‘THE SAGE’-Klein’s Online Newsletter—MAY 2024
Klein’s Floral & Greenhouses
3758 E. Washington Ave.
Madison, WI 53704
608/244-5661 or info@kleinsfloral.com
THIS MONTH’S HIGHLIGHTS:
Our 2024 Spring Plant List Is Now Online
Extended Spring Hours Through Fathers’ Day, June 16
Our ‘Mad Gardener‘ and ‘Houseplant Help‘ Are Ready for Your Questions
Don’t Forget Mom This May 12!
Klein’s Favorite Seed, Bulb & Plant Sources
Jenny’s Containers by Design Potting Service
We Reuse Your Teal-colored 5″ Klein’s Pots
It’s Asparagus Planting Time!
Celebrate the Three Sisters: Corn, Beans and Squash
You Asked About Native Perennials for a Sunny Bed
Plant of the Month: Lantana
Klein’s Favorite Lemongrass Recipes
Product Spotlight: Biologicals from Arber Organics
Notes from Rick’s Garden Journal—From April 2024
—Beneficial Insects Are Now in Stock
—It’s Time to Order Your 2025 Spring Bulbs
—It’s May!
May in the Garden: A Planner
Gardening Events Around Town
Join Us on Twitter
Follow Us on Facebook
CONTAINERS BY DESIGN
Custom Design and Potting for Your Outdoor Summer Containers
At Klein’s we grow a diverse range of annuals suitable for any growing environment; shade, part shade and full sun. In addition to growing our plants in your garden beds, container gardening is a great way to liven up a patio, balcony or a corner of your yard that needs a little color. Contact Jenny at 608-244-5661 or customplanters@kleinsfloral.com for information or to place an order.
OUR 2024 SPRING PLANT LIST can be viewed on-line beginning about April 15 by clicking on Spring Plants or at the top of our website home page under the the “Greenhouses” dropbox. This comprehensive listing contains every plant that Klein’s will be offering at some time during the 2024 season and is extremely helpful for both the home gardener and landscaper alike. The list contains fun facts, cultural information and pot or pack size for each item and comes in very handy in planning your garden this spring.
***Please note the disclaimers and added notes at the beginning of each section***
KLEIN’S ANNUAL LADIES’ NIGHT IS WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12…
…and we are currently seeking and accepting businesses that offer direct sales and/or services, artists and hand selected crafters for our annual Ladies Night. Email sue@kleinsfloral.com for more details. The event runs from 3:30-7:00. If you know of anyone who might be interested, please send them our way!
HAVE YOU MOVED RECENTLY?
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.
WE STERILIZE AND REUSE YOUR TEAL-COLORED 5″ KLEIN’S POTS
Due to costs, we are unable to reuse most plastic pots and trays and never those from other retailers. But we are happy to take back and reuse the teal-colored 5″ Klein’s pots and their accompanying trays. Simply bring in your cleaned out pots and trays and drop them off with the associates at the checkout counters or in the bin along the building. 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.
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.
MAY STORE HOURS:
Again during the 2024 spring season, Klein’s will open at 7:00 a.m. every Tuesday! Year long, Tuesday is Klein’s Senior Discount Day. On Tuesdays those 62 and over save an extra 5% off all regular priced items. Beginning Tuesday, April 30, we open the doors an hour early. Avoid the lines and shop early! The extended Tuesday hours last through mid-June.
Monday thru Friday : 9:00-7:00 (Open Tuesdays at 7:00)
Saturday: 9:00-6:00
Sunday: 9:00-5:00
Open Memorial Day, May 27, 9:00-5:00
Extended spring hours run through Father’s Day, Sunday, June 16.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
May 5–Orthodox Easter
May 10–This is Madison’s average last frost date, but keep your eye on the weather before planting. Madison has a notorious reputation for late May frosts. Many local old-time gardeners refuse to plant, especially their tomatoes, peppers, morning glories, etc. until Memorial Day weekend when the soil has warmed properly. Novice gardeners have a tendency to plant too early!
May 12–Mother’s Day. Order early and shop early!!! Mother’s Day is second only to Valentine’s Day for deliveries and the Saturday before Mother’s Day is traditionally our busiest day of the entire year. Extra drivers will be on the road Saturday, May 11 for prompt and efficient service. Click on Delivery Information at the top of our home page for more details about Klein’s delivery. Because this is our busiest day of the year in the greenhouse, will not be delivering on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12.
May 18–Container Garden Design Class @ Klein’s, 10:00-11:00. Container gardens are an easy way to add color to your doorstep, patio, window frames or as focal points throughout the garden. They’re fun to make and easy to maintain and a great way to get outdoors and enjoy the wonderful spring weather! Cost is $50. Call Klein’s for details.
May 23–Full Moon
May 25–Container Garden Design Class @ Klein’s, 10:00-11:00 and 1:00-2:00. Container gardens are an easy way to add color to your doorstep, patio, window frames or as focal points throughout the garden. They’re fun to make and easy to maintain and a great way to get outdoors and enjoy the wonderful spring weather! Cost is $50. Call Klein’s for details.
May 27–Memorial Day-the unofficial beginning of summer! Store Hours: 9-5:00
‘THE FLOWER SHOPPE’:
The weekend of Mother’s Day is THE busiest time of the year at Klein’s, far surpassing even Valentine’s Day. The showrooms bustle with not only shoppers looking for that perfect Mother’s Day gift, but also gardeners with cartloads of annuals, vegetables, perennials, seeds and garden supplies. Our retail cooler is filled to the brim with stunning spring arrangements for mom and buckets of loose cut flowers to create your own at home. An array of beautiful blooming plants makes your selection even more difficult.
Avoid the rush by shopping early. Call us 608/244-5661 to talk to one of our designers personally or order on line @ Klein’s Floral Delivery
Klein’s has it all for mom—”one-stop shopping” for floral arrangements, gorgeous hanging baskets and patio pots, interesting and whimsical garden ornaments or the ever-appreciated gift certificate.
