‘THE SAGE’-Klein’s Online Newsletter—AUGUST 2021
Klein’s Floral & Greenhouses
608/244-5661 or info@kleinsfloral.com
THIS MONTH’S HIGHLIGHTS:
Check Out Our Current End-of-Season Specials
A Semi-load of Houseplants Has Arrived from Florida
Our ‘Mad Gardener’ and ‘Houseplant Help‘ Are Ready for Your Questions
Memorial Garden Art from Kay Berry and Carson®
Klein’s Homegrown Hardy Mums
Klein’s Favorite Seed, Bulb & Plant Sources
You Asked about a Broken Dieffenbachia
Environmentally Friendly Lawn Mowers
Plant of the Month: Igloo Garden Mums
Klein’s Favorite Okra Recipes
Product Spotlight: DeWit Garden Tools
Notes from Rick’s Garden Journal—A re-post from July 2020
—Fantastic Veggie Choices
—Growing Perfect Potted Dahlias
—Who’s Who in the Milkweed Patch
August in the Garden: A Planner
Gardening Events Around Town
Join Us on Twitter
Follow Us on Facebook
OUT OUR CURRENT SPECIALS:
—20% Off All Remaining Perennials and Shrubs (does not include fall mums).
—Buy One, Get One Free On Any Remaining Spring Annuals (fall crops are not included).
—50% Off All Remaining 6” and Larger Annuals and Tropicals (does not include citrus or houseplants).
Specials may change as the month progresses, supplies run out and as our fall crops become available later in the month.
A SEMI-LOAD OF HOUSEPLANTS HAS ARRIVED FROM FLORIDA! Quality and selection are now at their peak. Some of our more interesting items include a selection of air plants, curly-leaved dracaenas, terrarium miniatures, birds-of-paradise, colorful bromeliads and unique succulents, in addition to indoor tropicals in all shapes and sizes.
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.
AUGUST STORE HOURS:
Monday thru Friday : 9:00-6:00
Saturday: 9:00-5:00
Sunday: 10:00-4:00
Open Monday, September 6: 10:00-4:00
CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
Throughout August, visit Klein’s and check out our specials on perennials, shrubs and remaining annuals. Specials and selection change weekly so give us a call for the most up-to-date information at (608) 244-5661 or on our home page @ www.kleinsfloral.com. We pride ourselves in having the best cared for plants in even the hottest weather.
And later in August, watch for the appearance our fall mums, ornamental kales and cabbages, mixed fall containers and cool weather vegetables, including; chard, kale, lettuces and cole crops. We have a nice selection of seeds for the fall vegetable garden, including; radishes, spinach, lettuce and SO much more!
August 22–Full Moon
September 6–Labor Day. Special Store Hours: 10:00-4:00
‘THE FLOWER SHOPPE’:
Flowers play a very important role in brightening up any event, whether a wedding, a birthday get-together, or even a funeral. We oftentimes use flowers to express emotions which we usually can’t with words. And when it comes to showing condolence and honoring the deceased, we tend to fall short on those words. This is why many people reply on flowers to show their feelings and sympathy to the friends and family of the deceased.
However, for long lasting remembrance, flowers aren’t always the best choice. Though they brighten the moment, flowers usually last just a few days at best.
Thoughtful garden art, on the other hand, can supply long term expressions of sympathy for the loved ones in your life. Allow the floral designers at Klein’s to show you our extensive selection of memorial stepping stones, plaques and wind chimes from Kay Berry and Carson. We can help you select the right words to express your thoughts, wishes and prayers in long lasting cement and stone that can bring joy for generations to come.
About Kay Berry
Kay Berry is a family owned company, employing more than 20 people who take pride in our products, our outstanding customer service and our commitment to keeping America working. Since our inception more than 20 years ago, our stone products continue to bring smiles and comfort to thousands of people throughout North America, Asia, and Western Europe. From our new Saxonburg, Pennsylvania studios, we produce the finest in handcrafted and weatherproof garden décor and memorial items that are made to last a lifetime.
Kay Berry products are hand cast in the USA. Our artisans craft our designs from actual stone originals, which are then carefully reproduced using materials and methods developed in ancient Rome. Your decision to purchase a Kay Berry stone product is backed by our guarantee: “If anything goes wrong, ever, we will fix it.”
Although we offer more than 450 items with verses that are sometimes whimsical, sometimes sentimental, and some that contain the wisdom of the ages, we are always looking for new ideas. If you have a favorite poem, verse, or saying send it to us. We often develop many of our items using suggestions from people just like you.
Visit www.kayberry.com for more information and to see a sampling of what Klein’s offers.
YOU ASKED. . .
My dieffenbachia just snapped near the base of its stem while I was out. I read online that I may be able to get the snapped off tree to grow roots, but I could really use some advice. Kath
Hi Kath,
Yes you can root the top AND
To root the top, in a separate pot, stick the snapped off top into well-moistened soil and prop with a stake to keep it upright. Seal the entire pot and plant in a clear plastic bag and place in a warm and bright spot (no direct sunshine). DO NOT open the bag again until rooted. You are creating a self-contained, humid micro-climate. Remove the bag once you see new growth in about 8 weeks. By then it should have rooted out. If @ 8 weeks you don’t feel the top has sent out new roots, re-seal the bag and wait a few more weeks.
