‘THE SAGE’-Klein’s Online Newsletter—FEBRUARY 2023
Klein’s Floral & Greenhouses
3758 E. Washington Ave.
Madison, WI 53704
608/244-5661 or info@kleinsfloral.com
THIS MONTH’S HIGHLIGHTS:
Our ‘Mad Gardener‘ and ‘Houseplant Help‘ Are Ready for Your Questions
Ever Thought about Working @ a Garden Center?
It’s Time To Nominate Klein’s As Your ‘Best of Madison’
Pre-Valentine’s Day Greetings from Klein’s Floral Department
Best Protein Sources for a Vegan Diet
About Klein’s Free Houseplant Potting Service
Klein’s Favorite Seed, Bulb & Plant Sources
You Asked about a Sad Meyer Lemon Tree
Plant of the Month: Lucky Bamboo
Klein’s Favorite Avocado Recipes
Product Spotlight: Organic Soils & Amendments from Coast of Maine®
Notes from Rick’s Garden Journal—From January 2023
—2023 Plants of the Year Awards
—About Pine Siskins
—A Seed Starting Primer from Select Seeds
February in the Garden: A Planner
Gardening Events Around Town
Join Us on Twitter
Follow Us on Facebook
EVER THOUGHT ABOUT WORKING AT A GARDEN CENTER?
Perhaps now’s the time to explore the possibility.
February is the perfect time to fill out an application online @ kleinsfloral.com/employment/. By early March we try to have most of our hiring in place for the upcoming spring.
We’re always in need of temporary, part-time counter help in the spring and greenhouse production swings into gear during March. If you’re interested, ask for Sue about retail positions or Michael for the greenhouse. Benefits include flexible hours, a generous discount on all purchases and a stimulating and fun work environment. Join our team and experience first hand how we make the magic happen.
FEBRUARY IS THE TIME TO NOMINATE KLEIN’S AS YOUR ‘BEST OF MADISON’
For the past 40 years, Madison Magazine has hosted the annual Best of Madison readers’ poll. This list has helped determine the best of the best in the Madison area for decades. Walking into many local businesses you’ll see covers of the magazine decorating the walls signifying their designation as one of the area’s best.
Nominating takes place throughout February and can be done daily! Final voting is in June with winners revealed in the October issue of Madison Magazine.
Beginning February 1, please check out Best of Madison 2023 for details and to nominate Klein’s in the Florist, Gift Shop and Lawn, Garden & Landscape categories.
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 houseplanthelp@kleinsfloral.com 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.
FEBRUARY STORE HOURS:
Monday thru Friday : 9:00-6:00
Saturday: 9:00-5:00
Sunday: 10:00-4:00
CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
February 2–Ground Hog Day
February 4–Barre District Madison Yoga @ Klein’s, 8:00-9:00. Visit our website or Facebook Page for details.
February 5–Full Moon
February 10-12—PBS Wisconsin’s Garden and Landscape Expo at the Alliant Energy Center. One, Two and Three Day Tickets are now available at Klein’s. Details available at www.wigardenexpo.com.
February 12–Super Bowl Sunday
February 14–Valentine’s Day. Order early for guaranteed delivery. We deliver throughout Madison and most of Dane County.
February 20–Presidents’ Day
February 21–Mardi Gras
February 22–Ash Wednesday
‘THE FLOWER SHOPPE’:
Pre-Valentine’s Day Greetings from Klein’s Floral Department!
Our amazing team of talented designers, Sarah, Andrea, Sue, Bonnie and Darcy, hopes this finds you safe and healthy.
It’s hard to believe that Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Our planning for this big floral day began two months ago, and believe it or not, we’ve had our flowers ordered since mid-December.
Our floral department is comprised of a team of talented and creative designers that are here to fashion something beautiful for that special someone in your life. Nothing says “I love you” more than a spectacular, fresh, and custom designed floral bouquet. You can choose from arrangements on our website @ kleinsfloral.com (choose the floral tab), or let our designers create a one-of-a-kind bouquet for your Valentine. We love doing bouquets that are tailored to your special someone. When placing an order, your designer is going to ask you for some helpful hints, such as a favorite color or favorite flower that your Valentine might enjoy. It’s time to do a little sleuthing before the big day!
Here are some important tips that will ensure that your Valentine is well taken care of:
1. ORDER EARLY! As always, ordering early ensures timely delivery. As said above, our floral orders were placed with wholesalers in mid-December and even though we will be able to purchase additional product, we may be limited in regards to what is available. Please be open to substitutions and aware that we might run out of a particular vase or container. We will reach a point when we cannot take any more delivery orders. Pick-up is always an available option for you.
2. DELIVERY: We continue to deliver within our normal delivery areas (kleinsfloral.com/delivery-information/ ). WE WILL NOT GUARANTEE SPECIFIC DELIVERY TIMES FOR VALENTINE’S DAY ORDERS. We will try our best to accommodate an a.m. or p.m. specified delivery. We WILL require a phone number for not only you, but for the recipient as well. Due to the cold, floral orders currently cannot be left outside. Our delivery day ends about 4:00.
3. SHOP HOURS: We will be open on Saturday 9-5, Sunday 10-4 and Monday and Tuesday 9-6, February 11-14. Designers will be available to help you select something from our cooler. It will be stocked with beautiful arrangements and “grab and go” bouquets!! We will also have a large selection of blooming plants, mylar balloons, teddy bears and wonderful scented soaps and lotions that you can add to your floral order.
On our website @ kleinsfloral.com, we will be offering several Klein’s custom designed bouquets for easy selection.
We look forward to assisting you with your Valentine’s Day order!! Thank you for being a Klein’s customer. We appreciate your continued business and remember to order early!
❤️Sarah, Andrea, Sue, Bonnie and Darcy❤️
YOU ASKED. . .
I have a Meyer lemon tree that spent part of the summer outdoors. I brought it back in before a hard frost, but as soon as it got really cold outside, it started losing all of its leaves. Stems on it that are still green, but I’m not sure how to help bring it back to a healthy condition. Any suggestions would be welcome. Kim
Hi Kim,
That is happening to your lemon tree is completely normal. Citrus trees almost always lose nearly all, if not all of their leaves, once they’re brought indoors for the winter. Light levels in the home in winter are way too low for many, many plants that spent their summer outdoors for them to maintain their foliage. Plants need to acclimate and adjust in their new environment. Ficus, hibiscus and citrus are among the worst for drastic leaf loss.
