June 2022 Newsletter

If so, we ask that as we go into the busy spring season, you update your new address in association with Klein’s Rewards Program  so you continue to receive all possible benefits.

In addition to occasional coupons, we’ve been mailing out birthday month postcards with an added gift during the past year or so and find that many are being returned with an invalid address. We don’t want you to miss out!

If your address has recently changed, please send your new information to info@kleinsfloral.com and please include your name and your old address as reference.

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.

Due to costs, we are unable to reuse most plastic pots and trays and never those from other retailers. But we are happy to take back and reuse the teal-colored 5” Klein’s pots and their accompanying trays. Simply bring in your cleaned out pots and trays and drop them off with the associates at the checkout counters. We ask that you recycle or dispose of all other pots, containers and trays in compliance with your municipality’s guidelines. We do not reuse the plant identification tags.

Madison is currently NOT accepting rigid plastics (flower pots and trays) for recycling due to import restrictions enacted by China for scrap material. At present, there is no end market to accept the type of plastic scrap the mixed rigid plastic program produces. Until further notice, rigid plastics are to be placed in the refuse bins for disposal.

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.

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. 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.

Monday thru Friday :  9:00-7:00

Saturday:   9:00-6:00

Sunday:         9:00-5:00

Monday thru Friday :  9:00-6:00

Saturday:   9:00-5:00

Sunday:         10:00-4:00

Later in June, visit Klein’s and check out our specials on annuals, vegetables, hanging baskets and containers.  Specials and selection change weekly so check our home page @ www.kleinsfloral.com or our social media sites (Click on the links at the top of our homepage).  We pride ourselves in having the best cared for plants in even the hottest weather and throughout the month we’ll continue to offer a full selection of annuals and perennials.

June 14–Flag Day

June 14–Full Moon

June 19–Father’s Day

June 19–Juneteenth

June 21–First Day of Summer

Fragrance can be an important factor when choosing a floral arrangement for a loved one or a special event.  In a survey, florists were asked to choose their very favorite fragrant flower choices for fresh bouquets.  Here are their top ten choices in order:

Stocks have single or double flowers with a 1-inch diameter and a pleasing clove-like scent. The romantic beauty of this flower brings texture to garden designs, and its sweet, spicy fragrance is an added attraction.

Colors range from white, cream, yellow, peach, lavender, pink, purple and burgundy.

Vase life is five to eight days.

Freesias are strongly scented so they make a nice addition to any area. They have five to 10 single or double flowers. Stems are usually 10 to 18 inches long with little or no foliage. The bell-shaped freesia blooms up to seven days and comes in white, golden yellow, orange, red, pink, mauve, lavender, purple and bicolors.

Lilacs are shrubs and small trees prized for their attractive, fragrant flowers that appear in white, pink or purplish clusters in spring. Arrangements of cut lilac flowers can brighten a room and fill a house with their delightful scent

The best time to cut lilac blossoms is early in the morning when they’re fully hydrated. Cut the stems with sharp, clean pruning shears, then immediately plunge the cut stems into a bucket of water. Indoors, get a vase ready for the flowers.

Waxy and super-fragrant gardenia blossoms are delightful when floated singly as a centerpiece in a small dish or bubble bowl alongside votive candles.  Gardenia blossoms are commonly used in handheld wedding bouquets or tucked into the bride’s hair.

Not all roses grown for bouquets add fragrance to the arrangement.  Among the most fragrant varieties are:  Mister Lincoln, Julia Child, Honey Perfume, Perfume Delight, Fragrant Cloud, Double Delight and Sunsprite.  Locally grown garden roses that are picked at their peak are among the most fragrant, rather than those shipped in from abroad.

“Casablanca” is one of the most popular Oriental hybrids, with 10-inch-wide fragrant white flowers. “Stargazer” is the most in demand as a cut flower, as well as a garden subject, with vivid darker pink speckles against a rosy background and a beautiful fragrance.

Bright pink boronia is a fun pink filler flower that will fill up gaps in table centerpieces, wedding bouquets and flower arrangements. Boronia features tiny bell shaped blooms that run the length of long branchy stems. It is a bright flower and has a strong scent.

Jasmine flowers are harvested when their fragrance is at its peak just before dawn. The flowers must be processed immediately before their freshness and fragrances fade away. The jasmine must also be placed in special baskets to prevent the flowers from bruising, and unbalancing the flower’s natural bouquet.

Lovely and romantic, fresh cut peony flowers are showy and fragrant with large heads and a lavish petal count. Showy and fragrant, our peonies are offered in a variety of colors including white, cream, blush, pinks and reds.

Ideal for adding fragrance, color and texture, hyacinth could serve as accent or filler flowers. Hyacinth have many small, star-shaped blooms clustered together at the top of the stem.

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Hi Ryan,

Thanks Ryan for the great feedback!!

Grasses for shade are a bit tough. The tallest, most beautiful varieties are not very shade tolerant. They survive in the shade, but become gangly, floppy and tend to split apart in the center. Shade tolerant grasses include many sedges (Carex) and Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa). That said, Japanese Forest Grass is a beautiful choice…it’s wispy and looks beautiful in a breeze. The foliage holds up through the winter and grows to about 20-24″ tall. The seed heads are nice into late fall, but shatter during winter cold. Foliage choices include plain green, striped variegated and golden. The golden ones can be a bit finicky. I highly recommend the plain green.