Extra drivers will be on the road Friday and Saturday, May 10 & 11 for prompt and efficient service. Visit Delivery Information for more details about Klein’s delivery.
YOU ASKED. . .
We have some space up against our house for a few plants/bushes. I’d love to plant some native to Wisconsin items. Do you have any suggestions? It generally gets full sun. Laura
Hi Laura,
The list is too long to put into an email. It’s best to stop in in mid-May and have us do a walk through with you and check out all the possibilities. Be prepared to answer a lot of questions…When you say full sun, which direction does the bed face? Is there an overhang? What is the soil like? What heights and colors are you thinking? What bloom times are you focusing on? Come in with a few examples of plants that draw your attention.
Thanks for your question,
DID YOU KNOW. . .
. . . that now is the perfect time to plant bareroot asparagus and so much more into your vegetable garden?
Asparagus: The vegetable is usually planted in mid April or early May when soil temperatures are around 50-60°F. It prefers full sun (six to eight hours) in a soil with good drainage and a slightly alkaline soil pH, which is great for southern Wisconsin, since most of our soils are alkaline. If you have sandy soil, I suggest getting a soil test, since some sandy soils are more acid. You can get one through the UW Soils Lab. They are located in Madison. Contact them for a soil testing kit at 608-262-4364 or visit their website @ Soil Testing for Homeowners.
Asparagus is planted as 1-year-old “crowns” (bareroot plants with buds at the top) in trenches about 6 inches deep and wide enough to accommodate the full length of the roots when spread out, plus a couple of more inches to give them extra space to spread. Space plants about 18 inches apart. Fill in the trench with soil; research indicates it can all be done at once instead of a little at a time. If planting more than one row, space the rows 4 feet apart.
Male plants yield 1.5 to 2 times as many spears as female cultivars since they don’t expend energy on producing fruits. Some popular male cultivars are “Jersey Knight,” “Jersey Prince,” “Jersey Gem” or the Canadian hybrid “Teissen.”
Don’t harvest spears the first year. You can harvest lightly the second year; research shows it stimulates more spears to form. Harvest when spears are 8 to 10 inches tall. You can snap them off near the base. The full harvest season is about six weeks; stop when spears are about pencil diameter. Leave at least some ferns standing in fall (you can cut them back about halfway) as research has shown this helps protect the crowns over winter.
Vegetable seeding: It should be safe around April 15 or so to plant seeds of certain cool-season crops, as well as onion sets and seed potatoes, directly outside in your garden beds if the soil has been worked up and is ready for planting. You may also now plant out seedlings of spinach, chard, mustards, kale and lettuce that you started inside, but you will need to cover them if frost is predicted. Seeds of crops like carrots, peas, turnips, radishes and beets should be planted outside instead of started indoors. If you plant too early, or in cold wet soil, seeds are likely to rot instead of germinating. That’s where an inexpensive soil thermometer that you can purchase at your local garden center or online can be really handy, because Mother Nature does not always run on calendar dates. Even though the date may seem right, the soil temperatures may not be.
Seed potatoes need a minimum soil temperature of 40°F to sprout. Beets, carrots, radishes, lettuce and spinach all need a minimum soil temperature of 45°F to germinate. Snow peas and sugar snap peas need a minimum temperature of 50°F to germinate. Temperatures are likely to fluctuate a lot for a while yet, so even if it is very warm for several days, remember that the weather often self-corrects and becomes cold again, so watch the weather reports for frost predictions.
Lisa Johnson, Dane County UW-Extension Horticulture Educator
Source: madison.com
Asparagus roots, bareroot strawberries, seed potatoes, onion sets and much more are located in coolers near our checkouts. Visit our website @ Klein’s Fruits & Veggies 2024 for available varieties.
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.
Biologicals from Arber Organics
“Biologicals harness what nature is doing, emulating natural systems, and accelerating them.”
— Rosario Dawson, The Need To Grow (2018)
What are Biologicals?
After 70 years of scientific research, we’ve discovered that nature needs nothing more than nature to heal, adapt, and grow to its full potential.
Biologicals are the powerful, naturally occurring elements proven to prevent disease and unwanted pests and promote unparalleled growth and abundance, all while doing good for us and our mother earth.
How do Biologicals Work?
Our biologicals work via many different mechanisms supporting the entire plant microbiome and soil ecosystem. When used regularly as a preventative method, Arber biologicals will provide immunity boosting effects to ward off disease and strengthen from root to shoot.
From backyard veggie gardens to the monstera in your bedroom, plants enrich our lives and the world around us. They give us clean air, nutrition, and a way to unplug. Even if it’s just a tiny succulent sitting on your window sill there are needless benefits to engaging with nature.
We’ve spent years educating ourselves on organic food, beauty and wellness products for human health. We’ve learnt about the microbiome, immunity, disease prevention, and nutrition. It’s time our plants get that same health and wellness treatment.
It’s our goal to make plant care safe, simple, and easy for all gardeners and all green spaces.
At Arber, every plot counts. We provide the tools, products, and education that any gardener needs to nurture their plants. Together, we can grow a better world.
Source: growarber.com/
Products available @ Klein’s:
Organic Plant Food—Fuel your garden’s growth and ensure a healthy diet with this nutritious, protein-infused booster that will help your plants live their best lives. Made from recycled supermarket food waste, this nourishing supplement supports your overall soil fertility for greener, thicker leaves, more blooms, and deeper roots.
Organic Bio Insecticide—Prevent insect and mite build up and suppress soil-dwelling pests with our Bio Insecticide. This unique formulation uses good bacteria that’s harmless to beneficial insects and pollinators and helps your plant thrive. Grow plants, not pests with over 20 natural compounds that are effective against the smallest yet mightiest of pests.
NOTES FROM MY GARDEN JOURNAL–Tips and Observations from My Own Garden by Rick Halbach
ENTRY: APRIL 17, 2024 (Beneficial Insects Are Now in Stock)
After many inquiries from customers, Klein’s received our supply of beneficial insects for the season for natural pest control in the garden. The past few seasons it’s been difficult to keep them in stock very long.
