‘THE SAGE’-Klein’s Online Newsletter—DECEMBER 2021
Klein’s Floral & Greenhouses
608/244-5661 or info@kleinsfloral.com
THIS MONTH’S HIGHLIGHTS:
Special Holiday Shopping Hours
Coming Soon: Our Popular 12 Days of Christmas Specials
Now Available: Fresh Windowsill Herbs in 5”Pots
Our ‘Mad Gardener’ and ‘Houseplant Help‘ Are Ready for Your Questions
Christmas Flowers from Klein’s
UW Extension’s Green Thumb Gardening Series Coming in January
Klein’s Favorite Seed, Bulb & Plant Sources
6 Eco-friendly Snow Removal Ideas
You Asked about Winter Garden Prep
Plant of the Month: Christmas Cactus
Klein’s Favorite Holiday Nut Recipes
Product Spotlight: 20% Savings on Special Order Water Fountains from Henri Studio
Notes from Rick’s Garden Journal—From November 2021
—Winter Bird Feeding Begins
—Winter Bird Feeding Begins, Part 2
—Little Bluestem Named 2022 Perennial Plant of the Year
December in the Garden: A Planner
Gardening Events Around Town
Join Us on Twitter
Follow Us on Facebook
THE 2022 KLEIN’S CALENDARS ARE NOW AVAILABLE…
…and new for 2022 Klein’s gorgeous custom-designed calendars are loaded with not only beautiful garden photographs, but also month by month gardening tips AND and a matching coupon for in-store savings…a different money-saving coupon for every month of the year!
Klein’s beautiful 2022 calendar is just $5.99 and makes the perfect stocking stuffer or add-on gift for the Klein’s shopper in your life this holiday season.
***Please note that unlike years past, FTD is no longer offering floral calendars for giveaway.
WATCH FOR OUR POPULAR “12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS” SPECIALS. Each day from Monday, December 13 through Christmas Eve, Klein’s will feature a new item for holiday gift-giving, culminating on Friday, December 24 with all featured products on sale for last minute shoppers and bargain seekers. Visit our website or watch for emailed updates.
NOW AVAILABLE: FRESH WINDOWSILL HERBS IN 5” POTS
Choose from rosemary, bay laurel, 5 different kinds of lavender, 3 types of oregano, 4 types of sage, 4 types of thyme, 6 types of mint plus parsley and sweet marjoram. Our herbs are grown quite cool so are, therefore, compact, bushy and pest-free.
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.
DECEMBER STORE HOURS:
Holiday Hours
Monday thru Friday 9:00-6:00
Saturday: 9:00-6:00
Sunday: 10:00-5:00
Holiday hours run through Thursday, December 23
Christmas Eve, Friday, December 24—Open 9:00-4:00
Starting December 26:
Monday thru Friday : 9:00-6:00
Saturday: 9:00-5:00
Sunday: 10:00-4:00
New Year’s Eve, Friday, December 31–Open 9:00-4:00
Closed Christmas Day, December 25 & New Year’s Day, January 1, 2022
CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
Early December–Order your beautiful poinsettias, blooming plants, designer gift baskets or custom-made centerpieces now for holiday gift-giving and guaranteed delivery. Early ordering ensures you top quality product for your home decorating and holiday party needs.
December 13 thru December 24–Stop in and check-out our in-store specials during Klein’s “12 Days of Christmas” for any last minute gift-giving ideas. We still have a fantastic selection of homegrown poinsettias, blooming plants, houseplants, decorations and more. Shop early for the best section and we’ll deliver anywhere in Madison or most of the surrounding communities.
December 18–Full Moon
December 21–Winter Solstice
December 25–Christmas Day (Closed)
December 26–Kwanzaa Begins (runs through January 1)
December 26—The After Christmas Clearance Sale begins at 9:00! Everything ‘holiday’ must go! This is a great time to plan for this week’s New Years Eve party or to pick up some excellent bargains for next year’s decorating. Poinsettias are perfect for adding instant color to your late season holiday party and are gorgeous in fresh arrangements.
December 26 thru December 31–Order your New Years Eve centerpieces and custom designed arrangements early!
January 1, 2022–New Year’s Day (Closed)
‘THE FLOWER SHOPPE’:
Christmas Flowers
Christmas flowers are such a beautifully poignant way to add magic to the holidays. And one look at the many gorgeous Christmas flower arrangements we offer should assure you that no matter what style or price range you’re looking for…you need look no further.
Though we may still not be throwing large family, friend or work get-togethers this season again due to COVID, there’s no reason not to send joy for intimate holiday events. Get glowing a few days before the event by sending family and friends one of our many striking centerpieces. There’s no better gift than a Christmas flower delivery to add grace and beauty, naturally. Brighten this holiday be adding some sparkle. We have several sparkling selections that will add their share of shine to the holidays.