You should notice fresh new growth once the days lengthen substantially by early March. Make sure your citrus is in a very sunny south or west window… the warmer the temperatures, the quicker the recovery. Do not fertilize until that time. Fertilizing during the winter is counter-productive. Klein’s sells a citrus specific fertilizer that should be applied per package instructions from March through October. In addition, citrus like to be deeply watered when dry to the touch…not just surface watered.
I hope this was of some help!!
Klein’s Houseplant Help
Thanks for your question,
DID YOU KNOW. . .
. . . that if you buy both a plant and its new pot at Klein’s, we will pot it up for free and on the spot?…
…time and staff permitting. That means no mess or hassle at home. Let Klein’s staff make it easy for you.
Klein’s has an amazing assortment of houseplants ranging from the smallest plants for terrariums and dish gardens, to tropical trees, to succulents and cactus and a huge assortment of air plants. Our knowledgeable staff will help select the perfect plant for any location and occasion, offering care tips and sound advice.
Obviously, if we are overly busy (i.e. during the Valentine’s or spring rush) or understaffed, we may ask that you pick up your newly potted plants at a later convenient time.
Similarly, if your current houseplants have outgrown their pots, take advantage of Klein’s repotting services. Our repotting fees for existing plants are based on pot size and include soil and labor.
***Please note that this service is only available with houseplant purchases and not for seasonal bedding plant and tropical patio plant purchases where normal potting charges apply.
NOTES FROM MY GARDEN JOURNAL–Tips and Observations from My Own Garden by Rick Halbach
ENTRY: JANUARY 3, 2023 (2023 Plants of the Year Awards)
Near the end of each year, nearly every garden plant society or organization announces their plants of the year for the following growing season. I thought it might be kind of fun to share with you some of 2023’s Plants of the Year awards.
2023 Annual of the Year: Celosia determined by the National Garden Bureau. Celosia has been growing in North America since the 1700s and is native to tropical America and Africa. Celosia is comprised of 45 different species in the Amaranth family. Here in the U.S., we know it as an annual, however, it is a tender perennial in zones 10 to 12. Not only have these plants been grown for their beauty in the garden, but they are also used for food in many places around the world. Celosia argentea, also known as Lagos Spinach, is used for its highly nutritious green foliage and young shoots. It is often steamed or used in soups or stews in Indonesian, Indian and African dishes.
2023 Edible Plant of the Year: Broccoli determined by the National Garden Bureau. Broccoli hails from the Mediterranean region and has been enjoyed there since Roman times. Other European regions eventually caught on and broccoli was popularized in France as “Italian Asparagus” in about 1650. The English adopted it about 70 years later. Broccoli is SO good for you! It is high in antioxidants, amino acids, folate, and vitamin C. This edible is also an immunity booster thanks to its zinc and vitamin content.
2023 Herb of the Year: Ginger determined by the International Herb Association. Ginger, the “root” or the rhizome, of the plant Zingiber officinale, has been a popular spice and herbal medicine for thousands of years. It has a long history of use in Asian, Indian, and Arabic herbal traditions. In China, for example, ginger has been used to help digestion and treat stomach upset, diarrhea, and nausea for more than 2,000 years. Ginger has also been used to help treat arthritis, colic, diarrhea, and heart conditions.
It has been used to help treat the common cold, flu-like symptoms, headaches, and painful menstrual periods. Ginger is native to Asia where it has been used as a cooking spice for at least 4,400 years.
2023 Hosta of the Year: ‘Neptune’ determined by the American Hosta Growers Association. This unique blue hosta is popular among hosta collectors and makes a nice specimen in the home garden. In spring, the narrow wedge-shaped leaves are bright glaucous blue and they hold their color well. As the season progresses they turn more blue-green. The heavily rippled leaves are of good substance, displaying some slug resistance. This hosta has a lovely cascading form that is displayed to best effect when planted on a ledge or in a container. Lavender flowers are produced on arching scapes in late summer to early fall.
2023 Perennial Plant of the Year: Rudbeckia ‘American Gold Rush’ determined by the Perennial Plant Association. At the height of summer, ‘American Gold Rush’ black-eyed Susan turns up the volume for a long season of dazzling color right up to autumnal frosts. The bright golden-yellow flowers feature arching rays and a reddish halo surrounding dark chocolate cones. Three-inch flowers blanket the compact plant, only 22-27 inches tall with a broader width to 40 inches if given room to grow.
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ENTRY: JANUARY 27, 2023 (About Pine Siskins)
For the first time in at least a decade or more I spotted pine siskins on my finch feeders. Occurrences this far south can be sporadic and are usually based on winter food supply and temperatures in the far north.
About Pine Siskins
Flocks of tiny Pine Siskins may monopolize your thistle feeder one winter and be absent the next. This nomadic finch ranges widely and erratically across the continent each winter in response to seed crops. Better suited to clinging to branch tips than to hopping along the ground, these brown-streaked acrobats flash yellow wing markings as they flutter while feeding or as they explode into flight. Flocks are gregarious, and you may hear their insistent wheezy twitters before you see them.
Pine Siskins flock to thistle or nyjer feeders and other small seeds such as millet or hulled sunflower seeds. They may hang around whole sunflower seed feeders if heavier-billed birds are messy eaters and drop seed bits. If your yard has plants or weeds with hardy seed heads, such as dandelion, Pine Siskins may feed there as well. They will occasionally eat suet.
Spot Pine Siskins clinging to the ends of conifer branches, even upside down, to feed at cones—or look for an exceptionally streaky, small-billed finch at your feeder. Also, listen for a distinctive, harsh “watch-winding” call (also likened to the sound of slowly tearing a sheet of paper in two) amidst their constant flock twitters. Over much of the continent, Pine Siskins can be abundant one winter and gone the next.
Cool Facts about Pine Siskins:
- Following a large irruptive winter flight, some individuals may stay near a dependable food source and breed far south of the normal breeding range.
