‘THE SAGE’-Klein’s Online Newsletter—MAY 2021
Klein’s Floral & Greenhouses
608/244-5661 or info@kleinsfloral.com
THIS MONTH’S HIGHLIGHTS:
Extended Spring Hours Begin Saturday, May 1
Introducing Klein’s Planters by Design Service
We Reuse Your Teal-colored 5” Klein’s Pots
Our ‘Mad Gardener’ and ‘Houseplant Help‘ Are Ready for Your Questions
Don’t Forget Mom This May 9!
Klein’s Favorite Seed, Bulb & Plant Sources
You Asked about Dividing Perennials
How To Reduce Soil pH
Plant of the Month: Agastache (Hyssop)
Recipes for Birdwatchers
Product Spotlight: Jack’s Classic 20-6-22 Petunia FeED
Notes from Rick’s Garden Journal—From April 2021
—Plants & Black Walnuts
—Time to Order Your 2022 Spring Bulbs
—The Move Is On
May in the Garden: A Planner
Gardening Events Around Town
Join Us on Twitter
Follow Us on Facebook
CONTAINERS BY DESIGN
Custom Design and Potting for Your Outdoor Summer Containers
At Klein’s we grow a diverse range of annuals suitable for any growing environment; shade, part shade and full sun. In addition to growing our plants in your garden beds, container gardening is a great way to liven up a patio, balcony or a corner of your yard that needs a little color. Contact Jenny at 608-244-5661 or customplanters@kleinsfloral.
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.
KLEIN’S ‘HOUSEPLANT HELP’
You can contact Klein’s in-house indoor plant experts by emailing to Houseplant Help for sound information and advice regarding indoor tropicals, succulents, blooming plants and so much more.
For many years, customers’ indoor plant questions have been directed to Klein’s Mad Gardener (see below). Now you have the opportunity to contact our indoor plant experts directly. We’ve 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.
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.
MAY STORE HOURS:
Again during the 2021 spring season, Klein’s will open at 7:00 a.m. every Tuesday! Year long, Tuesday is Klein’s Senior Discount Day. On Tuesdays those 62 and over save an extra 10% off all regular priced items. Beginning Tuesday, May 4, we open the doors an hour early. Avoid the lines and shop early! The extended Tuesday hours last through mid-June.
Monday thru Friday : 9:00-7:00 (Open Tuesdays at 7:00)
Saturday: 9:00-6:00
Sunday: 9:00-5:00
Open Memorial Day, May 31, 9:00-5:00
Extended spring hours run through Sunday, May 30.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
May 2—Orthodox Easter
May 1–First Day of Klein’s Extended Spring Hours. The days are longer and there’s lots to do in the garden. We make shopping easier to fit into your hectic schedule by offering extended retail hours during May. Evenings are a great time to shop at Klein’s. The greenhouses are cooler and the lines are shorter. It makes for a more relaxed shopping experience and our staff is more available to answer all your gardening questions. See May Store Hours above for more details.
May 9–Mother’s Day. Order early and shop early!!! Mother’s Day is second only to Valentine’s Day for deliveries and the Saturday before Mother’s Day is traditionally our busiest day of the entire year. Extra drivers will be on the road Saturday, May 8 for prompt and efficient service. Click on Delivery Information at the top of our home page for more details about Klein’s delivery. Because this is our busiest day of the year in the greenhouse, will not be delivering on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 9.
May 10–This is Madison’s average last frost date, but keep your eye on the weather before planting. Madison has a notorious reputation for late May frosts. Many local old-time gardeners refuse to plant, especially their tomatoes, peppers, morning glories, etc. until Memorial Day weekend when the soil has warmed properly. Novice gardeners have a tendency to plant too early!
