‘THE SAGE’-Klein’s Online Newsletter—SEPTEMBER 2024
Klein’s Floral & Greenhouses
3758 E. Washington Ave.
Madison, WI 53704
608/244-5661 or info@kleinsfloral.com
THIS MONTH’S HIGHLIGHTS:
Truckloads of Houseplants Have Arrived Fresh from Florida
Now Available: Fall Mums & All of Your Fall Gardening Favorites
50% Off Remaining Perennials, Shrubs, Herbs and Potted Fruits
Spring Blooming Bulbs Are Arriving. Shop Early for Best Selection!
Our ‘Mad Gardener’ and ‘Houseplant Help‘ Are Ready for Your Questions
Klein’s Favorite Seed, Bulb & Plant Sources
A History of Grandparents’ Day (Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024)
Mansion Hill’s Period Garden Park
A Guide to Successful Seed Saving
You Asked About Monstera Care
Plant of the Month: Maiden Grass (Miscanthus)
Klein’s Favorite Simple & Quick Pickling Recipe for Garden Veggies
Product Spotlight: Drain Drawer Plant Pots
Notes from Rick’s Garden Journal—From August 2024
—A Couple of South American Treasures
—About Orb Weaver Spiders
—Starting a Hummingbird Garden
September in the Garden: A Planner
Gardening Events Around Town
Review Klein’s @: Yelp, Google Reviews or Facebook Reviews
Join Us on Twitter
Follow Us on Facebook
CURRENTLY ON SALE @ KLEIN’S
50% Off All Perennials, Shrubs, Ornamental Trees and Potted Fruits While Supplies Last.
Late summer and fall are the perfect time to plant perennials and shrubs. Get a start now on your next season’s garden and landscape!!
We still have a beautiful and large selection of shrubs in stock!! Quality and selection are still amazing! We have a nice selection of:
- Lilacs
- Dogwoods
- Ninebark
- Rose of Sharon
- Burning Bush
- Roses
- Weigela
- Forsythia
- Rhododendrons
- Dwarf Conifers
- Bonsai
- Serviceberry
- Aronia/Chokeberries
- Blueberry Bushes
…AND SO MUCH MORE!
50% Off All Herbs
We have all of your favorites for late season cooking and canning…an amazing selection of oregano, mint, thyme, lavender, sage and more awaits you and your senses! …And many will overwinter indoors on a windowsill for continued enjoyment.
Also Now on Sale and While Supplies Last:
- Buy One, Get One Free All Remaining Potted Annuals (Fall items are not included.)
- 50% Off Tropicals (Citrus & Houseplants are not included.)
- 50% Off All 6″ Annuals
NOW AVAILABLE…FALL MUMS, FALL VEGETABLES, ORNAMENTAL KALES, CABBAGES, PEPPERS & SO MUCH MORE!
Now that it’s late summer and your summer annuals are beginning to wane, it’s time to fill those empty spots with colorful fall mums and annuals and in the coming weeks and as crops are ready, selection will be at its peak. Choose from not only mums, but also beautiful grasses, pansies and violas, ornamental kales, cabbages, peppers and so much more.
Klein’s is renowned for our selection of Jenny’s mixed fall containers, whether pre-made grab-and-go or custom designed to suit your taste or decor.
And in the weeks ahead we await the arrival of our large selection on pumpkins and gourds. Fall merchandise is arriving daily!!
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.
SEPTEMBER STORE HOURS:
Monday thru Friday : 9:00-6:00
Saturday: 9:00-5:00
Sunday: 10:00-4:00
Open Labor Day, Monday, September 2: 10:00-4:00
CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
About September 1—The Spring Bulbs Arrive!! Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, crocus, alliums and much more arrive for fall planting. We suggest that you hold off planting spring bulbs until the weather cools in October. But shop early for best selection!
September 2–Labor Day. Special Store Hours: 10:00-4:00
September 8–Grandparents’ Day
September 17–Full Moon
September 22–Fall Begins
‘THE FLOWER SHOPPE’:
A History of Grandparents’ Day (Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024)
Purpose:
This day has a threefold purpose:
—To honor grandparents
—To give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children.
—To help children become aware of the strength, information and guidance older people can offer.
Grandparents Day First Sunday After Labor Day
In 1970, a West Virginia housewife, Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade, initiated a campaign to set aside a special day just for Grandparents. Through concerted efforts on the part of civic, business, church, and political leaders, this campaign expanded statewide. Senator Jennings Randolph (D-WV) was especially instrumental in the project. The first Grandparents Day was proclaimed in 1973 in West Virginia by Governor Arch Moore. Also in 1973, Senator Randolph introduced a Grandparents Day resolution in the United States Senate. The resolution languished in committee.
Mrs. McQuade and her team turned to the media to garner support. They also began contacting governors, senators, congressmen in every state. And they sent letters to churches, businesses, and numerous national organizations interested in senior citizens. In 1978, five years after its West Virginia inception, the United States Congress passed legislation proclaiming the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day. The proclamation was signed by President Jimmy Carter. (September was chosen for the holiday, to signify the “autumn years” of life.)
Today this event, begun by only a few, is observed by millions throughout the United States.
Observance/Suggested Activities
Grandparents Day is a family day. Schools, churches, and senior organizations honor grandparents with special events. Some families enjoy small, private gatherings. Others celebrate by holding a family reunion. Board games which are easily played by young and old add enjoyment to family gatherings, enhancing “intergenerational interaction”.
For those who entertain large groups, it can be fun to have a story-telling time, allowing grandparents to relate stories of their past, enlightening children about ” the old days.” Also interesting is to take a census, such as oldest and newest grandchild, family with the most grandchildren, and families with five generation present.
As Grandparents Day approaches, help Children and/or Grandchildren to identify and date all photos in old family albums. Many happy memories can be derived from this.Everyone is a grandchild and can be involved in the observance of this day – a time to discover one’s roots and learn patience, understanding and appreciation for the elderly. Grandparents Day is the perfect time to enhance communication between the generations.