Thanks for your question,

Allen Centennial Garden is the artful living laboratory and public botanical garden of the Horticulture Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The Garden serves as an outdoor classroom for UW-Madison students and the surrounding communities, providing meaningful learning opportunities for visitors of all ages.

The Allen Centennial Garden was dedicated in October 1989. The former teaching gardens attached to the Plant Sciences building were destroyed in 1979 to make room for a new building addition. In the early 1980s, plans evolved for a new instructional garden (what would eventually become the Allen Centennial Garden) to be located on the 2.5 acres surrounding the historic Dean’s Residence, one block north of the Plant Sciences building. The development of the Allen Centennial Garden was designed to complement the home and its existing plantings, including the larch tree (Larix decidua) planted in 1899 to commemorate the birth of the dean-in-residence’s son.

Early donations from student groups and anonymous gifts were available for the initial planning and design. With a substantial gift from Mrs. Ethel Allen, the ground breaking was possible for construction to begin in the spring of 1985. Mrs. Allen is the widow of eminent University of Wisconsin bacteriologist, Dr. Oscar Allen. Professor Allen taught at the university from 1948 until his death in 1976. The couple co-authored what is considered the “encyclopedia” of the role of legumes in nitrogen fixation.

Ethel Allen, a former member of the UW faculty, received a bachelor’s degree in botany, a Masters in bacteriology and an honorary doctorate in science from the university. A Madison resident, she was instrumental in providing support for the early phases of Garden construction. Naming the Gardens after the Allens in 1989 coincided with the commemoration of the 100th year anniversary of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, hence the Garden’s full name of Allen Centennial Garden.

Allen Centennial Garden is constantly evolving. The varied topography and exposures of the 90,000 square foot site allow for a great diversity of plantings and the hardscapes. The major emphasis within the Garden is on herbaceous ornamental perennials but the site features many other plantings including annuals and woody plants.

The Garden is built around a stately Victorian gothic house nestled on the agricultural campus. The house, known as the “Lake Dormer,” the “Fred House,” the “Agricultural Dean’s Residence,” and simply as “10 Babcock Drive,” was one of the first buildings on the agricultural campus and served as home for the college’s first four deans. It remains a cherished landmark for generations of students, alumni and friends of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Each of the four deans, William A. Henry (1891-1907), Harry L. Russell (1907-1931), Christian L. Christensen (1931-1943) and Edwin B. Fred (1943-1945), played a major role in the development of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at UW-Madison. Dean Fred continued to reside in the house after becoming president of the University.

While the house is no longer used as the dean’s residence, it continues to serve a vital role within the university. The house has been used as offices for the Agricultural Research Stations and later included the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Conference Services and Garden staff.

In 1984, the house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. This provided overdue recognition of the building and its grounds and gave the residence its appropriate place among Wisconsin’s historic resources. Registration also saved it from certain demise as the campus grew and looked to expand classroom and research facilities.

In 2011, the departments located in the house were relocated for renovation. When complete, the house will become a new student center – a hub of activity supporting student services such as internships, studies abroad, scholarships, meeting spaces, exhibition space, garden offices, and more.

The Gardens are open year-round, dawn to dusk. Admission is free.

620 Babcock Dr. on the University of WI campus, Madison

608/576-2501 or allencentennialgarden.org for details.

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.

“We’re dedicated to helping you control garden pests using nature’s own army of beneficial organisms. Today your garden and every garden can be a Victory Garden!”

From the Organic Control website @ organiccontrol.com

We believe it’s time to think differently…pro-actively protecting our plants in advance, instead of reacting to pests with a toxic spray. It’s time to improve the way we ALL manage whatever piece of the earth we have been given and it’s time to heal our planet. We can no longer say that we’re sustainably-minded because we’ve past the point of sustainability. It’s time for us to regenerate the soil and the land that supports us. At Organic Control we are regenerative minded and environmentally conscious in all we do.

Use: Ladybugs prefer to eat aphids and will devour up to 50 a day, but they will also attack scale, mealy bugs, boil worms, leafhopper, and corn ear worm. They dine only on insects and do not harm vegetation in any way.

Release: Ladybugs should always be released after sundown since they only fly in the daytime. During the night, they will search the area for food and stay as long as there is food for them to eat. The more they eat the more eggs they lay and the more insect eating larvae you will have. It is best if the area has been recently watered. Ladybugs tend to crawl up and toward light. So release them in small groups at the base of plants and shrubs that have aphids or other insects, and in the lower part of trees.

Recommendations: Ladybugs may be kept in the refrigerator after they are received (35-50 degrees F.) and released as needed. Ladybugs may be stored 2 to 3 months.

Life Cycle: Ladybugs mate in the spring and lay yellow eggs in clusters of 10 to 50 on the underside of leaves. About five days later the larvae emerge and will eat about 400 aphids during their 2.5 week cycle. The larvae look like tiny black caterpillars with orange spots but do not eat vegetation.

The larvae then pupate and emerge from their cocoon as adults after about a week. They begin feeding on aphids, other insects, and pollen to build up their body fat. In the summer and fall the Ladybugs migrate into the mountains and during the winter they lie dormant under the snow. In the early spring they fly back down to the lowlands to resume searching for food in earnest. They begin mating, lay eggs, and die.

Life Cycle: Praying Mantids hatch out of their egg case (ootheca) along the seam that looks like louvered windows with some mud packed on top. They hatch in the spring when the weather warms, the warmer the temperature, the sooner they hatch. Unlike most insects the mantids do not hatch as larvae, they emerge as miniature adults, about half an inch long. They will grow through spring and summer until they reach a length of 5 to 6 inches, shedding their skins several times.

