‘THE SAGE’-Klein’s Online Newsletter—OCTOBER 2024
Klein’s Floral & Greenhouses
3758 E. Washington Ave.
Madison, WI 53704
608/244-5661 or info@kleinsfloral.com
THIS MONTH’S HIGHLIGHTS:
Spring Blooming Bulbs Have Arrived! Shop Early for Best Selection!
Now Available: Fall Mums & All of Your Fall Gardening Favorites
It’s Time to Plant Garlic
Boss’s Day is Wednesday, October 16
Meet Klein’s Floral Design Team
Our ‘Mad Gardener’ and ‘Houseplant Help‘ Are Ready for Your Questions
Klein’s Favorite Seed, Bulb & Plant Sources
Protecting Evergreens from Winter Burn
You Asked About Repotting Holiday Cactus
Plant of the Month: Mangave
Klein’s Favorite Cauliflower Recipes
Product Spotlight: Organic Garlic from Madison’s Keene Garlic
Notes from Rick’s Garden Journal—From September 2024
—The Reality of “Hardy” Mums
— Earthworms Invade America
—Tips for Bulb Planting Made Easy
October 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
FILL-A-CART-SALE ON PERENNIALS & SHRUBS (While Supplies Last!)
Pay just $50 for as many perennials as you can fit on one of our green shopping carts &
Pay just $100 for as many shrubs as you can fit on one of our green shopping carts.
Exclusions:
Fall plants, tropicals, houseplants, herbs & citrus
Perennials and shrubs cannot be mixed on the same cart.
**No additional discounts or coupons
**Ask an Associate for Details
**Does not include sales tax
AUTUMN AT KLEIN’S
A single visit to Klein’s in autumn is sure to inspire creativity when decorating your home both inside and out. We have it all and under one roof . . . from our homegrown mums, pansies, kales and pre-planted mixed fall containers to fresh floral arrangements for Halloween and Thanksgiving celebrating, to an amazing assortment of fresh pumpkins, gourds, dried grasses, straw bales, corn shucks and more.
THE SPRING BULBS HAVE ARRIVED!
We have all of your favorites–tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, crocus, alliums–and a few not-so-well known treasures for your garden. Mid- to late October is the best time to plant your spring bulbs (planting too can early promote premature leaf growth) and nothing could be more uplifting after a long winter than crocus, snowdrops and winter aconite blossoms peeking through the snow come spring. Allow the Klein’s staff to share planting tips and ideas to keep those pesky squirrels from digging up those newly planted bulbs. And for indoor blooms, don’t forget a few hyacinths, paperwhites and amaryllis (arriving mid-month) for indoor forcing. We carry a lovely assortment of forcing glasses, vases and decorative pottery. Forced bulbs make for an inexpensive and treasured holiday gift. Any bulb questions? Don’t forget our Mad Gardener @ madgardener@kleinsfloral.com!
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.
OCTOBER STORE HOURS:
Monday thru Friday : 9:00-6:00
Saturday: 9:00-5:00
Sunday: 10:00-4:00
CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
Throughout October…Check out our selection of spring bulbs. Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, crocus, alliums and much more have arrived for fall planting. For Halloween and Thanksgiving decorating we carry pumpkins, gourds, fall leaves, branches, grasses, dried flowers, cattails, hay bales, etc. for fall decor. Shop early for best selection.
October 2—Rosh Hashana Begins
October 11—Yom Kippur Begins
October 12 and 13—Art Works’ Winterberry Art & Gift Show @ Klein’s. Saturday,10:00-4:00 and Sunday 10:00-3:00. A boutique art and gift show with work from 26 artists, located in the beautiful Klein’s Greenhouse.
We are proud to support and provide a platform for our rich art community to share their craft. Come join us for an afternoon supporting local small businesses.
For more info visit https://artworkswisconsin.com
October 14—Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Columbus Day)
October 16—National Bosses’ Day
October 17—Full Moon
October 19—Sweetest Day
October 27—Mother-in-Law’s Day
October 31—Halloween
November 2—Día de los Muertos
‘THE FLOWER SHOPPE’:
Klein’s team of talented designers is available to serve you every day of the week but Sunday. Sarah, Renee, Sue and Bonnie are here to answer all of your floral and design questions from 9:00 to 4:00 daily. We not only carry a huge assortment of fresh cut flowers, but also blooming and green plants, balloons and oodles of gift ideas. If you’re not sure what you want, we’d be happy to make suggestions.
Need something quickly? Our huge retail cooler is always stocked with vased roses, stunning fresh arrangements in many styles and price ranges and buckets of loose cut flowers from which to pick and choose. We also have much more in stock, so if there’s something you don’t see—just ask.
Need to send something out of town? Why we can do that, too.