Special talents, such as cooking, sculpting or quilting can be passed on to those who display an interest. Old family music, songs and dances, along with their meanings and origins, are important in maintaining a strong sense of family background. Together, re-construct a family tree, giving children the opportunity to learn the ancestral line of their family. Strive to preserve particular ethnic or religious beliefs.
Many times, only grandparents have answers to questions about family histories. When this information is passed down to the grandchildren, everyone can be assured of his heritage being preserved.
Most important, Grandparents Day can signify a loving spirit that lives within us throughout the year–a spirit of love and respect for our elders.
YOU ASKED. . .
Can you offer any advice on how to properly care for monstera? DeAnna
Hi DeAnna
Bright, indirect light is perfect. Soak the pot thoroughly only when dry to the touch. It’s OK for them to be kept lightly moist at all times.
Monsteras are huge vines in the tropics, growing to the tree tops in jungles. They can get a bit unruly and unattractive in the home as they age. Owners have a tendency to wind them up a stake as they grow. This will not work in the long haul. It’s best to have them root naturally into a wooden plank. Cedar and cypress work best to avoid rotting. And it’s best to buy the longest plank possible right up front as it’s difficult to deal with later once rooted into a plank that is too short. I recommend 6′ minimum.
If your monstera has already become unruly, simply cut all stems back to 4-6″ from the soil, rooting all the viable growing tips directly into thoroughly moistened soil in individual pots, making sure there is at least one node under the soil. The cuttings will root in about 6-8 weeks and the mother plant will begin sending up new shoots in usually 4-6 months depending on the time of the year and light levels.
Thanks for your question,
madgardener@kleinsfloral.com, houseplanthelp@kleinsfloral.com
DID YOU KNOW. . .
. . . that Madison’s downtown contains a lovely garden treasure with Mansion Hill’s Period Garden Park?
From the Period Garden Park website @ www.periodgardenpark.org/
“The Greatest Gift of the Garden Is the Restoration of the Five Senses.”
Hanna Rion
Welcome to Period Garden Park, a victorian-era neighborhood city park. Our beautiful flower gardens are planted, supported, and managed by volunteers. Visit us and enjoy all the floral displays of the seasons. Sit and reflect on our comfortable benches, surrounded by scent and color. Find a cool spot in our shady wooded area where you can watch birds visiting our feeders. We are an oasis in the midst of Madison’s busy downtown city life. Witness the ever-evolving garden as our restoration efforts progress.
Period Garden is a small park, .235 acres, at Gorham and Pinckney Streets. This was once the front lawn of the Elisha W. Keyes House, at 104 E. Gorham, which was built in 1853-1854. In 1972, the owner of the property (at that time a parking lot), proposed building a 30-unit efficiency apartment building on the site. This would have hidden the facade of the Keyes House, which had just been named a landmark by the City Landmarks Commission, and seemed inappropriate for the Mansion Hill neighborhood. A private citizens group organized to buy the property to save it from development. The land was purchased and the park created through a combination of private contributions and State and City funding.
In 1975, after the City took ownership, the Civil Engineers of the Air National Guard removed the asphalt parking lot. A park was designed to resemble the type of garden that this neighborhood once enjoyed. The park combines areas of grass with planted flower beds. The brick walkways and carved sandstone steps are typical of Madison gardens of that era. The wrought iron fence on one side of the park dates back to the period, and was moved to Period Garden from Forest Hill Cemetery. Period Garden Park was formally dedicated in 1977. Over the years, the City has provided money and maintenance, but budget constraints have sometimes left the garden in poor shape. The Madison Trust for Historic Preservation and individual volunteers were instrumental in caring for this quiet and lovely space.
Period Garden Park is located in Madison’s Mansion Hill District at 110 E. Gorham St.
To learn about donating or volunteering, please visit www.periodgardenpark.org/donate.htm and www.periodgardenpark.org/volunteer.htm
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.
DRAIN DRAWER POTS
“Meet The Easy, Mess-Free, No-Hassle Houseplant Pots!”
Watering your plants will never be the same again. Enter the indoor gardening revolution, with a concept so simple, it’s genius.
Owning houseplants is more than just a passing trend; it’s a delightful commitment, albeit a messy one. Traditional pots, while charming, can lead to a host of problems. Picture this: you water your beloved green companions, and suddenly, you find yourself lugging them to the sink or bathtub just to ensure excess water drains away. It’s a chore, to say the least.
From the muddy mess to the struggle of transporting your leafy friends to makeshift watering stations, the experience can be less joy and more hassle. We’ve all been there – juggling pots and hoping not to spill a drop. But why should nurturing your indoor jungle be a balancing act?
No more moving plants to the sink and back, or dealing with messy drip trays of yesteryear. Once your removable drawer collects excess drainage during watering, simply empty the drawer out and get on with your day. It’s the ultimate houseplant solution! Keeping your plants happy has never been this simple.
Once root rot sets in, your plant is destined for the bin. Thankfully, Drain Drawer Pots help prevent root rot by capturing excess drainage in a removable drawer while keeping your plant elevated above in a totally separate compartment. With its unique two-part structure, our Pots keep your plant out of direct contact with excess drainage water.
Thanks to an innovative side spout, you can water directly to the bottom of your pot, which encourages downward root growth and avoids wet topsoil that can host pesky gnats.
Convenience shouldn’t sacrifice style. Add a splash of panache to your home with an elegant concept for drainage for potted plants. Complement any room theme effortlessly. A beautiful addition to your space that lasts.
Not only is your patent-pending Drain Drawer Pot constructed from recycled materials, but the whole thing is recyclable again, should the need arise. Enjoy every moment with your plants without worrying about your impact on the planet.
To learn more visit draindrawerpots.com/
NOTES FROM MY GARDEN JOURNAL–Tips and Observations from My Own Garden by Rick Halbach
ENTRY: AUGUST 19, 2024 (A Couple of South American Treasures)
The garden is now quickly changing from its mid- to late summer appearance. The perennial stars of mid-summer (the daylilies and bee balm) are giving way to asters and goldenrod. That said, most annuals are now at their peak and will continue thriving until the first hints of fall in just a few weeks.