Do you want to send some standout gifts? Browse through our Christmas flower bouquets we create in keepsake containers that will make your gift will last long after the flowers and the holidays are over. Or perhaps you’d rather send a fabulous wreath, miniature cypress tree or Norfolk pine or the always appreciated homegrown Klein’s poinsettia…whatever you settle upon you can be sure your Christmas flower delivery will be super special.
All of our arrangements are hand-arranged by Darcy, Andrea, Pam or Sue, then hand-delivered, as well by Carl, Howard or Rick. And during the holidays it’s especially nice to send a gift with a difference you can rely on. Christmas flowers really make the holiday more beautiful.
YOU ASKED. . .
I’ve been on the internet trying to figure out which perennials to cut back now and which to leave until Spring. Lots of opinions out there with some agreement. Is there a more general rule of thumb I can follow? Bud
Hi Bud,
Whether to cut back perennials is a personal choice here in Wisconsin. Some people leave everything standing in the fall and do their clean up in the spring in order to attract more wildlife/birds to the yard and/or for winter interest. Grasses, sedums and many other perennials are especially beautiful in the winter garden.
Others, like myself however, like to cut down everything in the fall because I work at a garden center and have no time in the spring. I like that I can jump right into gardening with a fresh start and not have to deal with clean up come springtime. Another reason to cut back everything in the fall is to avoid many of the pest/fungal/disease issues problems that overwinter in the foliage. If you’ve had diseased perennials, definitely cut those back and discard the foliage. But in doing that, you’re also removing the eggs and cocoons of overwintering beneficial insects, pollinators and moths, butterflies etc. Peonies should always be cut back to avoid fungal issues (powdery mildew was particularly bad this past season on peonies), but mums should never be cut back to improve their hardiness by collecting drifting snow around the crown.
So as you see, there is real right or wrong or set-in-stone rule…it’s really personal choice and individual plant needs.
Thanks for your question,
DID YOU KNOW. . .
. . . that the ever-popular UW Extension Green Thumb Gardening Series begins again this January?
The Green Thumb Gardening class series (Winter Vegetable Series Online) will give you the practical knowledge to keep your home garden thriving! Dane County Extension educators and local horticulture experts will provide in depth and accessible information for everyone from the novice to the experienced gardener. Register for the complete class series at a discounted price ($90.00) or individual classes ($12.00) according to your interests.
The Winter Vegetable series is Mondays 6:00pm – 8:00pm, covering seed starting, cover crops and so much more!
January 10: Seed Starting
January 24: Intro to Vegetable Garden Crops and Specialized Gardening Techniques
January 31: Vegetable Garden Planning and Organic Techniques
February 7: Vegetable Diseases
February 21: Composting Techniques for the Vegetable Garden
February 28: Cover Crops
March 7: Weed Management in Vegetable Gardens
March 14: Vegetable Insects
March 21: Seed Saving and Harvesting/Storage
Please contact Lisa Johnson @ 608-224-3715 or johnson.lisa@countyofdane.com with questions or for more information.
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.
20% SAVINGS ON SPECIAL ORDER WATER FOUNTAINS FROM HENRI STUDIO
‘The Creativity Continues’
The soothing sounds of running water has become increasingly popular in Madison area gardens in the past few years and nothing could be easer to maintain or look more stunning than a self contained fountain from Henri Studio. Their elegant designs are craft in cement; making them virtually indestructible and resistant to anything Mother Nature can throw at them. All styles come with a pump and all accessories needed for immediate set up.
At Klein’s usually we carry many popular designs in stock during the gardening season. Many are lit with long-lasting LED lights for added nighttime effect. That said, Klein’s is able to order any fountain in the current Henri Studio catalog for pick up at the store or drop shipped to your home for an added fee.
Again for 2022: All Special Order Henri Studio fountains will be 20% off our retail price if ordered and purchased by January 7, 2022. Visit the Henri Studios website at www.henristudio.com for a look at their amazing catalog. Then call or email Kathryn @ 608-244-5661 or kathryn@kleinsfloral.com for information and pricing. All orders must be picked up (or arrangements made) immediately upon arrival @ Klein’s. Please note that orders placed after January 7 will be at regular price plus shipping fees.
About Henri Studio:
Over the past 50 years, Henri Studio has become synonymous with excellence in cast stone fountains, statuary and garden décor. Acclaimed worldwide, Henri sets the benchmark for innovative concepts and premium products in a category which it virtually created.
Season after season, our flow of original designs in fountains and garden décor has energized the Henri brand. From classic to contemporary, Henri creations are sculpted with an eye for detail and a time-tested sensibility.
The artisan’s touch shapes every Henri creation. Each piece is poured by hand in the tradition of meticulous Old World craftsmanship, complemented by our rich, trend-setting finishes. Our fountains are expertly engineered and all Henri products are skillfully made in America.