It will take time, but you should also see new growth from the snapped off base in about 8-12 weeks. You’ll be watering it far less because the plant won’t have foliage to transpire water for quite some time. You’ll probably have multiple stems growing from either the trunk or directly from the soil.
Thanks for your question,
DID YOU KNOW. . .
. . . that even though fall mums are popping up at the chain stores, Klein’s own homegrown mums usually make their debut closer to Labor Day?
Though mums and fall garden plants are already appearing at big box stores and national home improvement chains, locally grown blooming mums won’t hit stores until later in August and closer to Labor Day, peaking during September. Usually grown in Canada or forced into bloom in artificial conditions, the chain store mums are a tempting impulse purchase to fill in tired spots in the garden. But with weeks of summer heat remaining, these early mums have no chance of surviving to add color to your fall landscape. That said and until our own homegrown mums are ready for sale, a selection of blooming mums purchased from outside vendors usually becomes available at Klein’s during mid-August for early sales.
About Klein’s Homegrown ‘Hardy’ Mums
The appearance of the garden mums signals fall is surely here. We receive our fall mums already in May, arriving as rooted 1” plugs. Upon arrival, we pop them into small pots to buy some time. Because that is also the busiest time of the year for us, we don’t have room yet out back for the thousands of larger pots. During late May and most of June, they’re allowed to root out. We give them one soft tip pinch during June for well-branched bush plants down the road.
Around July 4 the mums are then stepped up into their larger pots. At Klein’s we sell them in 5”, 6” and 8” pots and in larger decorative containers. Later we’ll also plant up some gorgeous fall mixes using grasses, kales, pansies and other cool weather annuals. For the rest of the summer the mums enjoy plenty of sun and pampering sitting out in the open on the ground in the back part of our property. Our mums get plenty of moisture and fertilizer during this growing period. They require no more pinching and will begin blooming in succession by variety usually beginning about August 20, though extreme heat can delay blooming. This is when the first ones become available to the consumer. Color choices run the full spectrum of fall colors: yellow, gold, orange, bronze, red, purple, pink, etc.
If planning a special event this fall, give us a call. Because we grow our thousands of mums on site, we always have more out back and at varying stages of bloom. We generally sell mums into November.
Please note that mums planted into the garden in the fall will usually not winter over. As the ground cools there’s generally not enough time for the plants to root out before the ground freezes. For mums to perennialize, it’s best to plant them in the spring when they are available in small pots in our perennial area. These mums have the entire summer establish themselves, greatly increasing chances of winter survival.
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT—Each month we spotlight some product that we already carry or one that we’ve taken note of and plan to carry in the near future. Likewise, if you would like to see Klein’s to carry a product that we don’t currently, please let us know. Our goal is to be responsive to the marketplace and to our loyal clientele. If a product fits into our profile, we will make every effort to get it into our store. In addition, we may be able to special order an item for you, whether plant or hard good, given enough time.
DeWit Garden Tools
“A Tool for Every Garden Task”
Handmade in Holland
The right tools make all the difference.
Our reputation was built on high-quality tools made from the best materials so you can have a tool that gets the job done, gets it done right, and continues to work for you year after year.
The DeWit difference comes from:
•European FSC-Certified Ash Hardwood Handles
•High-Quality Swedish Boron Steel (the same steel used on a popular brand of bulldozer blades)
•Forging the Steel for Long-Lasting Strength and Durability
•Each Product comes with a Lifetime Guarantee
•With Hundreds of Tools in our Portfolio, we have a Unique Tool for Every Garden Task.
Sustainability
As gardeners, we believe in making the world a better place and playing our part in maintaining our natural resources.
As we designed our tools, it was important for us to consider the environment and how we could build a better tool that lasted longer using renewable resources. And we did just that.
All of our DeWit tools have ash wood handles that come from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, government-controlled forests. This regulates the use of wood and the replanting of trees for a greener environment.
More Than a Tool—It’s an Heirloom
On April 1, 1898, Willem de Wit started his blacksmith company in Kornhorn, a small village in northern Holland. Today, the 4th generation of the forging family is running the company. Old-fashioned quality combined with innovative designs make DeWit tools the ultimate gardener’s choice.
Visit us at www.dewittoolsusa.com
NOTES FROM MY GARDEN JOURNAL–Tips and Observations from My Own Garden by Rick Halbach
Note: Because I’m taking quite a bit of time off this July and August to spend long overdue time with family and friends and in my own garden, I’m re-posting entries from 2020’s August newsletter with a couple of updates. I hope everyone is having an equally enjoyable summer!
ENTRY: JULY 15, 2020 (Fantastic Veggie Choices)
To date this has been a fantastic summer for growing vegetables in the containers filling a large part of my driveway. The weather has been perfect, with well-timed and sufficient rainfall, hand in hand with lots of sunshine and heat. Because I’m diligent with my preventive spraying regimen (organic sprays only), there are few blemishes on my dozens of potted tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, okra, cucumbers, kales and herbs—be it from insects or fungal issues. Plants are full of fruit and producing abundantly.