For ideas and easy on-line ordering, check out our website by clicking on www.kleinsfloralandgreenhouses.com or talk to one of our designers directly at 608/244-5661. For delivery information see Delivery Info. We offer same day delivery for orders placed before 12:30 p.m.
And just a reminder that Bosses’ Day is Wednesday, October 16 and Sweetest Day is Saturday, October 19.
YOU ASKED. . .
I have two Christmas/easter cactus pants that are in need of repotting. They are both healthy and bloom. One is more than 80 years young. What is the cost for repotting services?
Hi Jen,
Our potting fees for soil and labor are based on the new pot’s diameter. Plants can be dropped off anytime. We just require contact info for later pick up. Potting charges can be paid @ the time of pick up.
That said, it’s really too late in the season to repot houseplants and especially holiday cactus. As the days shorten, it can be very stressful to step them into a larger pot. Plants rest during the short days of winter and can become very prone to overwatering with the added potting mix when repotted in the fall. In addition, holiday cactus like to be rootbound to bloom well. It’s best to wait now until late February or March to repot houseplants when the days are lengthening quickly. We recommend bringing in your plants on a nice day in early spring when you won’t need to wrap them in plastic for transport.
Thanks for your question,
madgardener@kleinsfloral.com, houseplanthelp@kleinsfloral.com
DID YOU KNOW. . .
. . . Mid- to late October is the best time to plant garlic?
How to Plant, Grow, and Save Garlic Bulbs
This culinary staple is rarely propagated from seeds. Instead a few aromatic bulbs of garlic are saved from the harvest and replanted year after year.
Growing
Garlic plants must be vernalized in order for their bulbs to develop. Plant garlic in the fall, usually between September 25 and November 30 here in southern Wisconsin, after the first light frost of the year. Mid-October is the appropriate time in the Madison area. Keep bulbs intact until right before planting. Break bulbs into individual cloves and plant the largest, healthiest looking cloves with the basal plate – the point where the cloves attached to the bulb – down and the pointed shoot-end up, 6-8” apart. Cover with 2” of soil and a 6” layer of mulch. Do not remove mulch in the spring; it helps control weeds, preserve moisture and provides nutrients as it decomposes.
Cloves may begin to sprout through the mulch in 4-8 weeks, depending on the variety and the weather conditions in your region. Do not be concerned. The plants may suffer some frost or a light freeze and still survive the weather.
When garlic shoots begin to emerge in early spring, ensure even soil moisture by supplying 1” of water per week throughout the growing season. Garlic does not compete well with weeds so keep weeds under control early to ensure a bountiful harvest. Scapes are the curly flower stems that often form as the garlic matures. Cut or break them off after they are 10 inches long and reserve them for eating.
Garlic can suffer damage from nematodes, botrytis rot, and white rot. However, the biggest threat to garlic is weeds. Keep your garlic bed clean and make sure to plant garlic in well-fertilized, loose soil.
Harvesting
Harvest after three or four leaves have died back and there are still five or six green leaves remaining on the plant – sometime in June or July depending on the year and your climate. Do not wait too long or the bulbs will begin to separate in the ground. Loosen the soil with a shovel or pitchfork and then dig the garlic carefully. Do not pull the stalk or it will separate from the bulb. Gently brush most of the dirt off. Tie plants in a bundle of 6-8 plants and hang in a shaded, dry, well-ventilated shed or garage. Leave plants hanging for 4-6 weeks so that bulbs can cure.
Eating and Storing
After thoroughly drying, trim off the roots and cut the stalks off about 1 ½” from the bulb. Store in net bags. For optimum storage, hang in an area with 45-55 percent humidity and a temperature of 50-70 degrees F.
Hold back your nicest bulbs for replanting.
Saving Bulbs
Garlic is vegetatively propagated rather than grown from seeds. To regrow garlic, keep bulbs intact until no more than 1-2 days before replanting, then simply pull apart garlic bulbs and plant individual cloves as described above. Some garlic varieties will produce seeds if scapes are not removed from the plants, but these seeds will not be true to type.
Source: www.seedsavers.org
Klein’s is carrying the following bulk garlic varieties:
Chesnok Red–(aka Shvelisi) Originates from the village of Shvelisi, Republic of Georgia. Beautiful purple striped paper with red cloves, easy to peel. Good lingering taste, retains flavor well when cooked. Rated as one of the very best for baking or roasting. Hardneck, 8-10 cloves per bulb.
German Extra Hardy–Vigorous grower with long roots that enable it to overwinter without heaving out of the ground. Outside skin is ivory-white, but the clove skin is dark red. Strong raw flavor, high sugar content, one of the very best for roasting. Hardneck, 4-7 cloves per bulb.
Inchelium Red–Found growing on the Colville Indian Reservation in Inchelium, Washington. Light purple blotching on very large bulbs. Compound bulbs have large outer cloves as well as medium cloves in the center of the bulb. Rated the best tasting garlic by the Rodale Institute in 1990. Softneck, 12-16 cloves per bulb.