The result is an evolving legacy of beauty. Henri fountains and garden décor continue to enhance distinctive homes and landscapes around the world, adding elegance and enjoyment to your outdoor living experience.
Creativity and quality are our passion. And with Henri fountains and garden décor, beauty and elegance are yours to enjoy now, and for years to come.
NOTES FROM MY GARDEN JOURNAL–Tips and Observations from My Own Garden by Rick Halbach
ENTRY: NOVEMBER 1, 2021 (Winter Bird Feeding Begins)
This afternoon I spent much of my time setting up my winter bird feeding station on the north side of my house. During the summer months I remove nearly all of my bird feeders from the yard, save for one safflower platform feeder for cardinals, mourning doves, chickadees and house finches; a nyjer seed feeder for goldfinches and, of course a few hummingbird feeders. More extensive bird feeding during the summer months brings a lot of unwanted visitors to the yard (grackles, cowbirds and red-winged blackbirds). The feed spoils quickly in the summer heat and humidity and attracts nuisance insect pests. I usually wait for the arrival of the visiting white-throated sparrows in mid-October before I set up my winter feeders. Their arrival signifies that in short order, the rest of my winter visitors will follow: juncoes, red-breasted nuthatches, pine siskins and a variety of woodpeckers. The number of feeders in the yard jumps from perhaps 5 in summer to 25 during the winters months!
During the winter I offer, in addition to safflower and nyjer; oil sunflower, striped sunflower, shelled peanuts, ears of corn, millet and raw suet. The winter feeding station on the north side of the house is nestled in a grove of white pines and near the TV room window for close up observation. The station contains all types of feeders and at all levels, including feeders specifically designed for ground feeding birds. Every bird species has specific preferences for the type of feed and feeder used. In using the widest variety of each possible, I also ensure the widest variety of visitors.
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ENTRY: NOVEMBER 4, 2021 (Winter Bird Feeding Begins, Part 2)
Now that my bird feeders are all in place for the winter, it’s time to stock up on wild bird seed. I prefer to purchase my seed in economical 50 pound bags (available at Mounds Pet Food Warehouse, for example). I store the individual seeds and mixes in large metal garbage cans in the garage, not only to keep the seeds fresh and dry, but to prevent attracting rodents and raccoons. As for the suet, it seems the woodpeckers actually prefer the fresh suet I purchase from Woodman’s meat department. Because there are no seeds mixed into the suet, it’s completely ignored by squirrels, unlike processed suet blocks.
Below are a few of my top seed choices:
1) Safflower is my go-to seed choice and the only birdseed (other than nyjer) that I offer year round. In the summer it attracts chickadees, cardinals, house finches and mourning doves and their new offspring. It’s a no-waste seed doesn’t spoil easily.
Safflower is an annual flower seed favored by medium and large songbirds. Commercially, safflower is grown around the world, with the greatest production in Asia, Africa, and India.
While it looks like a white sunflower seed, safflower is actually a completely different plant. The white seeds are favorites of doves, titmice, and cardinals, though other songbirds will also feed on safflower seeds if sunflower seeds are not available. Safflower is generally more expensive than other seeds and may be mixed with sunflower chips or millet in premium mixes to be more affordable and appealing to more bird species. Because this seed has a somewhat bitter taste, it is usually neglected by squirrels and other wildlife, making it a good option if bird feeder pests are a problem.
Safflower can be offered in any feeder where sunflower seeds will fit, including hopper feeders, large mesh feeders, and open trays and dishes.
2) Nyjer is the only other seed I offer during the summer months to lure the beautiful goldfinches to the yard. Goldfinches are favorite year round garden visitors that I want to attract both summer and winter.
Nyjer seed is also called nyger or thistle seed and is a small, dark, elongated seed that is very lightweight.
This oil-rich, high-fat, high-protein seed originated in Africa and is a favorite for many small birds, including siskins, goldfinches, redpolls, and juncos. Quail and larger finches will often feed on the ground beneath Nyjer feeders, effectively cleaning up spilled seed. While Nyjer is more expensive than larger seeds, it is a good economic value because little is wasted.
Because this seed is so light, it is best to offer it only in feeders with small openings so it is not easily spilled or blown out of wider feeders. Tubes with small, narrow openings as well as metal or nylon mesh feeders are ideal for offering Nyjer to backyard birds.
3) Black oil sunflower seeds are the single most popular seed for different bird species. A key component of many birdseed mixes, black oil sunflower seeds, are also available without other seeds mixed in. These seeds are also often formed into seed blocks and cakes, often with whimsical shapes such as hearts, bells or wreaths for holidays.