May 17—Tax Day 2021
May 26–Full Moon
May 31–Memorial Day-the unofficial beginning of summer! Store Hours: 9-5:00
‘THE FLOWER SHOPPE’:
The weekend of Mother’s Day is THE busiest time of the year at Klein’s, far surpassing even Valentine’s Day. The showrooms bustle with not only shoppers looking for that perfect Mother’s Day gift, but also gardeners with cartloads of annuals, vegetables, perennials, seeds and garden supplies. Our retail cooler is filled to the brim with stunning spring arrangements for mom and buckets of loose cut flowers to create your own at home. An array of beautiful blooming plants makes your selection even more difficult.
Avoid the rush by shopping early. Call us 608/244-5661 to talk to one of our designers personally or order on line @ Klein’s Floral Delivery
Klein’s has it all for mom–”one-stop shopping” for floral arrangements, gorgeous hanging baskets and patio pots, interesting and whimsical garden ornaments or the ever-appreciated gift certificate.
Extra drivers will be on the road Saturday, May 8 for prompt and efficient service. Visit Delivery Information for more details about Klein’s delivery.
YOU ASKED. . .
When should I transplant Siberian Iris? I tried looking it up and one place they said in the spring and another said in the fall. I have some large clumps and they are not getting much sun. They did not produce many flowers last summer.
Thanks for the help! Mary
Hi Mary,
Here in the northern Midwest, as a rule, most perennials are best split and transplanted in late May or early June–once they are are growing well, but aren’t too tall. This makes them easy to work with and gives them time to root out before summer heat. Fall can be a great time to split and transplant most perennials. But with our hard winters and sometimes lack of snow cover, this can be sometimes more problematic.
I recommend dividing your Siberian irises in mid- to late May. They may not flower this year, but will have an entire summer to root in and thrive for next season. i usually divide mine into 6-8” pieces.
Make sure they are in full (but not super hot afternoon) sun and in rich, moisture retentive soil. Inadequate sunlight is oftentimes an issue for Siberian irises not blooming well. People read that they are ‘shade tolerant’ and then plant them in shade that is too dense (a reminder that ‘full sun’ is just 6 hrs. or more of direct sunlight per day). Once clumps ‘hollow out’ in the center you’ll no it’s time to split them again.
Please note that bearded iris and peonies are best divided and planted in late summer and early fall.
Thanks for your question,
DID YOU KNOW. . .
. . . that Klein’s collects, sterilizes and reuses your teal-colored 5” ‘Klein’s’ pots?
Due to costs, we are unable to reuse most plastic pots and trays and never those from other retailers. But we are happy to take back and reuse the teal-colored 5” Klein’s pots and their accompanying trays. Simply bring in your cleaned out pots and trays and drop them off with the associates at the checkout counters. We ask that you recycle or dispose of all other pots, containers and trays in compliance with your municipality’s guidelines. We do not reuse the plant identification tags.
Madison is currently NOT accepting rigid plastics (flower pots and trays) for recycling due to import restrictions enacted by China for scrap material. At present, there is no end market to accept the type of plastic scrap the mixed rigid plastic program produces. Until further notice, rigid plastics are to be placed in the refuse bins for disposal.
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.
Jack’s Classic 20-6-22 Petunia FeED
Jack’s Classic® Petunia FeED was originally developed for the professional grower. Designed for plants that are inefficient when taking up iron up from their root zone, this special formulation provides essential amounts of Iron (Fe) needed for consistent plant growth. Jack’s Classic Petunia FeED contains an enhanced micronutrient package that includes 3 forms of iron and extra magnesium that will produce lush green plants in any growing condition. This low phosphorus formulation keeps plants fuller.
Petunia FeED is especially effective in hanging baskets containers that are watered often. Contains the extra iron necessary to prevent yellow tips and extra magnesium to keep lower leaves green.
We recommend an application of Jack’s Petunia FeED at a rate of 1 tablespoon per gallon every 7-10 days.