Ivan–Ivan has a complex and subtle flavor, not as spicy as other porcelains when eaten raw. Very productive in cold winter climates. It has classic teardrop shaped bulbs that are characteristic of the porcelain horticulture group. Hardneck, 4 to 6 cloves per bulb.
Music–Italian variety brought to Canada by Al Music in the 1980s from his homeland. Bright white bulbs with a hint of pink and brown on clove skins. Large cloves are easy to peel. Rich, sweet, and caramelly when roasted. Delicious and spicy raw flavor. Hardneck, 4-10 cloves per bulb.
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.
Organic Garlic Bulbs from Madison’s Keene Garlic
About Keene Garlic
We have been growing and selling exceptional quality garlic for over a decade. We provide exceptional quality seed garlic. There is a lot of garlic on the market, but not all of it is what you should invest in as your seed garlic that will be used for years to come.
Good seed garlic is an investment, and we know and understand that. We continually inspect our garlic in the field, during curing, and post-harvest, so it gets to our customers in good shape and ready to grow or eat. Our garlic seed is produced to provide you with garlic that is intended to grow in your garden or field, so you can have a successful garlic crop.
All our garlic is grown organically with no GMO’s, is non-irradiated, and grown in nutrient dense soil to produce high-quality garlic bulbs. Grown on idyllic small organic family farms, we take pride in selling the highest quality garlic seeds to gardeners and farmers who have successfully grown garlic.
Although some seed companies source their garlic from other countries (which does not grow well in the US), we take pride in growing and selling heirloom garlic grown in the US! Wisconsin produces some of the best garlic in the nation! We work hard for our customers, so they can know the sweetness in the success of growing garlic.
Keene Garlic offers:
- Our garlic is organically grown around Wisconsin, heirloom, family farm grown, NON-GMO, non irradiated, and full flavored gourmet garlic.
- American grown Garlic by small family organic farms around Wisconsin
- All our garlic can be planted OR eaten
- Garlic sampler packages, bulk garlic discounts, and a wide variety of gourmet garlic
- Exceptional quality seed garlic
- Easy to grow garlic bulbs
- Family owned and operated
- Heirloom garlic produced from garlic seeds tracing back hundreds of years
- Certified Organic and Naturally Grown Garlic
- Quality, nutrient dense garlic
- Planted and grown successfully by gardeners and farmers across the US
- Our garlic fields are tested annually for Bloat Nematode and other diseases
- Grown on Wisconsin Garlic Farms for decades to bring you the best tasting, easy to grow, easily acclimated garlic seeds, so you can successfully grow this easy crop.
Visit our website @ keeneorganics.com
NOTES FROM MY GARDEN JOURNAL–Tips and Observations from My Own Garden by Rick Halbach
ENTRY: SEPTEMBER 7, 2024 (The Reality of “Hardy” Mums)
At this time of the year, we at Klein’s are asked almost on a daily basis where we have our “hardy” mums or how does one ensure that mums purchased now in the fall will survive the winter. Both questions make the assumption that mums are truly hardy perennials here in Wisconsin. The following concise article appeared courtesy of our friend, Lisa Johnson, a few years back in The Wisconsin State Journal explaining the truth about mum hardiness.
“This time of year, beautiful, blooming chrysanthemums appear in garden centers. They are a favorite of mine, but they don’t always overwinter well in our area and often struggle in our heavy clay soils. Chrysanthemums don’t tolerate ice and poor drainage well, especially not over winter. So, years when we receive rain on top of snow, or heavy snows that melt and re-freeze on top of plants, we often lose chrysanthemums.
One tip is that the earlier you can get them into the ground, the more likely they are to get established before frost and survive the winter. I often buy some in spring (yes, they are available in the springtime in Klein’s perennial area), but then you don’t get to see the color before you buy! Also, looking for plants that are less root-bound and smaller may be helpful. If the plants are very root-bound, be sure to loosen the roots before planting. Less root-bound plants generally establish better than those in highly root-bound specimens in larger pots. Don’t cut your chrysanthemums to the ground after the first hard freeze like we do with many other perennials. Research has shown that keeping about 12 inches of stems in place protects the crown. It also provides a little protection in spring from late frosts. I leave the old stems in place until the new growth is a little over an inch tall and then cut it back just above the new growth. Make sure your chrysanthemums are planted where they get good sun exposure (at least 6 hours, with preferably some afternoon sun) and have good air circulation. Avoid low spots and areas with really heavy clay soil as planting sites.