- Bird-banding projects are invaluable for tracking migrating birds, even though few bands are ever recovered for small birds like siskins. Nearly 675,000 Pine Siskins were banded between 1960 and 2011; fewer than 2,000 were later found. By contrast, about one-quarter of the nearly 5,000,000 geese banded in the same period were recovered.
- Pine Siskins get through cold nights by ramping up their metabolic rates—typically 40% higher than a “normal” songbird of their size. When temperatures plunge as low as –70°C (–94°F), they can accelerate that rate up to five times normal for several hours. They also put on half again as much winter fat as their Common Redpoll and American Goldfinch relatives.
- Pine Siskins protect their eggs from cold damage, too. The nest is highly insulated, and the female remains on the nest continuously, fed by the male throughout brooding.
- Pine Siskins can temporarily store seeds totaling as much as 10% of their body mass in a part of their esophagus called the crop. The energy in that amount of food could get them through 5–6 nighttime hours of subzero temperatures.
- Every couple of years, Pine Siskins make unpredictable movements called irruptions into southern and eastern North America. Though they’re erratic, these movements may not be entirely random. Banding data suggest that some birds may fly west-east across the continent while others move north-south. Learn more about Pine Siskin movements at Project FeederWatch.
- The oldest recorded Pine Siskin was at least 9 years, 2 months old when it was found in North Carolina in 2016. It had been banded in Minnesota in 2008.
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ENTRY: JANUARY 31, 2023 (A Seed Starting Primer from Select Seeds)
More seeds arrived in the mail today! It’s just weeks away that seed starting begins in earnest. Select Seeds is one of my very favorite seed companies for selection and quality. Some of their hard-to-find antique offerings have been among my garden favorites for decades and I can’t imagine my garden without them.
Select Seeds offers gardeners an extensive and curated collection of high quality flower seeds and plants, specializing in heirloom flowers, fragrant flowers, open-pollinated annuals, bee-friendly flower seeds and plants, flowering vines, and rare annuals and perennials. Family owned and operated since 1987!
Seed Starting Primer from Select Seeds:
What You Need to Start for Indoor Sowing
Media: Soil-less seed germinating mix is formulated with finely milled sphagnum peat, vermiculite or perlite, free of weeds or pathogens. If the mixture is dry, add some warm water and mix in; let it sit for a few hours to absorb the moisture. The mix should be fine textured and lightly moist.
Container: Clean pots are essential, so be sure to wash any reused plastic pots in soapy water that has a splash of bleach in it. Good drainage is essential! Shallow pots with holes in the bottom, such as the common 6-pack, are ideal. When filling, do not pack the growing medium into the pot, as this will decrease space for air, water, and root growth. Instead, tap the sides or bottom of the container to get the mixture to settle. Leave about 1/2″ of space to the top of the container.
Bright Artificial Light: A fixture outfitted with led lights or even two cool fluorescent bulbs is bright enough for growing good stocky seedlings.
How to Sow Your Seeds Indoors
When to Sow: Find your last spring frost date with this easy zip code frost date lookup. Count backwards from that date to find the best sow times for the seeds, organizing them in groups by sow date. Most annual flower seeds need 6-8 weeks, while some need 9-12 weeks indoors.
Spacing: Generally, space the seeds about four seed-widths apart from each other. Tiny seeds: 4–6 seeds per cell in a 6-pack container. Medium to Large seeds: 2–3 seeds per cell in a 6-pack or 4-pack.
Depth: Check each packet for sowing depth. Some seeds may need direct light or darkness to germinate. Seeds that require light to germinate will be indicated on packet as “Surface sow.” This means they should not be covered, just pressed lightly into the media and sprinkled with a dusting of fine vermiculite. A few varieties require darkness and should be covered by a sheet of black construction paper until germination.
Cold Stratification: Some varieties may need a period of cold temperatures to break dormancy. Sow in moistened flats with covers or place the seeds between moistened paper towels in sealed plastic bags and refrigerate. If stratifying indoors, do not allow the seeds to dry out or freeze. Follow the packet instructions for temperature and duration. More info on outdoor winter sowing coming soon!
Water: Water in with a gentle spray or mist and create a humid environment by covering flats with a clear lid or dome.
Temperature: A room temperature of 65–75°F is suitable for most varieties. Check the individual packet for temperature needs. Heat mats with a thermostat can raise the temperature of the soil to the desired level in a colder room.
Growing Healthy Seedlings
Remove the Dome: Seedlings need air circulation to stay healthy.
Temperature: For most varieties, lower the daytime temperatures by 10°F to 55–65°F. Check the packet for specific temperature information.
Place Under Bright Light: After your seeds germinate, keep them very close to the lights (about 2–4″ away) keeping the lights on for 16–18 hours a day. Close attention to watering is needed to be sure that seedlings do not dry out.
Water: Water from the bottom to promote deep rooting and prevent the sudden collapse of your seedlings, called damping off, which is associated with surface dampness. Place containers in a tray of water and allow the medium to soak up moisture; as soon as the top has darkened a bit, remove from the water and allow
excess water to drain. Overhead watering is better tolerated as seedlings grow larger.
Fertilizer: Use half strength fertilizer or organic formulations for seedlings every two weeks as over fertilization can cause weak, leggy plants.
Thin Crowded Seedlings: Thickly sown seeds will need thinning with tweezers as soon as they come up. Leave 2–4 plants per cell, depending on seedling size.
Time to Transplant
Potting Up: Wait until seedlings have at least two true leaves. Transplant to slightly larger, individual containers. Handle seedlings carefully, gently pulling by leaves not stems. Potting up to a container that is too big will result in the excess growing media retaining too much moisture, leading to root rot.
Hardening Off: Once your seedlings have filled in their roomier quarters with a healthy root system, it is time to get ready to plant outdoors. Begin hardening seedlings off on a partly to mostly cloudy day by exposing them to outdoor conditions including sunlight, cooler/warmer temperatures, and wind, for a couple of hours at a time over the course of several days, gradually working up to all day and overnight
Planting Out: Transplant into well-prepared, raked soil on a cloudy day—misty weather is ideal. Firm in lightly and water immediately.