Use on ALL iron hungry plants. Iron hungry plants include:
- Petunias
- Calibrachoa
- Bacopa
- Verbena
- Vinca
- Salvia
- Rhododendron
- Gardenia
- Pansy
- Snapdragon
- Scaevola
- Diascia
- Nemesia
NOTES FROM MY GARDEN JOURNAL–Tips and Observations from My Own Garden by Rick Halbach
ENTRY: APRIL 28, 2021 (Plants & Black Walnuts)
Though quite messy at least three times a year (the catkins falling in a few weeks, the nuts in late summer and the twiggy leaf parts in the fall), I can’t imagine my yard without the large black walnut tree at the back of the property. Its canopy of shade shields the screenhouse from intense summer sun and the tree’s movement in the wind is absolutely mesmerizing. Gardening with a black walnut in the yard can be a bit challenging. It took a bit of research and experience to learn which plants can survive within a black walnut’s root and drip line.
Many gardeners, especially beginners, are unaware that many of our favorite garden plants cannot and should not be grown near our native black walnut (Juglans nigra) due to the release of juglone into the soil surrounding the tree. Juglone is a natural chemical produced by the black walnut (and some related trees like hickories) to cut back on competition from other plants. Plants affected by the chemical usually wilt, yellow and eventually die once they come in contact with juglone.
The most obvious and well-known family of plants affected by juglone toxicity are those belonging to the Nightshade Family, including: tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, potatoes, petunias, nicotiana, datura, brugmansia, among others. Plants from this family are affected from the onset. Ornamentals such as lilac, peony, rhododendron and azalea are particularly sensitive to juglone.
The chemical is not just released from the roots of the tree, but occurs in the leaves and nuts as well. The area most affected by juglone is confined to the drip line of the canopy, but it can extend far beyond that boundary. Gardeners often misdiagnose a problem they’re having with their plants when, in fact, a neighbor’s tree could be the culprit. Black walnut toxicity can be confused with wilts caused by bacterial and fungal pathogens or drought.
There is no cure for a plant affected by walnut toxicity. Removing a walnut tree may not be practical as the tree could be the focal point in a landscape. In addition, even if a walnut tree is removed, juglones will not immediately be eliminated, because it is next to impossible to remove all root pieces from the soil and remaining pieces may continue to exude toxins for several years as they decay. When establishing a garden around a walnut tree, try to plant species that are tolerant to juglone. If you are growing sensitive species near a walnut tree, transplant them elsewhere in your garden. If you must grow sensitive plants near a black walnut, keep beds free of walnut leaves and hulls and remove walnut seedlings as they appear. Growing shallow rooted woody and herbaceous plants, and improving drainage can also diminish the effects of juglone. Alternatively, consider building raised beds with wood, stone, or concrete barriers that limit root growth through and under the beds. When disposing of bark and wood from a walnut tree, do not use these materials for mulch.
One of the most asked questions at Klein’s is to suggest plants that are tolerant to the effects of black walnut toxicity. The UW Extension has an extensive list of juglone tolerant plants on its website at http://hort.uwex.edu/articles/
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ENTRY: APRIL 28, 2021 (Time to Order Your 2022 Spring Bulbs)
I can’t believe that I’m already receiving catalogs for flowers I won’t even see until May or June of 2022! That’s more than a year away. But it’s now while the spring bulbs are in full bloom that we receive the bulb catalogs for fall planting. The reason is obvious. It’s now, while the tulips, daffodils and alliums are growing and blooming that we are reminded that we not only want more of them or what the neighbors have in their yards, but also it’s the time of the year to note where we can create new daffodil beds, where the tulips have diminished over time or where we can fill in some holes in the perennial beds with sweeps of scilla, muscari, crocus or trillium. After all, shortly after the spring bulbs are finished blooming, the foliage yellows and withers away, disappearing entirely as the summer garden goes into full bloom. By September, the tulips blooming now are a long gone memory–making shopping difficult as the spring blooming bulbs appear at local garden centers. Therefore, it’s now that I make my notes and begin planning for fall planting–even though I haven’t even begun my spring planting yet! I’s now that I notice I need more allium over near the blue spruce or that I really don’t like those pink tulips in the front bed anymore. It’s now that I’m really loving the primrose yellow daffodils over the bright yellow daffodils and I need more of those throughout the yard. It’s now that I’m appreciating the diminutive and subtle species tulips that are lining the rock wall. And it’s now that I want every bulb I see blooming at Olbrich Gardens. It’s time to order spring bulbs!