Beneficial Insects from Organic Control, Inc.
“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.
LADYBUGS (Hippodamia convergens)
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.
PRAYING MANTIDS (Tenodera sinensis)
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.
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ENTRY: APRIL 30, 2024 (It’s Time to Order Your 2025 Spring Bulbs)
I can’t believe that I’m already receiving catalogs for flowers I won’t even see until May or June of 2025! That’s more than a year away. But it’s now while the spring bulbs are in full bloom that we receive the bulb catalogs for fall planting. The reason is obvious. It’s now, while the tulips, daffodils and alliums are growing and blooming that we are reminded that we not only want more of them or what the neighbors have in their yards, but also it’s the time of the year to note where we can create new daffodil beds, where the tulips have diminished over time or where we can fill in some holes in the perennial beds with sweeps of scilla, muscari, crocus or trillium. After all, shortly after the spring bulbs are finished blooming, the foliage yellows and withers away, disappearing entirely as the summer garden goes into full bloom.
By September, the tulips blooming now are a long gone memory–making shopping difficult as the spring blooming bulbs appear at local garden centers. Therefore, it’s now that I make my notes and begin planning for fall planting–even though I haven’t even begun my spring planting yet! It’s now that I notice I need more allium over near the blue spruce or that I really don’t like those pink tulips in the front bed anymore. It’s now that I’m really loving the primrose yellow daffodils over the bright yellow daffodils and I need more of those throughout the yard. It’s now that I’m appreciating the diminutive and subtle species tulips that are lining the rock wall. And it’s now that I want every bulb I see blooming at Olbrich Gardens. It’s time to order spring bulbs!
John Scheeper’s @ www.johnscheepers.com or 860/567-0838
McClure & Zimmerman @ www.mzbulb.com or 800/883-6998
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ENTRY: APRIL 30, 2024 (It’s May)
May
“When you take a flower in your hand
and really look at it, it’s your
world for the moment. I want to give
that world to someone else.”—Georgia O’Keefe
KLEIN’S RECIPES OF THE MONTH—These are a selection of relatively simple recipes chosen by our staff. New recipes appear monthly. Enjoy!!
Lemongrass is an essential ingredient to many Southeast Asian cuisines; from India all the way to the Philippines and Indonesia. Americans are most familiar with lemongrass in Thai and Vietnamese cooking. Lemongrass is most commonly used in teas, soups and curries and is delicious in many seafood dishes. Lemongrass is also used as a medicinal herb and in perfumes.
Klein’s carries both West and East Indian lemongrass. The former (West Indian) is more upright with each stem having a bulbous base and is native to Cambodia, Burma and Thailand and points west to India and Sri Lanka. The latter (East Indian -C. flexuosus) is airier and ‘grassier’ in appearance and is native to maritime Southeast Asia; including Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines. Both can be used interchangeably in most recipes. However, the West Indian lemongrass is the preferred choice with most cooks. The bulbous stems store better and longer than the East Indian. Lemongrass is now available at nearly all supermarkets.
Though an annual here in Wisconsin, lemongrass (especially West Indian lemongrass) can be easily overwintered indoors in a bright location. It may go somewhat dormant and take on an unhealthy appearance by winter’s end, but rebounds nicely once outdoors again during our hot and humid summers. Stalks can be harvested as desired and fill in quickly. Plants should be grown in a large pot in full sun and prefer to be kept evenly moist while actively growing.
3 Quick Ways to Use Lemongrass from Bon Appetit:
Salad: Toss minced lemongrass with lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, minced shallot, hot sauce, and sliced Napa cabbage.
Soup: Simmer sliced lemongrass in chicken broth with garlic and ginger. Strain; add shredded chicken, rice noodles, lime juice, and cilantro.
Shellfish: Combine white wine, chopped lemongrass, chopped shallots, and crushed red pepper. Add two pounds of mussels; cover and steam until all shells have opened.
Soup: Simmer sliced lemongrass in chicken broth with garlic and ginger. Strain; add shredded chicken, rice noodles, lime juice, and cilantro.
Shellfish: Combine white wine, chopped lemongrass, chopped shallots, and crushed red pepper. Add two pounds of mussels; cover and steam until all shells have opened.
MALAYSIAN BEEF CURRY–Source: www.bonappetit.com
For the spice paste:
8 large dried New Mexico chiles
4 lemongrass stalks
1/2 cup chopped shallots
6 garlic cloves, peeled
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
3 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon golden brown sugar
Cover chiles with very hot water and soak until soft, about 45 minutes. Drain. Stem, seed, and chop chiles.
Cut off bottom 4 inches from lemongrass stalks; chop and transfer to processor (reserve tops of stalks for stew). Add shallots, garlic, coriander, cumin, ginger, and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; process until finely ground. Add 1/2 cup water, chiles, fish sauce, and sugar; process to paste. Can be made 1 week ahead. Transfer to bowl. Cover; chill.
For the stew:
3 pounds boneless beef chuck roast, trimmed, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
1 13.5- to 14-ounce can unsweetened coconut milk
8 kaffir lime leaves
2 whole star anise
1 cinnamon stick
1 tablespoon tamarind paste or tamarind concentrate
Chopped fresh cilantro
Steamed rice
Smash reserved tops of lemongrass from spice paste with mallet or rolling pin. Bend in half; bundle with kitchen twine. Mix beef and spice paste in slow cooker. Stir in lemongrass bundles, coconut milk, lime leaves, star anise, cinnamon, and tamarind. Press meat down to completely submerge. Cook stew on low heat until meat is very tender, 41/2 to 5 hours. Tilt pot and spoon off excess fat from surface of stew. Remove lemongrass bundles, lime leaves, star anise, and cinnamon stick. Transfer stew to bowl. Sprinkle cilantro over and serve with steamed rice. Serves 6
NOTE: If you don’t have a slow cooker, use a covered Dutch oven; cook the curry in a 325ºF oven until the beef is tender, about 2 hours, adding 1/2 cup water if the stew is dry.