A part of the success may come from the relatively problem-free vegetable varieties I’ve chosen to grow. After years of disappointment, I’ve learned that choosing the right varieties can be the difference between boom or bust. Here are some of my new favorites I’ve grown this year:
Galahad Tomato— Delicious early determinate beefsteak. Excellent late blight resistance and early maturity also make Galahad a strong contender in the North. The round, 7–12 oz. fruits can be harvested with green shoulders and ripened red in storage, or ripened on the vine. Vigorous plants. AAS Regional Winner. High resistance to Fusarium wilt, gray leaf spot, late blight, nematodes, tomato spotted wilt virus, and Verticillium wilt. Determinate. From Johnny’s Select Seeds.
Celano Tomato—Celano is a patio type grape tomato with a strong bushy habit. It is best grown with some support, such as a tomato cage. This semi-determinate hybrid tomato is an early producer of sweet oblong fruits weighing about 0.6 oz. each. Plants grow to 40” in height and spread to 24” and have excellent late blight tolerance. In comparing it to other grape tomatoes on the market, one AAS judge summed it up by saying “Celano is sweeter, the texture is better, the color is deeper, the plants are healthier, and the yield is phenomenal.” A 2020 AAS Winner from Park Seed.
Paisano Tomato—A high-yielding bush San Marzano. Thick-walled 4–5 oz. fruits in the true San Marzano shape. Good flavor and high solids for sauce or canning. Concentrated sets of paste tomatoes midseason. Most of the bright red fruits are blunt tipped, so they don’t crush during harvesting. Medium determinate plant. From Johnny’s Select Seeds.
Ninja Bell Pepper—Resistant to bacterial leaf spot. In addition to its excellent disease package, Ninja is mid-early with a high yield potential of large, high-quality fruits. The large plants form a good canopy to protect the fruits from sunscald. From Johnny’s Select Seeds.
Jedi Jalapeño Pepper—New! High yielding, continuous set type. With large fruits, Jedi’s fruits avg. 4-4 1/2″ and are slow to check (show small cracks in skin). The large plant is of the “continuous set” type that produces over a long harvest window, especially in regions with a long growing season. The jalapeño variety with the highest potential yield. High resistance to bacterial leaf spot. From Johnny’s Select Seeds.
Asian Delight Eggplant—New! Slender, bright purple fruits. High-yielding, upright plants produce beautiful, mostly spineless fruits. Avg. 8–10″ long. Earlier and higher yielding than Orient Charm, which it replaces. Green calyx. From Johnny’s Select Seeds.
Jambalaya Okra—Traditionally okra has been a crop that’s most productive in hot, southern gardens. This variety, however, thrives in even shorter season climates. Jambalaya okra embodies the spirited flavor of Creole cooking with its succulent, 5-ridged, meaty pods on gorgeous, compact plants that are perfect for containers…with beautiful flowers to boot! From Jung Seeds.
Darki Parsley—Easy to grow market and culinary standard. A very dark green selection of the moss curled type. Use it for garnishes, salads, and cooking. It performs well in containers and allows for multiple cuttings per season from one planting. Upright leaves make harvesting easy. From Johnny’s Select Seeds.
Prospera Basil—Classic Genovese appearance plus downy mildew resistance.
Prospera is an exciting new release. Bred for improved downy mildew resistance, flavor, and appearance, this classic Genovese type has 3″ long glossy, dark green leaves and strong Fusarium resistance — and the added benefit of strong resistance to downy mildew. Suitable for field, greenhouse, and container production. Ht. 20-24”. From Johnny’s Select Seeds.
Iznik Cucumber—A gourmet mini-cuke from Germany. Thin-skinned, smooth, crisp cucumbers are prime when harvested at 3 to 4 inches. Short-vined plants have small leaves and, because they are parthenocarpic (do not require pollination to set fruit), they are extremely high-yielding even under adverse conditions or without bee activity. Grows well in containers, trellis gardens, greenhouses and regular gardens. Great used fresh or for pickles. From Jung Seed.
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ENTRY: JULY 16, 2020 (Growing Perfect Potted Dahlias)
Over the years, I’ve often heard at work how disappointed customers are with the dahlias they’ve planted. It seems to me that Wisconsin is not the perfect place to grow the perfect dahlia—that is for most people. Dahlias oftentimes stop blooming in our summer heat, foliage often yellows and becomes pocked with holes from slugs and other pests, and earwigs find their blossoms irresistible—not to mention woodchucks, deer, rabbits, etc. Having said all that, as I was growing up in northeastern Wisconsin, my grandmother had the most beautiful dahlia collection imaginable. She prided herself with the biggest blossoms towering over stately, pest-free plants. She overwintered the tubers to perfection in the basement root cellar. Her collection covered the full array of colors available and in all flower types. Her favorites were the huge dinnerplate and decorative types. Dahlia connoisseurs abound in the Madison area; growing perfect plants with perfect blossoms. For most area gardeners, however, growing the perfect dahlia is nothing but a pipe dream left for the connoisseurs.