John Scheeper’s @ www.johnscheepers.com or 860/567-0838
McClure & Zimmerman @ www.mzbulb.com or 800/883-6998
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ENTRY: APRIL 30, 2021 (The Move Is On)
YEH! It’s time to start clearing the plants out of the basement! Some of those coleus and geranium cuttings have been down there under shop lights since last September and I don’t think they can take the lack of fresh air and sunshine much longer! My new seedlings are right at the point where natural light, cool night temps and the wind will prevent them from becoming leggy. The time is right to get almost everything outside. The forecast for the upcoming week looks great, with daytime highs in the 60’s and overnight lows for the most part in the 40’s.
The first bit of prep work is to free up space in the garage. The pickup truck is gonna spend the next few weeks outside. The garage is the perfect place to acclimate the plants for a life in the big outdoors. I’ve already set up a few card tables just inside the garage door. As I bring my flats of seedlings from the basement, they spend their first few days on those tables. Being just inside the garage, the young plants receive ample natural light, but are protected from full sun or the wind. Each evening I close the garage door to protect them from the still very cool nights. After a few days have passed, I move the seedlings outside to full sun (or shade depending on the plant requirement) ready to move them back inside the garage for exceptionally cold nights or in the event of a thunderstorm. By May 10, my annuals and vegetables will be fully acclimated and ready for planting in my beds and containers.
As for my overwintered plants; I first place them in a shady and protected spot for a few days. After they’ve been outside for a while, I gradually move them to spots that fit their light requirements. Again, I need to be prepared to move them to the garage during cold snaps or to protect them from strong winds or hail.
KLEIN’S RECIPES OF THE MONTH—These are a selection of relatively simple recipes chosen by our staff. New recipes appear monthly. Enjoy!!
Recipes for Birdwatchers
Many people who enjoy gardening also enjoy seeing feathered visitors alight in their backyards and fill-up at feeders. Soon, annual migrators like Baltimore orioles and indigo buntings will be passing through the Madison area. Hummingbirds typically arrive in mid- to late-May, though some are reporting early arrivals this year. As you prepare snacks for your avian guests, save a bit of the good stuff for yourself and try making these treats.
ORANGE CHOCOLATE CHUNK SCONES—Adapted from a Willy Street Co-Op recipe.
So much sunny citrus flavor awaits in the zest of the orange and the birds don’t want it!
So much sunny citrus flavor awaits in the zest of the orange and the birds don’t want it!
Before cutting a navel orange in half for the oriole station, thoroughly rinse the orange whole and wipe it dry. Use a microplane or zester to remove the bright orange zest (avoid the bitter, white pith layer). Chop any larger strips into tiny bits. Halve the orange as usual and put outside for the birds.
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
zest of one orange
6 T. unsalted butter, cut into pea-sized cubes and chilled
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 egg
chocolate chunks in an amount that makes you giddy
If desired, an additional egg can be whisked with a dash of water to make an egg wash. Brush on scones before baking and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
Preheat oven to 375• and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In large mixing bowl, blend the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add egg, orange zest, cream, and butter and mix until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix! Add the chocolate. Use your hands to gently fold the dough to be uniform in texture but do not knead. Form a ball with the dough and place on parchment paper. Flatten the ball with your hands to make a circle ~1.5 inches thick. Cut into 6 wedges and separate them to be 2 inches apart. Brush with egg wash, if using. Bake about 30 minutes or until bottom of scones become deeply golden.
VIOLET SIMPLE SYRUP—From Cooking with Flowers by Miche Bacher.