Visit Select Seeds website @ www.selectseeds.com to see their online catalog or to order their free print catalog.
KLEIN’S RECIPES OF THE MONTH—These are a selection of relatively simple recipes chosen by our staff. New recipes appear monthly. Enjoy!!
Avocados are the darling of the produce section. They’re the go-to ingredient for guacamole dips at parties. And they’re also turning up in everything from salads and wraps to smoothies and even brownies.
Avocados offer nearly 20 vitamins and minerals in every serving, including potassium (which helps control blood pressure), lutein (which is good for your eyes), and folate (which is crucial for cell repair and during pregnancy). Avocados are a good source of B vitamins, which help you fight off disease and infection. They also give you vitamins C and E, plus natural plant chemicals that may help prevent cancer.
Avocados are low in sugar. And they contain fiber, which helps you feel full longer. In one study, people who added a fresh avocado half to their lunch were less interested in eating during the next three hours.
Avocados are high in fat. But it’s monounsaturated fat, which is a “good” fat that helps lower bad cholesterol, as long as you eat them in moderation.
The two most widely marketed avocado varieties are the rough-skinned, almost black Hass and the smooth, thin-skinned green Fuerte. The Hass has a smaller pit and a more buttery texture than the Fuerte. An avocado is a fruit and not a vegetable! It is actually a member of the berry family.
Avocados must be used when fully ripe. They do not ripen on the tree and are rarely found ripe in markets. Fresh avocados are almost always shipped in an unripe condition.
To test for ripeness by cradling an avocado gently in your hand. Ripe fruit will yield will be firm, yet will yield to gentle pressure. If pressing leaves a dent, the avocado is very ripe and suitable for mashing. They are best served at room temperature.
To avoid choosing an avocado that is brown inside, check the stem end of the fruit. Look beneath the edge of the brown button left from the stem. If it’s bright green beneath, that avocado is a pretty green inside. If it’s brown, don’t buy it.
Wash your avocados first. Even though you will not use the skin, when you cut through the skin with a knife germs and bacteria can transfer onto the knife which can go through to the meat of the fruit and contaminate it.
When the avocado is cut, the flesh turns brown because of oxidation. You can counteract the brown by adding an acidic substance, such as lemon, lime juice, vinegar, or tomatoes.
Avocados can be frozen and are best frozen as purée. You can freeze mashed fresh, ripe avocados if you want to have an “emergency supply” of avocados on hand for guacamole. To freeze, mash the avocados with a fork or your blender. Add some lime or lemon juice and mix well (this will prevent the flesh of the avocado from turning brown. For every avocado you need about 1 tablespoon of lime or lemon juice.
Sources: whatscookingamerica.net and www.webmd.com
GUACAMOLE DIP—This twist on America’s favorite dip comes from the classic Joy of Cooking and remains a family favorite.
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
2 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. minced garlic
1 tsp. finely minced chile peppers
1/2 cup olive oil
2 ripe avocados, peeled and finely diced
1 medium tomato, finely diced
salt & pepper to taste
In a medium bowl, whisk together the juice, cilantro or parsley, cumin, garlic and chile peppers. In a slow and steady stream and whisking constantly, add the olive oil. Continue whisking until smooth. Stir in the avocados and tomato and season to taste. Serve with chips. Makes 2 cups.
SHRIMP AND AVOCADO WITH WASABI—This fantastic, unique and simple recipe comes from the Around the World Cookbook. Delicious as a light appetizer or a side salad.
4 avocados, peeled and cut into 3/4″ cubes
1 lb. cooked jumbo shrimp cut into 1″ pieces
8 tsp. soy sauce
4 TBS. rice vinegar
4 tsp. wasabi paste
In a In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, vinegar and wasabi paste. Add the avocados and and shrimp. Toss together all ingredients and serve promptly. Serves 8.
AVOCADO, MANGO AND CASHEW SALAD—a super-simple and delicious side salad from Vegan Eats World by Terry Hope Romero.
2 TBS. lime juice
1 TBS. brown sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
a large pinch of pepper (preferably white pepper)
1 ripe avocado cut into 1″ cubes
1 ripe mango, diced
1 medium red onion, diced
1 cup snipped cilantro
1 TBS. snipped fresh mint
1 small chile pepper, minced
1/4 cup toasted cashews
In a large bowl, whisk together the juice, sugar, salt and pepper. Add the avocado and toss. Add the mango, onion, cilantro, mint, chile and cashews and toss gently. Serve immediately. Serves 2-3.
BEET AND AVOCADO SALAD—A refreshing, colorful and unique salad from Cooking the Whole Foods Way by Christina Pirello.
7 or 8 medium beets
1 1/3 cups olive oil
juice of two lemons
sea salt
pepper
2 firm, ripe avocados, cubed
2 small fennel bulbs, thinly sliced
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
2 cups baby arugula
Preheat the oven to 400º. Wet a large sheet of parchment paper and wring out the water. Lay out a large sheet of heavy duty foil on a work space. Place the wet parchment paper on top to the foil. Lay the beets on the paper and wrap the foil and parchment paper around the beets. For ease, this can be done as two packets if desired. Bake 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until tender. Cool a bit before opening the pouch(es). Slip the skins off the beets and cut into 1″ cubes. In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, juice, salt and pepper. Transfer 4 TBS. of the mix to a small bowl and stir in the avocado. Toss the beets, fennel, onion and arugula together with the dressing in the large bowl. Arrange the beet mixture on a large platter and mound with the avocado mixture. Serves 6-8.
EDAMAME AVOCADO DIP—This recipe appeared in Better Homes & Gardens magazine in October 2010.
1x 12 oz. package frozen shelled edamame, thawed
1 medium ripe avocado, cubed
1/4 cup chopped onion
3 TBS. fresh lemon juice
2 TBS. jarred pesto
3/4 tsp. coarse salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
pita or tortilla chips for serving
Process all dip ingredients in a food processor until almost smooth. Scrape into a bowl, cover tightly and chill. Serve with chips. Makes 2 1/2 cups.
AVOCADO JICAMA DIP—This recipe appeared in Martha Stewart’s Everyday Food.