Among my favorite and unique late summer bloomers are Brazilian buttonflowers and all of the unique tropical salvias; especially Bolivian sage.
I’m a sucker for unique annuals in my garden. Sometimes my experiments haven’t panned out in that tropical beauties sometimes underperform here in the north with our short summers. Brazilian buttonflowers (Centratherum intermedium) however NEVER disappoint. Their unique purple-blue, bachelor button-like blooms appear nonstop from mid-July until frost. Not only do they have fascinating flowers, but offer interesting and uniquely lobed foliage to boot. Few people know this delightful annual and seed is becoming increasingly hard to find. Brazilian buttonflower is never available at garden centers (though I’m not sure why). The blooms attract beneficial pollinators and the plants self-sow randomly throughout the garden when conditions are ideal. Seed is available from online sources. Plants are bushy and grow to about 2 ft. tall in my garden beds. They perform equally well in containers.
Bolivian sage (Salvia oxyphora) is unique among the late flowering tropical salvias. Like all salvias it too is a hummingbird magnet. The blooms, however, are extremely unique among salvias. They are very fuzzy and bright pink; held above rather typical salvia foliage. I found this salvia in a garden catalog about 10 years ago and have been propagating it via cuttings ever since. Like all salvias, it is very easy to overwinter in small pots as cuttings. I also dig up the roots, pot them and store them dormant in my root cellar along with my cannas, callas, brugmansias and many other tropical sages. Plants grow to about 2-3’ tall, are bushy and also perform well in large containers. Like Brazilian buttonflowers, I’m not sure why this plant isn’t offered at garden centers. Perhaps someday…
An interesting note about Bolivian sage from an Australian website:
“In addition to the fuzzy flowers, another unique characteristic of the Bolivian Salvia is its seedless state. No plant has been observed with seeds after flowering, either in the wild or in herbariums. It has been surmised that this may be due to the loss of a native pollinator, due to extinction or rarity. In North America, hummingbirds readily ‘pollinate’ flowers, but viable seed does not set. The plant is therefore at risk in the wild, despite commercial nurseries around the world having good stock levels”.
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ENTRY: AUGUST 20, 2024 (About Orb Weaver Spiders)
As usual this time of the summer, the orb weaver spiders are everywhere. It’s hard not to walk into the garden each morning and not run into their large, sturdy webs. I usually enter the garden nowadays waving my watering wand in front of me to clear the paths of webs.
There’s no easier or better way to control garden insect pests than to let nature do the job for us. It’s during the months of August and September that the familiar orb weaver spiders are at their peak in Madison area gardens.
Many of us were introduced to orb weaver spiders as children in the classic story Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White. Though scary looking to some, it was through Charlotte that many of us learned to appreciate a spider’s beauty and understand it’s place in our surroundings.
It’s the orb weaver spiders that build the stereotypical spiral webs in gardens and around structures. Orb weavers typically have a large bulbous abdomen. The spiders can become relatively large by late summer. Orb weavers are often times rather hairy, though the hairless black and yellow common garden spider also belongs in this large family of spiders. The spider’s intricate webs are made of a strong and sticky silk that entraps unsuspecting prey. The future meal is rendered helpless with a quick and venomous bite and then wrapped into a silken package for consumption. Damaged or torn webs are repaired to perfection on a daily basis. Any gardener who has unknowingly walked into one of their webs can attest to the strength of the orb weaver’s masterpiece. Orb weavers are generally harmless to humans.
Orb weavers are not selective about their prey and will consume nearly all kinds of insects, including butterflies and even other spiders. The spiders generally build their webs where there is an abundance of insect prey and placed to maximize the chances of entrapment. They are able to feast on dozens of bugs in a single day.
Did you know…
—A fear of spiders is called Arachnophobia.
—Little Miss Muffet sat on her tuffet, eating her curds and whey… Miss Muffet was a real person! Her father, Dr. Mouffet believed that spiders could heal when eaten. Eek!
—The largest spider in the world is the Giant Bird-eating spider. One that was found had a leg span of 11 inches!
—The smallest spider is the Patu digua. You could fit 10 of them on the end of a pencil.
—The kindest and most intelligent spider, of course, would have to be Charlotte, from the book Charlotte’s Web, since she could not only spell but saves the pig’s life!
—Spider silk is possibly the strongest material in the world! Scientists believe that if they gathered the same weight of spider web as a piece of steel, the web would be much stronger than the steel!
—As hard as scientists try, they cannot match or copy the silk.
Source: www.kidzone.ws
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ENTRY: AUGUST 24, 2024 (Starting a Hummingbird Garden)
Kathi and Michael Rock have for many Septembers welcomed the public to their beautiful garden for their annual Community Hummingbird Tour. This year’s tour dates are Sunday, September 15, 1:00-5:30 and Wednesday, September 18, 3:00-7:00 @ 5118 Buffalo Tr., Madison 53705.
Start a Hummingbird Garden
Learn how to draw the world’s tiniest birds to your garden with these colorful flowers.
Written by Amy McDowell for Midwest Living @ www.midwestliving.com/garden/flowers/hummingbird-garden/?page=0
Tiny Joys
Gardeners Kathi and Michael Rock of Madison, are enchanted with hummingbirds. “Hummingbirds truly embody the magic, joy and freedom that we as humans would love to have,” Kathi says.
Kathi knows hummingbirds’ amazing statistics: They can fly faster than any other birds and have the largest proportionate brain size. And, of course, they can hover and snatch insects in midair.
Kathi and Michael first fell in love with hummingbirds a decade ago after adding a hummingbird feeder to their backyard. Now they have two dozen feeders and more than a hundred kinds of annuals and perennials to cater to the tastes and habits of their flying friends.
“We try to have plants that bloom at every point during the season,” Kathi says. The feeders fill in when flowers aren’t growing in early spring and after fall frosts.
