‘THE SAGE’-Klein’s Online Newsletter—NOVEMBER 2024
Klein’s Floral & Greenhouses
3758 E. Washington Ave.
Madison, WI 53704
608/244-5661 or info@kleinsfloral.com
THIS MONTH’S HIGHLIGHTS:
Klein’s Holiday Open House is Saturday & Sunday, November 23 & 24
Plant Your Spring Bulbs Into Early December
Flowers Enliven Latino Holiday Honoring Dead
It’s the Perfect Time To Have Your Garden Soil Tested
Using Rooting Hormones For Plant Cuttings
Our ‘Mad Gardener‘ and ‘Houseplant Help‘ Are Ready for Your Questions
Klein’s Favorite Seed, Bulb & Plant Sources
You Asked About Overwintering Outdoor Succulents
Plant of the Month: Cacti and Growing Them Successfully
Klein’s Favorite Bulgar Recipes
Product Spotlight: Bonide’s Wilt Stop™ and Wilt-Pruf® RTU Plant Protectors
Notes from Rick’s Garden Journal—From October 2024
—Mountain Mint Named 2025 Perennial Plant of the Year
—Spectacular Pineapple Sage
—Is There Really a “Safe” Ice Melt?
November 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
KLEIN’S 2024 HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE is Saturday, November 23 and Sunday, November 24. Enter a winter wonderland filled with our homegrown poinsettias, holiday plants and gift ideas. Let us inspire you with our extensive collection of gift ideas and ornaments for all your decorating needs.
On Friday, November 22, join us for our Holiday Open House Sneak Peek (3:00-6:00) with 30% off holiday décor and ornaments (some exclusions apply)
Enlighten your senses as you step into our warm and cozy greenhouses. The serene beauty of being in the greenhouses after dark is a truly unique experience. Surround yourself with the sights, sounds and smells of the holidays!
SHOP FOR YOUR SPRING BULBS WHILE SUPPLIES LAST
November is a perfect time to plant your spring bulbs and nothing could be more uplifting after a long winter than bulbs popping through the melting snow. 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 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!
A Reminder: Bulbs can be planted until the ground freezes . . . usually into early December.
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.
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.
NOVEMBER STORE HOURS:
Monday thru Friday : 9:00-6:00
Saturday: 9:00-5:00
Sunday: 10:00-4:00
CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
November 2–Día de los Muertos
November 3–Daylight Savings Time Ends
November 5–Election Day (National)
November 11–Veterans’ Day. We’d like to show our appreciation for all veterans, active and retired, by giving a 10% discount on Veterans Day for in-store purchases** when you identify as a veteran on Monday, November 11th. Thank you for serving our country! A US Military ID is requested, but not required. **Excludes services and gift cards. Discount not available for online orders.
November 15–Full Moon
November 22–Holiday Open House Sneak Peek (3:00-6:00) 30% off holiday décor and ornaments (some exclusions apply).
November 23 & 24–KLEIN’S HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE. Enter a winter wonderland filled with holiday plants and gift ideas. Let us inspire you with our extensive collection of gift ideas and ornaments for all your decorating needs. 20% off holiday décor and ornaments (some exclusions apply).
November 23–Holiday Photos with Becky Van Boxtel Photography, LLC (9:00-5:00). Come to the Holiday Open House at Klein’s Floral and Greenhouse and get a professional fully edited digital image, and the print release for just $25 each. Sessions will have a beautifully designed holiday backdrop inside the greenhouse, perfect for those holiday cards. Bring your pups, kids, whomever you like! All are welcome! https://vanboxtelphotographyllc.pixieset.com/booking/klein-s-holiday-mini-photo-session.
November 24–Pet Pictures with Santa (10:00-2:00). Please check our website, social media sites or call the store for details as the date gets closer.
November 26–Thanksgiving Wine & Design (5:30-6:30). Design a centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table centerpiece while enjoying a glass of wine (non-alcoholic options available) and light appetizers. Cost is $50. Advance registration and payment is required. Sign up in-store or online – https://kleinsfloral.com/…/thanksgiving-centerpiece/
November 28–Thanksgiving Day (Store Closed)
November 29–“Green” Friday. Escape to Klein’s from the hustle and bustle of the malls and big box chain stores for a more relaxing and intimate holiday gift shopping experience. We not only carry merchandise for the gardener in your life, but many fun, interesting and unique gift ideas. **Green plants (houseplants) will be 20% off.
November 30–Small Business Saturday. In appreciation for supporting our small and local business, Klein’s will give you a $20 gift card on future purchases (January 1-March 31, 2025) for all purchases of $100 or more (excluding gift cards). Limited to one $20 gift card per customer.