I, too, have had a lot of failures with dahlias over the years. Sure, they look great in catalogs and on the store shelves, but in reality, mine often succumbed to the same problems that less experienced gardeners witnessed—namely yellow leaves, poor flowering in hot weather, slugs, earwigs, etc. That is until I began growing dahlias in pots a few years back. Now, I too am growing perfect dahlias. Granted they’re not the 4 foot beauties my grandmother grew. Instead, they’re mostly the 2’ mid-sized varieties available in the springtime at most garden centers, including Klein’s. These dahlias are not the bedding dahlias sold in 4-packs. Rather, these are the more vigorous, bushy varieties usually sold in 5 or 6” pots. Flower colors run the full dahlia spectrum and blooms can be either single or double. I prefer the showier double blooms that remind me of smaller versions of the giant dahlias of my childhood memories.
As the years have passed, I’ve learned to perfect growing these dahlias in containers. I currently have a collection of about a dozen favorites. I grow them in full morning sun—avoiding the hot afternoon sun. I keep them well-watered; never letting them dry out too much or too often (doing so tends to send them into dormancy). Unlike most summer annuals and counter to intuition, I’ve learned that dahlias are among a short list of annuals that do not like to be fertilized for best performance. Since I ceased fertilizing my container dahlias a few years back, flower production has tripled!
About October 1, I move the containers to the garage to begin the drying and curing process. In late October, I yank the foliage from the dried up pots. The foliage detaches easily from the tubers left in the soil. Next I move the dahlias (still planted in their pots) to the cool root cellar in the basement where they remain for the duration of the winter. Unlike some of my stored bulbs, which need to be checked in on once in a while for watering during the winter, I keep the dahlia containers bone dry.
Then about March 1, I move the pots to a warmer part of the basement and begin watering them again. In a few weeks, new foliage appears. I keep them near lights in the basement, but any bright spot will do until they are moved back outdoors again in mid-May. By the time I move them outdoors, plants are usually 8-10” tall and sometimes already loaded with flower buds.
Dahlias can remain in the same containers for many, many years without splitting them or stepping them into larger containers.
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ENTRY: JULY 30, 2020 (Who’s Who in the Milkweed Patch)
For the past few weeks I’ve seen many a female monarch laying her eggs on the common, swamp and annual milkweeds throughout my yard. She lays a single white egg on the underside of milkweed leaves. But to date, I have yet to see a single caterpillar this season.
In addition, I’ve found that instead of monarch caterpillars, I have tons of fuzzy black, white and orange caterpillars on nearly every plant plant. Then in just the last few days I’ve found clusters of orange, aphid-like insects inhabiting many of the plants. Unlike regular aphids these giant “aphids” scurry right back to the plant when knocked to the ground.
What are all these strange creatures inhabiting the milkweed in my garden and are they harming my monarchs? Time for a web search!
Who’s Who in the Milkweed Patch?
Paper Wasp
Although the adults feed on nectar, the larvae of this insect are carnivorous. They only eat moth and butterfly caterpillars, including monarchs!! The adults do not attack their prey by stinging. Instead, they repeatedly bite the caterpillars until they are a manageable size, and then carry pieces back to the paper nest to feed their hungry young.
Tachinid Fly
This clear-winged, brown-eyed organism is a parasite of moths and butterflies, including monarchs!! The adult lays its eggs on the caterpillar. When the egg hatches, the maggot burrows through the caterpillar’s skin and feeds on its internal organs. The monarch caterpillar dies as the larva of this insect emerges.
Aphids
These tiny insects have plump, pear-shaped bodies. They feed by sucking plant juices, and they excrete droplets of a sugary waste product called honeydew. Large numbers feed together in colonies. They are often called plant lice. When these insects are abundant they can damage the milkweed plant.
Milkweed Tussock Moth
This organism lays its eggs on milkweed in clusters of a dozen or more eggs. When they hatch, the caterpillars feed together on the same milkweed plant in groups or “colonies.” Because they feed together, the caterpillars cause noticeable leaf damage to milkweed. These caterpillars are typically found in the late summer. These are my fuzzy caterpillars.
Milkweed Beetle
This red and black herbivore eats milkweed, and is named after its host plant. Like monarchs, its coloration warns and protects this insect from predators. The toxins in milkweed provide a chemical defense. This insect belongs to the world’s largest order of insects, the Coleoptera.
Milkweed Bug
This insect’s name includes “milkweed,” the plant on which it spends all stages of its life. Like monarchs, its bold orange and black warning colors protect it from predators. This insect is classified as a “true bug,” with characteristic sucking mouthparts. Milkweed is this bug’s primary food source. However, when milkweed is scarce, it can shift from being a herbivore to a scavenger and predator.
Spider
This organism is not an insect, but it is an insect predator. It can eat a wide variety of insects, including monarchs. To feed, it injects venom into its prey. Next it pumps digestive juices that turn the prey’s body tissues into a liquid that the creature can consume by sucking. If you find an empty monarch egg, or a larva with only its exoskeleton remaining, it may have been killed and eaten by this 8-legged predator.