If you don’t use a mulch usually in your garden do apply a “winter mulch” (I recommend double-shredded hardwood bark) about two inches deep around the root zone to protect the plant from freeze-thaw cycles in fall and winter. Put down the mulch AFTER the ground freezes unless you already have mulch in the garden. The point of it is to keep the ground frozen. Don’t “bury” the plant, leave about an inch of space between the edge of the clump and the beginning of your mulched area. Chrysanthemums take a little work to get sturdy, dense plants with lots of side branches that bear flowers.
“Pinching” is a process that enables you to control the branching and height of the plant. It’s easy to do, just remove of about an inch of the tip of each branch or shoot by literally pinching it off with your thumb and forefinger. Mums are best pinched two or three times during the growing season. The first pinch should be done when the plant is about six to eight inches tall. Pinching will stimulate the plant to produce side branches and become bushier. After the new growth following the first pinch gets four to six inches tall, pinch out the tips again. With shorter plants, two pinchings are plenty, but for taller more vigorous varieties, you can do a third pinch through about July 4th. Beyond this date, the plants may not have time to form flower buds before fall.
Your mums will flower without pinching (and may flower in late spring but not in fall), but they will look much better and produce more flowers with pinching.
Finally, a few words about fertilizer. Mums are heavy feeders and really benefit from some extra fertility in spring and summer. An all-purpose water-soluble fertilizer with an analysis such as 15-15-15 should be fine and can be applied once in early June and once in early August.”
— Lisa Johnson, Dane County UW-Extension horticulture educator
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ENTRY: SEPTEMBER 22, 2024 (Earthworms Invade America)
Wow….we received a whopping 4” of rain over the past two days and went from one of the driest Septembers on record to one of the wettest!…all in one day. We already rank among the top 20 wettest Septembers with still another week remaining in the month.
All of that rain at once brought a ton of earthworms to the surface. Seeing all of those worms this morning reminded me of an article from our newsletter from 2013.
Invasive Worms in American Soil (www.allaboutwildlife.com)
It seems strange to think of earthworms as aliens. After all, they are some of the first wild creatures we notice as children, and they seem to be everywhere, performing their lowly task of soil enrichment. It seems impossible that they would not always have been here. And yet, scientists tell us, in many parts of the United States there were no worms until they were transported here from Europe and elsewhere by yet another invasive species—humans beings.
Then how did earthworms get here?
The first earthworms probably arrived with soils and plants brought from Europe. Ships traveling to North America used rocks and soil as ballast which they dumped on shore as they adjusted the ballast weight of the ship. During the late 1800’s and early 1900’s many European settlers imported European plants that likely had earthworms or earthworm cocoons (egg cases) in their soils. More recently, the widespread use of earthworms as fishing bait has spread them to more remote areas of the state. All common bait worms are non-native species, including those sold as “night crawlers,” “Canadian crawlers,” “leaf worms,” or “angle worms.” (Source: www.dnr.state.mn.us)
Earthworms Are Not Always Helpful
At least since the end of the last great Ice Age, most of North America has been an earthworm-poor environment.
In the northern US, the Ice Age glaciers scraped away the topsoil along with most of the worms it contained. When the glaciers retreated about 10,000 years ago, the northern forests grew back without the help of worms tilling and enriching the soil.
Then came European settlers, bringing with them plants from Europe and elsewhere—as well as the dirt those plants were growing in, and the worms that dirt contained. Worms were also introduced intentionally, as a way to fertilize and improve the productivity of European-style vegetable gardens.
Now, anyone in the Northeast or the upper Midwest who turns over a rich spadeful of garden dirt is likely to find that dirt literally crawling with at least one non-native earthworm species. For instance, the night crawlers (Lumbricus terrestris) so prized by fisherman are native to Europe, not North America, and so are the several species of “red wigglers” so common to American gardens and compost bins. In fact, about one-third of the more than 180 earthworm species found from Canada to Mexico are aliens in America. And in terms of sheer population numbers, the migrants thoroughly overwhelm the natives in most places.
Despite their “green card” status however, most people view earthworms as beneficial, especially when they are tilling and fertilizing a garden or rendering compost into “black gold.”
But in ecosystems that developed without worms, they can actually cause harm. for instance the ecology of northern forests often depends on a thick layer of leaf litter remaining on the ground throughout the year. But earthworms remove that leaf litter by converting it to topsoil—and that seemingly benign action can so completely change the chemistry and biology of the forest that native plants and trees are no longer able to grow there.
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ENTRY: SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 (Tips for Bulb Planting Made Easy)
One of the very last tasks of the gardening season is the planting of spring bulbs. Every year I add a few here and there throughout the yard. Given nice weather (and the fact we’ll be spending the next 5 months indoors), I find bulb planting a relaxing and rewarding chore.
After many years of gardening (and thousands of bulbs), I’ve learned there are easy ways to plants bulbs and there are hard ways to plant bulbs. For example, planting bulbs when the soil is dry and compacted is a hard way to plant bulbs. Digging individual holes with a hand trowel amongst mature perennial roots is another hard way to plant bulbs. And planting bulbs under a mature maple tree or near a mature spruce . . . forget it!! You’ll always hit roots!!