1 medium jicama, peeled and diced small (about 2 cups)
3 ripe, firm avocados, diced small
4 green onions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
salt and pepper to taste
tortilla chips fro serving
Combine all ingredients and serve with chips. Makes 4 cups.
NATURAL NEWS–
The 20 Highest Protein Vegan Foods
By Stephanie Eckelkamp
Maybe you’re jumping on the vegan bandwagon, trying to lighten your carbon footprint, or simply scaling back on meat because you’re sketched out by the factory-farmed stuff. Whatever your reason, relying less on animal products can be a great first step in upping your intake of nutrient-rich whole foods and crowding out overly processed crap. But how are you going to get enough protein? Don’t sweat it—we did the math for you. Here, we’ve ranked 20 of the highest-protein veggies, legumes, and minimally processed meat alternatives, like tempeh, for your convenience.
1) Edamame
Protein: 18 g per 1-cup serving (cooked)
Talk about healthiest appetizer ever—just a cup’s worth of edamame (or cooked soybeans) packs a huge protein punch. Be sure to pick an organic variety, though, as most soybeans in the US are genetically modified and heavily treated with pesticides.
2) Tempeh
Protein: 16 g per 3 oz serving
Tempeh is made by fermenting cooked soybeans and shaping it into a dense cake that can be sliced and pan-fried like tofu. It’s nutty, chewy, and packs significantly more protein and fiber than tofu—and because it’s fermented, it’s easier to digest for some.
3) Tofu
Protein: 8 to 15 g per 3 oz serving
Ah, tofu, the classic vegetarian blank slate made from curdled soymilk that’s wonderful pan-fried, sautéed in a stir-fry, and even scrambled. Though it’s not quite as protein-packed as tempeh, its taste may be more tolerable. Opt for organic varieties to avoid genetically modified soy and funky pesticides.
4) Lentils
Protein: 9 g per ½-cup serving
Low-cal, high-fiber, and high-protein lentils can be morphed into a nutrient-dense side dish, veggie burger, or even whipped into a hummus-like dip. Bonus: They’ve been shown to lower cholesterol and reduce risk of heart disease.
5) Black Beans
Protein: 7.6 g per ½-cup serving (cooked)
Black beans are also packed with heart-healthy fiber, potassium, folate,vitamin B6, and a range of phytonutrients.
6) Lima Beans
Protein: 7.3 g per ½-cup serving (cooked)
What, you haven’t had these since you were 10? Well, good news: In addition to filling protein, lima beans contain the amino acid leucine, which may play a big role in healthy muscle synthesis among older adults.
7) Peanuts or Peanut Butter
Protein: 7 g per ¼-cup serving (or 2 Tbsp peanut butter)
Not only are peanuts and peanut butter great for munching and whipping up classic childhood comfort food, they’re also super versatile—really, you can even use them in a pizza! They’ve also been shown to help you eat less at lunch if you consume them at breakfast—aka the second-meal effect.
8) Wild Rice
Protein: 6.5 g per 1-cup serving (cooked)
Move over, quinoa. Wild rice is the protein-rich grain you should be gravitating toward. With a nutty taste and slightly chewy texture, it’s way more satisfying, too.
9) Chickpeas
Protein: 6 g per ½-cup serving
Permission to eat all the hummus—well, maybe not all of it, but chickpeas’ combo of protein and fiber make for one healthy dip.
10) Almonds
Protein: 6 g per ¼-cup serving
Along with protein, almonds deliver some serious vitamin E, which is great for the health of your skin and hair. They also provide 61% of your daily recommended intake of magnesium, which can help curb sugar cravings, soothe PMS-related cramps, boost bone health, and ease muscle soreness and spasms.
11) Chia Seeds
Protein: 6 g per 2 Tbsp
Chia packs a ton of protein in those pint-sized seeds, which are also a great source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of plant-based omega-3fatty acid. Bonus: Omega-3s help stimulate the satiety hormone leptin, which signals your body to burn these fats instead of storing them.
12) Steel-Cut Oatmeal
Protein: 5 g in ¼-cup serving (dry)
Steel-cut oats aren’t just a solid source of protein; they also have a lower glycemic index than rolled oats. This means they don’t spike blood sugar as much, so you’re likely to be more satisfied and experience fewer cravings after eating them.
13) Cashews
Protein: 5 g per ¼-cup serving
In addition to a decent protein punch, cashews contain 20% of the recommended intake of magnesium, along with 12% of the recommended intake of vitamin K—two essential bone-building nutrients.
14) Pumpkin Seeds
Protein: 5 g per ¼-cup serving
Pumpkin seeds aren’t just a super convenient way to get a dose of satiating protein, they’re total nutrient powerhouses, packing about half the recommended daily intake of magnesium, along with immune-boosting zinc, plant-based omega-3s, and tryptophan—which can help ease you into a restful slumber.
15) Potatoes
Protein: 4 g in 1 medium white potato
Another stealth source of protein! Despite having a reputation for being pretty much devoid of all nutrition, a medium-sized spud actually contains 4 g of protein, along with about 20% of the recommended daily intake of heart-healthy potassium.
16) Spinach
Protein: 3 g per ½-cup serving (cooked)
Sure, 3 g may not sound like a lot, but for a green veggie it is. Still, don’t just make a salad and call it a day. Cooking this green is the secret to upping its protein content.
17) Sweet Corn
Protein: 2.5 g per ½-cup serving
Like potatoes, corn often gets put into the “plants with no redeeming qualities” category, but paired with protein-rich veggies and legumes, it can nicely round out a protein-packed plant-based dish. Pick organic or non-GMO fresh or frozen varieties, though, as most conventional corn has been genetically modified.
18) Avocado
Protein: 2 g per ½ avocado
This fruit is creamy, dreamy, and super filling, thanks to its bend of monounsaturated fatty acids and a bit of protein.
19) Broccoli
Protein: 2 g per ½-cup serving (cooked)
Broccoli’s not only an awesome source of fiber, its protein content is surprising, too (for a veggie anyway). And you can’t go wrong with a vegetable that’s been proven to deliver cancer-fighting compounds like sulforaphane.