SWEET, SALTY AND SOUR MARINADE–for grilling 2 pounds of pork, fish, shrimp or scallops. From: www.bonappetit.com
6 1/2 TBS. light brown sugar
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 cup fish sauce
1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
2 TBS.chopped peeled fresh ginger
4 red Thai chiles or 6 Fresno chiles, thinly sliced
3 TBS. minced lemongrass (from peeled bottom 4″ of 2 large stalks)
Stir sugar and 3 TBS. water in a small saucepan over low heat until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat. Combine lime juice, fish sauce, and 3 tablespoons water in a medium bowl. Whisk in 1/3 cup sugar syrup (reserve remaining syrup for glaze). Stir in cilantro, ginger, chiles, and lemongrass. Put pork or seafood in a glass, stainless-steel, or ceramic dish. Toss with marinade. Cover; chill for at least 3 hours or overnight. Remove pork or seafood from marinade, pat dry, and grill as desired. Simmer marinade and reserved sugar syrup in a small saucepan until reduced to 3/4 cup. Brush glaze onto meat or fish during the last few minutes of grilling.
LEMONGRASS MOJITO–Ever-so-easy and refreshing! Makes two drinks.
2 lemongrass stalks
6 large fresh mint leaves
3 tablespoons sugar
6 tablespoons white rum
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Ice cubes
1 cup chilled club soda
Microwave lemongrass on high for 40 seconds. Cut bottom 7 inches from each stalk. Slice thinly (save tops for garnish). Combine sliced lemongrass, mint, and sugar in shaker; mash well with muddler or wooden spoon. Add rum and lime juice; mash until all sugar dissolves. Strain into 2 highball glasses. Fill with ice; top with club soda. Garnish with lemongrass tops.
VIETNAMESE LEMONGRASS CHICKEN–An easy recipe adapted from Food & Wine Magazine.
2 tablespoons fish sauce
3 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tablespoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons plus 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast/thigh, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
3 tablespoons water
3 tablespoons cooking oil
2 fresh lemongrass stalks, tender inner white bulbs only, minced
1 large shallot, thinly sliced
3 chilies, seeded and minced
1 scallion for garnishing
3 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tablespoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons plus 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast/thigh, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
3 tablespoons water
3 tablespoons cooking oil
2 fresh lemongrass stalks, tender inner white bulbs only, minced
1 large shallot, thinly sliced
3 chilies, seeded and minced
1 scallion for garnishing
In a bowl, combine the fish sauce, garlic, curry powder, salt, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of the sugar. Add the chicken meat to coat. In a small skillet, mix the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar with 1 tablespoon of the water and cook over high heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Cook without stirring until a deep amber caramel forms. Remove from the heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of water. Transfer to a bowl.
Heat a wok over high heat. Add the oil and heat until shimmering. Add the lemongrass, shallot, and chilies and stir-fry until fragrant. Add the chicken and caramel and stir-fry until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is slightly thickened. Transfer to a bowl and top with the scallion. Serve with steamed white rice.
BBQ THAI CHICKEN–From www.epicurean.com.
Four Large chicken Leg/Thigh Pieces
One cup Sweet Dark Soy Sauce
4 tsp. Powdered Ginger
2 tsp. Turmeric Powder
One stalk lemon Grass, Bruised and thinly sliced
Mix all sauce ingredients well. Pour 2/3 of the mixture in a resealable plastic bag with the chicken, seal the bag then roll it around with your hands to mix sauce well into chicken. Place bag into the fridge with the extra sauce for four hours (Overnight if possible).
When ready to BBQ, place chicken on a hot grill for four or five minutes per side then turn your heat to low and cook an additional 8 to 10 minutes per side until reaching desired cooking level of doneness. Baste each piece with the extra 1/3 cup of marinade. Do not use the sauce that was in the bag with the chicken due to possible raw/cooked contamination.
NATURAL NEWS–
Celebrate the Three Sisters: Corn, Beans and Squash
by Alice Formiga @ www.reneesgarden.com
According to Iroquois legend, corn, beans, and squash are three inseparable sisters who only grow and thrive together. This tradition of interplanting corn, beans and squash in the same mounds, widespread among Native American farming societies, is a sophisticated, sustainable system that provided long-term soil fertility and a healthy diet to generations. Growing a Three Sisters garden is a wonderful way to feel more connected to the history of this land, regardless of our ancestry.
Corn, beans and squash were among the first important crops domesticated by ancient Mesoamerican societies. Corn was the primary crop, providing more calories or energy per acre than any other. According to Three Sisters legends corn must grow in community with other crops rather than on its own – it needs the beneficial company and aide of its companions.
The Iroquois believe corn, beans and squash are precious gifts from the Great Spirit, each watched over by one of three sisters spirits, called the De-o-ha-ko, or Our Sustainers”. The planting season is marked by ceremonies to honor them, and a festival commemorates the first harvest of green corn on the cob. By retelling the stories and performing annual rituals, Native Americans passed down the knowledge of growing, using and preserving the Three Sisters through generations.
Corn provides a natural pole for bean vines to climb. Beans fix nitrogen on their roots, improving the overall fertility of the plot by providing nitrogen to the following years corn. Bean vines also help stabilize the corn plants, making them less vulnerable to blowing over in the wind. Shallow-rooted squash vines become a living mulch, shading emerging weeds and preventing soil moisture from evaporating, thereby improving the overall crops chances of survival in dry years. Spiny squash plants also help discourage predators from approaching the corn and beans. The large amount of crop residue from this planting combination can be incorporated back into the soil at the end of the season, to build up the organic matter and improve its structure.
Corn, beans and squash also complement each other nutritionally. Corn provides carbohydrates, the dried beans are rich in protein, balancing the lack of necessary amino acids found in corn. Finally, squash yields both vitamins from the fruit and healthful, delicious oil from the seeds.