The Rocks pass along their 10 years of expertise by hosting a hummingbird gardening website (sites.google.com/view/hummingbirdgardening/home) and by giving community presentations. They’ve learned a lot over the years about hummingbird habits in the Midwest.
Although there are 300 kinds of hummingbirds, the ruby-throated (left) is the only one common throughout the Midwest. The tiny birds arrive here in May and June, then leave gardens to build nests in isolated forest areas. As soon as mating is over, in early July, the males begin to migrate because they play no role in raising the young. Females head south after their offspring learn to fly.
“We see an increase in the number of hummingbirds beginning in early August,” Kathi says. “Our peak time in Madison is traditionally mid-September. By then, most of the adult males are gone, and we’re seeing female and immature birds almost exclusively.”
Hummingbirds will dine from flowers of any color, but red attracts them best. “They can see red up to a mile away,” Kathi says.
Flowers with tubular blossoms evolved with hummingbirds, so the Rocks keep a good supply. Hummingbirds also eat spiders and insects, including mosquitoes and gnats.
Kathi recommends six plants to get your hummingbird garden started: perennials honeysuckle, bee balm and cardinal flower, as well as annuals Mexican cigar plant, blue anise sage and Texas sage.
Bee balm (Monarda didyma) has blooms that look like starbursts and fragrant foliage. It reaches 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Grow in full sun or light shade. Zone 4.
The red or red-orange variety of Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) blooms with trumpet-shape flowers on a vine that reaches 10-15 feet long. Grow in full sun. Zone 4.
Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) attracts hummers with fire truck red blossoms on 2- to 3-foot-tall stalks from late summer through fall. Grow in full sun or part shade. Zone 2.
Mexican cigar plant (Cuphea ‘David Verity’) grows 2 feet tall with orange tubular flowers and tips that resemble lit cigars. It flowers from early summer until frost, grows well in containers and thrives in full sun. Annual.
Blue anise sage (Salvia guaranitica ‘Black ’n Blue”, i.e.) blooms with purple flowers from summer through fall. It reaches 2-4 feet tall. Grow in full sun to part shade. Annual.
Texas sage (Salvia coccinea) flowers prolifically with red flowers summer through fall. It reaches 2 feet tall and grows easily from seed. Grow in full sun.
Make Your Own Nectar
When your flowers aren’t blooming, feeders will help attract hummingbirds. Mix one part sugar with four parts tap water. Sugar dissolves quickly in warm water, so there’s no need to boil it. When nectar looks cloudy or moldy, wash the feeder and refill with a fresh batch.
While a traditional feeder is hung off a house or on a stand near your home, many different varieties are available, including ones that you can place in the ground (left) at any attractive spot in your garden.
In addition to the above, other annuals that attract hummingbirds include; fuchsias (especially ‘Gartenmeister’), lantana, nicotiana, pentas and hyssop.
All suggested plants are available at Klein’s in the springtime.
KLEIN’S RECIPES OF THE MONTH—These are a selection of relatively simple recipes chosen by our staff. New recipes appear monthly. Enjoy!!
During the late summer months, it’s often difficult to keep up with produce from the garden. The following quick and easy pickling process appeared in an article in the Wisconsin State Journal in 2016. Unlike canning, produce is bathed in a hot vinegar and salt brine, then sealed and chilled. Because the produce is not ‘canned’, veggies should be eaten within a week to 10 days for best results; much like most vinegar based summer salads. The Klein’s staff member who brought us this article says he’s been pickling many batches of Mexican sour gherkins (aka cucamelons), for example; which are not only delicious for munching on, but make for unique garnishes in his whiskey Old-fashioneds and other summer cocktails. He says the pickling process takes 10-15 minutes tops and works with nearly all vegetables, including cauliflower florets, cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, carrot strips, green beans. Allow your imagination become your guide.
Don’t Get So Sour about ‘Pickles’. Make Them Yourself
By Melissa D’Arabian for the Associated Press
In the world of summer barbecues, the pickle hardly plays a starring role.
Truth to be told, “hold the pickles” is my standard order, as I am not a fan of pickles on a cheeseburger, nor do I particularly care for pickle juice leaking onto my sandwich bread at a deli.
But homemade quick pickles made from a variety of fresh veggies, not just cucumbers, are a completely different story! Quick pickles are made in minutes, not days, so the veggies stay crisper than store-bought versions. And since you control the ingredients, you can customize your pickles to make them as tart, sweet, sour, spicy or salty as you want.
Make one batch, and you’ll immediately know how to adjust the flavors to your liking. You can even make a variety of pickling flavors easily — add extra smashed garlic cloves and red pepper flakes to the green beans and bump up the vinegar to give cauliflower floret pickles extra pucker. You can even pickle fruit — sliced lemon, pineapple chunks, halved cherry tomatoes all make tangy toppings for grilled meats and spicy dishes, for example.
The homemade pickle is a far more versatile actor than its commercially-produced cousin. Try serving a variety of lightly-pickled veggies with dip instead of the expected crudité.
Imagine a veritable mini-buffet of brightly colored pickled veggies in mason jars set up next to the condiments at your next barbecue. Bring along a jar or two to someone else’s party this summer as a healthy hostess gift.
Or, just keep a jar or two in your fridge for snacking. The basic recipe is easy enough to keep your fridge stocked, too. Just six simple pantry ingredients are needed: vegetables, vinegar, salt, sugar, garlic and an herb or spice. Which means homemade pickles can probably be on your menu tonight without even a trip to the store.
Six Ingredient Quick ‘Pickles’
Start to Finish: 15 minutes
Yield: varies
½ cup white vinegar
1 tablespoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons sugar
6 smashed garlic cloves
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or other spice or herb, such a mustard seed, celery seed, or dill)
2 cups vegetables, approximately, trimmed to fit in two 1-pint mason jars
Special equipment: 2 mason jars (1 pint size)
Heat the vinegar, salt and sugar in a saucepan with 2 cups of water and bring to a boil and stir until salt and sugar dissolve, about 2 minutes.