Black oil sunflower seeds have a high oil content that appeals to the majority of bird species, including cardinals, chickadees, sparrows, finches, titmice, woodpeckers, grosbeaks, and jays. As a smaller type of sunflower seeds, black oil seeds are also more economical because a single bag will contain more seeds than a similarly sized bag of striped sunflower seeds. Bird gardeners can also grow black oil sunflower seed during the summer months and birds will strip the seeds from the flower heads when the plants mature.
These sunflower seeds can be offered in a wide variety of feeders, including hoppers, tube, or mesh feeders with wide openings and open trays and platforms. If seed is sprinkled directly on the ground, any ground-feeding birds will enjoy the feast.
All that being said, sunflower seeds are also a favorite of squirrels, chipmunks and raccoons. Protecting the feeders is a must in that they will destroy feeders to get at the seeds. In addition, due to their high oil content, seeds spoil quickly during the summer months.
4) Peanut rejects, both shelled and in the shell, are favorite of mine for attracting some of the most beautiful birds to the garden; including red-bellied woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers, bluejays, red and white-breasted nuthatches. Because none of my neighbors offer them, peanuts are a HUGE attraction at my feeding station. It seems the different bird types all wait in line for their turn at the peanuts. Though expensive, the price is worth the entertainment the peanuts provide.
Information source: www.thespruce.com
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ENTRY: NOVEMBER 6, 2021 (Little Bluestem Named 2022 Perennial Plant of the Year)
The Perennial Plant Association(PPA) is pleased to announce the 2022 Perennial Plant of the Year®, Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and its cultivars.
Summer through fall, the slender leaves and stems of little bluestem are an ever-changing kaleidoscope of gray-green, blue, pink, purple, copper, mahogany, red, and orange tones. Wispy silver-white seed heads sparkle in autumn sunlight and coppery brown leaves persist through winter.
Little bluestem is a tough and dependable clumping grass that blends well with perennials such as asters, sedums, coneflowers, and other grasses. Native grasses play their part in the pollinator story too. Little bluestem is a larval host for a variety of butterflies and moths such as crossline skipper, Dakota skipper, and Ottoe skipper.
Native to a broad swath of North America, it was one of the dominant grasses of the vast tallgrass prairies. In average to lean, well-drained soils, stems will remain upright but can flop easily if conditions are too rich or moist. Cultivars have been selected for shorter plants, enhanced leaf colors, and stronger stems.
Little bluestem’s spikiness complements native and non-native perennials alike. An easy fit for mass plantings or meadows, it is just as brilliant in traditional borders, gravel gardens, and green roofs.
PPA Board members selected top performers in their regions and shared appealing details about each one. Highlights of each selection are below:
Central region – Richard Hawke of the Chicago Botanic Garden selects Schizachyrium scoparium ‘Jazz’ for the Central region. Richard notes, “The striking silvery blue leaves of Schizachyrium scoparium ‘Jazz’ are most comparable to ‘The Blues’, but at 36 inches tall and 30 inches wide, ‘Jazz’ is a foot shorter than ‘The Blues’ and has sturdier stems.
Southern region – Shannon Currey of Hoffman Nursery selects Schizachyrium scoparium ‘The Blues’ for the Southern region. Shannon comments, “In the South, our humidity, high nighttime temps, and wet springs can slow down some Little Bluestem. ‘The Blues’ is a strong, vigorous grower and has fantastic color. Blues, pinks, purples in the summer followed by reds and oranges in the fall. In the right conditions, it stands out for us.”
Canadian region – Tony Post of Brookdale Treeland Nurseries – Valleybrook Farm, choses Schizachyrium scoparium ‘Standing Ovation’ for the Canadian region. Tony says, “This selection adds excellent texture to the summer garden. Burgundy highlights add late season interest. Seed heads are attractive, particularly when backlit.”
Western region – For the Western region, Nanci Hollerith Allen of MarkWatch Plants notes that Schizachyrium scoparium can be a tricky plant unless you have reasonably dry, well-drained soil. She shares two recommended cultivars for the Pacific Northwest and the Rocky Mountain region: Schizachyrium scoparium ‘The Blues’ and Schizachyrium scoparium ‘Standing Ovation’.
Great Lakes region – Patty Steinhauser of Stonehouse Nursery chooses Schizachyrium scoparium ‘Carousel’ for the Great Lakes region. Patty says that, “This uniquely mounded selection forms a wide clump of blue-green foliage that emerges nearly horizontal and matures into strong, upright stems that remain standing through inclement weather and winter. It takes on pink, copper and orange-red tones in fall topped with tiny seed tufts.”
Mid-Atlantic region – Taylor Pilker of Cavano’s Perennials suggests ‘The Blues’, ‘Standing Ovation’, and ‘Jazz’. He also notes, “I like ‘Blue Heaven’ because it is taller and has good autumn color with a wide range of shades of burgundy and pink.”