Native Americans kept this system in practice for centuries without the modern conceptual vocabulary we use today, i.e. soil nitrogen, vitamins, etc. They often look for signs in their environment that indicate the right soil temperature and weather for planting corn, i.e. when the Canada geese return or the dogwood leaves reach the size of a squirrels ear. You may wish to record such signs as you observe in your garden and neighborhood so that, depending on how well you judged the timing, you can watch for them again next season!
Early European settlers would certainly never have survived without the gift of the Three Sisters from the Native Americans, the story behind our Thanksgiving celebration. Celebrating the importance of these gifts, not only to the Pilgrims but also to civilizations around the globe that readily adopted these New World crops, adds meaning to modern garden practices
Success with a Three Sisters garden involves careful attention to timing, seed spacing, and varieties. In many areas, if you simply plant all three in the same hole at the same time, the result will be a snarl of vines in which the corn gets overwhelmed!
Instructions for Planting Your Own Three Sisters Garden in a 10 x 10 square
When to plant:
Sow seeds any time after spring night temperatures are in the 50 degree range, up through June.
Sow seeds any time after spring night temperatures are in the 50 degree range, up through June.
What to plant:
Corn must be planted in several rows rather than one long row to ensure adequate pollination. Choose pole beans or runner beans and a squash or pumpkin variety with trailing vines, rather than a compact bush.
Corn must be planted in several rows rather than one long row to ensure adequate pollination. Choose pole beans or runner beans and a squash or pumpkin variety with trailing vines, rather than a compact bush.
Note: A 10 x 10 foot square of space for your Three Sisters garden is the minimum area needed to ensure good corn pollination. If you have a small garden, you can plant fewer mounds, but be aware that you may not get good full corn ears as a result.
How to plant:
1. Choose a site in full sun (minimum 6-8 hours/day of direct sunlight throughout the growing season). Amend the soil with plenty of compost or aged manure, since corn is a heavy feeder and the nitrogen from your beans will not be available to the corn during the first year. With string, mark off three ten-foot rows, five feet apart.
2. In each row, make your corn/bean mounds. The center of each mound should be 5 feet apart from the center of the next. Each mound should be 18 across with flattened tops. The mounds should be staggered in adjacent rows.
Note: The Iroquois and others planted the three sisters in raised mounds about 4 inches high, in order to improve drainage and soil warmth; to help conserve water, you can make a small crater at the top of your mounds so the water doesn’t drain off the plants quickly. Raised mounds were not built in dry, sandy areas where soil moisture conservation was a priority, for example in parts of the southwest. There, the three sisters were planted in beds with soil raised around the edges, so that water would collect in the beds. In other words, adjust the design of your bed according to your climate and soil type.
3. Plant 4 corn seeds in each mound in a 6 in square.
4. When the corn is 4 inches tall, its time to plant the beans and squash. First, weed the entire patch. Then plant 4 bean seeds in each corn mound. They should be 3 in apart from the corn plants, completing the square.
5. Build your squash mounds in each row between each corn/bean mound. Make them the same size as the corn/bean mounds. Plant 3 squash seeds, 4 in. apart in a triangle in the middle of each mound.
6. When the squash seedlings emerge, thin them to 2 plants per mound. You may have to weed the area several times until the squash take over and shade new weeds.
MAY’S PLANT OF THE MONTH:
Lantana (Lantana camara)
This old-fashioned mint relative has made a major resurgence among younger gardeners in recent years and why not? This nearly foolproof annual is fragrant, drought tolerant, nearly pest-free outdoors and super easy to grow. It blooms nearly nonstop, loves summer heat, attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, is well-branched, remains of manageable size and on top of it, is easy to winter over indoors. What more could one ask of any garden plant?
In the 1990’s, Klein’s carried perhaps a color or two of lantana. However, throughout the 2024 spring season we’ll be carrying a staggering two dozen lantana varieties and colors in addition to shrubs and tree standards.
Lantana performs equally well in beds, pots and in hanging baskets. A few Klein’s employees say that lantana is their favorite garden plant and in store, it’s hard not to walk by without stopping and taking in lantana’s intense fragrance.
Lantana camara is a tropical and subtropical shrub. In those areas it is commonly grown as a perennial landscape plant. Here in the north, lantana is grown exclusively as an annual outdoors, but will bloom indoors all winter long if given a high light location. As the plant matures, stems become increasingly woody.
Flowers are verbena-like and appear in shades of yellow, orange, red, pink, white and lavender. The foliage is heavily scented and very rough. In fact, many people break out in a rash when handling the foliage so care should be taken if unsure. Habit tends to be mounding or sprawling, though weeping types exist and common varieties can easily be trained into a tree standard.
Lantana blooms best when somewhat neglected and when grown in lean soil and always in full hot sun. Container grown plants require thorough and frequent watering. Though drought tolerant, lantana prefers to be kept evenly moist. Plants eventually produce black berries which, though toxic to humans, are a favorite of many birds, especially blue jays. Pests to lantana most commonly include whiteflies, spider mites and mealy bugs. It’s best to prune a plant back hard at season’s end to avoid bringing these pests indoors and then treating overwintered plants once a month the a systemic pesticide.
AROUND TOWN:
For neighborhood events or garden tours that you would like posted in our monthly newsletter, please contact Rick at (608) 244-5661 or rick@kleinsfloral.com. Please include all details, i.e. dates, locations, prices, brief description, etc. Events must be garden related and must take place in the Madison vicinity and we must receive your information by the first of the month in which the event takes place for it to appear in that month’s newsletter.
Rotary Garden’s Spring Plant Sale
Friday, May 3, 9:00-5:00
Saturday, May 4, 9:00-5:00
Sunday, May 5, 9:00-12:00
Shop a wide variety of beautiful plants. We have many veggies including an outstanding and unusual varieties of tomatoes & peppers, as well as herbs, perennials and woody plants, bagged mushroom compost, obelisks plus more!