Wisconsin’s state flower, the wood violet, is such a happy purple this time of year! Not only is it eye candy, it makes a lovely candied edible flower and syrup to add to lemonade, tea, or mixed drinks. As with any wild or urban-wild foraging, be sure you can confidently identify the plant you harvest and pick only on property where you have permission. Pick edible flowers in an area that has not been sprayed nor treated with ‘cides/chemicals and is away from traffic exhaust.
2 cups sugar
1 cup water
1 cup fresh violets (rinse and pat dry, pinch off flower from stem)
Place flowers in a glass, enamel, or stainless steel bowl. Dissolve sugar in water over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a simmer. Pour hot syrup over flowers and let steep for 30 minutes. Strain the syrup and discard the flowers. Syrup can be stored in refrigerator for ~1 month. Violets can also be frozen in ice cubes, making your drink even more cool. And while you have the sugar handy…
For your hummingbird feeder (make weekly):
1/4 heaping cup sugar
1 cup water
In a clean, microwave-safe mug, heat on high power for 1 minute. Stir to dissolve sugar. Allow to cool. Keep covered in refrigerator and use within a week. Do NOT add dye.
SUNFLOWER-DRESSED PASTA SALAD— From Smitten Kitchen
Many bird species love sunflower seeds. The next time you visit the grocery store, buy a bag of shelled, unsalted sunflower seeds. Make this recipe. The leftover seeds can be put in the feeder. Yum all-around!
*If the seeds are raw, toast them at 350• for 7-9 minutes before getting started.
2/3 cup unsalted, roasted, shelled sunflower seeds
3 T. grated parmesan cheese (optional)
1 large garlic clove, peeled
bit of fresh lemon zest
1/2 t. kosher salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 t. red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
fresh black pepper, to taste
juice of half lemon (adjust to taste)
small bunch of greens, chopped: carrot tops, parsley, or kale
1/3 cup olive oil
Prepare 1/2 pound of a fun-shaped pasta. Try penne, farfalle, or gemelli. Rinse and drain the cooked pasta and allow to cool.
In food processor, pulse together seeds, parmesan, garlic, lemon zest, salt, pepper flakes, and black pepper. Leave enough texture to retain crunch. Transfer to a bowl and blend with olive oil and lemon juice. Greens can be added gently. Fold dressing into pasta and adjust seasoning as desired. Deb Perelman adds roasted carrots to this salad for extra goodness. Also try halved cherry tomatoes and/or thinly sliced pieces of red onion.
NATURAL NEWS–
How to change the pH of one’s soil is one of the most commonly asked questions at Klein’s. This area’s soil is notoriously alkaline. Therefore, to grow acid loving plants such as hydrangeas, rhododendrons and blueberries, we need to change the pH of our soil. This is an ongoing process if you desire to grow these plants well. The following informative UW-Extension article is concise and to the point and answers many of those questions.
Reducing Soil pH
by Sherry Combs, formerly of the UW-Madison Soil and Plant Analysis Lab
Is your soil pH too high? Probably not, although the popular press urges most gardeners to question whether their garden soil pH is ‘right’. Only a soil test for pH can indicate whether the pH is ‘right’, and ‘right ‘ really depends on the plant you want to grow and the natural pH of your soil. Turf, vegetables, annual ornamentals and most perennial ornamentals are very tolerant of a wide range of soil pH levels, and acidifying soil is generally not necessary or recommended. Blueberries, rhododendrons and azaleas however, are quite intolerant of alkaline conditions and the soil pH must be maintained at 5.5 or less in order to grow them successfully.
To determine current soil pH, start with a soil test. For soils having a pH of less than 7.5, you should be able to add a soil amendment (e.g., some form of sulfur) and successfully lower pH, if recommended. If soils have a pH above 7.5, adding a soil amendment will probably not reduce pH much because of the ‘free’ calcium carbonate or marl present in these soils. This is an unfortunate characteristic of soils in some parts of Wisconsin. In these soils, consider growing plant species more tolerant of high pH conditions.