Sources: www.gardencentermag.com and perennialplant.org
KLEIN’S RECIPES OF THE MONTH—These are a selection of relatively simple recipes chosen by our staff. New recipes appear monthly. Enjoy!!
Nuts are one of the most popular of all appetizers/munchies during the holiday season. Huge bins of nuts of all types line grocery store aisles this time of the year and prices are at their best while supply is at its peak. Below are a few of our more unusual concoctions using a wide assortment nuts. Enjoy and HAPPY HOLIDAYS from all of us at Klein’s!
GINGERED CASHEWS–This eternal favorite appeared at a work holiday party a number of years ago.
2 cups lightly salted cashews
1 TBS. melted butter
1 TBS. minced fresh or jarred ginger
2 tsp. garam masala spice mix
Preheat the oven to 300º. In a bowl, toss together the cashews, butter, ginger and garam masala. Line a shallow, rimmed baking sheet with foil. Spread the nuts into the pan and roast 20 minutes until golden, stirring occasionally. Serve either warm or cooled. Makes 2 cups.
CRUNCHY MUNCHIES— Who can resist with a name like that? A delicious mixture from a past issue of Better Homes & Gardens magazine.
1/4 cup jalapeno jelly
2 TBS. butter
1/4 tsp. Chinese 5-spice powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. Tobasco
2 cups whole unsalted cashews of dry roast peanuts
1 cup banana chips
1 cup dried pineapple, cut up
1 cup chopped dates
1 cup chow mein noodles
Preheat oven to 325º. In a medium saucepan, combine the jelly, butter, spice powder, salt and Tobasco. Heat over low heat until the jelly is melted. Stir in the rest of ingredients until well coated. Pour into a large roasting pan and bake 15-20 minutes until the nuts are lightly browned, stirring just once. Remove from the oven and spread on a large piece of foil to cool.
SYRIAN WALNUT SPREAD (MUHAMMARA)–We don’t remember where this on came from, but it’s a keeper!!
1 x 12 oz. jar roasted red peppers in olive oil and garlic, drained
1 cup walnuts
1/3 cup panko (Japanese bread crumbs)
2 TBS. extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. cayenne
salt
Pita chips
Blend all ingredients in a food processor until a coarse puree. Season to taste with salt and serve with chips. Makes 2 cups.
BAKED BRIE WITH PECANS–A classic from Martha Stewart’s Everyday Food magazine.
1 x 9 oz. wheel of brie or camembert cheese
1/2 cup pecan pieces
3 TBS. brown sugar
3 TBS. maple syrup
Crackers or sliced baguette
Preheat the oven to 350º. Place the cheese on a rimmed sheet and bake 15-20 minutes until soft. Transfer to a serving plate and cool 20 minutes. Meanwhile, toast the nuts 7-10 minutes in the hot oven. In a saucepan, combine the sugar and the syrup. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Simmer until foamy, 1-2 minutes. Drizzle the warm sauce over the cheese and nuts and serve with the crackers or baguette slices. Serves 4.
CARROT CASHEW DIP/SPREAD–A very healthy spread from a Krupalu yoga cookbook. Very delicious!!
4 cups chopped carrots
5 cups water
1 TBS. salt
1/2 cup unsalted cashews
Crackers, pita bread or crudités
In a saucepan, combine the carrots and the water and bring to a boil. Add the salt, reduce the heat and simmer 20 minutes until the carrots are very soft. Drain, keeping the cooking water. Allow everything to cool. In a food processor, blend the carrots and the cashews. Add water for desired consistency. Serve with crackers, pita bread or crudités.
CURRIED PECANS–This family favorite comes from the pages of Bon Appetit magazine.
1 1/2 tsp. onion powder
1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
3/4 tsp. curry powder
1/4 tsp. cayenne
2 TBS. butter
2 TBS. honey
3 cups pecan halves
Preheat the oven to 250º. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Mix the onion powder, garlic powder, 1 tsp. salt, curry powder and cayenne to blend. Melt the butter and honey with 1/4 tsp. salt in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add the nuts and stir to coat. Remove from the heat and stir in the spice mixture. Toss to coat evenly. Spread the mixture in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake until dry and toasted, about 40 minutes. Cool completely and separate the pecans. Makes 3 cups.
NATURAL NEWS–
6 Eco-friendly Snow Removal Ideas
By Amy Leibrock
Once the first big snowstorm hits every winter, the impending task of removing the snow and ice it leaves behind is in the forefront of many minds. Snow removal is a $2 billion industry in the U.S., and unfortunately, the highly effective chemical deicers and gas-guzzling snow blowers are not very eco-friendly. Chemical deicers on driveways, roads, and airport runways can be hazardous to plants, animals, the water supply, and the environment as a whole. The average gas-powered snow blower creates about one pound of carbon monoxide emissions per hour, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and uses about one gallon of gas a year, according to Consumer Reports.