Here are a couple of my own handy tips to make the job easier:
If it hasn’t rained, thoroughly water the area where you’re planning on planting bulbs! This is one of our biggest complaints at Klein’s. Customers oftentimes purchase traditional bulb diggers (whether handheld or the long-handled foot-type) and they say they just don’t work! This is nearly always true if there are roots or rocks beneath the surface. But in moist, tilled beds, they work perfectly fine. I’ve found the type where the handle pops open to release the soil plug back into the hole works the best. It can sometimes be difficult to pry the soil out of the traditional kind where the tube doesn’t pop open to release the soil. When planting bulbs with a bulb planter, gardening gloves are a must to prevent blisters and a soft kneeling pad is useful. Bulb planters are tedious if you have a lot of bulbs to plant and aren’t useful for a large area unless you till the area ahead of time.
For larger areas, the most effective way to plant bulbs is to remove the soil completely to 6” deep, lay out the bulbs and replace the soil. I usually remove the soil on to a tarp lying next to the area I’m planting to make the task and clean up a bit easier. With this method it’s also easier to layer and mix bulbs of different types for a staggered blooming period.
Unlike the bigger tulip and daffodil bulbs, planting tiny bulbs like scilla, chionodoxa, pushkinia, species crocus and snowdrops, etc., is a breeze. I simply scatter the small bulbs over the soil surface to give a random and natural, rather than a planned, effect. Then I take a narrow trowel, jab it a few inches into the soil and pull back to create a slit into which I drop the bulb. I try to make sure the growing tip is pointing upward, but bulbs (especially these small ones) have a tendency to right themselves when planted incorrectly. Then with the heal of my hand, I push the slit closed and move on. Hundreds of bulbs can be planted in very short order. A kneeling pad is a necessity when planting hundreds of bulbs. This method works great when planting bulbs in the lawn. The sod is simply pressed back into place.
Until a few years ago I was a skeptic of the auger-type bulb planters for power drills–but no more! It’s important to use a corded drill rather than the cordless type. I’ve found my cordless drill a little weak for deeper holes and areas with a lot of roots. Having said that, a corded drill works perfectly in established perennial beds where roots would otherwise be a problem. The drill bit cuts through those roots with ease! (Tree roots are another story). I first purchased a two foot long version. Because the auger is long I can stand while drilling the holes. I then go back and drop the bulbs (growing tip up) into the holes. I go back again and refill each hole. I’ve found I can plant hundreds of bulbs in short order with the drill bit. The wider auger also allows me to plant larger allium bulbs easily. More recently I purchased a smaller auger for my densely planted tulip bed and I love it!
And an added note: I normally wait until the first part of November to plant my bulbs into the garden. First off, they won’t prematurely sprout if the weather remains warm through the fall. They’ll have plenty of time to root into the still unfrozen soil, but didn’t have a chance to send up shoots. Doing so reduces flower power the following spring (except for a few like grape hyacinths which always send up greenery in the fall).
In addition, I’ve generally put the entire garden to bed by the first part of November. Perennials have been cut back and shrubs have lost their leaves. With nothing in the way, bulb planting is made easy.
KLEIN’S RECIPES OF THE MONTH—These are a selection of relatively simple recipes chosen by our staff. New recipes appear monthly. Enjoy!!
Cauliflower is a member of the ‘cole crop’ family of plants that includes: cabbage, kale, brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, broccoli and many more. These are all essentially the same species of plant that has been modified over time.
In general, cauliflower is grown like cabbage and like most all cole crops. High fertility and an abundant supply of moisture throughout the season are most important. Plant 18” apart with 24-36” between rows. When small white heads become visible through the leaves, it’s time for “blanching” by gathering the outer leaves over the head in tying them together with twine to preserve the white curd color. Although this practice is culturally not necessary, it helps prevent yellowing of the curd due to exposure to the sun. Cauliflower tends not to head well during very hot weather. Cauliflower is ready for harvest when heads are firm and still tightly clustered and adequately sized.
Unlike cabbage, cauliflower doesn’t store well for long periods and should be eaten shortly after harvesting or purchasing.
TUSCAN CAULIFLOWER–A Rachel Ray recipe from September 2007. A nice twist for normally bland cauliflower.
1/2 cup olive oil
1 clove crushed garlic
4 cups canned tomatoes, drained and chopped
1 head cauliflower in 1” florets
1/2 cup boiling water
salt & pepper to taste
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and cook, stirring, about 5 minutes. Stir in the cauliflower and the water. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 30 minutes. Season and garnish with the parsley. Serves 6.
CURRIED ROAST CAULIFLOWER–Easy, easy, easy!!! From Cooking Light magazine.