Members save 10% off! Sign up during the sale and receive immediate savings! Proceeds from the plant sale support the mission of the Garden.
Rotary Botanical Gardens
1455 Palmer Drive, Janesville, WI
608/752-3885 or www.rotarygardens.org
University of Wisconsin Family Gardening Day
Saturday, May 4, 10:00-1:00
April showers bring May flowers—and this opportunity to explore campus gardens, greenhouses, and related facilities. Visit the DC Smith Greenhouse, Allen Centennial Garden, Steenbock and BioCommons, and Wisconsin Energy Institute. Explore hands-on activities with seeds, plants and soil. Ask questions of Master Gardeners. Discover books for all ages about gardening, plants, soil, water and more. Take home plants and seeds for your own garden (while supplies last).
Visit the link below closer to the event for details regarding the activities that will take place at the the four campus locations…
How to Get Around Campus!
Free Campus Bus Routes
80, 81 & 82
Parking is Also Available:
Lot 17: 1550 Engineering Dr
Lot 20: 1390 University Ave
Lot 36: 1645 Observatory Dr
Lot 40: 1655 Linden Dr
Lot 41: 1820 University Ave
For more information, please visit the UW Family Gardening Day Facebook Page
Lilacs @ the Arboretum
Saturday, May 4, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Garden Tour
Established in 1935, the Longenecker Horticultural Gardens’ lilac collection is one of the largest in the country. Join David Stevens, garden curator, to explore lilac history, lore, culture, and color. 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
Vegetable Gardening 101: Dream Big – Start Small @ Alicia Ashman Library
Saturday, May 4, 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Community Room
Have you tried vegetable gardening but had a disappointing outcome? Don’t give up! In this talk you will be introduced to the basics of successful vegetable gardening. A Dane County Extension Horticulture Volunteer will talk about maintaining your soil; using garden journaling to record information like rainfall, sunny/cloudy days, successes, etc.; planting seeds, mulching and much more.
Space is limited for this event; registration is required. Please use the sign up link below or call (608) 824-1780 to register. Registration opens two weeks prior to program date.
Alicia Ashman Library
733 N High Point Rd
Madison, WI 53717
Madison, WI 53717
608-824-1780
Nature Hike @ the Arboretum
Sunday, May 5, 1:30 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 and come prepared for weather. 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
Family Nature Walk @ the Arboretum
Sunday, May 5, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
This walk is a fun, fascinating way for families with children elementary age and younger to explore the natural world. Adults must attend. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather and insects. 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
Sunset Garden Club Plant Sale
Saturday, May 11, 8:00-1:30
417 S. Midvale Blvd.
Join us for this annual plant sale.
Call 608/833-8315 for more info.
Troy Farm Plant Sale
Saturday, May 11, 10:00-4:00
Troy Farm
502 Troy Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53704
The Troy Farm Plant Sale is the perfect place to stock up on plants for your home or community vegetable garden. We will have a great selection of certified organic vegetable, herb, and flower starts. We are also excited to be expanding our offerings to provide Southeastern Asian vegetables and herbs this year as well!
This year’s plant sale will be in-person only, and we will not be taking pre-orders online. 4 inch pots will be $4.00, and 4 packs will be $6.00. We accept EBT/SNAP and double dollars to buy plants!
Catering by MexSal Mobile food truck will be available. Hope to see you there!
Troy Farm, Community Gardens and Kids Garden
502 Troy Drive, Madison, WI 53704
Visit https://rootedwi.org/troy-farm/troy-plant-sale/ for more details.
Spring Highlights @ the Arboretum
Saturday, May 11, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Garden Tour
Explore the wonders of spring flowering woody plants in Longenecker Horticultural Gardens as curator David Stevens presents seasonal highlights from the gardens’ expansive collection. 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 in the Wingra Oak Savannah @ the Arboretum
Sunday, May 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 and come prepared for weather and insects. Walks canceled for unsafe weather or trail conditions. Free, no registration required. Meet at Arbor Dr. parking lot, off Monroe St.
University of WI Arboretum
1207 Seminole Hwy.
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu
Willy Street Co-op West Foragers Walk: Wild Food/Wild Medicine
Thursday, May 16, 5:00-7:00 pm
Join herbalist and forager Linda Conroy to explore the wild plants that grow around us. We will learn about common and uncommon wild plants that can be used for food and medicine. Identification techniques, as well as ways to prepare plants for optimal nutrition and healing will be discussed. Dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Interactive walk. Meet in the outdoor seating area at Willy West.
Fee: $22 for Owners; $32 for non-owners. Register @ https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScafhPPJSiPubk0hhoIWGqs3LfqnqmrgRMxmew7bT59Tae2hA/viewform
Willy Street Co-op West
6825 University Ave.
Middleton, WI 53562
(608) 284-7800 or www.willystreet.coop/
Friends of the Arboretum Native Plant Sale
Saturday, May 18, 10:00-2:00
U.W.-Madison Arboretum Visitor Center
In the large tents on the lawn near the Visitor Center, shop for more than 200 species of native grasses, woodland, prairie, and savanna plants to purchase, while supplies last. Organized by Friends of the Arboretum, open to the general public.
University of WI Arboretum
1207 Seminole Hwy.
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or uwarboretum.org/events
Dane County UW-Extension’s
Master Gardener Plant Sale
Sunday, May 19, 11:00-3:00
Dane County UW-Extension Office
5201 Fen Oak Ct, Madison (just off Agriculture Dr. between Pflaum & Femrite)
Each year, Dane County Master Gardeners hold a plant sale on a Sunday in the last half of May. The annual plant sale is the primary source of funds for the Teaching Garden, which includes the new greenhouse. Take a self-guided garden tour before or after the sale to discover new favorites, get ideas for your own garden, or simply enjoy the beautiful setting. You can learn more about the Teaching Garden here: https://dane.extension.wisc.edu/horticulture/teaching-garden/
The sale includes hundreds of perennials for both shade and sun, native plants, vegetable and herb starts, annuals, houseplants and more. Plant Health Advisors and other Master Gardeners will be available to answer your gardening questions. Plants are priced to sell. Now accepting credit/debit cards in addition to cash and checks.