Fortunately, individuals, communities, municipalities, and airports can all make a difference by opting for more environmental ways of removing snow and ice. Here are six ideas for dealing with Mother Nature’s winter wrath without hurting Mother Earth.
1. Scatter eco-friendly ice melt substances instead of harmful rock salt. Look for ice melts that combine corrosion inhibitors like Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA) or Ice-Ban with salt to make it gentler while still being effective. Find a list of the best eco-friendly deicers from the EPA’s Design for the Environment list. Also, carefully follow instructions on the package for how much deicer to apply. Using too much will actually reduce its effectiveness and leave a slippery brine on the ground.
2. Use battery-, electric-, or hybrid-powered snow blowers instead of gasoline-powered ones. Only use blowers for large areas that need to be cleared of snow, not just the walkway to your front door, which could be fairly easily shoveled. Though electric products consume energy, they do not consume gas or emit greenhouse gases.
3. If you feel you must use a gas-powered snow blower for extremely large areas or spaces too far for an electrical cord to reach, use the most efficient gas-powered kind. A two-stage, four-stroke engine will operate far more efficiently and with fewer emissions than a single-stage, two-stroke engine. Invest in a better blower with a neighbor and share it so you can both use an eco-friendly machine. Save unused gasoline from the blower at the end of the year by adding a gas stabilizer instead of wastefully burning it off by running the engine.
4. Go old school and use snow shovels, ice crackers, and brooms to clear snow from your sidewalks, porches, and driveways. Ergonomic shovels can make the task less back-breaking, or hire the kid down the street to help you out. Shoveling early and often will also make the job easier.
5. Find an eco-friendly snow removal service in your area or request that your current service use environmentally safe products.
6. Sprinkle birdseed, clean clay cat litter, sand, or fireplace ash on walkways and driveways for traction. These substances can be harmful to vegetation and waterways and messy when the snow melts, so use sparingly and only on the surface of the snow to add traction. Note that these substances will not melt ice or snow.
Source: sustainableamerica.org
DECEMBER’S PLANT OF THE MONTH:
CHRISTMAS CACTUS (Schlumbergera bridgessii)
Next to the poinsettia, the Christmas cactus is probably the most popular of the holiday plant choices. The following extremely informative article comes to us from B. Rosie Lerner and the Purdue University Extension website @ www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/
Christmas Cactus FAQs
Christmas cacti are not only popular holiday gift plants, but they are also the subject of frequent debate among gardeners. There appears to be much confusion about these unique tropical cacti regarding care, maintenance and, especially, on how to get them to rebloom. The following tips address the most frequently asked questions.
We typically think of cacti as being heat tolerant, but Christmas cacti will keep their blossoms longer in cooler temperatures. Keep the plant in a well-lit location away from drafts from heat vents, fireplaces or other sources of hot air. Drafts and temperature extremes can cause the flower buds to drop from the plant before they have a chance to open.
Christmas cactus is a tropical type plant, not quite as drought tolerant as its desert relatives and, in fact, may drop flower buds if the soil gets too dry. The plants will wilt when under drought stress. Water thoroughly when the top inch or so of soil feels dry to the touch. The length of time between waterings will vary with the air temperature, amount of light, rate of growth and relative humidity.
The plant does not particularly need to be fertilized while in bloom, but most gardeners enjoy the challenge of keeping the plant after the holidays for rebloom the next year. While plants are actively growing, use a blooming houseplant-type fertilizer and follow the label directions for how much and how often to feed.
While the Christmas cactus can adapt to low light, more abundant blooms are produced on plants that have been exposed to more light intensity. Keep your plants in a sunny location indoors. Plants can be moved outdoors in summer, but keep them in a shady or semi-shady location. Leaves may start to turn a bit red if exposed to excessive light. Too much direct sunlight can actually burn the leaves or may cause them to become limp. When it’s time to bring the plants back inside in the fall, slowly adjust the plants to life indoors by gradually increasing the number of hours they spend indoors each day.
If your plant tends to dry out and/or wilt frequently, it may be time to repot the plant into a slightly larger container. Well-drained soil is a must for Christmas cactus. Use a commercially packaged potting mix for succulent plants or mix your own by combining two parts plain potting soil with one part clean sand or vermiculite.
Pruning your Christmas cactus after blooming will encourage the plant to branch out. Remove a few sections of each stem by pinching them off with your fingers or cutting with a sharp knife. These sections can be rooted in moist vermiculite to propagate new plants.