Meanwhile place the garlic and red pepper flakes at the bottom of the mason jars, and add the trimmed vegetables. Pour the boiling pickling liquid into the jars to cover the vegetables completely. (You should have enough water, but if not, boil a little extra plain water and add.) Cover the jars and let the vegetables sit until cool enough to eat. Store in refrigerator. Best if eaten within a week to 10 days.
NATURAL NEWS–
A Guide to Successful Seed Saving
Seed Saving to Preserve Today’s Bounty For Tomorrow’s Gardens
Seed saving has long been the primary way to pass plants down from generation to generation. Seed Saving is not only fun, it’s also an important way to perpetuate heirloom plants and to ensure the genetic diversity of the world’s food crops, which are eroding at an unprecedented and accelerating rate. Seed saving has been used successfully for many crops over the years– the varieties we call “heirloom” are here today because of dedicated gardeners like you and me have faithfully saved seed over the generations.
Seeds are generally saved from annual and biennial plants. Seeds you save from your home production system are accustomed to your climate and growing medium and are adapted to pests in your area. Seeds from hybrid varieties produce a mix of offspring, many of which may have different characteristics than the parent. Seed saving is easy; people have done it for thousands of years, in the process breeding all of the wonderful vegetables that we eat today.
Saving seed requires you to grow plants to maturity and consequently they get bigger and stay around longer than normal, so leave a bit more space around them. Saving and growing seed, year on year, is taking part in evolution. Saving garden seeds at the end of each growing season can be a great cost saving measure and a way to duplicate last year’s delectable harvest.
Plants are pollinated in three differing ways, by wind, insects or by what is known as self-pollination. Plants from the same species can cross with each other producing mixes of the parent plant. Plants with pods, like beans, are ready when the pods are brown and dry. Plants pollinated by wind (such as corn and spinach) and those pollinated by insects (such as squash and cucumbers) may produce a next generation that resembles a parent, or they may cross with other varieties to turn up something entirely unique. In recent decades, there has been a major shift to purchasing seed annually from commercial seed suppliers, and to hybridized or cloned plants that do not produce seed that remains “true to type”-retaining the parent’s characteristics- from seed. To be successful at seed saving, new skills need to be developed that enhance the capacity of growers to ensure that desired characteristics are retained in their plant: learning the minimum number of plants to be grown which will preserve inherent genetic diversity, recognizing the preferred characteristics of the cultivar being grown so that plants that are not breeding true are not selected for seed production. Recommended minimums number of plants for seed preservation: 25 cucumbers, squash, melons; 50-100 radishes, brassicas, mustards; 200 sweet corn. Seed saved from these plants will breed true, provided the plants have been properly isolated from different varieties of the same species.
Open-pollinated varieties will grow true to type when randomly mated within their own variety. If two varieties of spinach bloom near each other, the resultant seed is likely to be a cross between the two. Different varieties of peppers should be separated by 500 feet to avoid cross-pollination. The closer the varieties are located, the higher the amount of crossed seeds. Theoretically you should aim for at least half a mile between varieties.
Heirloom vegetables are varieties that are grown, selected, saved, named, and shared by farmers and gardeners. Heirloom plants are accessible now because people have saved seeds for domestic use throughout generations of sustenance farming. You can really cut down on your gardening costs by gardening with heirloom seeds that you save year to year. You can also save heirloom flower seeds such as: cleome, foxgloves, hollyhock, nasturtium, sweet pea, and zinnia. You are in control of heirloom varieties that do best in your garden. Saving your own seeds increases your self-sufficiency; and it can save you money. It is generally accepted that, to be an heirloom, a variety must be open pollinated and be at least fifty years old. And since heirloom seeds and the practice of seed saving also hold hope for helping feed a hungry planet, they’re even more compelling today. You can save favorite heirloom seeds for your own use in your garden, breed and improve varieties, swap with friends, join seed-saving organizations, or grow seed commercially at many levels of scale–the possibilities are numerous.
Before you store your seeds, make sure that you have thoroughly dried them. Home-saved seeds will retain their vigor if thoroughly dried and saved in air proof containers in the freezer for extended storage or in a cool dry cellar for next season. While some vegetable seed can remain viable in storage for as long as 15 years or more, and grains may remain viable much longer under stable environmental conditions, every year in storage will decrease the amount of seed that will germinate. When you have processed the seeds and are ready to package for the winter, it pays to buy desiccant packs for your storage containers to keep your seeds dry. Seeds should contain 3-5 percent moisture while in storage. General rule is if you can bend your seed then it still has too much moisture in it and will rupture and die if frozen. However, if you attempt to bend it and it breaks instead, then it’s probably at 8% or less and can be safely frozen. Another point is that when you remove the seeds from the freezer, allow them to come up to room temperature before handling for planting or sowing. Saving seeds in storage will safeguard your family’s food crop in the event of worldwide catastrophes, war, pandemic outbreaks and other unforeseen disasters.
Seed saving can quickly become a hobby and you’ll be in good company. Seed saving teaches us about the wonder of nature and by saving seeds, we complete the circle of growing. What a marvelous way to end the garden season and look forward to next year’s crops. What’s more, seed saving is a marvelous way to introduce children to gardening.
Learning to build biodiversity in our garden through seed saving is one of the most important human activities we can participate in.
Common methods of preparing your seeds:
1) Allowing the seeds to dry naturally on the plant. Corn and garlics would be a good representative of these method. Pull the corn husks when the corn as fully ripened and allow to continued drying on racks (if protected from birds and squirrels) or in paper grocery sacks indoors until they are thoroughly dried. Then you can twist them in your hands to get the kernels to fall off. Package, label with name of variety and date or year of harvest and store. For garlics, the same drying method applies. Garlics can also be braided and hung from nails, or stored in open weaved bags while they are drying. This is also referred to as “curing” when in reference to garlics. Lettuce and cole crops such as broccoli seeds can be collected directly from the plant. When you notice the seeds look dry and about ready to fall off, then you can directly pull the seeds off by hand into a waiting paper bag. How easy can that be!