‘THE FLOWER SHOPPE’:
Flowers Enliven Latino Holiday Honoring Dead
By Maureen Gilmer for the Tribune News Service
Every year, the traditions of Dia de los Muertos are spreading beyond the Southwest. Popular in Latino communities, it is a commemoration of loved ones who have died in an annual blending of Aztec and Spanish spiritual traditions. The pageantry, color, animated skeletons and sugar skulls lend a family-friendly festive atmosphere that laughs at death with flowers. This made it popular with local artists inspired by this three-day celebration at the end of October over Halloween, All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
This age-old tradition is focused on flowers that are displayed everywhere during the holiday, but mostly on home altars dedicated to family members who have passed away. If you want to create the same feel at home, for a party or gathering, knowing exactly which flowers to use is key to authenticity.
Marigold: The popular bedding marigold originated in Mexico as a wildflower. Breeding resulted in the much larger flowers we know today. It was known before Cortez as cempasuchil (sempa-suchi), then later flor de muerto due to the potent scent of both flower and foliage. The aroma was thought to be recognized by the dead, luring them to the family home with scattered marigold petal pathways. The scattered petals are important to the marigold presence, allowing you to tell a story and naturally scent the room as the oils evaporate.
Red Amaranth, Cockscomb: This decorative form of amaranth, a pre-maize grain, is used only in its blood red form. It is a remnant of the war god Huitzilopochtli, to whom Aztecs honored their dead at his altar, with amaranth cakes in pre-Columbian times.
Gladiolas: Not native to Mexico but widely grown for their long blooming wands of brightly colored flowers, gladiolas are the tallest flower in these compositions. Most often set back to flank an altar, they gradually open over many days in water as the more short lived annuals begin to lose their beauty.
Calla lily: From southern Africa, these white lilies became the signature of Diego Rivera, the most famous Mexican muralist. The flowers proved ideally adapted to much of tropical Mexico and are present in home gardens, so they naturally become part of these celebrations. They are essential for all parties involving a Frida Khalo theme, which is a popular crossover celebration during this time.
For those not familiar with the details, there are three nights of celebration in the Mexican tradition. It is believed the dead wander on these nights to briefly commune with the living. Their graves are prepared with these flowers. Families sit by graves late into the night illuminated by candles. It is fun and festive and sad all at the same time. It is a healthy way of remembering with flowers.
Each of the three nights differs in its focus. The first night is Oct. 31, commemorating children who died the previous year. The second night, Nov. 1, is for family members who died recently, often parents. The third is more general for all who have passed and for ancestors generally.
What defines the holiday is creating an offrenda, or altar, in the home, which is often the focus of contemporary party decor. The altar is where you lay out vices the dead love such as tequila, candy and cigarettes. They’re lured with food, too, favorite dishes and fruit. Everything is decorated with flowers, marigold chains and petals raining down overall.
Due to how late this holiday falls in the year, it’s difficult in colder climates to harvest much out of the garden. The big marigolds and cockscombs are not often carried by florists, either. The key is to place your flower order well in advance of the celebration. And don’t forget extra marigold blossoms to tear into individual petals, scattering laughter with hot color to lure your loved ones home for one special night of the year.
Source: Wisconsin State Journal @ host.madison.com/
YOU ASKED. . .
How do you successfully bring in your succulents that were planted outside in pots this summer and winter them inside to put back outside next summer. The majority of mine die throughout the winter inside.
Hi Amy,
It can be done two ways…(You don’t say if the succulents are potted individually or if you’ll need to replant them into smaller pots.)
Potted, they can be overwintered in full sun and treated actively as succulent houseplants. They MUST be in a sunny south or west window close to the glass and must be kept very dry during the darkest days of winter, perhaps watering just every 3 weeks to once per month depending on the plant type, light and humidity in your home.
Alternatively, they can be stored under grow lights (13 hours on, 12 hours off with timers) in a very cool location or cool basement, Watering in those locations would be even less often as they will be semi-dormant and won’t use much water. People tend to overwater their succulents during the winter months.
It also depends on what type of succulents you have. Some plants….no matter how hard we try…cannot be overwintered indoors successfully or require perfect growing conditions.
Thanks for your question,
madgardener@kleinsfloral.com, houseplanthelp@kleinsfloral.com
DID YOU KNOW. . .
. . . that now would be the perfect time of the year to have your garden soil tested?
It’s a great time to do soil testing now for the vegetable garden as well as perennial and annual beds, turf areas, and areas where you grow fruit.
Fall is less busy at the lab than spring, so it’s a good time to send a sample in. Also, a test will tell you if you should add compost this fall for next spring’s vegetable garden.
Samples should be mailed to the UW Soils Lab in Marshfield, along with a form that tells the lab what type of plants you are growing so they can customize their recommendations for the needs of those plants.
