes on, we hope to gradually increase the maximum number of visitors admitted into the gardens within each 30 minute window.
-Garden Paths
While most of the gardens remain open, some paths have been changed to one-way only or closed entirely. Please follow all signage in the gardens and stay on open paths only.
-Restrooms
Restrooms are open and available for public use, but will be closed at times for scheduled cleaning and disinfecting.
-Lobby
Please keep time spent in the lobby to a minimum. Unless using the restrooms, please pass directly through when moving between the parking lot and the outdoor gardens.
-Water
Drinking fountains have been turned off. Please either bring your own water or purchase a bottled water from the vending machine onsite.
-Wheelchairs & Scooters
Wheelchairs & electric scooters are available to check out on a first-come, first-served basis. There may be a wait to use them at times, as they will need to be disinfected after each use.
-Tram Service
Tram service will unfortunately be suspended for 2020.
-Seating
All seating has been removed in the lobby, and some seating has been removed in the outdoor gardens where physical distancing cannot be maintained.
Measures We’re Taking to Keep You Safe
-One-Way Entry/Exit
Visitors enter and exit the outdoor gardens via a one-way route that minimizes close contact with others not in your household.
-Doors Propped Open
Doors leading into the lobby or outdoor gardens will be propped open to provide touchless entry, as will all restroom doors.
-Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizing stations are available for visitor use as they enter and exit the gardens.
-Scheduled Cleaning
Restrooms will be cleaned and disinfected at scheduled intervals in accordance with CDC and county guidelines. In addition, every other sink and urinal in restrooms will be covered.
-Staff Face Coverings
Staff and volunteers are required to wear face coverings in indoor areas that are open to the public. Staff will wear face coverings in the outdoor gardens when physical distancing is not possible.
-Floor Decals
In the event a line should form out the front entrance, floor decals have been placed at 10′ intervals to help encourage physical distancing.
-Protective Barrier
A transparent plastic shield has been added to the front desk to create a barrier between visitors and staff.
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.
Outdoor Furniture and Accessories from Plow & Hearth®
“Inspiring Home, Hearth, Yard & Garden Since 1980”
Founded in 1980 as a small country store, Plow & Hearth® has grown into a leading retailer of products for home, hearth, yard and garden. Successfully marketing these products through all three major channels – catalog, internet and retail stores – Plow & Hearth has evolved over the past 30 years into a multi-million dollar retailer whose products cover indoor and outdoor rooms, gardens, pets, personal comfort and care, safety and emergencies, weather instruments, storage solutions and gifts.
During the past 30 years, we have remained dedicated to the same principles that have guided us from the beginning, and to which we attribute our success: honesty, integrity and most importantly, our commitment to customer service.
For the first time in 2020, Klein’s is carrying a few lines of Plow and Hearth furniture and accessories including those listed below. Please visit or call Klein’s (608-244-5661) for more details.
Eucalyptus Wood Outdoor Bistro Set
You’ll always be prepared for extra or unexpected guests with our Eucalyptus Wood Outdoor Bistro Furniture. The classic slatted design works well in any setting from patio and porch to deck, balcony and beyond.
Folding Chairs provide a sturdy and comfortable place to relax, and they’re easy to tote and store. Bistro Table is the perfect spot for coffee, al fresco meals or cocktails. Use the pieces individually or as a set – they’re made with versatility and ease of use in mind.
Sturdy, durable pieces are crafted from FSC-certified eucalyptus and feature a rich, attractive finish that protects the wood and enhances the gorgeous grain. This Bistro Furniture gives you a convenient, attractive solution for any size space or gathering.
Set includes Square Table and Set of 2 Chairs. Table requires easy assembly.
Outdoor Eucalyptus Configurable Privacy Screen Trellises, Planter/Seat and Bench
Enjoy freedom of design with our Outdoor Eucalyptus Configurable Privacy Screen Trellises, Planter/Seat and Bench. Any combination of these pieces looks good on your patio, porch, deck or balcony.
This collection is super-versatile, made up of configurable pieces – customizable to your style and square footage. Make your entertaining space as large as you want by adding on more benches and planters.