Christmas cactus will bloom if given long uninterrupted dark periods, about 12 hours each night. Begin the dark treatments in about mid-October to have plants in full bloom by the holidays. You can place the plants in a dark closet from about 8 P.M. – 8 A.M. each night for 6-8 weeks or until you see buds forming. Christmas cacti will also bloom if they are subjected to cool temperatures of about 50 to 55 degrees F, eliminating the need for the dark treatments. Plants should be blooming for the holidays if cool treatments are started by early November.
Other species of holiday cactus bloom at different times of the year and have slightly different growth habits. Christmas cacti have scalloped stem segments and bloom at the stem tips. Thanksgiving cacti have 2-4 pointy teeth along the edges of the sections and will bloom earlier than Christmas cactus if left to natural day-length. Easter cacti have rounded teeth along the segments and bloom primarily in the spring but may also periodically rebloom at other times of year.
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.
Rotary Botanical Gardens’ Holiday Light Show
December 2-5, 9-12, 16-23 and December 26-30
We’re back for our 25th year, ending 2021 with brightness and cheer! This year’s dazzling after-dark walk on the Gardens’ paths features more than ONE MILLION lights, themed light displays and animations for a family-friendly outdoor activity that has historically exceeded attendance records.
Get your tickets today for a beautiful night stroll filled with the magic of the holidays! All tickets must be purchased online. No tickets will be sold at the gate.
Doors open 4:30 pm. Last ticket sold 8:30 pm.
Admission is $10.00 (13+) and $5.00 for kids 3-12. Children 2 and under are free.
Get tickets @ https://rbgholidaylightshow.
Rotary Botanical Gardens
608/752-3885 or www.rotarybotanicalgardens.
Olbrich Garden’s Holiday Express:
Flower & Model Train Show
December 4 thru December 31
Timed tickets must be reserved in advance.
The poinsettias are blooming and the trains are back on track. All aboard the Holiday Express!
Enjoy large-scale model trains churning through a festive scene overflowing with hundreds of poinsettias and fresh evergreens. Each year, Olbrich’s creative horticulturists design and carefully construct a unique environment for visitors to explore.
This year’s show theme is Trains, Planes, and Automobiles – so get your tickets out, make sure your tray tables are in the upright position, and buckle up!
During the show, members of the Wisconsin Garden Railway Society come from all over the state to show off their large-scale model trains. Depending on the day, you might see a bullet train, steam train, Santa train, circus train, or freight train.
Safety measures are in place to ensure a safe, socially distanced experience:
- Face masks are required in all indoor spaces at the Gardens
- Reduced capacity in exhibit viewing area
- Timed tickets must be reserved in advance
- Holiday Cafe not offered this year; carry-in water bottles allowed
Admission for Olbrich Botanical Society members is free. Admission to Olbrich’s Holiday Express for the general public is $6 for adults, and $3 for children ages 3 to 12. Children 2 and under are free. Admission to the tropical Bolz Conservatory is included.
Olbrich’s Holiday Express is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Olbrich will close at 2 p.m. on December 24, and will be closed all day on December 25 and January 1.
Purchase tickets @ olbrich.doubleknot.com/
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
608/246-4550 or www.olbrich.org for details.
Nature Hike @ the Arboretum
Sunday, December 5, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Walk
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. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather and insects. Walks take place rain or shine, except in unsafe weather. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
University of WI Arboretum
1207 Seminole Hwy.
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu
Holiday Concert Series at Olbrich Gardens
Celebrate the season and enjoy festive holiday music with a concert in the Evjue Commons!
Concerts are at 2 p.m. each Sunday in December. Suggested donation is $2.
December 5
To Be Determined (Visit www.olbrich.org for updates)
December 12
Oakwood Chamber Players—A dynamic group of six professional musicians who present a series of chamber music concerts animated by engaging verbal program notes at the Oakwood Center for Arts and Education. They have enjoyed 35 seasons of music-making and partnership with their audiences. The Oakwood Chamber Players are committed to excellence, creative program selection, and community engagement. Individual performers are vibrant contributors in the Madison arts scene and can be heard in Madison Symphony and Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, Capitol City Band, and Madison Opera.
December 19
Gerri DiMaggio—Youth Violins. Since 1990, Suzuki Strings of Madison has provided children of all ages quality, comprehensive musical instruction through the violin. By helping to foster a positive environment and working relationship between the teacher, child, and parent, students learn the tools for success and well-being that last a life time. Suzuki Strings of Madison offers children of all ages musical instruction on the violin using the Suzuki method.
December 22
Gerri DiMaggio-Jazz Poetry with a seductive sound that invites the audience into a creative and colorful world. It’s as original as it is enticing with depth and grace. Music is the bridge that connects all people and inspires joy. That is our goal this holiday season – to inspire joy in a disconnected world.