Madison Area Master Gardeners Association
PO Box 259318
Madison, WI, 53725
608/224-3721 or at http://dane.uwex.edu/horticulture/
Badger Bonsai Society Annual Exhibit @ Olbrich Gardens
Saturday, May 18, 11:00-4:00
Sunday, May 19, 11:00-4:00
The annual exhibit features trees from the private collections of club members. Explore the art of bonsai with this unique opportunity to view some amazing miniature trees and talk with the bonsai artists who grew and cultivated them. A wide variety, including conifer, deciduous, flowering, and tropical trees will be on display. Whether you are curious about bonsai and want to learn more or just have an appreciation for these living works of art, the exhibit is sure to have something for you. The exhibit will include 50 to 60 bonsai with many varieties, sizes and ages represented with demonstrations both days at 11 am and 1:30 pm. BBS members will be present to answer questions and share their enjoyment of bonsai with everyone. To learn more, visit Badger Bonsai Society on Facebook. Free admission to bonsai exhibit and demonstrations.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave., Madison
608/246-4550 or www.olbrich.org for details.
Nature Hike in the Grady Tract @ the Arboretum
Sunday, May 19, 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
Family Nature Program: Flower Power @ the Arboretum
Sunday, May 19, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
This program is a fun, fascinating way for families with children elementary age and younger to explore the natural world. Nature walk: 1:30–2:30 p.m., activities: 2:30–3:30 p.m. Adults must attend. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather. 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
Learning Together: Birds! @ the Arboretum
Tuesday, May 21, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Family Class
We will share stories and create nature art and crafts. This class is for preschool-age children and their adult caregivers. Adults must attend. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come seasonally prepared for weather and insects. Fee: $20 per family/group of up to four people. Register by May 13 @ arboretum.wisc.edu/group-classes/learning-together-family-class-birds/. Meet at the Visitor Center.
University of WI Arboretum
1207 Seminole Hwy.
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu
Rotary Garden’s ‘The Japanese Garden’
Tuesday, May 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Rotary Botanical Gardens, 1455 Palmer Dr., Janesville, WI
Learn all about Japanese gardens.
Join Stan & Kristin Kresal for a presentation that found its roots over ten years ago right here at Rotary Botanical Gardens.
They will examine the definition of a Japanese garden, explore a short history of Japanese gardens, view examples of Japanese gardens, and end with an overview of our Japanese garden here.
Registration Cost: $10 for RBG members; $15 for non-members
To register, please call 608.752.3885., sign up in person at the Garden Gift Gallery or sign up @ https://rotarybotanicalgardens.org/event/the-japanese-garden/ Registration deadline is May 15.
Rotary Botanical Gardens
1455 Palmer Dr., Janesville, WI
608/752-3885 or www.rotarybotanicalgardens.org/
Rotary Garden’s What’s in Bloom? Tour
Wednesday, May 22, 10:00-11:00 a.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 select Wednesdays of each month (April-September). The tours are free for RBG members, or $10 for non-members.
To register, please call 608.752.3885., sign up in person on the day of the tour or sign up @ https://rotarybotanicalgardens.org/event/whats-in-bloom-tour-2024-05-22/.
Rotary Botanical Gardens
1455 Palmer Dr., Janesville, WI
608/752-3885 or www.rotarybotanicalgardens.org/
Dragonfly Monitoring Walk @ the Arboretum
Saturday, May 25, 10:00-11:30 p.m.
Family Walk
Join the Arboretum and the Wisconsin Dragonfly Society for guided walks to monitor dragonflies. Help identify species and collect data for the Arboretum’s dragonfly monitoring project. No experience required, but an online training video is available by request (email citizenscience@arboretum.wisc.edu). Recommended for ages 12 and up. Walks take place several times a month through early October but may be cancelled for rainy or cool weather. Meet at the Visitor Center.
University of WI Arboretum
1207 Seminole Hwy.
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu
Full Moon Night Walk @ the Arboretum
Saturday, May 25, 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Let your eyes adjust to the moonlight, listen to the night sounds, and experience the darkness on this naturalist-led walk (full moon May 23). Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather and insects. Walks canceled for unsafe weather or trail conditions. Free, register through Eventbrite by May 21: uw-madison-arboretum.eventbrite.com. Meet at the Visitor Center.
University of WI Arboretum
1207 Seminole Hwy.
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu
Scenic Stroll @ the Arboretum
Sunday, May 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
Captivating Containers Workshop @ Rotary Gardens
Saturday, June 1, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Rotary Botanical Gardens, 1455 Palmer Dr., Janesville, WI
Learn how to create impactful, eye-catching containers.
Containers are a fabulous way to brighten your patio, deck, or garden. In this workshop led by Alan Heck, you will learn how to create impactful, eye-catching containers overflowing with color using summer annuals.
Proper design principles and plant recommendations will be discussed, and participants will create their own finished 14″ ornamental container.
All materials provided. Upon registration, please indicate whether you prefer sun or shade plants.
Registration Cost: $45 for RBG members; $55 for non-members.
To register, please call 608.752.3885., sign up in person at our Garden Gift Gallery or sign up @ https://rotarybotanicalgardens.org/event/captivating-containers-workshop/ . Registration deadline is May 17.
Rotary Botanical Gardens
1455 Palmer Dr., Janesville, WI
608/752-3885 or www.rotarybotanicalgardens.org/
Dane County Farmer’s Market
Saturdays, April 13 thru November 9, 6:15-1:45
On the Capitol Square
Wednesdays, April 24 thru November 6, 8:30-1:45
In the 200 block of Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
For details visit www.dcfm.org
Northside Farmers Market
Sundays, May 5 through October 20, 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.