Source: www.learner.org
KLEIN’S RECIPES OF THE MONTH—These are a selection of relatively simple recipes chosen by our staff. New recipes appear monthly. Enjoy!!
Okra shines in the garden. A member of the hibiscus family, okra definitely has one of the most beautiful blooms in the vegetable garden. The blossoms are ivory to creamy yellow or red in color with a deep reddish purple throat. They bloom for only one day. By sundown, the okra flower is wilted, whether or not it’s been pollinated. If it’s sunny and the bees are out, you’ll see miniature okra pods underneath the wilted flowers. Not all the blooms on the okra plant will be pollinated, but because the plants blossom for a long time, you should get a sizable harvest. This past spring season, Klein’s offered ‘Baby Bubba’ as starter plants.
Okra Geography
Asia and Africa gave us okra. It grows wild in the upper Nile region and was used in northern Africa for centuries. In fact, okra is an African word. Trading ships brought the vegetable to this country, and it quickly found favor as a crop and as an ingredient in French and Creole cooking in Louisiana. Many of us have enjoyed a gumbo soup. Gumbo, from the French word gombo, means okra, which is used as a natural thickener for soups and stews. Okra is often stewed with tomatoes, deep fried, pickled, boiled or steamed and served with butter, as well as eaten raw, fresh from the garden. Some folks don’t like okra’s gummy quality when it’s boiled or steamed, and it seems to be more popular when combined with other vegetables, fried or pickled.
Okra Loves Heat
It’s easy to grow in hot climates, so okra is one of those vegetables that’s considered a “southern” crop. It’s true that the southern parts of our country have the long, hot growing seasons that okra needs to bear really well, but okra can be grown anywhere.
Growing Okra
From seeds or house-started transplants, you can grow okra in northern gardens where you can count on only three to four frost-free months a year. Because okra can’t tolerate frost, however, yields in the North may not be as high as from plants grown farther south. Northern growers who really like okra can make up for that by simply growing a few extra plants. By the way, okra makes for a lovely container plant and yields more fruit than when grown in the ground. (One of Klein’s staff members grows the ‘Jambalaya’ variety in pots and says it’s amazingly beautiful and productive in containers.)
Harvesting
—The first pods will be ready in 50 to 60 days. Harvest the pods when still immature (2 to 3 inches long).
—Pick at least every other day to encourage production.
—Wear gloves and long sleeves to avoid coming in contact with the irritating spines on the leaves and pods. Use a knife to cut the stem just above the cap.
—The pods freeze well for winter use in soups and stews.
Source: garden.org
VEGETARIAN JAMBALAYA—Easy and delicious. A Southern staple…minus the meat!
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 stalks celery, cut into chunks, plus 2 tablespoons chopped celery leaves
3 carrots, cut into chunks
1 red onion, halved and cut into wedges
1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1 teaspoon hot smoked paprika
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 1/4 cups converted white rice
1 15-ounce can diced fire-roasted tomatoes
1 1/2 cups frozen black-eyed peas
8 ounces okra, trimmed and thinly sliced
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the celery chunks, carrots and red onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly softened, about 2 minutes. Add the bell pepper, thyme, paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, stirring, until the paprika is toasted, about 1 minute.
Add the rice to the skillet and stir to coat. Add the tomatoes, black-eyed peas and 1 1/2 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer until the rice is tender, about 15 minutes.
Scatter the okra over the rice. Continue to cook, covered, until the okra is tender and the rice is cooked through, about 5 more minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, 3 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and sprinkle with the celery leaves. Season with salt and pepper. Serves 4.
FRIED OKRA—Even here in the North, deep fried okra has become common bar fare.
1 1/2 pounds small-medium okra pods
1 to 2 cups plain white cornmeal
1/3 to 1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening
Salt, to taste
Place un-cut okra pods in a bowl of cold water. Place 1 to 2 cups plain white cornmeal (not self-rising) in a plastic bag. Drain and discard tip and stem end of okra pod. Slice into 1/4-inch slices directly into the cornmeal. Shake bag often to coat each piece well. Depending on the amount of okra you are preparing, start 1/3 to 1/2 cup shortening to melt in a heavy skillet over medium high heat. When all the okra is well coated with cornmeal, place in a sieve and shake gently to remove excess cornmeal.
Test the pan for correct heat by placing 1 slice of okra in the hot shortening. If it sizzles, the pan is hot enough. Place the remaining okra into the skillet. Cover the skillet. Allow the okra to fry 3 to 5 minutes. Uncover and turn gently. Cover and continue to fry, checking and turning as needed until okra is quite brown and very crisp. Salt to taste. Place 2 or 3 crumpled paper towels in a serving bowl. Remove okra to towels and allow to drain well. Serves 4-6.
ONE GREAT GUMBO WITH CHICKEN & ANDOUILLE SAUSAGE—A wonderfully easy version of the classic okra stew.