Although mantids have wings, they do not use them until fall when the female wings develop and she begins flying around looking for males to mate with. After mating, she eats the head off the male, which helps to nourish her eggs. She then attaches the brown foam to a branch, lays her eggs inside, and dies shortly afterward, The eggs are protected from the winter cold in the foam and the cycle begins again in the spring.

General Information: When the eggs hatch the egg case does not change in appearance except for what looks like a little sawdust hanging from the seam. Since the Mantids do not move much and blend easily with their surroundings, it is easy to miss the hatching. While most insects are constantly searching for food, Mantids are content to stay in one area and wait for their food to walk by and grab it with their strong forelegs. This is why they are good to use early in the season, before there are pest problems, and use other insects after pests arrive.

Praying Mantids eat a wide variety of garden pests. In their younger stages they eat aphids, thrips, flies and maggots, small caterpillars, leafhoppers, white grubs and other soft-bodied insects. Mature Mantids feed on larger caterpillars, earwigs, chinch bugs, sow bugs, beetles, grasshoppers and other large insects.

Release: You can keep the egg cases in the cup, set them on a window ledge or in the patio until they hatch. As soon as you see tiny praying mantids emerge remove the lid and sprinkle the mantids around your garden. Or put the egg case in a bush, hedge, limb or anything more than two feet above ground. The egg case may be inserted in the fork of a branch or hung with a piece of string or needle and thread rum through the outside of the case. Hanging will help keep birds and rodents from eating the eggs in the case. If ants are in the area, oiling the string will help keep them away.

Beneficial Nematodes (Steinernema feltiae) are microscopic in size and cannot be seen with the naked eye. They attack more than 230 kinds of soil dwelling and wood boring pests, such as flea larvae, white grubs, cutworms, corn root worms, strawberry weevils, gypsy moth larvae, cabbage root maggots, fungus gnat larvae, and many more before they emerge from the ground in their more destructive adult stages.

RELEASE: Beneficial Nematodes may be released by spraying with water, mixing with mulch and applying directly to the soil or potting mix, or injecting into burrows. They may be used any time of year, as long as the ground is not frozen. Do not release in direct sunlight, as this will kill them. See directions for details.

COVERAGE: Our container of 7 million live Beneficial Nematodes will cover up to 2,000 square feet, but faster results are obtained with higher concentrations.

Beneficial Nematodes hunt down, penetrate, and kill most soil dwelling pests. They will remain effective for about 2 years, but annual applications are recommended.  They will also attack over wintering adult insects, pupae, diapausing larvae, and grubs when they are in the soil, bark, or even ground litter. They do not affect humans, animals, or plants. They are completely compatible with beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and praying mantids and do not harm earthworms.

The term “Full Sun” on plant tags is very broad when choosing plants for your garden and there are many misconceptions and misunderstandings regarding its usage by both gardeners and garden center staff alike.  Many gardeners mistakenly assume that “full sun” literally means a full day of unbroken sunlight.

By the simplest rule, “full sun” usually refers to a minimum of about 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.  But as we all know, 6 hours of direct morning sun is very different than 6 hours of direct afternoon sun, and there are very different plants that thrive in each of those scenarios.  In fact, there are few plants that will actually thrive in both.  The morning sun tends to be cooler and the winds in the morning are usually calmer.  Whereas, in the afternoon, the sun can be brutal and the winds very drying.  In addition, the “full sun” against a south or west facing wall is very different from the full sun in the middle of an open yard or field.  Though the exposure to the sun is far longer in the open yard, the intensity is less harsh than against a structure.  Your full sun zinnias, for example, may do better in the open bed rather than against the pounding sun on the south side of the house.

As a rule, a wider assortment of plants can be grown in morning “full sun” rather than afternoon “full sun.”  And “Full Sun” doesn’t necessarily mean uninterrupted sun.  Sun in the morning, then a break by some tree shade, and sun again in the late afternoon and evening may fill the “Full Sun” requirement.

Much of gardening is experimentation and a combination of successes and failures, but  a great beginning point is to follow plant tag guidelines, keeping in mind that they are just that–guidelines.  It’s very important to come into a garden center aware of your yard’s light conditions and knowing that these conditions will change drastically as the summer progresses.  The days will eventually shorten and the sun’s angle will become increasingly less direct.

Shade is also not created equal.  From a plant’s perspective, shade created by a tree is very different from shade created by a structure.  There are a far greater number of plants that will grow in the dappled shade of a deciduous tree than the dense shade of a house, where few blooming plants can thrive.  On top of that, spruce tree shade (dense) is different than honey locust shade (dappled).  For shade, gardeners are usually limited to–much to their disappointment–impatiens, begonias, coleus and a few more choices.  If the shade is too dense, even they won’t bloom to their full potential.

With gardening now more popular than ever, we’re seeing trends showing that gardeners are becoming increasingly more experimental than trends seen in the past few decades. Young people are gardening at numbers never before seen and experienced gardeners are opening themselves to fresh ideas and garden practices.

…wanting to learn the garden basics about prep, amendments, pests, etc.

…wanting more color in their lives by growing more flowers and especially cut flowers

…wanting to use this moment to take on garden challenges; dig a new bed, redo old beds, create an outdoor living space, etc.