Go to uwlab.soils.wisc.edu/ for the form, information on how to collect samples and the address to send samples for analysis. You can also call them at (715) 387-2523 for a printed copy of the form and a soil test bag if you don’t have internet access. Soil testing is important for new gardens so you have base-line information for fertilizer application. It is also important for beds that haven’t been tested for a while.
The University of Wisconsin Soils Lab’s standard soil test costs $15 and the report includes information on your soil pH, (this is a measure of the acidity and alkalinity of your soil) percent organic matter, phosphorus and potassium levels and also includes a lime or sulfur recommendation if needed, fertilizer recommendations and other environmental tips.
— Lisa Johnson, Dane County UW-Extension horticulture educator
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.
Bonide’s Wilt Stop™ and Wilt-Pruf® RTU Plant Protectors
These natural, non-toxic anti-desiccant/anti-transpirants, derived from the resin of pine trees, have the unique ability to form a soft, clear flexible film on treated plants. This film protects plants from drying out, drought, wind burn, sunscald, winter kill, transplant shock and salt damage. They also extends life of cut flowers and Christmas trees. Great for use year around on deciduous trees, evergreens, shrubs, roses, transplants, vegetables, fruit–5% Pinene.
What Are Anti-Desiccants?
Anti-desiccants, also called anti-transpirants, are sprays that provide a protective coating to evergreen foliage that reduces the amount of water that escapes. Anti-desiccants such as Moisturin are made of chemical polymers, and products such as Wilt Pruf and Wilt Stop are made from pine oil.
Anti-desiccants are gradually washed and worn away over several months, so by springtime they’re gone. While all anti-desiccants are marketed as biodegradable, the ones with the most natural ingredients will be safest for you and your plants.
In areas with harsh winters, anti-desiccants are applied twice, in November/December and again in February. In areas with more moderate winters, one application in December or January should see you through the coldest months.
How to Use Anti-Desiccants
Anti-dessicants are most often used on:
Broadleaf evergreens such as azalea, boxwood, holly, and rhododendron.
Conifers such as arborvitae, cedar, cypress, juniper, and pine.
Tender stems such as rose canes and hydrangea stems.
Caution: Don’t spray waxy-blue conifers such as blue spruce – they already have a natural coating that you don’t want to damage.
Follow all package instructions with your anti-desiccant, and also keep in mind these tips:
Pick a Nice Day: Anti-desiccants are best applied when temperatures are in the 40s-50s, with no rain forecast for a few days. Foliage needs to be dry when applied, and the spray needs time to dry afterward.
Don’t Spray too Early: Wait until at least December to spray conifers, because these plants can be damaged if you apply the anti-desiccant too early. These plants must be completely dormant (which involves moving water down to the roots) before applying, or else the spray will trap water in the leaves that will freeze and burst the plant cells later.
Spray Thoroughly: Plants lose water from both the tops and bottoms of the leaves. Be sure to spray the plant completely!
Other Uses for Anti-Desiccants
If you have spray left over, hang on to it. Anti-desiccants can also be used for:
Bulbs: You can apply an anti-desiccant to tender bulbs before storing.
Transplanting: If you find yourself transplanting a stressed shrub in midsummer, an anti-desiccant can help hold in moisture until the plants put out new roots.
Pumpkins: Apply anti-desiccant to your carved jack o’lantern to help it last longer.
Christmas Trees, Wreaths, Greens, etc.: Anti-desiccant can help keep your cut Christmas greenery from drying out as fast.
Source: www.todayshomeowner.com
NOTES FROM MY GARDEN JOURNAL–Tips and Observations from My Own Garden by Rick Halbach
ENTRY: OCTOBER 3, 2024 (Mountain Mint Named 2025 Perennial Plant of the Year)
The 2025 Perennial Plant of the Year is Pycnanthemum muticum, the Perennial Plant Association announced at the 2024 PPA National Symposium in Asheville, North Carolina.
Pycnanthemum muticum, voted the 2025 PPOY by PPA members, is known as clustered mountain mint, blunt mountain mint or short-toothed mountain mint and is native to meadows and open woodlands across much of the eastern United States west to Texas. It is not a true mint (Mentha spp.) but belongs to the same family and has similarly scented leaves.
The PPA said Pycnanthemum muticum is a must-have for pollinator gardens, with heads of tiny white to light pink blooms attracting butterflies, wasps and bees from July to September. Although the flowers are inconspicuous, they are surrounded by silver bracts that give the illusion of frost in summer and can persist for months.