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 turns of the pan
1 pound chicken breast tenders, diced
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced or, double amount of white meat
Salt and pepper
2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
1 1/2 pounds andouille sausage, casings removed and diced
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 ribs celery from the heart of the stalk, chopped
2 green bell peppers, seeded and diced
1 large onion, peeled and chopped
2 bay leaves, fresh or dried
2 tablespoons to 1/4 cup hot cayenne pepper sauce (for mild to moderate heat)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 quart chicken stock or broth
3 cups chopped okra, fresh or defrosted frozen
One 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
One 14-ounce can diced tomatoes, in puree
3 tablespoons fresh chopped thyme leaves, several sprigs
8 scallions, thinly sliced on an angle
2 1/2 cups white enriched rice prepared to package directions
Preheat a large heavy bottomed pot over medium high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil, 1 turn of the pan, and 1 pound of the diced chicken. Season with salt and pepper and a sprinkle of poultry seasoning. Brown on all sides, about 2 or 3 minutes. Chop your veggies while it’s working. Add half the andouille to the pan and cook another 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer chicken and sausage to a dish and repeat with remaining chicken and sausage, remembering to season the diced chicken as you go. Return pan to heat and add butter. When the butter melts, add chopped celery, peppers, onion and bay. Season with salt, pepper and hot sauce. Cook 3 to 5 minutes to begin to soften veggies. Add flour and cook for 2 minutes. Slowly stir in the broth and bring liquid up to a boil. Add okra, chicken and sausage to the boiling broth, then stir in your tomatoes and half of your fresh thyme. Bring back up to a bubble, reduce to simmer. Simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors and adjust your seasonings. Serve gumbo with chopped thyme and scallions to garnish. Scoop cooked white rice into the center of bowlfuls of gumbo using an ice cream scoop. Enjoy! Serves 8-10.
STEWED OKRA & TOMATOES —Yet another southern classic and oh-so-easy!
2 cups okra, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 large tomatoes, peeled and diced
1 medium onion, diced
4 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons sugar
Place all ingredients in a medium pot, cover, and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer, covered, for about 1 hour. Serves 4-6.
Recipe source: www.foodnetwork.com
NATURAL NEWS–
Environmentally Friendly Lawn Mowers
By Samantha Egan, Horticulturalist at Olbrich Botanical Gardens
If it’s time to get a new lawn mower, there are now some environmentally-friendly alternatives to the gas-powered mower. You can buy either corded or cordless electric lawn mowers or an old-fashioned reel-type push mower. Currently, the reel-type mowers make up the fastest growing sector of the lawn mower market!
Many of us don’t realize how much pollution the small engines of our lawn mowers and other gas-powered landscape equipment produce. In fact, mowing your lawn for one hour with a gas-powered lawn mower can produce more air pollution than driving a new car from Madison to Chicago!
One of the most noticeable features of the electric mowers is how quiet they are. With one of these new electric mowers you can mow your lawn on a Sunday morning and not disturb any of your neighbors!
As well as being quiet, these mowers are inexpensive to operate and maintain. On average, they cost about $5 to $10 per year for electricity and require no expensive oil changes or engine tune-ups. They also start with the push of a button instead of yanking a stubborn starter cord.
There are a few drawbacks to electric mowers. They’re best for small lawns less than 15,000 square feet. These mowers can also be slightly more expensive up front then your typical gas-powered mower. However, the decrease in operation and maintenance costs will quickly make up for the difference in the initial cost.
So, trade in your old gas-powered mower for a new manual or electric lawn mower. You’ll be helping the environment as well as saving your time and money!
Source: www.olbrich.org
AUGUST’S PLANT OF THE MONTH:
Igloo Mums Won’t Leave You in the Cold
By Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp
Every once in a while, a very good plant shows up in my trial garden and this time, it’s a mum.
The Igloo series of mums from Blooms of Bressingham comes in a handful of colors, but unlike its fall blooming cousins, this blooms from August into October or November. Igloo is in the Dendranthema plant group, which looks a lot like members of the Chrysanthemum family.
Chrysanthemum may or may not be a reliably hardy garden mum. Gardeners usually plant them in fall for seasonal color and hope for the best. However, Dendranthema is truly hardy and makes it through winter as smoothly as other perennials in the garden.
“Dendranthema is a separate genus and does not have the same habit as mums, but looks very similar,” said Christine Kelleher, head of marketing for Blooms of Bressingham North America. “Dendranthema is very promising from the hardiness aspect.”
It also is a plant that does not have to be cut back early in the season like other mums to control its shape and to keep it from splaying. As do many perennials, this one benefits from an occasional deadheading, more to keep the plant looking tidy than to keep it flowering.
Tips for caring for fall-blooming mums
Fall planted mums need a little attention to help them make it in the landscape through the winter. Here are some tips:
—Get these fall-blooming perennials in the ground as soon as possible. If using mums as container plants, it’s unlikely they will make it through winter, so enjoy their seasonal color as you would annuals.
—Plant mums in full sun, in well-drained soil that is moderately moist. If the soil is too wet or too dry, the mums will suffer. They tolerate part shade, but if it is too shady, the mums will get leggy and have smaller flowers.
—Deadhead, or remove spent flowers, to keep plants looking tidy and to promote more blooms.
—No need to fertilize the plants until you see new growth next spring.