2) Removing the seeds and allowing to air dry. This would be the most common methods of vegetable seed storage. For example, cucumbers and other squash type plants. Allow the fruits to fully ripen even to the point of the fruit starting to turn yellow so that the seeds inside fully develop. Then cut open the vegetable and scoop out the seeds. I would recommend a gentle washing in a mild bleach solution (one part bleach to ten parts water) and then lay out in a single layer on newspaper or paper towels until the seeds have thoroughly dried. Then store in containers of choice with appropriate labeling.
3) For bean and pea plants, again, allow the pods to ripen fully on the plant, then remove the pods, open and out pop the seeds! You will probably want to let the seeds dry out some more if they appear to need it.
4) Fermenting:
This method is needed for tomatoes as the viscous gel substance or pulp, inhibits germination so must be removed. The easiest way to do this is to slice open your tomato, squeeze the contents into a glass jar, add water up to about 3/4 of the jar, stir and set aside for a few days. You will notice a icky smelly moldy residue collecting on the top of the water as well as some seeds (these are dead seeds). The water will clear and the good seeds will sink to the bottom of the jar. After about 4-5 days this process will seem to have come to an end, so carefully scoop out the stuff from the top and throw away, pour off the water down the sink, and then lastly, pour out the seeds from the bottom of the jar onto newspaper or paper towel for the final drying. When the seeds have dried, they can be removed from the paper and stored.
Thanks for reading my tutorial on seed saving. This tutorial is from my own personal experience so soils, growing conditions and weather may be different for your location and you may need to amend these guidelines to fit your situation. A great source for information on seed saving is your local county extension office. Ask to speak to a Master Gardener or stop by and pick up a helpful brochure on seed saving. Most of all, have fun in your garden!
Happy Gardening!
by Joyce Moore
Master Gardener-Oregon
SEPTEMBER’S PLANT OF THE MONTH:
Maiden Grass (Miscanthus)
Few grasses are more beautiful in late fall and early winter than the many maiden grasses (Miscanthus sinensis); available at all local garden centers. The delicate plumes waving in the breeze are soothing eye-catchers in the home garden. Klein’s currently has a nice selection of maiden grasses and all are currently included in our yearend perennial sale. Please note that maiden grasses are often falsely called ‘pampas grass’ in southern Wisconsin. True pampas grass is not hardy in the northern US.
Miscanthus sinensis: A Graceful Fair Maiden
by Gerald Kingaman
Gardens are constantly changing. Not only do the plants themselves change their appearance from season to season, gardeners are always adding new plants and taking out old ones as different selections peak their interest. Ornamental grasses (which were important garden plants during the height of the Victorian era), have been rediscovered by gardeners and are currently riding a wave of popularity.
While grasses come in a bewildering array of shapes and sizes, one of the most popular is maiden grass (Miscanthus sinensis), which truly makes a wonderfully bold statement in fall gardens. Also known as eulalia, Japanese silvergrass and maidenhair grass, this tough, clump-forming grass has slender, half-inch wide leaves that gracefully arch from the ground. In autumn, it sends up a silvery, feathery tassel that turns tan and simply waves about in the breeze above the clump.
For me, one of the best parts of the grass is that the clump expands every year. In fact, the row of ‘Gracillimus’ I planted 10 years ago is now about 3 feet wide at the base and 6 feet tall in flower, effectively obscuring the parking space for my old junker.
Of course, the ultimate height of the plant depends on the type of Miscanthus you select. There are now more than 40 cultivars of maiden grass in the nursery trade, so make sure you know the characteristics of the one you choose. ‘Nippon’, for example, is a dwarf form with 2- to 3-foot-tall foliage and flowers topping out at 4 feet. Miscanthus ‘Giganteus’ and Miscanthus floridulus are two species that grow straight up to 10 feet. (I’ve often fantasized about making a corn maze using these beauties.)
Perhaps the most popular of the maiden grasses are the variegated types. My favorite of these is a thin-leafed, 4-foot-tall, delicate form called ‘Morning Light’. It has a thin, white strip on the leaf margin that’s easy to miss because the leaf itself is so narrow. Plant this where it can be backlit by the morning sun for a remarkable effect.
Two other variegated forms, Miscanthus sinensis spp. condensatus ‘Cabaret’ (with its wide, white stripe down the length of the blade) and the unusual ‘Zebrinus’ (with yellow variegation running across the leaf blade), are worth having if you’ve got the rooMiscanthus These plants tend to be a bit floppy and graceless in flower, but their foliage effect is grand. (For something with a similar effect but more compact and less floppy, try 4-foot-tall ‘Little Zebra’.)
To achieve its full glory, maiden grass needs at least 6 hours of sunlight. It’s not picky about soil, but will grow larger and faster in good sites. Once established, it’s drought-tolerant to the extreme (and I shudder to think of a drought so severe as to affect it). While an occasional grasshopper might chomp on a leaf here or there, the plant is essentially immune to disease and insect problems.
Where to plant this gorgeous grower, you ask? Ornamental grasses in general are ideal for screening, for use as a specimen plants or as substitutes for conventional shrubs. They also make stately specimens when used in large containers, but in cold areas, the pots will need to be sunken during winter to protect the roots from freezing.
The hardiest forms of maiden grass will grow from USDA Hardiness zones 4-9. Taller-growing types and broad-leafed clones are usually somewhat less hardy, typically going only as far north as Zone 5. The cane-forming Miscanthus floridulus is only hardy to Zone 6.
So if you’re looking for a little change, try a blast from the Victorian past! Not only will maiden grass shake up the look of your garden, Miscanthus sinensis will add a touch of grace and beauty from season to season.
Please note that Klein’s still has a large selection of Miscanthus and many perennial grasses in stock and now 50% Off!
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.
GLEAM, Art in a New Light @ Olbrich Gardens
Thru October 26
Wednesdays thru Saturdays in September from 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. in October, rain or shine
In the gardens @ Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Take a walk through a dream – GLEAM envelopes the senses, engaging and exciting the imagination. Escape the day to day and enter a third space, a place for creative interaction and dynamic play. Light installation artists from far and wide transform the Gardens into an extraordinary adventure, expect appearances from wild animals, create a self-portrait with time lapse technology, re-live childhood memories getting lost in the corn and wander through a kaleidoscope of light. Come bathe in the shine and enjoy art in the Garden in a whole new light. Ticket sales begin August 5!