Versatile trellises easily connect to the matching bench and convertible seat/planters (all pieces sold separately) for the look and design you you want. Plus, a hidden surprise lies in our box planters: the slatted bottom can be positioned at top for additional seating!
Not only do our trellis screens add privacy, but they serve as a beautiful backdrop for your outdoor spaces. Let plants grow up and through the wood, for a living, growing display you can enjoy in multiple seasons.
Forest Stewardship Council-Certified eucalyptus brings beauty and sustainability to your outdoor spaces, having undergone a multi-step finishing process. Solid, weather-resistant and built to last.
Lancaster Outdoor Furniture Collection (Round Table and 4 Chairs)
Our Lancaster Eucalyptus Outdoor Furniture returns with substantial updates, making it our most impressive collection yet. Crafted from FSC-certified eucalyptus grandis, each piece is naturally weather-resistant and insect-repellent.
You’ll notice the many refinements that add up to a superior product: straighter grain; better proportioned seating and dining pieces; thicker frames, legs and arms; and upgraded hardware. A multi-step finish offers a deep, rich color and gorgeous good looks. Has a 2” diameter umbrella hole.
For maximum enjoyment and use, off-season storage is recommended. Assembly required.
Klein’s also carries an assortment of Plow & Hearth® metal garden benches and outdoor hooked rugs. Visit the Plow & Hearth® website @ www.plowhearth.com
NOTES FROM MY GARDEN JOURNAL–Tips and Observations from My Own Garden by Rick Halbach
ENTRY: JUNE 10, 2020 (Cristobal-A Wisconsin First)
Yesterday tropical storm Cristobal crossed the state of Wisconsin. This unheard of event made for a number of news stories throughout the center of the country and Wisconsin was no exception. The following article appears on the National Weather Service website @ www.weather.gov
Cristobal – The First of its Kind in Wisconsin
Earlier this week, Wisconsin had an unfamiliar visitor in the form of a tropical system named Cristobal. Cristobal’s appearance on Tuesday, June 9, marked the first time a tropical depression had ever crossed into the state. Other tropical systems had clipped the southeast corner of the state before; an unnamed storm in 1900, another one in 1949, and then the remnants of Gilbert in 1988, but these storms weakened to extratropical cyclones (another name for our run of the mill, “Low pressure systems,” around here) before doing so. Not only was Cristobal Wisconsin’s first tropical depression, but its path was the furthest northwest ever taken by a tropical system since the beginning of records.
Cristobal began moving into Wisconsin during the afternoon hours on Tuesday, June 9. It was fairly progressive in nature, quickly clearing the state by 6 am on Wednesday, June 10, but in that time it managed to dump a considerable amount of rain over parts of Iowa, Minnesota, and western and north-central Wisconsin. This was owed to Cristobal’s surplus of tropical moisture, as precipitable water values were observed to be close to 225% of normal for this time of year in Wisconsin. Cristobal’s moisture lingered into the day on Wednesday, when a second low pressure system and frontal boundary gave much of the southern half of the state a second shot of rain.
South-central and southeast Wisconsin missed out on most of the heavy rain from Cristobal, but its low pressure broke June records and brought gusty winds to the area. Of note, The Fond du Lac airport managed to record a 51 mph wind gust as the system passed by on Tuesday. Additionally, Madison recorded a low pressure of 988.0 mb (29.2 in) which broke the previous record lowest June pressure of 990.2 mb (29.24in).
* * * * *
ENTRY: JUNE 21, 2020 (Swallowtails in the Garden)
I noticed this morning while weeding that there were three fairly-good-sized black swallowtail caterpillars on the tiniest of dill plants in the front yard. They had already completely defoliated that little plant so I moved each of them to separate and much larger dill plants nearby. Members of the carrot family (parsley, dill, fennel, caraway, parsnip and Queen Anne’s Lace, etc.) are the best host plants to attract black swallowtails to the garden for egg laying.
There are seven swallowtail (Papilioninae) butterfly species native to Wisconsin:
Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)
Giant Swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes)
Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor)
Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus)
Zebra Swallowtail (Eurytides marcellus)
Canadian Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio canadensis)
The Eastern tiger swallowtail and the black swallowtail are the two species that southern Wisconsin gardeners are most familiar with.