December 26
Mark Croft—A multi-award-winning singer/songwriter and acoustic guitarist who has always been unafraid to break the genre barriers. Croft takes inspiration from a variety of musical styles and blends them into his own Roots, Rock & Americana-based approach to songwriting, infusing soulful performances with infectious rhythms and unforgettable melodies. His booming baritone vocals, finely crafted songs, and ability to navigate his six-string with superiority, has garnered him praise as the classic triple-threat. With six albums of original material to his name, Croft released his latest studio project, the Southbound Walking Northward EP in 2019.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
608/246-4550 or www.olbrich.org for details.
Family Nature Walk @ the Arboretum
Sunday, December 12, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Walk
This walk is a fun and fascinating way for families with children elementary age and younger to explore the natural world. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather and insects. Walks take place rain or shine, except in unsafe weather. Adults must attend. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
University of WI Arboretum
1207 Seminole Hwy.
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu
Full Moon Night Walk @ the Arboretum
Saturday, December 18, 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Walk
Watch the sun set and the moon rise on this last full moon of the year. Spend time in the silence of a December evening. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
University of WI Arboretum
1207 Seminole Hwy.
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu
Nature Hike @ the Arboretum
Sunday, December 19, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Walk
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. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather and insects. Walks take place rain or shine, except in unsafe weather. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
University of WI Arboretum
1207 Seminole Hwy.
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu
Garden Stroll @ the Arboretum
Sunday, December 26, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Walk
This gently paced stroll through the gardens is well-suited for a multi-generational outing. Learn about plants, animals, and fungi; phenology; and ecology. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather and insects. Walks take place rain or shine, except in unsafe weather. Routes are wheelchair accessible when weather allows. Free, no registration required. Meet outside the Visitor Center as the Center is closed Dec 26.
University of WI Arboretum
1207 Seminole Hwy.
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu
New Year’s Eve Night Walk @ the Arboretum
Friday, December 31, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Walk
Join us for a naturalist-led holiday trail walk and a peaceful welcome to the New Year. We recommend warm layers and boots. Meet outside the Visitor Center. Free. Registration required through Eventbrite by December 27: https://uw-madison-arboretum-
University of WI Arboretum
1207 Seminole Hwy.
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu
Nature Hike @ the Arboretum
Sunday, January 2, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Walk
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. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather and insects. Walks take place rain or shine, except in unsafe weather. Free, no registration required. Meet outside the Visitor Center as the Center is closed.
University of WI Arboretum
1207 Seminole Hwy.
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu
Dane County Holiday Farmer’s Market
Saturdays, December 4 and December 18, 7:30-noon
Monona Terrace
The Holiday Dane County Farmer’s Market is located in the majestic Monona Terrace. This bustling market features more than 60 vendors and is your one-stop shop for all of your local food needs for the holidays!
For details visit www.dcfm.org
DECEMBER IN THE GARDEN-–A checklist of things to do this month.
___Mulch perennials to protect from the cold and prevent heaving.
___Purchase marsh hay and rose protection. Wait till the ground freezes.
___Mulch roses by mounding soil and wrapping, rather than using rose cones.
___Keep bird feeders full. Clean periodically with soap and water.
___Make water available to the birds. Begin using a deicer as needed.
___Plant bulbs for forcing and put in a cool location for 10-12 weeks.
___Plant bulbs until the ground freezes.
___Prep lawnmower for winter storage and snowblower for weather to come.
___Mark driveways and sidewalks with stakes.
___Finish garden cleanup to make spring easier and prevent pests.
___Do any last minute raking to prevent smothering delicate plants or beds.
___Spread fireplace ashes over beds to amend the soil.
___Make sure clay pots are stored inside and dry to prevent cracking.
___Place your used Christmas tree in the garden for added wildlife protection.
___Have trees trimmed–it’s often times cheaper and easier to schedule.
___Inspect stored summer bulbs like dahlias, cannas and glads for rotting.
___Stop feeding houseplants and cut back on watering.
___Inventory last year’s leftover seeds before ordering new ones.
___Make notes in your garden journal for changes, improvements, etc.
___Wrap trunks of susceptible trees to protect from rodents.
___Visit Klein’s—it’s green, it’s warm, it’s colorful—it’s always spring!
Some of our very favorite seed and plant sources include:
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 DECEMBER:
—We’re prepping the hundreds of poinsettias and holiday plants that go out for orders each day. After choosing the most gorgeous plants, we need to foil, bow and sleeve each order before loading into our vans for delivery to Madison’s homes, businesses and churches.
—Tropicals for next summer sale continue to arrive. Our tropicals (such as bougainvilleas, bananas, colocasias, alocasias, etc.) arrive now so we are able to get the best selection and are able to offer you substantial sized plants next summer.
—Hundreds of herbs for windowsill culture are thriving in the sunny, warm greenhouses . We have chosen only the best assortment for indoor growing and winter harvest. Choose from rosemary, lavender, parsley, thyme and more.
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