Soil pH can be reduced most effectively by adding elemental sulfur, aluminum sulfate or sulfuric acid. The choice of which material to use depends on how fast you hope the pH will change and the type/size of plant experiencing the deficiency. Sulfuric acid (commonly available as battery acid) is fast acting, but is very dangerous, and its use by home gardeners is not recommended. Green industry professionals however, occasionally use sulfuric acid to reduce soil pH around large, established specimen trees. Aluminum sulfate and elemental sulfur can be safely used by homeowners. Aluminum sulfate is faster acting than elemental sulfur because it is very soluble. The advantage of elemental sulfur is that it is more economical, particularly if a large area is to be treated.
In general, it is best to reduce soil pH before planting sensitive landscape ornamentals, rather than attempting to reduce soil pH after plants have become established. Use about 4 to 6 lb. of aluminum sulfate per plant for most medium and fine-textured Wisconsin soils in order to decrease soil pH by about one unit. If elemental sulfur is applied, decrease the total recommended application by one sixth. One pound of aluminum sulfate or elemental sulfur is equal to about 2 cups.
As an example, suppose your initial soil pH is 7.4 and you want to plant blueberries which require a pH of no higher than 5.5. You should apply about 8 to 12 lb. (16 to 24 cups) aluminum sulfate, or 11/3 to 2 lb. (2 2/3 to 4 cups) elemental sulfur per plant. Be sure to delay planting for about one month after application to avoid root burn.
If plants are already established, use a top-dress application limited to about 1 lb. (2 cups) aluminum sulfate or 1/16 lb. (1/3 cup) elemental sulfur per typical landscape plant. Lightly incorporate the aluminum sulfate or elemental sulfur into the soil, or water-in well. Repeat applications monthly until the total recommended amount of aluminum sulfate or elemental sulfur has been added. Because lowering soil pH is a very slow process, have the soil pH checked about three months after each application to determine if additional applications will be needed. Several applications may be needed on some soils before the soil pH shows any significant change.
Applying certain fertilizers, such as ammonium-containing nitrogen fertilizers like ammonium sulfate, urea or ammonium sulfate, can help maintain acid soil conditions, but these fertilizers will probably not be effective in significantly reducing soil pH. The ammonium in these products reacts in the soil to help maintain the lowered pH. Keep in mind however, that many fertilizer products such as potassium sulfate and gypsum will not effectively reduce soil pH.
Peat moss and certain other organic materials such as pine needles are a good source of organic carbon and can be used to help reduce soil pH. However these organic materials are very slow acting and may not be effective for causing large soil pH changes. Try adding a one to two inch layer of these organic materials and incorporate them into the top six to 12 inches of soil before planting. Afterwards, check the pH. Addition of aluminum sulfate will probably still be needed to ensure that the soil pH is reduced enough for successful gardening.
Note: The previous article appeared in our May 2010 newsletter.
MAY’S PLANT OF THE MONTH:
AGASTACHE (Hyssop or Hummingbird Mint)
One of the more common requests we get at Klein’s is for flowers that attract the most bees, butterflies, beneficial pollinators and hummingbirds to the garden. It’s probably safe to say that few families of plants can surpass the agastaches in accomplishing all four goals in a single plant. This gorgeous member of the mint family is fragrant and reliable. Both annual and perennial varieties at nearly all garden centers (see our selection below). The newer, well-branched and shorter annual hybrids are particularly lovely on their own or in mixed containers. All types are deer and rabbit resistant. Please read on:
Awesome Agastache—Fruity Fragrance and Sorbet Colors for Summer and Fall Gardens
by Bob Hyland of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden @ www.bbg.org
My passion for the genus Agastache (pronounced ag-ah-STACK-key) began decades ago in the herb garden of a friend. She pointed out Agastache foeniculum, commonly called anise hyssop, and made me rub the coarse leaves to release their pungent aroma, which was mintlike, with hints of licorice and citrus. It came as no surprise to me to learn that the fresh and dried leaves of the plant are used as a food seasoning and for making tea.