Advanced timed-tickets are required.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave., Madison
608/246-4550 or www.olbrich.org for details.
Nature Hike @ the Arboretum
Sunday, September 1, 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
Family Nature Walk @ the Arboretum
Sunday, September 1, 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
Rotary Gardens’ Fall Plant Sale
Thursday, September 5 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM (Members-only)
Friday, September 6 from 9 AM to 5 PM
Saturday, September 7 from 9 AM to 5 PM
Sunday, September 8 from 9 AM to 12 PM
At the Horticulture Center, 825 Sharon Rd., Janesville
Shoppers will be able to find an assortment of mums, asters, kales, perennials and compost during the sale. RBG volunteers will be available to assist shoppers with questions and purchases.
Those with a valid Rotary Botanical Gardens membership card will receive 10% off their total purchase. Memberships will be available for purchase at the plant sale.
Rotary Botanical Gardens
1455 Palmer Drive
Janesville, WI 53545
608/752-3885 or www.rotarybotanicalgardens.org/ for details.
A Native Gardening Conference @ the Arboretum
Native by Design: Gardening for a Sustainable Future
Thursday, September 5, 8:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
The Arboretum’s native gardening conference is held every September to promote sustainable gardening practices and use of native plants in home landscapes. Expert-led workshops inspire and inform gardeners, homeowners, and landowners to create and maintain native gardens or small-scale restorations where they live. The program welcomes people with a range of interests and experience.
The 2024 conference will take place September 15 at the Visitor Center. The all-day event features expert-led workshops, lunch, a keynote speaker, tours of the Wisconsin Native Plant Garden, a resource packet, and ample time for questions and conversations.
Presentations cover topics such as: garden design, native trees and shrubs, butterflies and bees in your garden, garden planting and management, nature journaling, gardening for bird habitat, native plant identification, and beneficial insects.
The keynote by Skye Bruce, coordinator of the Wisconsin Monarch Collaborative, will explore the essential relationships between butterflies and their botanical partners.
Registration for the 2024 conference is now open.
Early bird registration: $65, through July 21; regular rates: $70, starting July 22. Students (with ID): $35. The registration deadline is September 5. (Capacity is limited and the conference may sell out before the deadline.) Register @ https://arboretum.wisc.edu/learn/adult-education/native-gardening-conference/ngc-registration/
University of WI Arboretum
1207 Seminole Hwy.
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu
Workshop @ the Arboretum: Panicle Hydrangeas for Pollinators
Saturday, September 7, 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Although panicle hydrangeas are not native to Wisconsin, they grow well here and support diverse native pollinators. This indoor/outdoor workshop will cover pollinator services, insect identification, photo-documentation, and how to report observations to Bumble Bee Brigade. Led by project collaborators Elizabeth Braatz, David Stevens, and Gustavo Meneses. Free registration requested: 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
Nature Hike @ the Arboretum
Sunday, September 8, 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
Dragonfly Monitoring Walk @ the Arboretum
Wednesday, September 11, 3:00-4:30 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 canceled 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
Crackle @ Olbrich Gardens
Friday, September 13 and Saturday, September 14, 7:00-10:00 p.m.
Let’s get CRACK-A-LACKIN’!! Your favorite fall tradition at the Gardens is back with blazing bonfires on the Great Lawn, booty shaking live music from local bands, frothy Wisconsin micro-brews and MORE!
“Watch the mesmerizing flames while funky tunes invite you to get up out of your seat and dance! CRACKLE offers a cozy night of great live music, tasty fare, and chance to enjoy GLEAM!”
Friday, September 13— DE LA BUENA
This powerhouse 10-piece band employ jazz harmonic sensibility and a deep-seated love of diverse cultures, De La Buena explores the textures and rhythms of Latin musics of the Americas with roots planted firmly in African Diasporic traditions.
Saturday September 14—THE POCKET KINGS
Dance parties are the name of the game with the funky fresh Pocket Kings, a groove-inspired cover band featuring classic R&B, Soul, and Funk music of the modern era.
Must be 21 to attend. General admission $40/Olbrich members $35.
For tickets visit olbrichbotanicalgardens.ticketing.veevartapp.com/tickets/view/calendar/
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave., Madison
608/246-4550 or www.olbrich.org for details.
A Native Gardening Conference @ the Arboretum
Native by Design: Gardening for a Sustainable Future
Sunday, September 15, 8:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
The annual native gardening conference promotes the use of native plants in home landscapes for biodiversity, habitat, beauty, and sustainability. Expert-led workshops inspire and inform gardeners and landowners to create and maintain native gardens or small-scale restorations. Keynote: “Butterflies and Botany: Cultivating Connections in Native Gardens,” Skye Bruce, coordinator, Wisconsin Monarch Collaborative. Fee: $65 through July 21; $70 after. Students: $35 with ID. Register by September 5.
University of WI Arboretum
1207 Seminole Hwy.
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu
Community Hummingbird Garden Tours
Sunday, September 15, 1:00-5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 18, 3:00-7:00 p.m.
5118 Buffalo Trail, Madison, 53705 (near Hilldale & Oscar Rennebohm Park)
One of Wisconsin’s Hummingbird Banders, Mickey O’Connor, will be banding hummingbirds for the Wednesday tour. Additionally, Larry and Emily Scheunemann will present an informative and fun class about hummingbirds on Sunday at 2 p.m. We have 100+ plants and shrubs on display (including some rare salvias from South America), 20 hummingbird feeders, a garden pond, and a door prize drawing on each day. You must be present to win. We will also provide printed information about hummingbird gardening. Please bring your own water or beverage bottle if you wish.
For more info please contact Kathi or Michael Rock at kathijr@yahoo.com.
Visit sites.google.com/view/hummingbirdgardening/home for more information.