—Do not cut the plant back this fall. The dried flowers and stems serve as a buffer or insulation to protect the plant during winter. When you see new growth in spring, cut the dead stems as close to the ground as possible.
Source: http://hoosiergardener.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.
Summer Sundays in the Garden at Allen Centennial Garden
Disrupted last summer by the pandemic, Allen Garden’s popular Sunday concert series returns for its fifth season and continuing through Labor Day with an all-star lineup of local jazz artists. This popular series has enjoyed steady growth since its inception, and this year offers six free concerts held on alternating Sundays from mid-June through Labor Day, from 5:00-6:15 pm, on the Great Lawn.
We’re especially pleased this year that we’ve been able to transpose the entire (cancelled) 2020 series into this year’s. All the musicians we’d planned on last summer, and had to miss, will be performing this year!
August 1: Madison’s virtuoso vibe player Tommy Mattioli with his Mambo jazz quintet, offer mambos and cha chas from the ‘50s & ‘60s in a compelling program of Afro-Cuban jazz sure to have you on your feet!
August 15: Inspired by the legendary Django Reinhardt and vintage jazz from across the globe, Caravan Gypsy Swing Ensemble, presents acoustic instrumental music ranging from hot swing to originals to standards done in uniquely arranged styles.
August 29: The Sally de Broux & Laurie Lang Band closes the season with Sally’s thoughtful and warm contralto in a program of standards from the Great American Songbook along with originals presented with long-time collaborator bassist Laurie Lang.
Once again, we’re able to offer this concert series free, thanks to support from the Friends of Allen Centennial Garden and Dane Arts. And your contributions are an essential part of funding the bands and ensuring that Summer Sundays remains robust.
There are a few changes this year, in response to re-opening after the pandemic. The garden will not be able to offer any seating or beverages to attendees this summer, so do bring your own lawn chairs and your own refreshments. As always, there is abundant free parking available just steps away in the large lake shore lot just east of the Porter Boathouse.
And, new this year, concert goers will be invited to participate in a raffle at each event. Prizes will include a bountiful fresh bouquet from the garden, band CDs, and a special grand prize at the end of summer.
Allen Centennial Gardens
620 Babcock Dr. on the University of WI campus, Madison
608/576-2501 or allencentennialgarden.org for details.
2021 Summer Concert Series at Olbrich Gardens
Enjoy the evening with a concert on the Great Lawn of Olbrich’s outdoor gardens. Please visit www.olbrich.org/events/
Olbrich Concerts in the Gardens 2021 Schedule:
(All concerts are on Tuesdays at 7 p.m.)
August 3
The Lower 5th—”Midwestern Soul”
August 10
Fresco Opera-Opera Made Fresh. Live opera performances in different locations throughout the Gardens. Stand and stroll concert viewing. No ticket required.
August 17
Panchromatic Steel-Steeldrums. Drawing from island styles like reggae and calypso and blending them with pop hits, rock and jazz, the band’s high-energy music is hard to categorize but easy to love.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
608/246-4550 or www.olbrich.org for details.
Summer Nature Hike
Sunday, August 8, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Outdoor Program
Learn about the land; plants, animals, and fungi; phenology; and ecological practices and concepts. Geared for adults, these longer walks may cover some sloping terrain. Meet in the outdoor classroom 5 minutes before start. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather and insects. Walks take place rain or shine, except in unsafe weather. Free. Space is limited. Due to COVID restrictions, all participants must register by August 5 through Eventbrite: go.wisc.edu/7gwz2g.
University of WI Arboretum
1207 Seminole Hwy.
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu
Wild Food/Wild Medicine Plant Walk
Tuesday, August 10, 5:00 pm-7:00 pm
Location: Willy Street Co-op East, 1221 Williamson St., Madison, 53703
Join herbalist and forager Linda Conroy to explore the wild plants that grow around us. We will learn about common and uncommon wild plants that can be used for food and medicine. Identification techniques, as well as ways to prepare plants for optimal nutrition and healing will be discussed. Dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Registration required.
Ages: 10 and older; adult supervision required.
Fee: $20 for Owners; $30 for non-owners. Register @ https://docs.google.com/forms/
Willy Street Co-op East
1221 Williamson St.
Madison, WI 53703
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 251-6776
Summer Family Nature Walk
Sunday, August 15, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Outdoor Program
This walk is a fun and fascinating way for families with children elementary age and younger to learn about the land. Meet in the outdoor classroom 5 minutes before start. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather and insects. Walks take place rain or shine, except in unsafe weather. Free. Space is limited. Due to COVID restrictions, all participants must register by August 12 through Eventbrite: go.wisc.edu/gtko4s.
University of WI Arboretum
1207 Seminole Hwy.
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu
Dahlia Show
Saturday, August 21, 11:00-4:00
Sunday, August 22, 10:00-2:00
Goodman Community Center
Dahlias are late summer bloomers known for their diverse forms and bright colors. Sponsored by the Badger State Dahlia Society.
On Sunday at 2 p.m., we give away all the blooms, so bring a vase or bucket to carry away some beautiful and FREE cut blooms for your table.