Black Swallowtails are common throughout the entire state. Eastern tiger swallowtails are common in the southern part of the state, south of Highway 29, and are replaced by the Canadian Tiger Swallowtail in the northern part of the sate, mostly north of Highway 10. Tiger Swallowtail host plants include many deciduous trees including; wild cherry, lilac, tulip tree, magnolia, birch, ash, willow and cottonwood.
While tiger swallowtails enjoy the nectar of lilac, milkweed, joe-pye-weed, and buddleia, black swallowtails are most attracted to zinnias, tithonia, phlox, verbena and lantana but also milkweed.
* * * * *
ENTRY: JUNE 21, 2020 (My Cardinal Haven)
After raising their first brood in our neighbor’s mock orange just outside her dining room window, our local cardinal pair has now taken up residence for their second brood in a Tiger Eye sumac just outside the screenhouse in our backyard. The female has been gathering materials all day for her twiggy and very flimsy-looking (when compared to a robin’s) nest. For the most part her nest is composed of the twiggy leaf remnants from the black walnut along the back of our property.
Once cardinal 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.
KLEIN’S RECIPES OF THE MONTH—These are a selection of relatively simple recipes chosen by our staff. New recipes appear monthly. Enjoy!!
Summer salads are always a hit at picnics and family get-togethers and the following, using tomatoes and many of your garden-fresh vegetables, are some of our very favorites and are sure to be pass along recipes for years to come.
TOMATO SALAD–Ever so easy! Reprinted from The Isthmus.
2-3 lbs. cherry tomatoes, quartered, or Roma tomatoes, sliced.
2 TBS. red wine vinegar
4 TBS. extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 oz. (about 1 dozen) finely chopped, fresh basil leaves
Toss & Serve!
VEGETABLE AND ORZO SALAD–If you’re not familiar with it, orzo is a small, rice-like pasta available at all supermarkets in the pasta aisle. This is a tried and true recipe from The Wisconsin State Journal 1997 cookbook. A very easy salad with great colors and textures.
2 cups dry orzo (about 1 16 oz. pkg.)
4 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
2 medium zucchinis, coarsely chopped
2 large tomatoes, diced
1 large onion, chopped
1 x 16 oz. can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup raisins (golden are best)
1/2 cup chopped dates
6 TBS. extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice (fresh is best)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. turmeric
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 cup slivered almonds
Cook the orzo per package instructions. Rinse under cold water and drain well. Stir together the veggies, cooled orzo, raisins and dates in a large bowl. Whisk together the oil, lemon juice and the spices. Pour over the orzo and toss gently. Sprinkle with the almonds. Cover and chill at least 1 hour. Serves 12.
TOMATO SALAD–Sparkling fresh flavors highlight this favorite from the Wisconsin State Journal, from November 2005.
2-3 lbs. tomatoes cut into large chunks or cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2-3/4 cup fresh raspberries
2 TBS. olive oil
1 TBS. balsamic vinegar
salt and pepper to taste
1 TBS. fresh chopped chives
Arrange the tomatoes on a platter and sprinkle with all but 1TBS. raspberries. Whisk together the oil and vinegar. Crush the remaining raspberries with the back of a spoon and add to the dressing with salt and pepper. Drizzle over the tomatoes and sprinkle with the chives. Reseason to taste. Serves 4-6.
TOMATO MINT SALAD–From Better Homes & Gardens magazine, from summer 2005.
1 x 16 oz. pkg. frozen shoe peg (white) corn, thawed
2 1/2 lbs. assorted tomatoes, sliced and quartered (cherries, halved)
1 cup shredded fresh mint (or basil if n.a.)
2 TBS. red wine vinegar
2 TBS. olive oil
1 clove minced garlic
1 tsp. sugar
1/8 tsp. sea salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
8 oz. marinated feta
In a large bowl, mix together the tomatoes and mint. Whisk together the vinegar, oil, garlic, sugar, salt and pepper. Pour over the tomatoes and toss. Serve with undrained feta and additional salt and pepper to taste. Serves 6.