20) Brussels Sprouts
Protein: 2 g per ½-cup serving
These little green guys get a bad rap in the taste department—especially the frozen variety—but they’re actually nutritional superstars. In addition to protein, brussels sprouts pack hefty doses of potassium and vitamin K.
Source: www.rodalesorganiclife.com
FEBRUARY’S PLANT OF THE MONTH:
‘LUCKY BAMBOO’ (Dracaena sanderiana)
Lucky Bamboo Meaning
You see lucky bamboo everywhere these days. These cute little arrangements in their exotic containers are stalks of Dracaena sanderiana, a plant native to the equatorial West African region. They are not bamboo.
So, why is it called the “lucky bamboo”? Most likely, because cuttings of the Dracaena look like the bamboo and the Chinese have for centuries associated the bamboo with good fortune, fortitude, and resilience.
The lucky bamboo arrangement is a perfect coming together of the five essential elements of Feng Shui – earth, wood, water, metal, and fire. The rocks or pebbles in the plant container symbolize earth. The vertical stalks symbolize wood. The bamboo stalks are generally placed in water. Metal is found as small ornaments or coins in the container. And fire is any color of red, pink, burgundy, or maroon that can be added.
Place this lucky bamboo arrangement in any spot in your house or office to enhance the good energy, to revitalize the bad, and to bring growth into your life. So, the Feng Shui enthusiasts believe.
You can also customize your lucky bamboo arrangement to bring different kinds of luck to your life.
–Two stalks symbolize love.
–Three stalks symbolize happiness – Fu (happiness), Lu (wealth), and Soh (longevity).
–Five stalks symbolize wealth.
–Seven stalks also symbolize wealth and happiness.
–Eight brings growth.
–Nine symbolizes general good fortune.
–Ten represents completion and perfection.
–21 brings abundant blessings.
Growing Lucky Bamboo
By Willi Evans Galloway
How to Care for Lucky Bamboo
Lucky bamboo charmed its way into the hearts of plant lovers because it requires only basic care to thrive. Just stick the stems in some water, surround them with pebbles for support, and watch them grow. The one complaint about lucky bamboo is that its leaves tend to develop dead, dry, and unattractive tips, or tip burn.
Lucky bamboo charmed its way into the hearts of plant lovers because it requires only basic care to thrive. Just stick the stems in some water, surround them with pebbles for support, and watch them grow. The one complaint about lucky bamboo is that its leaves tend to develop dead, dry, and unattractive tips, or tip burn.
Prevent tip burn by:
1. Limiting the amount of fluoride the plant is exposed to. Many municipalities in the United States add fluoride to tap water to prevent tooth decay. So watering your plants with fluoride-free bottled water may reduce or even eliminate fluoride, chlorine, and salts.
1. Limiting the amount of fluoride the plant is exposed to. Many municipalities in the United States add fluoride to tap water to prevent tooth decay. So watering your plants with fluoride-free bottled water may reduce or even eliminate fluoride, chlorine, and salts.
2. Water with bottled water and give your plant the best possible growing conditions.
3. Place your plant in bright, indirect light and change the water once a week.
4. Fertilize only if the plant begins to yellow, and be sure to use an organic fertilizer, because the salts and high phosphorus concentrations often present in synthetic fertilizers can also cause tip burn.
Additional info:
Lucky bamboo is not really a bamboo; it’s Dracaena sanderiana. “Dracaenas are members of the Lily family, which includes the Easter lily and spider plant,” says Alton Pertuit, Ph.D., professor emeritus at Clemson University, in South Carolina. Tip burn is common problem within this family, for a variety of reasons. “Low humidity can cause tip burn,” Pertuit says. “But in this family, it’s mainly caused by fluoride.” For dracaenas, very small concentrations of fluoride can be phytotoxic, meaning that fluoride kills plant cells. As concentrations of fluoride build up in the tips of dracaena leaves, the plant cells die, leaving brown tips.
Lucky bamboo is not really a bamboo; it’s Dracaena sanderiana. “Dracaenas are members of the Lily family, which includes the Easter lily and spider plant,” says Alton Pertuit, Ph.D., professor emeritus at Clemson University, in South Carolina. Tip burn is common problem within this family, for a variety of reasons. “Low humidity can cause tip burn,” Pertuit says. “But in this family, it’s mainly caused by fluoride.” For dracaenas, very small concentrations of fluoride can be phytotoxic, meaning that fluoride kills plant cells. As concentrations of fluoride build up in the tips of dracaena leaves, the plant cells die, leaving brown tips.
Although watering with fluoride-free water will help, it may not eliminate tip immediately: “Plants can store elements in their cells, so even if you place your dracaena in water free of fluorides, the phytotoxicity might still occur due to fluorides already present within the plant,” Pertuit says.
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.
Orchid Escape @ Olbrich Gardens
Thru February 28, 10:00-4:00 daily
The circus is coming to the tropical Bolz Conservatory this winter!
Come one, come all, and gather Under the Glass Top of Olbrich’s Bolz Conservatory for Orchid Escape. Only in town for a limited engagement, be the first to witness the greatest show of plant diversity on Earth, featuring the fantastic Orchid Family.
Bring a friend and be amazed by the dizzying aerialist feats of phalaenopsis orchids flying overhead. Find orchids of every stripe under the big tent, from delicate Dancing Lady oncidiums to freaky bulbophyllum that reek of carrion. Be prepared to see some of the biggest, weirdest, most beautiful flowers the world has ever seen, straight from Olbrich’s mind-boggling orchid collection.
Step right up to the strongest man in the Midwest lifting unearthly amounts of orchids in baskets that would tip the scales. It’s guaranteed to be more fun than a ride in a hot-air balloon! During dreary February, everyone is just about ready to join the circus — at least for a few spins around the finest glasshouse in town.
Orchids have played a central role at the gardens since the opening of the Bolz Conservatory in 1991, and the permanent collections have grown significantly over the past few decades. To reflect this, the Conservatory team set out to create new programming that would highlight the beauty and variety of this unique plant family. The show will incorporate both new orchids special ordered from vendors as well as specimens from the permanent collections.