With all the current news of the world, people are wanting to relax at home and especially in the garden. Seating areas, shade structures, outdoor kitchen and bar areas, built in fire pits and water features all continue to be in high demand. Proving this trend, landscape designers and installers are oftentimes currently booked out years in advance due to the demand and finding a landscaper can now be a challenge.

What are gardeners doing? They’re…

…Composting to save landfill space and amend their soil.

…Planting natives for pollinators and butterflies.

…Conserving water by planting natives and installing rain barrels and rain gardens.

…Mulching beds to conserve water and control weeds thereby reducing chemical use.

…Reducing chemical use; both herbicides for weeds and pesticides that in turn are destroying our beneficial insect populations.

…Planting trees in numbers not seen for generations. Shade trees provide comfort, save energy, give off oxygen and encourage wildlife with protection, shelter and food.

The pandemic has changed the world. We now get advice online, buy online, educate ourselves online, share online and visit the world online. The gardening universe is now readily at our fingertips and this trend continues to explode.

More and more people are discovering the benefits that gardening helps reduce screen time and enhances the family experience. Gardening helps keep children busy and outdoors. The results bring joy with a simple vase of flowers for mom or a delicious salad they helped make with fresh vegetables they grew and harvested from their own garden.

“Small space gardening” continues to trend as our population increasingly becomes city dwellers. Container vegetable gardening has never been more popular. One can grow food nearly anywhere. Versions of portable raised beds are now available at nearly all garden centers. Mixing edibles and ornamentals continues to be a hot trend. Vertical and rooftop bed popularity are increasing in popularity to maximize even more growable space.

Gardeners are wanting to mix up their containers more than ever with new and creative plant combinations. Trends show increased use of tropical plants in northern containers and in striking new combinations with traditional annuals. Monochromatic themes seem to be a hot trend as is the use of conifers, dwarf fruit trees and Japanese maples in large pots.

…and new, high-in-demand and hard-to-find specimens seem to be hitting the spotlight almost weekly. Plant growers in Florida are finding it hard keep up with the steady demand and reports are finding that large houseplants in short supply after the pandemic caused a huge spike in houseplant sales in 2020 and 2021. In addition, gardeners are using houseplants in whole new ways and especially in outdoor mixed container combinations.

Fairly often we at Klein’s are asked about plant ideas for dry shade.  Because almost nothing grows under dense maples or spruce trees, they pose an especially difficult dilemma.  Spruce trees have a particularly dense canopy.  The soil under them is always dry and crumbly.  In addition, pine trees alter the make up of the soil beneath them by acidifying the soil to a degree.  From my own experience with two fairly large spruce trees in my front yard, I’m able to share a few perennial ideas for under pine trees that offer great success.  The entire area under my two spruces is filled with an assortment of drought tolerant, shady perennials including:  lamium, lamiastrum, vinca, cranesbill, epimedium, English ivy, some campanulas, ladybells (Adenophora) and sensitive fern; with astilbe, hostas and toad lily (Tricyrtis) near the edges.

The most eye-catching additions, however, are the colorful annuals I use under the trees.  Because no annuals grow successfully in the horrible soil under the trees, I randomly place groupings of assorted sized clay pots filled with Bounce impatiens amongst the low-growing perennials.  This easy remedy brightens a spot where normally green and brown are the dominant colors.

KLEIN’S RECIPES OF THE MONTH—These are a selection of relatively simple recipes chosen by our staff.  New recipes appear monthly.  Enjoy!!

Growing blueberries is becoming increasingly popular in Madison area gardens.  Though a bit of work to get started, the results are worth the time and energy spent.

Blueberries like moist and acidic soil in full sun with a soil pH of 4.8. It’s best to test the soil and have it amended as needed before planting blueberries because they won’t thrive or even survive if grown in the wrong soil type. Use a water soluble acid fertilizer for quickest results. Plants should be spaced 4-5’ apart and planted at the same depth they’re planted in upon purchase. Do not allow to flower during the first season and do not allow berries to form. Doing so puts the plants energy into root development. Do not prune during the first several years of growth and do not begin harvesting until the third season. For best cross-pollination it’s best to plant two varieties. Blueberries are reliably Zone 4 hardy.

Klein’s offers a fine selection of blueberry bushes including:

Chippewa–A half-high blueberry cultivar developed by the University of Minnesota and introduced into commerce in 1996. Half-high cultivars have excellent winter hardiness. Half-high cultivars are hybrid crosses between high bush (Vaccinium corymbosum) and low bush (Vaccinium angustifolium). ‘Chippewa’ is a compact upright shrub that typically grows to only 3-4′ tall. Flowers are followed by medium-sized blueberries noted for sweetness and light blue color.

Northblue–A dwarf blueberry. From the University of Minnesota. Plants grow 20 to 30 inches tall with large, glossy dark green foliage that turns burgundy-red in the fall. Fruit is large, dark blue, excellent quality and easy to pick with yields of 3 to 7 lbs. per mature bush. Fruit production is maximized by winter snow cover.

Northcountry–A very productive blueberry introduced in 1988. Highly recommended for home gardens. Fruit is 1/2” in diameter and a lovely sky blue. Flavor is sweet and mild. Mature plants are 18-24” high. Partially self-fruitful.

Northland–Hybridized to adapt to northern Michigan so super-hardy! Fruit size is small and dark blue and has a wild berry flavor. Its limber branches will not break under heavy snow load. Makes a great ornamental.

Patriot–Huge berries on very hardy plants. Plants are very upright and slightly spreading and grow to 4-6’ tall. Berries are firm and very delicious fresh. Plants are highly productive. Fall color is a stunning fiery orange. More adaptable to all soil types than most blueberries.