Please visit badgerdahlia.org/meetings-and-
Summer Garden Stroll
Sunday, August 22, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Outdoor Program
This gently paced stroll through the gardens on wheelchair accessible routes is well-suited for a multi-generational outing. Learn about plants, animals, and fungi; phenology; and ecology. Meet in the outdoor classroom 5 minutes before start. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather and insects. Walks take place rain or shine, except in unsafe weather. Free. Space is limited. Due to COVID restrictions, all participants must register by August 19 through Eventbrite: go.wisc.edu/hao6c7.
University of WI Arboretum
1207 Seminole Hwy.
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu
Rotary Garden’s What’s In Bloom? Tour
Wednesday, August 25, from 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Join Michael Jesiolowski RBG Director of Horticulture, for a tour of the gardens and descriptions of what is in bloom. Cost: $10 non-members; free for members. Registration required. 20-person limit.
Rotary Botanical Gardens
608/752-3885 or www.rotarybotanicalgardens.
GLEAM, Art in a New Light
September 1 thru October 30
Wednesdays thru Saturdays in September from 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. in October, rain or shine
In the gardens @ Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Definition: Gleam n. a flash of light; n. an appearance of reflected light; v. shine brightly like a star or light; v. appear briefly
GLEAM is a GO!
Olbrich Gardens’ GLEAM exhibit will shine bright this fall, providing a fun and safe way for everyone to explore the outdoor Gardens at night!
Designers from around the country and beyond will transform the Gardens with art installations that swing, fly, flutter, and float! Step into the world of infinity and learn the secret to unlocking the rainbow. Stay tuned for more details!
Advanced timed-tickets are required– Sales begin mid-August!
GLEAM, an annual outdoor art exhibit, features large scale light installations created by local, regional, and international designers. Take an enchanting stroll through Olbrich’s 16-acre garden after dark and see the Gardens in a whole new light!
-Admittance limited to 200 visitors every 30 minutes
-Touch-free ticket scanned at the front doors allows for limited contact with staff and volunteers
-Early admittance not permitted; each time slot is allotted a 10-minute arrival window
-No internet access, no problem – contact Missy Jeanne at 608-246-5616 for assistance with ticket purchasing
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
608/246-4550 or www.olbrich.org for details.
Dane County Farmer’s Market
Saturdays, Now thru November 13, 6:15-1:45
On the Capitol Square
Wednesdays, Now thru November 3, 8:30-1:45
In the 200 block of Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
For details visit www.dcfm.org
Northside Farmers Market
Sundays, Now through October 24, 8:30-12:30
In the Northside TownCenter at the intersection of N. Sherman Ave. and Northport Dr. across from Warner Park.
The Northside Farmers Market is a nonprofit community enterprise. It is one of the newest and fastest growing farmers’ markets in Dane County. In keeping with the innovative spirit of Madison’s Northside, we are surpassing what defines the traditional farmers’ market. Our fundamental principles include:
–Providing an abundant selection of high quality, locally grown foods.
The market accepts Quest, WIC and Senior FMNP vouchers.
–Supporting our local agricultural entrepreneurs who are increasingly important today in ensuring that we have the best and safest food possible.
–Educating the community about traditional foods and the history of local agriculture in an attempt to preserve (and expand upon) our rich heritage.
–Promoting nutrition and the market by hosting dinners for neighborhood groups and seniors.
Parking is always FREE!
For details visit www.northsidefarmersmarket.org
AUGUST IN THE GARDEN-–A checklist of things to do this month.
___Give the garden at least 1” of moisture per week.
___Mow as little as possible and with mower raised to at least 2”.
___Mulch beds to conserve moisture and keep down weeds.
___Deadheading spent blooms as needed.
___Collect seeds for next year’s garden.
___Make notes in your garden journal for changes, improvements, etc.
___Take pictures of your garden for record keeping.
___Stake and support tall plants as needed.
___Divide daylilies as they finish blooming.
___Transplant and divide iris and peonies.
___Plant late crops of lettuce, spinach, radishes, etc.
___Order spring bulbs for fall planting: daffodils, tulips, hyacinth, etc.
___Plant fall blooming crocus bulbs.
___Fertilize potted plants at least every 2 weeks. Follow directions.
___Stop fertilizing all trees and shrubs.
___Keep and eye on the weather. Water as needed.
___Watch for pests and control as needed or desired.
___Shop for early mum selection and fall pansies.
___Begin checking out the garden centers for spring bulb selection.
___Stop watering held over amaryllis for 8 weeks for holiday blooms.
___Begin taking cuttings of geraniums, coleus and other plants to winter over.
___Visit Klein’s—Watch for end of season savings on perennials, shrubs and select annuals.
Some of our very favorite seed and plant sources include:
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 AUGUST:
—The poinsettias continue grow and thrive. They’re already so large, that we’ve had to give them adequate spacing.
–The first of the mums, pansies and fall cole crops go out onto the sales floor.
—Summer maintenance projects are under way.
—We continue to space and pamper the fall mums that are now just beginning to bloom.
—Many of our perennial, shrub and many annual orders have already been placed for the 2022 season.
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