Admission:
$8 – General Admission
$5 – Child (ages 6-12)
FREE – Ages 5 & under
FREE – Olbrich members (adult/child)
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave., Madison
608/246-4550 or www.olbrich.org for details.
The Canopy Sessions at Olbrich Gardens
Held on the first Fridays of February, March, and April, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
In the Bolz Conservatory
Start your weekend with a live concert performed in one of Madison’s most unique venues. Explore the tropics, enjoy the warmth, and be entertained by some of the area’s most talented musicians.
$8 – General Admission
$5 – Child (Ages 6-12)
FREE – Ages 5 & under
- Purchase tickets in-advance online @ Order Tickets or at the door.
- Ticket revenue supports local musicians and Olbrich Gardens.
- A limited number of reduced fee tickets are available. To request a fee waiver, please contact Mike Gibson at mgibson2@cityofmadison.com or 608-243-0156
- This is a strolling concert. There are a limited number of benches in the Conservatory.
- Lobby doors open at 5:30 p.m., Conservatory doors open at 6 p.m.
- Face masks are required
- Bar service available in the Conservatory
The Canopy Sessions 2023 Schedule:
February 3:
The Sessions—The Sessions are an acoustic jam band based out of Madison. They perform original and cover material that moves around the genres of jazz, blues, rock, reggae, soul, funk, folk and more.
March 3:
Bear in the Forest + Tos Hopkins (Note: This Canopy Session is a double bill.)—Bear In The Forest (a.k.a. Alberto Kanost) hails from Milwaukee, WI, where he found passion in music performance and environmental education. BITF is an attempt to bring those passions together; to use music to reflect the beauty in nature, and remind people of the importance of staying connected to the natural world and their place in it.
Tos Hopkins began performing his original songs as a busker at his local farmers market in Madison. His music has been heavily influenced by places he has lived, such as traditional folk from England and Western Saraharn blues from NW Africa.
April 7:
Samba Novistas—Samba Novistas are a five piece band that plays a wide variety of Brazilian and Brazilian-influenced music including samba, pagode, bossa nova, samba-reggae, lambada, sertanejo, coco and forro, as well as originals and our own interpretation of Anglo tunes.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave., Madison
608/246-4550 or www.olbrich.org for details.
34th Annual Orchid Quest 2023 @ Olbrich Gardens
Saturday, February 4, 10:00-4:00
Sunday, February 5, 10:00-3:00
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
In the middle of winter, it is so delightful to be surrounded by the colorful and exotic fragrance of the world at a handy and comfortable location. 2023 will be the 34th year for the Madison Orchid Growers Guild to host Orchid Quest.
The Olbrich Botanical Gardens is the host for our orchid show. There will be both an exhibit area to view, and a vendor area with thousands of fragrant orchids for sale. Also planned will be growing seminars, raffle, silent auction and plenty of advice for orchid growers (new and experienced)! Visit orchidgrowersguild.org for more details. Admission and parking free.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave., Madison
608/246-4550 or www.olbrich.org for details.
Friends of Allen Centennial 2023 Winter Series
Saturdays, February 4-February 25, 10:00-11:30
Brought to you by the Friends of Allen Centennial Gardens in partnership with Allen Centennial Garden. All sessions will be virtual except for February 4th presentation, which will be a combined online and in person on the UW campus.
Learn about how historical agricultural traditions, diverse ethnic and indigenous perspectives and modern research are “seeds of change” to inform and advance today’s food production and gardening activities toward more sustainable, effective and equitable practices.
$15 per session/ Free for FACG members.
Registration is required. For more information on event registration and membership visit allencentennialgarden.wisc.edu.
February 4:
Yusuf Bin-Rella, Chef, UW-Madison & Cofounder, TradeRoots Culinary Collective, Madison WI. (This presentation will be delivered in person on campus and live-streamed.)
February 11:
No session (Garden Expo)
February 18:
Activity of Woody Perennials Through Winter
Al Kovaleski, Horticulture Department, UW-Madison
February 25:
Gardening for the Seasons: Lessons from Lurie Garden
Kathryn Deery, Lurie Garden at Millennium Park, Chicago
(Jointly sponsored by Madison Area Master Gardeners Association)
Allen Centennial Gardens:
620 Babcock Dr. on the University of WI campus, Madison
608/576-2501 or allencentennialgarden.org for details.
Full Moon Night Walk @ the Arboretum
Saturday, February 4, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Let your eyes adjust to the moonlight, listen to the night sounds, and experience the darkness on this naturalist-led walk (full moon February 5). Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes. Walks canceled for unsafe weather or trail conditions. 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, February 5, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
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. Walks canceled for unsafe weather or trail conditions. 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
Dane County Extension’s Green Thumb Gardening Winter Series on Vegetable Gardening
Mondays (and a few Thursdays), February 6 thru February 27, 6:00-8:00
The evening classes are live on Zoom with UW experts who are available to answer questions during and after class. Visit https://dane.extension.wisc.edu/horticulture for further details and to register. The series begins Jan. 9. Classes will be on Monday nights (and a few Thursday nights) from 6 to 8 p.m. You can purchase the nine-class series for a package price or just purchase selected classes.
February 6: Weed Management in Vegetable Gardens
February 13: Composting in the Vegetable Garden
February 16: Seed Saving, Harvesting & Storage
February 20: Vegetable Garden Insects
February 27: Cover Crops for the Vegetable Garden
Classes are recorded for later viewing except for the vegetable disease class, but handouts of the talk will be available.
Please contact Lisa Johnson @ 608-224-3715 or johnson.lisa@countyofdane.com with questions or for more information.
Or visit: Isthmus Calendar of Garening Events for this and many garden related events in the Madison area.
Dane County University of Wisconsin-Extension
5201 Fen Oak Dr, Suite 138
608/224-3700 or dane.uwex.edu
Wisconsin Garden & Landscape Expo @ Alliant Energy Center
Friday, February 10, 12:00-7:00
Saturday, February 11, 9:00-6:00
Sunday, February 12, 10:00-4:00
PBS Wisconsin’s Garden & Landscape Expo is a midwinter oasis for people ready to venture out and dig their hands in the dirt. Now in its 30th year, this three-day event celebrates the latest trends in gardening and landscaping. The event offers more than 125 free educational presentations, an exhibitor mall, UW-Madison Extension Horticulture experts, a floral design competition and more. All proceeds support PBS Wisconsin.