Polaris–Introduced in 1996. A very aromatic, firm berry with excellent flavor. Fruit will store up to 6-8 weeks. Fruit is slightly smaller than ‘Northblue’ with yields of 80-90% of it. Shown to be a reliable choice for home use in zone 3, but will produce larger yields in higher zones. Grows to 3-4’ tall and wide.

Superior–Superior is a most productive cultivar with firm berries that are light to medium blue, having flavor that is balanced and pleasant. Superior matures the majority of its fruit about 1 week later than other blueberry varieties. Height 3-5’.

Top Hat–This compact, cold hardy dwarf shrub provides a show of plentiful white flowers followed by delicious, pea-sized light blue fruit. Foliage becomes bright red and orange before dropping in fall. Excellent for containers, creating a defined border or bonsai. Plant several in a large pot. Just 16-24” tall and 12-24” wide.

Going into blueberry season, here are a few of Klein’s summer salad recipes using blueberries.  Enjoy!!

BLUES SALAD WITH BLUEBERRY VINAIGRETTE–A double dose of blueberry from the pages of Better Homes & Gardens magazine, July 1999.

For the vinaigrette:

1/4 cup blueberry vinegar (store bought or homemade; see below)

2 TBS. walnut or olive oil

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

Mix the ingredients and shake well in a sealed container.

Serve desired amount of vinaigrette tossed with:

4 cups mixed greens

1 cup fresh blueberries

1/2 cup toasted walnut halves

1/4 cup crumbled bleu or feta cheese

2 TBS. chopped chives or green onion tops

Serves 4.

For the blueberry vinegar:

1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries

1 cup rice vinegar

1 TBS. honey

In an enamel or stainless steal saucepan, combine 3/4 cup blueberries with the vinegar and bring to a boil.  Reduce the heat and simmer 3 minutes.  Add the honey.  Remove from the heat and strain through cheese cloth.  Discard the berries.  Add the remaining 3/4 cup blueberries.  Allow to steep until needed.  Can be stored airtight for up to 6 months, discarding the berries as using.

BLUEBERRY SALSA SALAD–A delightfully refreshing summer salad with a unique combination of flavors.

1 large fresh orange

2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (if frozen, thaw and drain)

2 apples, diced

1/2 cup chopped onion

2 TBS. chopped cilantro

1/3 cup red wine vinegar

3 TBS. apple juice

2 TBS. olive oil

2 TBS. sugar

1/4 tsp. salt

10 oz. mixed baby greens

cottage cheese

cracked pepper

Cut orange slices into large pieces.  Place them in a large bowl and stir in the blueberries, apples, onions and cilantro.  In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, juice, oil, sugar and salt.  Pour over the blueberry mix, stirring gently to coat.  Let stand 10 minutes.  Arrange greens in bowls.  Top with the blueberry mixture and serve with cottage cheese.  Sprinkle with cracked pepper if desired.  Serves 6.

PEACHY FRUIT SALAD–For EASY . . . try this one from the Channel3000.com website from August 2008.  Kids love this one!!

1 x 21 oz. can peach pie filling

2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

2 cups halved grapes

1 large red apple, diced

1 cup canned pineapple chunks, drained

1 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen, thawed

Toss all ingredients in a large bowl; chill & serve.  Serves 10.

RUBY FRUIT SALAD–A beautiful and not overly sweet fruit salad from the pages of Everyday Food magazine, September 2006.

6 TBS. brown sugar

juice of 2 limes

6 plums cut into 1/2” pieces

4 cups red grapes

2 pints blackberries

1 pint blueberries

4 TBS. chopped fresh mint

In a large bowl, stir together the sugar and the juice.  Allow to sit 10 minutes then add the rest of the ingredients and toss to coat.  Serves 8.

SUMMER BERRY MEDLEY WITH MINT–From the pages of the July 2006 issue of Cooking Light magazine.

1 cup raspberries

2 cups blueberries

2 cups quartered strawberries

2 cups blackberries

1/4 cup sugar

1 TBS. fresh lemon zest

2 TBS. fresh lemon juice

2 TBS. Grand Marnier or limoncello

1/2 cup torn mint leaves

In a bowl, combine everything but the mint and allow to sit 20 minutes in the refrigerator.  Gently stir in the mint.  Serve in chilled wine glasses for an extra special presentation.  Serves 6.

Plant Disease Diagnostics Clinic Mission

The University of Wisconsin-Madison/Extension Plant Disease Diagnostics Clinic (PDDC) provides assistance in identifying plant diseases and provides educational information on plant diseases and their control.

PDDC clients include agricultural and horticultural producers (e.g., farmers, nursery owners), agricultural and horticultural professionals (e.g., crop consultants, arborists), home gardeners, Extension staff and Master Gardener volunteers, and state and local government (e.g., Wisconsin DNR, city and county foresters).

While the Plant Disease Diagnostics Clinic focuses on plant disease problems in the state of Wisconsin, any interested party is welcome and encouraged to take advantage of and participate in the Clinic’s educational services and activities.

If you have questions about PDDC services feel free to contact the clinic at 608-262-2863 or bdh@plantpath.wisc.edu.