While the leaf fragrance was memorable that day, I was even more taken by the herb’s elegant upright habit and dense spikes of powder-blue flowers. Here was another good herb that could escape from the utilitarian herb garden to the ornamental perennial border. My friend further encouraged me to nibble on some flowers, which she described as tasting of a good frosted mug of Stewart’s root beer. I agreed, and from that moment on, Agastache foeniculum became the “root beer plant” to me.
Ever since perennials took the garden world by storm in the 1990s, other worthy species and hybrids of Agastache have come to my attention. Like anise hyssop, they all produce wonderful pungent foliage and bear dainty, tubular flowers on dense spikes from midsummer until first frost. But many are quite different in appearance from A. foeniculum, most notably in their flower color and leaf size and shape. The range of flower colors is especially impressive, reminding me of a dessert tray of passion fruit, peach, orange, and raspberry sorbets, as well as other flavors in between.
As if beautiful form, color, and aroma weren’t enough to recommend Agastache, the genus is also a magnet for wildlife. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds love to drink from the nectar-rich flowers. Hummers are highly attracted to red, orange, and pink-flowered forms, while butterflies, particularly swallowtails, favor the blue-flowered varieties.
The greatest concentration of Agastache species occurs in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The rest are scattered across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. The genus is part of the Lamiaceae, or mint family, which accounts for its square stems and aromatic foliage. In northern climate zones, most Agastache species are tender perennials—they sometimes winter over but do not seem to be long-lived in the garden. Southwestern species (A. aurantiaca, A. cana, A. rupestris) endure very dry conditions and poor, well-drained soils in their native habitat, but most of these adapt to richer, organic soils and wetter summers and winters in other regions of the country.
Klein’s will be carrying the following Agastaches in spring of 2021:
For beds and containers:
Kudos Series–A genetically dwarf, well branched series of agastache. Amazingly free flowering and easy to grow. Kudos has an impeccable habit and long lasting, glowing color. Warm colored plumes are dense with a sweet honey-mint scent. A real standout in mixed containers, or as a border plant. Plants grow to about 16” tall. Exceptionally hardy to Zone 5! Available in coral, gold and silver blue.
‘Morello’–Amazingly huge, dense inflorescences of deep burgundy rose that bloom from spring through fall. Showy, dark foliage in cool temperatures extend the beauty. ‘Morello’ has a strongly upright habit that forms multiple crowns quickly and has a good mildew tolerance. Grows to 27-30” tall.
Poquito Series–A genetically dwarf, well branched series of agastache. Amazingly free flowering and easy to grow. Poquito has an impeccable habit and long lasting, glowing color. Warm colored plumes are dense with a sweet honey-mint scent. A real standout in mixed containers, or as a border plant. Plants grow to about 12” tall. Grow in average, well-drained soil in full sun. Use for border garden, aromatic, cut flower, nectarous plant as a butterfly host. Available in butter yellow and lavender.
And in our perennial yard…
Agastache x ‘Blue Fortune’ (Hybrid Giant Hyssop)
Licorice-scented foliage, compact habit; spikes of deep blue flowers in July-Sept. Ht.: 24-36”. Spread: 24-36”. Grow in average, well-drained soil in full sun. Use for border garden, aromatic, cut flower, nectarous plant, butterfly host. Zone 5.
Agastache x Poquito Series (Hybrid Giant Hyssop)
A genetically dwarf, well branched series of agastache. Amazingly free flowering and easy to grow. Poquito has an impeccable habit and long lasting, glowing color. Warm colored plumes are dense with a sweet honey-mint scent. Available in butter yellow, dark blue, lavender and orange. A real standout in mixed containers, or as a border plant. Plants grow to about 12” tall. Grow in average, well-drained soil in full sun. Use for border garden, aromatic, cut flower, nectarous plant, butterfly host. Zone 5.
Agastache foeniculum, syn. A. anethiodora, A. ansata (Blue Giant Hyssop)
A Wisconsin native plant. Upright habit; licorice-scented, dense spikes of lavender-blue flowers in July-Sept. Ht.: 24-30”. Spread: 10-15”. Grow in average, well-drained soil in full sun to part sun. Use in the border garden, as a cut flower and to attract butterflies and pollinators. Zone 4.