Parking is always FREE!
For details visit www.northsidefarmersmarket.org
MAY IN THE GARDEN-–A checklist of things to do this month.
___By May 1, cool weather items like pansies, cole crops, onion sets, etc. should
already be planted.
___Sow successive crops of radishes and greens every 2 weeks.
___Mow your lawn frequently and at a high setting to control lawn weeds.
___Reseed bare spots in the lawn as needed.
___Begin hardening off your seedlings and overwintered plants. Move inside or cover on cold nights.
___Prep beds as soon as the soil is workable and not too wet.
___Till compost into beds.
___Perennials, shrubs and trees can now all be planted safely.
___Divide and propagate most perennials as desired (except peonies & iris)
___Plant strawberries and asparagus early in the month.
___Plant your leftover Easter Lily into the garden. They’ll bloom each July in the garden.
___Be prepared to move plants indoors if a sudden cold spell (or snow) hits.
___After May 10, begin setting out all plants, but KEEP AN EYE ON THE WEATHER!
___Sow beans and corn after the last scheduled frost date.
___After May 20, begin planting warm weather items: tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, cucumbers, coleus, impatiens etc.
___Mulch beds as needed to cut down on weeds and watering.
___Begin a weeding as needed. The smaller the weed, the easier to remove.
___Prune spring blooming as desired AFTER they are done flowering.
___Wait until after the foliage has yellowed to cut back daffodils, tulips, etc.
___Begin pinching tall perennials like asters, goldenrod, phlox, etc. for shorter and bushier plants.
___Visit Klein’s—SPRING PLANTING IS FINALLY HERE!
Some of our very favorite seed and plant sources include:
For seeds:
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds @ www.rareseeds.com or 417/924-8887
Burpee @ www.burpee.com or 800/888-1447
Harris Seeds @ www.harrisseeds.com or 800/514-4441
Johnny’s Select Seeds @ www.johnnyseeds.com or 207/861-3901
Jung’s Seeds @ www.jungseed.com or 800/247-5864
Park’s Seeds @ www.parkseed.com or 800/845-3369
Pinetree @ www.superseeds.com or 207/926-3400
Seeds of Change @ www.seedsofchange.com or 888/762-7333
Seed Savers @ www.seedsavers.org or 563/382-5990
Select Seeds @ www.selectseeds.com or 800/684-0395
Territorial Seeds @ www.territorialseed.com or 888/657-3131
For bulbs:
Brent & Becky’s Bulbs @ www.brentandbeckysbulbs.com or 877/661-2852
Colorblends @ www.colorblends.com or 888/847-8637
John Scheeper’s @ www.johnscheepers.com or 860/567-0838
McClure & Zimmerman @ www.mzbulb.com or 800/883-6998
For plants:
High Country Gardens @ www.highcountrygardens.com or 800/925-9387
Logee’s Greenhouses @ www.logees.com or 888/330-8038
Plant Delights Nursery @ www.plantdelights.com or 912/772-4794
Roots and Rhizomes @ www.rootsrhizomes.com or 800/374-5035
Wayside Gardens @ www.waysidegardens.com or 800/213-0379
White Flower Farm @ www.whiteflowerfarm.com or 800/503-9624
BEHIND THE SCENES AT KLEIN’S—This is a sneak peek of what is going on each month behind the scenes in our greenhouses. Many people are unaware that our facility operates year round or that we have 10 more greenhouses on the property in addition to the 6 open for retail. At any given moment we already have a jump on the upcoming season–be it poinsettias in July, geraniums in December or fall mums in May.
IN MAY:
—Transplanting continues!! Early in the month we finish transplanting the seedlings for spring sales. But during mid-month we begin transplanting the plugs for our summer program. Customers continue to purchase bedding annuals through the summer months. Sometimes they’re replacing plants that have succumbed to summer heat or heavy rains. Or maybe some quick color is needed for selling a house or having an outdoor party. Whatever the case, we can fill their needs.
—The spring onslaught is in full swing. The back greenhouses are filled floor to ceiling with plants awaiting purchase. Our outdoor space is a sea of color. Flats of plants waiting for sale fill most nooks and crannies of our property.
—Watering is a nonstop endeavor. On hot, windy days, we no sooner finish the first round, when we have to start all over again. Some plants in our retail areas may need watering 3 or 4 times in a single day! You wouldn’t do this at home, but customers don’t like to see wilted plants. It’s not harmful for us to let them wilt a bit, but it makes for bad presentation.
—Restocking is also constant. Cart loads of product are moved nearly continuously from our back greenhouses to the front showrooms.
—Believe it or not, but our fall mums arrive! The small plants are put into small pots now and then stepped into larger tubs later in the summer. They won’t be available for sale until mid-August.
PERMANENT FEATURES–
KLEIN’S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
Have our monthly newsletter e-mailed to you automatically by signing up on the top of our home page @ kleinsfloral.com . 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.
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.
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 5% 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.
DELIVERY INFO
Klein’s Floral and Greenhouses delivers daily, except Sundays, throughout all of Madison and much of Dane County including: Cottage Grove, Deerfield, DeForest, Fitchburg, Maple Bluff, Marshall, McFarland, Middleton, Monona, Oregon, Shorewood Hills, Sun Prairie, Verona, Waunakee and Windsor. We do not deliver to Cambridge, Columbus or Stoughton.
Current delivery rate on 1-4 items is $9.95 for Madison, Maple Bluff, Monona and Shorewood Hills; $10.95 for Cottage Grove, DeForest, Fitchburg, McFarland, Sun Prairie, Waunakee and Windsor; and $11.95 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, Deerfield, 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.
Horticulturalist & General Manager–Jamie VandenWymelenberg jamie@kleinsfloral.com
Floral Manager—Sarah Somson floral@kleinsfloral.com
Houseplant Buyer, Newsletter Coordinator—Rick Halbach rick@kleinsfloral.com
Purchasing—Megan Johnson megan@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