For more information and to explore our university’s plant pathology resources, please visit https://pddc.wisc.edu or https://plantpath.wisc.edu

Switch grass has made it into the news numerous times in the past few years as a renewable fuel source that, like corn, can be made into ethanol–without most of the negatives of corn.  At half the cost to produce, it’s hoped that ethanol made from switch grass will eventually replace ethanol produced from corn.  Switch grass is a perennial and native to almost the entire United States and southern Canada from the Rocky Mountains east.  Unlike corn, switch grass remains essentially in its native state, in that it hasn’t been tampered with for thousands of years and hasn’t gone through modern bioengineering.  Switch grass is also useful for erosion control and as a forage crop.

Because switch grass, unlike many grasses, is a clump-forming (though rhizomatous) grass, it makes a beautiful addition to the garden.  Clumps expand very slowly over many years and should be divided about every fifth season.  Very natural in appearance, the fine seed heads are exceptionally lovely when blowing in the wind.  A downfall is that plants flop in heavy rains; but they rebound on their own once the plants dry out.  Therefore they are best at the back of the border where they can be allowed to grow naturally.  Unlike some grasses (reed grass, fountain grass and many maiden grasses), switch grass does not offer winter interest and should be cut back in the fall.  Plants emerge very late in the spring, but grow very quickly in summer heat.  Because they are native to this area, switch grass is extremely heat and drought tolerant.

Klein’s normally carries a few switch grass varieties each season.

A Wisconsin native grass. Deep green to gray-green foliage, various shades of yellow in fall; grayish white seed heads; pinkish flowers in Aug.-Sept. Ht.: 48-72”. Spread: 24-36”. Grow in rich, well- drained soil in full sun to part shade. Use for massing, specimen, cut flower, dried flower. Zone 4.

Has mature seed heads of silver white with clump-forming, upright habit; blue- green foliage; turning various shades of yellow in the fall; airy sprays of pinkish- silver flowers in Aug.-Oct. Ht.: 8’. Grow in average, well-drained soil in full sun. Use in the border garden, mass planting, specimen, cut flower and for erosion control. Zone 3.

Powder-blue foliage. Probably one of the best wide-leaved blues. Soft, pastel-pink seed heads. Ht.: 5-6’. Grow in average, well-drained soil in full sun. Use in the border garden, mass planting, specimen, cut flower and for erosion control. Zone 3.

Features mature seedheads of dark burgundy with clump-forming, upright habit; metallic powder blue foliage turning yellow in the fall; airy sprays of strong pink flowers in Aug.- Sept. Ht.: 5-6’. Spread: 24-36”. Grow in rich, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Use in the prairie garden, border garden, mass planting, specimen, cutflower-fresh or dried. Late to emerge. Zone 3.

Great vertical form. Features mature seedheads of tawny gold with clump-forming, upright habit; blue- green foliage turning yellow in fall; airy sprays of pinkish-red flowers in July-Aug. Ht.: 48-72”. Spread: 24-30”. Grow in rich, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Use in the prairie garden, border garden, mass planting, specimen, cutflower-fresh or dried. Late to emerge. Zone 2.

Features mature seed heads of silver with clump-forming, stiffly upright habit; green, red- tipped foliage turns bright rust in fall; airy sprays of reddish flowers in Aug-Sept. Ht.: 4-6’. Spread 24-36”. Grow in rich, well-drained soil in full sun to part sun. Use in the prairie, border, mass planting, specimen or cutflower. Late to emerge in spring. Zone 4.

Features mature seed heads of silver with clump-forming, stiffly upright habit; dark green foliage turns wine-red by early summer; airy sprays of rosy flowers in July-Aug. Ht.: 4’. Spread 24-36”. Grow in rich, well-drained soil in full sun to part sun. Use in the prairie, border, mass planting, specimen or cutflower. Late to emerge in spring. Zone 4.

Features mature seed heads of silver with clump-forming, stiffly upright habit; dark green foliage with reddish tones turning burgundy in the fall; airy sprays of pinkish flowers in July- Aug. Ht.: 48-70”. Spread: 24-36”. Grow in rich, well-drained soil in full sun to part sun. Use in the prairie, border, mass planting, specimen or cutflower. Late to emerge in spring. Zone 4.

Sundays, June-August, 1:30 and 3:00

Get an insider’s view of Olbrich’s outdoor gardens during a free guided garden stroll. All ages are welcome for this casual overview of the Gardens. Guided garden strolls will vary somewhat according to the season to reflect the garden areas that are at peak interest.

Strolls start and end in the lobby near the Garden entrance and are about 45 to 60 minutes in length. No registration is required; strolls are drop-in only. Strolls are held rain or shine and will be cancelled only in the event of dangerous lightning.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

608/246-4550 or www.olbrich.org for details.

Sunday, June 5, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Walk

Learn about the land, plants, animals, fungi, phenology, and ecology. Geared for adults, these longer walks may cover some sloping terrain. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come seasonally 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

Saturday, June 11, 8:30 pm – 11:00 pm

Walk

Let your eyes adjust to the moonlight, listen to the night sounds, and experience the darkness on this naturalist-led walk. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come seasonally prepared for weather and insects. Walks take place rain or shine, except in unsafe weather. Free, no registration required. Meet outside the Visitor Center.

University of WI Arboretum

1207 Seminole Hwy.

Madison, WI 53711

608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu

Sunday, June 12, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Walk

Learn about the land, plants, animals, fungi, phenology, and ecology. Geared for adults, these longer walks may cover some sloping terrain. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come seasonally prepared for weather and insects. Walks take place rain or shine, except in unsafe weather. Free, no registration required. Meet at Grady Tract parking lot, southeast corner of Seminole Hwy. and W. Beltline Frontage Rd.