Agastache foeniculum ‘Golden Jubilee’ (Golden Jubilee Hyssop)
2003 All America Selection. Upright habit; licorice-scented, golden foliage; dense spikes of lavender-blue flowers in July-Sept. Ht.: 24-30”. Spread: 10-15”. Grow in average, well-drained soil in full sun to part sun. Use in the border garden, as a cut flower and to attract butterflies. Zone 4.
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 in person garden/plant related public events in the Madison area continue to be cancelled or postponed until further notice.***
Dahlia Tuber Sale
May 1 through May 11, 2021
The annual Badger State Dahlia Society’s tuber and plant sale will be online— the sale link will be posted on our Facebook, Instagram, and web sites [badgerdahlia.org]! The sale will run from May 1st to May 11 with pick up on Madison’s east side on Saturday, May 15. All items are $5. For questions about the sale please email us at badgerstatedahlias@gmail.
Dane County Farmer’s Market
Saturdays, April 10 thru TBD, 7:00-12:00
Temporarily at the Alliant Energy Center
For details visit www.dcfm.org
MAY IN THE GARDEN-–A checklist of things to do this month.
___By May 1, cool weather items like pansies, cole crops, onion sets, etc. should
already be planted.
___Sow successive crops of radishes and greens every 2 weeks.
___Mow your lawn frequently and at a high setting to control lawn weeds.
___Reseed bare spots in the lawn as needed.
___Begin hardening off your seedlings and overwintered plants. Move inside or cover on cold nights.
___Prep beds as soon as the soil is workable and not too wet.
___Till compost into beds.
___Perennials, shrubs and trees can now all be planted safely.
___Divide and propagate most perennials as desired (except peonies & iris)
___Plant strawberries and asparagus early in the month.
___Plant your leftover Easter Lily into the garden. They’ll bloom each July in the garden.
___Be prepared to move plants indoors if a sudden cold spell (or snow) hits.
___After May 10, begin setting out all plants, but KEEP AN EYE ON THE WEATHER!
___Sow beans and corn after the last scheduled frost date.
___After May 20, begin planting warm weather items: tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, cucumbers, coleus, impatiens etc.
___Mulch beds as needed to cut down on weeds and watering.
___Begin a weeding as needed. The smaller the weed, the easier to remove.
___Prune spring blooming as desired AFTER they are done flowering.
___Wait until after the foliage has yellowed to cut back daffodils, tulips, etc.
___Begin pinching tall perennials like asters, goldenrod, phlox, etc. for shorter and bushier plants.
___Visit Klein’s—SPRING PLANTING IS FINALLY HERE!
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 MAY:
—Transplanting continues!! Early in the month we finish transplanting the seedlings for spring sales. But during mid-month we begin transplanting the plugs for our summer program. Customers continue to purchase bedding annuals through the summer months. Sometimes they’re replacing plants that have succumbed to summer heat or heavy rains. Or maybe some quick color is needed for selling a house or having an outdoor party. Whatever the case, we can fill their needs.
—The spring onslaught is in full swing. The back greenhouses are filled floor to ceiling with plants awaiting purchase. Our outdoor space is a sea of color. Flats of plants waiting for sale fill most nooks and crannies of our property.
—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.
—Restocking is also constant. Cart loads of product are moved nearly continuously from our back greenhouses to the front showrooms.
—Believe it or not, but our fall mums arrive! The small plants are put into small pots now and then stepped into larger tubs later in the summer. They won’t be available for sale until mid-August.
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
608/224-3700
Plant Disease Diagnostics Clinic
Dept. of Plant Pathology
Insect Diagnostic Lab
240 Russell Labs
U.W. Soil and Plant Analysis Lab
608/262-4364
American Horticultural Society
Garden Catalogs (an extensive list with links)
Invasive Species
Community Groundworks
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