Nature Hike in the Grady Tract @ the Arboretum
Sunday, September 15, 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 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 Grady Tract parking lot, southeast corner of Seminole Hwy. and W. Beltline Frontage Rd. (No restroom facilities at Grady Tract.)
University of WI Arboretum
1207 Seminole Hwy.
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu
Mighty Migrations @ the Arboretum
Sunday, September 15, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Family Nature Program
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 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
Rotary Garden’s What’s in Bloom? Tour
Wednesday, September 18, 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.
Rotary Botanical Gardens
1455 Palmer Dr., Janesville, WI
608/752-3885 or www.rotarybotanicalgardens.org/
Fall in the Native Plant Garden @ the Arboretum
Saturday, September 21, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
A Garden Tour
Color, fruits, seeds, late blooming plants, late-season insects – we will find these and more in the diverse native plant gardens around the Visitor Center. Susan Carpenter, garden curator, will lead this tour. 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
Fall Equinox Night Walk @ the Arboretum
Saturday, September 21, 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. (Equinox is morning of September 22.) 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 September 17: 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
All About Owls @ Rotary Botanical Gardens
Sunday, September 22, 12:00-12:45 p.m.
Rotary Botanical Gardens, 1455 Palmer Dr., Janesville, WI
Learn about owls and meet a Snowy Owl.
During this 45-minute education program, participants will meet several owl species including our Snowy Owl – the largest owl species in North America.
Learn about their natural history, silent flight, adaptations to their habitat and behaviors. These birds are some of the most beautiful owl species in the world.
This Hoo’s Woods program will leave you spellbound, anxious to learn more about these fascinating birds and others.
Hoo’s Woods is a non-profit organization established in 1998, dedicated to the rehabilitation and education of raptors.
$5 per person ages 2 & up. Register by Sept. 12 by visiting https://rotarybotanicalgardens.org/event/all-about-owls/
Rotary Botanical Gardens
1455 Palmer Dr., Janesville, WI
608/752-3885 or www.rotarybotanicalgardens.org/
Scenic Stroll @ the Arboretum
Sunday, September 22, 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
Dragonfly Monitoring Walk @ the Arboretum
Saturday, September 28, 3:00-4:30 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 canceled 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
Nature Hike: Stormwater @ the Arboretum
Sunday, September 29, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Learn the impact of urbanization and stormwater on Arboretum wetlands, and the benefits of wetlands and ecological restoration for plants, wildlife, and humans. 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. Presented as part of Wisconsin Stormwater Week.
University of WI Arboretum
1207 Seminole Hwy.
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu
Class: Mindfulness in Nature @ the Arboretum
Saturday, October 5, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Mindfulness is the act of purposely focusing the mind in the present moment, without judgment or attachment. This class offers a “down to earth” approach with mindfulness practices (sitting, standing, and moving) and discussions. Everyone is welcome, no experience necessary. Instructor: Roger Reynolds, certified natural mindfulness guide. Outdoor class. Capacity is limited. Free, register through Eventbrite by September 17: 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
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
SEPTEMBER IN THE GARDEN-–A checklist of things to do this month.
**Although the average first frost date for Madison is about Oct. 6, killing frosts have occurred as early as September 12 (1955). Be aware of quick weather changes this time of year. Be prepared to cover tender plants at any time.
___Continue sowing lettuce, endive, escarole and spinach.
___Plant garlic now! This is the best time for Wisconsin.
___Plant bearded iris rhizomes and transplant peonies.
___Harvest pumpkins and winter squash.
___Apply a systemic pesticide to plants to be wintered over indoors.
___Continue planting shrubs and trees.
___Plant grass seed. September is one of the best times as nights cool.
___Aerate your lawn.
___Divide and plant perennials as desired.
___Stop deadheading perennials for winter interest, i.e. sedums, grasses, etc.
___Dig tender bulbs as the foliage yellows.
___Give the garden at least 1” of moisture per week.
___Collect seeds for next year’s garden.
___Make notes in your garden journal for changes, improvements, etc.
___Take pictures of your garden for record keeping.
___Keep and eye on the weather. Water as needed.
___Shop for spring bulbs, mums and pansies.
___Bring dormant amaryllis bulb indoors for 3 mo. of rest.
___Begin checking out the garden centers for spring bulb selection.
___Take cuttings of geraniums, coleus and other plants to winter over.
___Late in the month, begin planting spring bulbs, but wait as long as possible.
___Begin moving houseplants back indoors.
___Visit Klein’s—Great selection of mums, kales, cabbages, pansies & more!
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 SEPTEMBER:
—The poinsettias continue grow and thrive in our back greenhouses. They’re almost ready to bring into our retail greenhouses before the weather gets too cold.
—Crops such as cyclamen for winter sales and select tropicals for next spring are arriving.
—We begin weatherizing the greenhouses for winter.
—All remaining perennials are cut back, cleaned up.
—We continue stocking fall mums as they go into bloom. We’ll continue to have a good selection usually into November.
—Ordering plants for spring 2025 is going on fast and furious. Our growers order early to ensure best selection. They pore over stacks of catalogs containing the newest plant material for next season.
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
Yelp, Google Reviews or Facebook Reviews
Follow Klein’s on Facebook where we post updates and photos on a regular basis.
Join Klein’s on Twitter where we post company updates and photos on a regular basis.
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
http://www.plantpath.wisc.edu/index.php
Insect Diagnostic Lab
240 Russell Labs
1630 Linden Dr.
Madison, WI 53706
http://www.entomology.wisc.edu/
U.W. Soil and Plant Analysis Lab
8452 Mineral Point Rd.
Verona, WI 53593
608/262-4364
American Horticultural Society
Garden Catalogs (an extensive list with links)
also http://www.mailordergardening.com/
Invasive Species
http://www.invasiveplants.net/
Community Groundworks
3601 Memorial Dr., Ste. 4
Madison, WI 53704
608/240-0409
http://www.communitygroundworks.org
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
http://www.allencentennialgardens.org/
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
http://www.cals.wisc.edu/westmad/
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