TOMATO AND CUCUMBER SALAD–So simple and so delicious. From Cooking Light magazine, June 2004.
3 cups chopped and peeled cucumber
2 cups chopped tomato
3/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
3 TBS. chopped cilantro (or basil if n.a.)
1/2 tsp. salt
In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients. Cover and allow to chill at least 2 hours, stirring once in a while. Serve with a slotted spoon. Serves 6.
NATURAL NEWS–
Antidepressant Microbes In Soil: How Dirt Makes You Happy
By Bonnie L. Grant
Prozac may not be the only way to get rid of your serious blues. Soil microbes have been found to have similar effects on the brain and are without side effects and chemical dependency potential. Learn how to harness the natural antidepressant in soil and make yourself happier and healthier. Read on to see how dirt makes you happy.
Natural remedies have been around for untold centuries. These natural remedies included cures for almost any physical ailment as well as mental and emotional afflictions. Ancient healers may not have known why something worked but simply that it did. Modern scientists have unraveled the why of many medicinal plants and practices, but only recently are they finding remedies that were previously unknown and yet, still a part of the natural life cycle. Soil microbes and human health now have a positive link which has been studied and found to be verifiable.
Soil Microbes and Human Health
Did you know that there’s a natural antidepressant in soil? It’s true. Mycobacterium vaccae is the substance under study and has indeed been found to mirror the effect on neurons that drugs like Prozac provide. The bacterium is found in soil and may stimulate serotonin production, which makes you relaxed and happier. Studies were conducted on cancer patients and they reported a better quality of life and less stress.
Lack of serotonin has been linked to depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder and bipolar problems. The bacterium appears to be a natural antidepressant in soil and has no adverse health effects. These antidepressant microbes in soil may be as easy to use as just playing in the dirt.
Most avid gardeners will tell you that their landscape is their “happy place” and the actual physical act of gardening is a stress reducer and mood lifter. The fact that there is some science behind it adds additional credibility to these garden addicts’ claims. The presence of a soil bacteria antidepressant is not a surprise to many of us who have experienced the phenomenon ourselves. Backing it up with science is fascinating, but not shocking, to the happy gardener.
Mycobacterium antidepressant microbes in soil are also being investigated for improving cognitive function, Crohn’s disease and even rheumatoid arthritis.
How Dirt Makes You Happy
Antidepressant microbes in soil cause cytokine levels to rise, which results in the production of higher levels of serotonin. The bacterium was tested both by injection and ingestion on rats and the results were increased cognitive ability, lower stress and better concentration to tasks than a control group.
Gardeners inhale the bacteria, have topical contact with it and get it into their bloodstreams when there is a cut or other pathway for infection. The natural effects of the soil bacteria antidepressant can be felt for up to 3 weeks if the experiments with rats are any indication. So get out and play in the dirt and improve your mood and your life.
Source: www.gardeningknowhow.com
JULY’S PLANT OF THE MONTH:
BRUGMANSIA (ANGEL’S TRUMPETS)
Angel’s Trumpet is one of the common names for Brugmansia, a genus in the Nightshade Family (Solanaceae) that has 8 species, all from along the Andes Mountains in western South America. Sometimes called Belladonna or Datura, the later is somewhat misleading as Datura is also a genus name to which Brugmansia is closely related. The main distinguishing aspect that separates the Brugmansia from the true species of Datura is that the Brugmansia are large shrubs or small trees. Both Brugmansia and Datura are usually super fragrant, evening scented bloomers. The Daturas we grow in our gardens have upward facing flowers; whereas Brugmansias are pendulent. Brugmansia flowers are in shades of white, yellow, pink, peach and orange. All are members of the nightshade family of plants; along with eggplant, tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes, petunias, nicotiana, tobacco and many more.