University of WI Arboretum

1207 Seminole Hwy.

Madison, WI 53711

608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu

Add a little bit of musical enjoyment to your Sunday afternoons this summer with Summer Sundays: Concerts in the Garden. The concerts will be held alternating Sunday afternoons starting June 12 and ending August 21, from 5-6:15 p.m.

This event is free and open to the public. Brought to you by the Friends of Allen Centennial Garden.

Tom Waselchuk Winter Trio

A brand new project from the intrepid Waselchuk, all jazz swing.

Tom Waselchuk, guitar & vocals | Jon Vriesacker, violin & vocals | Matt Rodgers, bass & vocals

JHS&M Quartet

Carefully honed, tight new arrangements of modern jazz & classic pop.

Paul Muench, piano | Vince Jesse, guitar | John Schaffer, bass | Jim Huwe, drums

Gaines & Wagoner

Acoustic jazz that swings hard—a high-wire act of improv chemistry.

Mary Gaines: cello, guitar, vocals | Chris Wagoner: violin, mandolin, lapsteel, ukulele, vocals | Erik Radloff, drums

Mark Davis Trio

Milwaukee’s premier jazz trio—sophisticated and classic.

Mark Davis, piano | Jeff Hamann, bass | Dave Bayles, drums

John Christensen Quartet

A lively set of choice standards, mainstream jazz, and poignant originals.

Johannes Wallmann, piano | Dave Miller, guitar | John Chistensen, bass | Andrew Green, drums

Ryan Meisel Quartet

Modern and orginal jazz steeped in the history of swing, bop, and avant-garde.

Ryan Meisel, sax | Doug Brown, guitar | Dave Dinauer, bass | Adam Katz, drums

Allen Centennial Gardens

620 Babcock Dr. on the University of WI campus, Madison

608/576-2501 or allencentennialgarden.org for details.

Enjoy an evening concert in one of Madison’s most delightful outdoor venues!

Concert attendees should bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. Carry in picnics and beverages are allowed.

Concerts are FREE to the public; a $5 suggested donation is appreciated.

No tickets required. Please carry out all trash.

Olbrich Concerts in the Gardens 2022 Schedule:

(All concerts are on Tuesdays at 7 p.m.)

Madison Chamber Choir—Founded in 1991 and based in Madison, WI, is a non-profit auditioned ensemble comprised of music educators, music students and skilled amateurs.

Something To Do—A long-running ska rock band from Milwaukee, WI.

Supa Friends—A hip-hop group founded in Madison, WI, in 2017 by five emcees; Soup The Fifth The Master Plan, Al D, SooDoNiM, Tyrel the Well Treated, Maruchan Chef; and Hardface the Pilot, the group’s in-house producer.

The Funkee JBeez—A music ensemble based out of Madison that is led by Grammy nominated drummer and 5 time Madison Area Music Association drummer of the year Joey B. Banks.

Cris Plata and The Extra Hot—Fuses a multitude of musical experiences with original storytelling for a truly unique sound.

The Kissers—Brings a fresh, original kick to Celtic music.

Combo Noir—Draws from varied, eclectic, and soulful repertoires.

Opera at the Gardens—Fresco Opera is back! Stroll through the Gardens and take in roaming performances of several operatic scenes performed in a variety of garden areas. A magical experience for all your senses!

TBD

TBD

Members enjoy exclusive access to this bonus summer concert held during Member Appreciation Week. Join today and receive this great member benefit!

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

3330 Atwood Ave., Madison

608/246-4550 or www.olbrich.org for details.

Wednesday, June 15, 7:00 pm

Garden Tour

Celebrate late spring by visiting woodland, savanna, and prairie gardens. This tour, led by garden curator Susan Carpenter, provides an overview of the Wisconsin Native Plant Garden. 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

Wednesday, June 15, 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Rotary Botanical Gardens, 1455 Palmer Dr., Janesville, WI

Rotary Botanical Gardens Director of Horticulture, Michael Jesiolowski will provide a behind-the-scenes look at what’s blooming this month and answer any questions you may have.

What’s in Bloom? Tours take place on the 3rd Wednesday of the month (April- August) and the 4th Wednesday of September. The tours are free for RBG members, or $10 for non-members.

To register, please call 608.752.3885. or sign up in person on the day of the tour.

Rotary Botanical Gardens

1455 Palmer Dr., Janesville, WI

608/752-3885 or www.rotarybotanicalgardens.org/

Friday, June 17 and Saturday, June 18, 4:00-9:00

A feel-good summer tradition! Come enjoy simple pleasures with the ones you love!

Join in the fun – grab a refreshing beverage and take a relaxing stroll in the Gardens with your sweetheart, create in community workshops, play a friendly game of bocce ball or cornhole with your pals, or start a dance party in the Thai Garden. Whether you’re 2 or 102, there’s something for everyone at this new summer program.

Unwind with friends or family, feel that cool Lake Monona breeze in your hair, stop to smell the roses, or become a flamingo ring toss champ, all while supporting your free public garden!

Admission at the door; no pre-sale tickets. Additional cost for food and beverages; no carry-ins.

General Admission – $15

Olbrich Members – $10

Child (Ages 6-12) – $5

5 & Under – FREE

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

3330 Atwood Ave., Madison

608/246-4550 or www.olbrich.org for details.

Sunday, June 19, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Walk

Learn about the land, plants, animals, fungi, phenology, and ecology. Geared for adults, these longer walks may cover some sloping terrain. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come seasonally 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

Wednesday, June 22, 7:00 p.m.