1 medium head cauliflower cut into florets
1 1/2 TBS. olive oil
1/2 tsp. coarse salt
1/2 tsp. curry powder (Madras if possible)
Preheat the oven to 475º. Toss all of the ingredients together in a large bow and spread onto a lined cookie sheet sprayed with non-stick spray. Bake 18 minutes or until browned and crisp tender, stirring occasionally. Serves 4.
CAULIFLOWER AND SWEET POTATOES–Delicious and wonderfully easy. From the pages of Everyday Food.
1 lb. sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/4” thick
1x 2 lb. head cauliflower cut into medium florets
3 TBS. extra virgin olive oil
coarse salt & pepper to taste
4 TBS. sherry or red wine vinegar
Preheat the oven to 450º. In a large bowl, toss together the veggies with the oil and salt and pepper. Roast on a large, rimmed cookie sheet until tender and browning on one side–about 30 minutes. Put into a serving bowl and toss with the sherry/vinegar. Serves 8.
CAULIFLOWER GRATIN–A classic, kid friendly casserole favorite from the pages of Everyday Food.
3 bread slices torn into pieces
2 TBS. parmesan cheese
3 TBS. butter
1/3 cup flour
2 cups milk
1x 2 lb. head cauliflower in small florets
coarse salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded Gruyere or cheese of choice
Preheat the oven to 350º. In a food processor, pulse together the bread and the parmesan into coarse crumbs–about 3 or 4 times. Set the crumbs aside. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and stir and cook 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk. Add the cauliflower, season with salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the Gruyere. Pour the mixture into a buttered 2 qt. casserole. Sprinkle with the crumb mix. Cover and bake 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 20 minutes more. Serves 4.
CAULIFLOWER PUREE–A delicious and easy side dish for the upcoming holidays.
1x 2 lb. head cauliflower, cooked
1/2 cup half & half
2 cloves garlic, smashed
coarse salt and pepper to taste
2 TBS. butter
While cooking the cauliflower, bring the half & half, garlic and butter to a boil in a small saucepan on high heat. Remove from the heat and allow to steep for 10 minutes. Discard the garlic. In a food processor, blend together the cauliflower and cream mix. Reseason to taste. Serves 4.
CURRIED CAULIFLOWER AND GARBANZO STEW–A hearty and belly-warming recipe from Bon Appetit magazine.
2 TBS. vegetable oil
2 1/2 cups chopped onion
5 tsp. curry powder
1 small head cauliflower in small florets
2x 15 oz. cans garbanzo beans, drained
2x 10 oz. cans diced tomatoes with green chiles
1x 14 oz. can unsweetened coconut milk
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
Heat the oil in a large skillet on medium high heat and saute the onions until golden. Add the curry powder and stir 20 seconds until fragrant. Add the cauliflower and the garbanzos and stir 1 minute. Add the tomatoes, then the coconut milk and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and boil gently until tender and the liquid thickens a bit, stirring occasionally–about 16 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste and stir in the cilantro. Serve over cooked white rice. Serves 4.
NATURAL NEWS–
Keep Watering in Fall to Protect Evergreens from Winter Burn
By Carla Williams for the Dane County Extension @ https://dane.extension.wisc.edu/
‘Winter burn’ refers to a type of damage to evergreen foliage that typically occurs over winter. Common symptoms are browning and dying from the tips of the foliage inward. Several factors cause winter burn on evergreens, including winter ‘thaws’ while the ground is frozen, dry soil in autumn, a long period of very cold temperatures, winter sun on evergreen foliage or drying winter winds, poor siting of susceptible plants, recent planting/transplanting, and the individual plant’s susceptibility. Frequently affected plants include yews, junipers, boxwood, arborvitae, rhododendrons, dwarf Alberta spruce, and hemlock.
One good way to combat winter burn is to ensure that evergreens go into fall well-hydrated. Established plants, which have been in the ground over three years, should receive at least one inch of water a week into mid or even late November (if the ground has not frozen) from the trunk to the dripline of the tree or shrub if there is no rain. Two inches of water over that area may be needed in sandier soils. Newly transplanted conifers, which includes those planted within the past three years, need about two inches of water per week and possibly more in sandier soils.
Conifers don’t go into dormancy as deeply as deciduous trees that lose their leaves. Hence, a rise in winter temperatures (a ‘January thaw’) or even just direct hot sunlight on plants raises foliar and air temperatures above freezing. This can cause needles and scaly foliage to come out of dormancy, at least for a brief time. This phenomenon is especially common on plants near the west or south side of a white building where there is a lot of reflected heat and light. Brick buildings also can give off a lot of heat on west and south sides. Coming out of dormancy causes foliage to start photosynthesizing and respiring, giving off water from its foliar pores (called stomates) which it is unable to replenish via roots since the ground is frozen. Especially if the foliage and twigs were dry, to begin with due to dry fall weather, they desiccate, and winter burn symptoms appear. Interestingly, while winter burn often occurs during winter months, early spring (March or early April) can also be a time when winter burn develops if plants start to photosynthesize and respire while the ground is still frozen under snow and the temperature drops below freezing again for a long period of time, especially if accompanied by a lot of sun and wind.