Nothing could be easier than to winter over these dramatic tropicals and the older they get, the more dramatic they become! Before a freeze in the fall, simply prune the plants to a manageable size (usually to 3-5’). It’s O.K. if no foliage remains. If they were in the landscape, they’ll need to be dug and potted for the winter. Immediately move the plant to a cool and dark location. They can be stored as low as 40 degrees all winter. Water thoroughly a few times during the winter. If you don’t have a cool and dark location, just do your best–they’re not fussy. Heat and light will simply stimulate new growth during the winter. That’s also O.K. because sometimes they’ll bloom all winter if given enough light. If possible, move a plant stored in the dark to some light (even a basement window) around March 1. This promotes earlier growth and earlier and more blooms next summer. Move outdoors once nighttime temps are in the 50’s. Brugmansias are at peak bloom in late August and all the way through September–making it heartbreaking to cut the plants back before moving indoors.
Klein’s currently has a nice supply of brugmansias in gallon and/or larger pots.
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.
***Due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, nearly all garden tours and garden/plant related events in the Madison area have been cancelled or postponed until further notice.***
JULY IN THE GARDEN-–A checklist of things to do this month.
___Pinch hardy mums until July 4 for bushier less floppy plants.
___Begin sowing and transplanting cole crops for fall harvest.
___Fertilize and mulch asparagus beds.
___Give the garden at least 1” of moisture per week.
___Mow as little as possible and with mower raised to at least 2”.
___Mulch beds to conserve moisture and keep down weeds.
___Deadhead spent blooms as needed.
___Stake and support tall plants as needed.
___Cut spent perennials to the ground to encourage new growth.
___Divide daylilies as they finish blooming.
___Fertilize potted plants at least every 2 weeks. Follow directions.
___Order spring bulbs from catalogs while your memory is still fresh.
___Keep and eye on the weather. Water as needed.
___Watch for pests and control as needed or desired.
___Stop fertilizing roses by late July.
___Visit Klein’s—Watch for end of season savings on annuals, perennials & shrubs.
Some of our very favorite seed and plant sources include:
For seeds:
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds @ www.rareseeds.com or 417/924-8887
Burpee @ www.burpee.com or 800/888-1447
Harris Seeds @ www.harrisseeds.com or 800/514-4441
Johnny’s Select Seeds @ www.johnnyseeds.com or 207/861-3901
Jung’s Seeds @ www.jungseed.com or 800/247-5864
Park’s Seeds @ www.parkseed.com or 800/845-3369
Pinetree @ www.superseeds.com or 207/926-3400
Seeds of Change @ www.seedsofchange.com or 888/762-7333
Seed Savers @ www.seedsavers.org or 563/382-5990
Select Seeds @ www.selectseeds.com or 800/684-0395
Territorial Seeds @ www.territorialseed.com or 888/657-3131
Thompson & Morgan @ www.thompson-morgan.com or 800/274-7333
For bulbs:
Brent & Becky’s Bulbs @ www.brentandbeckysbulbs.com or 877/661-2852
Colorblends @ www.colorblends.com or 888/847-8637
John Scheeper’s @ www.johnscheepers.com or 860/567-0838
McClure & Zimmerman @ www.mzbulb.com or 800/883-6998
For plants:
High Country Gardens @ www.highcountrygardens.com or 800/925-9387
Logee’s Greenhouses @ www.logees.com or 888/330-8038
Plant Delights Nursery @ www.plantdelights.com or 912/772-4794
Roots and Rhizomes @ www.rootsrhizomes.com or 800/374-5035
Wayside Gardens @ www.waysidegardens.com or 800/213-0379
White Flower Farm @ www.whiteflowerfarm.com or 800/503-9624
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 JULY:
—Watering is a nonstop endeavor. On hot, windy days, we no sooner finish the first round, when we have to start all over again. Some plants in our retail areas may need watering 3 or 4 times in a single day! You wouldn’t do this at home, but customers don’t like to see wilted plants. It’s not harmful for us to let them wilt a bit, but it makes for bad presentation.
—Yes, the poinsettias arrive. The small plants are potted and placed in a warm greenhouse out back where they are constantly misted for a few days until they begin rooting out. After a few weeks they are individually pinched for sturdy and bushy growth.
—Summer maintenance projects are under way.
—We transplant our fall cole crops into cell packs along with our fall pansies and violas.
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 Twitter where 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