Garden Tour

Join Susan Carpenter, Wisconsin Native Plant Garden curator, to find, compare, and learn about flowers on native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants. 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

Wednesday, June 22, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Pollinator Gardens provide food and shelter for pollinators while providing reproductive benefits to flowering plants.

This program, presented by Ann Pedder Reilly, will discuss pollinator birds and insects you are likely to see and the plants that will attract them from spring through fall. We will explore the fit between pollinators and plants and will walk through the gardens to observe their interactions.

This program includes educational materials for creating your personal pollinator garden and features Ann’s photography.

Note: Between 40 minutes and 1 hour of this program will be spent walking the Gardens. Please dress or bring clothes and footwear suitable for some time outdoors.

Cost & registration details:

The cost to attend is $10 for Rotary Botanical Gardens members, or $17 for non-members. Deadline for this Botanic Talk is June 20.

To register, please complete this form (https://rotarybotanicalgardens.org/wp-content/uploads/Pollinator-Gardens-registration-form.pdf) and submit with your payment.

ALL areas of the registration form must be complete. Please complete a separate form for each registrant.

-In person: at our Garden Gift Gallery (check, cash, or credit card)

-By mail: send completed form with your check made out to Rotary Botanical Gardens to Attn: Education Coordinator, 1455 Palmer Drive, Janesville, WI 53545.

NOTE: Registration and payment must be received prior to the deadline in order to be enrolled in the class.

-By phone: please call (608) 752-3885 to register over the phone with a credit card.

Cancellations & refunds:

Classes cancelled due to low enrollment will be refunded automatically, and you will be notified by phone or email of the cancellation.

Please call (608) 314-8415 or email delaney.sherwood@rotarygardens.org with any questions concerning this program.

Rotary Botanical Gardens

1455 Palmer Drive

Janesville, WI  53545

608/752-3885 or www.rotarybotanicalgardens.org/ for details.

Sunday, June 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 at the Visitor Center.

University of WI Arboretum

1207 Seminole Hwy.

Madison, WI 53711

608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu

Friday, July 1, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm

Class

Mary Oliver has given us hundreds of poems featuring ponds, pines, and birds, all of which we can find at the Arboretum. We’ll read Mary Oliver poetry as inspiration and find our own topics to write about from the trail. Instructor: Troy Hess, volunteer team leader. Outdoor class, come dressed for weather. Class takes place rain or shine, except in unsafe weather. Make-up date: July 8. Fee: $20. Register by June 27 @ https://arboretum.wisc.edu/classes/ponds-pines-and-birds-finding-mary-oliver-2/ . Meet at the Visitor Center.

University of WI Arboretum

1207 Seminole Hwy.

Madison, WI 53711

608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu

Sunday, July 3, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Walk

Learn about the land, plants, animals, fungi, phenology, and ecology. Geared for adults, these longer walks may cover some sloping terrain. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come seasonally 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

Saturdays, April 16 thru November 12, 6:15-1:45

On the Capitol Square

Wednesdays, April 20 thru November 2, 8:30-1:45

In the 200 block of Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.

For details visit www.dcfm.org

Sundays, May 8 through October 23, 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

JUNE IN THE GARDEN-–A checklist of things to do this month.

___By early June, finish planting all annuals and vegetables.

___By early June, move all houseplants out that spend the summer outdoors.

___In early June give all beds a thorough weeding for easier follow-up.

___June is a great month to plant perennials, trees and shrubs.

___Prune evergreens.

___Prune hard any spring flowering shrubs like forsythia, quince, etc.

___Mulch beds to conserve moisture and keep down weeds.

___Begin deadheading spent blooms as needed.

___Remove yellowed foliage of spring tulips, daffodils, etc.

___Begin staking and supporting tall plants as needed.

___Begin your fertilizing regimen.  Regular fertilizing makes for healthy plants.

___Order spring bulbs from catalogs while your memory is still fresh.

___Keep and eye on the weather.  Water as needed.

___Watch for pests and control as needed or desired.

___Begin seeding cole crops for fall harvest. Also sow pansies and wallflowers.

___Pinch hardy mums until July 4 for bushier less floppy plants.

___Visit Klein’s—Watch for end of season savings on annuals and perennials.

Some of our very favorite seed and plant sources include:

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

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

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.

—The back greenhouses are nearly empty of product.  We’ve had another successful season.  This is the time to plan for next spring–while our memories are still fresh:  How can we improve in 2023? Which plants did we run out of too early? How was staffing?

—Watering is a nonstop endeavor.  On hot, windy days, we no sooner finish the first round, when we have to start all over again.  Some plants in our retail areas may need watering 3 or 4 times in a single day!  You wouldn’t do this at home, but customers don’t like to see wilted plants.  It’s not harmful for us to let them wilt a bit, but it makes for bad presentation.

—We continue to plant some annuals, hanging baskets and containers for summer sales.

—Fall mums and asters are stepped up into larger tubs and containers for fall sales.

—We begin prepping some of the back greenhouses for the arrival of poinsettia plugs in just a few weeks.

—Our employees breathe a sigh of relief and spend some much needed downtime with family and friends.

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.

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.

Follow Klein’s on Facebook where we post updates and photos on a regular basis.

Join Klein’s on Twitter where we post company updates and photos on a regular basis.

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.

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/recycling/plastic.cfm

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

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)

also http://www.mailordergardening.com/

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

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

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