Some plants may recover as new growth emerges, but many do not. You may recall that the winter of 2019 (the polar vortex) caused a lot of winter burn on a number of species due to long periods of excessive cold accompanied by sweeping winds. Some of the affected conifers only burnt a little on the outside edges, like yews, had latent buds a bit further back on the branch, and produced new needles. For others, they may not have had latent buds, or those buds were killed as well, and they did not recover.
In addition to watering into late fall, other protective measures are mulching and creating burlap ‘tents. Apply one to three inches of mulch (three inches is the maximum–more is not better!) evenly around the root zone to help retain the moisture in the soil. Do not pile mulch against the trunks, as this can cause damage. Evergreen shrubs can also be protected with burlap ‘tents.’ Put in stakes around the plant that are a few inches taller than the height of the plant and wrap burlap around the stakes. It can be secured with cable ties.
Finally, there are some products sold as ‘anti-dessicants’ or ‘anti-transpirants’ that should be avoided. Research indicates that these are not reliable because they tend to flake off too soon to protect the plants effectively, or that conversely, the product actually stays on too long into the growing season and interferes with the ability of the foliage to ‘breathe.’
OCTOBER’S PLANT OF THE MONTH:
MANGAVE
Manfreda x Agave = Mangave
Mangave is an intergeneric hybrid, and Mangave inherits the best of its parents. Agave lends durability and large, architectural form. Manfreda gives unique coloring and spotting, as well as softer spines that make them easy to handle.
Mangave is a tender perennial or “temperennial” succulent plant. These hybrid plants are relatively new and don’t behave like normal succulents. While you can grow and treat them like the average succulent plant, there are differences and benefits to properly grow a Mangave.
There are many ways in which Mangave compare to normal succulents. Both of these plants prefer a well-drained, dry to average soil and should be situated in containers just slightly wider than the width of the rosette. The majority of succulents, Mangave included, are best when situated in full sun or an area with a lot of natural light. However, Mangave can also be planted directly in the ground and add tremendous landscape value.
We think of succulents as drought tolerant, but really they are water sensitive. Too much water and they rot away, too little and they don’t grow. Enter Mangave. This super-sized succulent is much more water tolerant and grows much quicker because of it. Happy with your Mangave at the size it is? Water it sparingly like a normal succulent to slow it down.
Agave and Manfreda are native from the Southeastern United States through to South America. You will probably never find a Mangave growing in the wild because of how infrequently both Agave and Manfreda flower, making cross pollination unlikely. It is thanks to the collectors and hybridizers of unique plants that this original cross was possible.
Mangave are unlike most succulents who either don’t get that big or take a long period of time to fill a container. Their fast growth rate, interesting colors, and architecture allow Mangave to fill large pots and patio containers. Use them in combination with other succulents or to stand alone in a mono pot.
It is best to plant a Mangave in a well drained soil. If a Mangave is allowed to sit wet for too long the roots may begin to rot. Mangave grown in containers should be planted with a succulent or bark soil mix. Sandy or rocky soils are among the best if you are placing your Mangave directly into the ground. If you are worried your soil is too heavy or has too much water, you can try amending the area around your Mangave with a succulent or bark soil mix.
If you do not live in an area where a Mangave will naturally overwinter, you will need to bring it inside to an environment that is kept at 60° F or warmer. You should also place it in an area where it will get as much natural light as possible. If your Mangave is closeted away from a good light source it will begin to stretch and the leaves will lose their substance.
Klein’s currently has a large selection of Mangave in 4” and 10” pots with our indoor succulent plants.
Source: Mad About Mangave® @ madaboutmangave.com
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.
Psychedelic Plants Tour at Allen Centennial Garden
Tuesday, October 1, 2:30-4:00
Did you know plants and their compounds are the original sources and inspiration of many important medicines? We will be co-hosting our third annual tour about psychedelic plants. This is a drop-in format so arrive when you can between 2:30 and 4:00 pm. Different faculty, students, and staff members will be stationed throughout the Garden ready to share and discuss a variety of plants like sweet flag, saffron, salvia, and more! The cost is free.
Allen Centennial Gardens
620 Babcock Dr. on the University of WI campus, Madison
608/576-2501 or allencentennialgarden.wisc.edu/ for details.