Things to do at the Garden Expo:
-Learn something new at one of the more than 125 free educational seminars and stage demonstrations.
-Visit with hundreds of businesses, independent contractors, nonprofits and artists to share ideas and learn about the newest in gardening, landscaping and local foods.
-Discuss innovative gardening techniques with UW-Extension horticulture experts.
-Relax with a casual walk through the central garden—courtesy of Wisconsin Nursery & Landscape Association
-Purchase seeds, tools and everything else you need to be ready when the trees bud and the ground thaws.
-Attend the Sunday farmers’ market, featuring farmers, food artisans and local food retailers.
Tickets cost $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Children 12 and under are admitted free. Two and three-day passes are available for added savings. Advance tickets are available at Klein’s. Visit www.wigardenexpo.com for more information.
Alliant Energy Center Exhibition Hall
1919 Alliant Energy Center Way
Madison, WI 53713
608/267-3976 or www.alliantenergycenter.com
Winter Trees @ the Arboretum
Sunday, February 12, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Family Nature Program
This walk is a fun and fascinating way for families with children elementary age and younger to explore the natural world. Nature walk: 1–2 p.m., nature activities: 2–3 p.m. Adults must attend. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes. Walks canceled for unsafe weather or trail conditions. 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, February 12, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
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. Walks canceled for unsafe weather or trail conditions. 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
American Roots: An Author Talk with Nick & Allison McMullough @ Olbrich Gardens
Monday, February 13, 5:00-8:30
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Join us for a unique opportunity to meet and hear from Nick and Allison McCullough at Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Take a journey across the US and get a closer look at gardens that designer Nick McCullough captured on his quest to celebrate the American garden in his new book AMERICAN ROOTS (Timber Press). You will explore a selection of gardens created by 20 creative gardeners across our vast land from Big Sur, California to the shores of Rhode Island. Gain inspiration, planting tips, and an expanded notion of what an American garden is. Olbrich’s very own Director of Horticulture, Jeff Epping, is one of the 20 featured gardeners in AMERICAN ROOTS so there is sure to be a lively local connection!
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. for a book signing and cocktail hour in the Bolz Conservatory followed by an engaging lecture by Nick and Allison McCullough beginning at 6:45 p.m.
$46/$38 member
Cocktails and AMERICAN ROOTS book are not included in event fee, but will be available for purchase. Pre-order your book now and received a 20% discount on the book price (usually $40).
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave., Madison
608/246-4550 or www.olbrich.org for details.
Seed Starting Class @ Lakeview Library
Thursday, February 16, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Lakeview Library Community Room
Starting garden plants from seed can be a rewarding activity. In this talk you will hear from a certified Master Gardener Volunteer from Dane Co. Extension who will give you a solid foundation for growing your own garden plants from seeds.
Included in this talk are tips on factors that make for successful seed starting. You will learn how to purchase seeds, and plant and care for them until they are ready to be planted outdoors. A planting demonstration will be included in the talk. You will leave this talk feeling confident in your abilities to start seeds right in your own home.
Space is limited for this event; registration is required. Sign up @ https://events.madisonpubliclibrary.org/events/102766/seed-starting#signup or call (608) 246-4547 to register. Registration opens on February 2 at 10 a.m., two weeks prior to program date.
This program is supported by the Friends of Lakeview Library.
Lakeview Library
2845 N Sherman Ave
Madison, WI 53704
Madison, WI 53704
608-246-4547
Nature Hike @ the Arboretum
Sunday, February 19, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
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. Walks canceled for unsafe weather or trail conditions. 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, February 26, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
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
Dane County Late Winter Farmer’s Market
Saturdays, January 7 thru April 8, 8:00-noon
The Garver Feed Mill behind Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3241 Garver Green (access off Fair Oaks Ave.)
The Late Winter Market runs each Saturday from January 7th until the beginning of the outdoor season. Get your market fix all year long. You will still find many of your favorite Dane County Farmers’ Market members, as well as a full array of fruits and vegetables, cheeses, hyper-local meats, honey, bakery items, and many specialty items.
For details visit www.dcfm.org
FEBRUARY IN THE GARDEN-–A checklist of things to do this month.
___Check perennials for heaving during warm spells. Re-mulch as needed.
___Continue bringing out your cooled forced bulbs for indoor enjoyment.
___Inspect stored summer bulbs like dahlias, cannas and glads for rotting.
___Check for and treat for pests on plants brought in from the garden.
___Keep bird feeders full. Clean periodically with soap and water.
___Repair and clean out birdhouses. Early arrivals will be here soon!
___Inventory last year’s leftover seeds before ordering or buying new ones.
___Order seeds and plants. Some of our very favorite seed and plant sources include:
___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 FEBRUARY:
—We’re readying ourselves for Valentine’s Day awaiting the onslaught by prepping the thousands of additional cut flowers, unpacking all the beautiful vases and containers, ordering hundreds of blooming plants and securing additional delivery vehicles and staff.
—Spring plants begin arriving enforce! After Valentine’s Day the first spring bedding annuals arrive. Pansies, violas and dianthus plugs are popped into cell packs so they’re ready for early April sales.
—We’re planting up our thousands of mixed annuals hanging baskets. The geranium hanging baskets planted in January are filling out and almost ready for their first pinching and shaping.
—We reopen greenhouses in our back range as needed. They’ve been shut down to save on heat and eliminate pest problems.
—The deadline approaches for Easter orders. Dozens of area churches order lilies, tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, mums, hydrangeas and azaleas for Easter delivery.
—Spring product begins arriving for unpacking and pricing–the pots, the tools, the sundries. We need to have everything priced and ready to go by April 1.
—We continue to access our needs for spring staffing and try to have the new people in place and trained by March 1. March and April are the busiest months behind the scenes in the greenhouse and we rely on a dedicated, hardworking team to have everything ready for the customer come May 1 and the spring onslaught.
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/recycling/plastic.cfm
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