Nature Hike @ the Arboretum
Sunday, October 6, 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, October 6, 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
Dragonfly Monitoring Walk @ the Arboretum
Wednesday, October 9, 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
Conifers @ the Arboretum
Saturday, October 12, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Longenecker Horticultural Garden Tour
Join David Stevens, garden curator, for a ramble through the Longenecker Horticultural Gardens’ pinetum – the largest and most diverse conifer collection in the state. Designated an American Conifer Society reference garden since 2015, the collection presents a stunning array of conifers from around the country and the world. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
University of Wisconsin Arboretum
1207 Seminole Highway
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu.
Nature Hike @ the Arboretum
Sunday, October 13, 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
Colors of Fall Garden Tour @ the Arboretum
Saturday, October 19, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Join David Stevens, garden curator, for a vibrant stroll through Longenecker Horticultural Gardens, where he will highlight sensational seasonal colors and share the science behind this natural phenomenon. 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
Class: Small Mammals of Wisconsin @ the Arboretum
Saturday, October 26, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Learn about small mammals like mice, voles, shrews, and squirrels. The class will discuss how to identify them, and their habitat needs and natural history. There will be a short field portion to search for animal signs. Instructor: Rebecca Christoffel, Christoffel Conservation. Fee: $30. Register by October 22 @ https://arboretum.wisc.edu/classes/21621/ . Meet at the Visitor Center.
University of WI Arboretum
1207 Seminole Hwy.
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu
42nd Annual Herb Fair @ Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Saturday, November 2, 10:00-4:00
This Year’s Theme: Cultivating Herbal Wonder
The Herb Fair annually sponsored by the Madison Herb Society, reaches out to the public through lectures and demonstrations and provides an outlet for members to expand their knowledge and abilities to use herbs.
Hear about herbs from speakers and vendors. Purchase herbal products. Make & take projects, demonstrations, and a Q & A station. Free! Sponsored by the Madison Herb Society. Visit www.madisonherbsociety.org. for a detailed schedule of the day’s events.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave., Madison
608/246-4550 or www.olbrich.org for details.
All About Owls @ the Arboretum
Saturday, November 2, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Class
Learn about Wisconsin’s twelve owl species, focusing on the three that nest in Madison, and how to identify these elusive birds of prey. Habitat, calls, courtship, hunting, and eating will be discussed. Instructor: Sylvia Marek, Arboretum naturalist. Indoor class. Fee: $20. Register by October 29 @ https://arboretum.wisc.edu/classes/all-about-owls-2024/ . 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, November 3, 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
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
OCTOBER 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.
___Visit Olbrich, Rotary or Allen Centennial Gardens and note plants of fall interest for spring planting and best selection.
___Dig new beds now! It’s easier now than in spring when super-busy.
___Take geranium, salvia, impatiens, abutilon cuttings before the first freeze.
___Plant spring bulbs now! Plant tulips, daffodils, hyacinths & crocus.
___Plant bulbs for forcing and put in a cool location for 10-12 weeks.
___Plant Christmas amaryllis now for holiday blooms; paperwhites now for Thanksgiving blooms.
___Apply a systemic pesticide to plants to be wintered over indoors.
___Move potted bulbs to be stored like begonias, callas, caladiums and cannas to a garage so they can dry out before storage.
___Dig up and store dahlias, glads, cannas and elephant’s ear after tops freeze.
___Continue planting deciduous shrubs and trees until the ground freezes.
___Divide and plant perennials as desired.
___Clean up stalks and leaves of annuals and vegetables, preventing viruses and pests for next year’s garden.
___Continue harvesting brussels sprouts, kale, greens and root crops.
___Plant garlic. October is the best time.
___Stop deadheading perennials for winter interest, i.e. sedums, grasses, etc.
___Cut perennials back to 4-6”, leaving those for winter interest.
___Collect seeds for next year’s garden.
___Plant winter rye as a cover crop for spring tilling.
___Make notes in your garden journal for changes, improvements, etc.
___Take pictures of your garden for record keeping.
___Mow the lawn at shortest setting for last mowing of the season.
___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 OCTOBER:
—We begin shutting down the back greenhouses. They remain unheated for the winter allowing energy savings and pest control.
—Weatherizing continues. We seal up and insulate unused doors and caulk up air leaks. Water is shut off to the greenhouses not used during the winter.
—Pots, cell packs and trays arrive from our wholesalers in preparation for next spring. Most are stored in the unused greenhouses out back. It’s only 3 months till the first of next year’s geranium crop arrive (we already have many of next season’s tropicals).
—We send out our mailings to local churches regarding poinsettia and blooming plant information for the upcoming holidays. We are proud to say that hundreds of area churches and businesses are decked out with Klein’s HOMEGROWN poinsettias during the holiday season.
—By month’s end the poinsettias begin to change color. Looking across the greenhouses, one begins to see hints of red, pink and white. We’ve moved many of our poinsettias into our retail area from their growing spaces. We’ve been pampering them since early July!
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