“While not necessarily the show-stopper with large eye-catching flowers, it’s a great pollinator plant, adding to its supporting role credentials,” says Kyle Lambert, perennial and rose manager at The Growing Place Garden Center. “It provides a nice textural contrast to finer leaved plants and has a minty fragrance when touched. Silvery bracts top the plant when in bloom, adding to the interest. It is less of a spreader when planted in a lean, well-drained location, and it looks great all season with no effort.”
Clustered mountain mint is a tough and adaptable perennial native with no serious disease issues, and due to its aromatic foliage, it is unpalatable to deer and rabbits. Branched, vertical stems grow two to three feet tall and form a dense, weed-suppressing clump. It spreads through underground rhizomes and can be aggressive in moist conditions, although it is not invasive to the degree of true mints.
Pycnanthemum muticum prefers an area where it can freely naturalize and mingle among other plants. Its silver sheen plays well with other flower colors and contrasts wonderfully with plants with dark foliage. Some good companions include black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia spp.), bee balms (Monarda spp.), blazing stars (Liatris spp.), Joe Pye weeds (Eutrochium spp.) and native grasses such as little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum).
Hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 8, Pycnanthemum muticum does well in full sun to part shade and grows 24 to 36 inches tall, spreading widely by rhizomes.
Clustered mountain mint can spread aggressively, especially in wet soils. Rhizomes are easy to control by cutting them to the desired size with a spade and pulling the shoots by hand in spring. Seed heads may be left until early spring for winter interest. It tolerates heat and drought once established, with no serious pest or disease issues.
It prefers medium to high moisture, fertile, well-draining soils and tolerates clay soils, but it’s less tolerant of drought than most other mountain mints.
“If you are looking to attract pollinators en masse to your garden, look no further than Pycnanthemum muticum,” says Sam Hoadley, horticulture research manager at Mt. Cuba Center. “It is invaluable to gardeners thanks to its beauty, vigor, adaptability and disease and herbivore resistance.”
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ENTRY: OCTOBER 24, 2024 (Spectacular Pineapple Sage)
After waiting all summer, my pineapple sages are finally going into full bloom. The pineapple sages (Salvia elegans) are hit or miss bloomers in the Wisconsin garden. Like many of the tropical salvias, they are very late season bloomers that rely on day length, rather than temperature, to stimulate blooming. And much like Heavenly Blue morning glory, if we get a hard early freeze, the tender plants won’t have the chance to bloom before season’s end.
On the other hand, when the autumn is long and warm like this one, the show can be spectacular. The towering and fragrant plants produce panicles of the most brilliant red. Late season bees and hummingbirds find its nectar irresistible. My favorite is ‘Golden Delicious’. The typical red flowers glow against the chartreuse foliage. Though I grow them in garden beds, I also grow this more compact version in pots to ensure blooming. On the coldest of nights I simply move the pots to the garage. It’s worth the added effort to extend the growing season a bit.
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ENTRY: OCTOBER 29, 2024 (Is There Really a “Safe” Ice Melt?)
With colder weather just weeks away, it’s time to begin thinking about pet safety during the winter months. High on the list of concerns are the various ice melts our neighbors use on their sidewalks and public walkways.
Is There Really a “Safe” Ice Melt?
By: Caley Chambers, University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine
Winter is quickly approaching and it won’t be long before the roads, sidewalks, and driveways are covered with chemicals used to melt ice (ice melts). If dogs aren’t eating them, they are at least walking through or playing in them! Ice melts pose a problem with both oral ingestion and dermal contact. There are many brands of ice melts on the market but the major ingredients are sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium salts (calcium carbonate, calcium magnesium acetate, and calcium chloride), and urea based products . Before suggesting a safe ice melt to a client it is critical to know information about the ice melt’s ingredients.
Sodium chloride:
Large ingestions of sodium chloride (salt) can lead to sodium toxicosis and a dose of 4g/kg of sodium chloride can be lethal to dogs. Mild ingestions lead only to gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting and diarrhea, but dogs eating large amounts of this type of ice melt can develop hypernatremia with central nervous system signs, dehydration, tachycardia, tachypnea, hyperthermia, and death.
Potassium chloride:
Increased intake of potassium, as seen with large ingestions of potassium chloride salts, is unlikely to produce sustained hyperkalemia unless renal excretion is impaired in the dog. Potassium chloride, however, is a severe irritant and can cause gastrointestinal irritation to the point of hemorrhagic vomiting or diarrhea.
Magnesium chloride:
Ingestion of ice melts containing magnesium chloride can be irritating and result in gastrointestinal upset. In addition, hypermagnesemia can occur with very large ingestions, but is unlikely to occur unless the dog has renal disease.
Calcium salts (calcium carbonate, calcium chloride, and calcium magnesium acetate):
Calcium salts are the most hazardous as they are the most severe irritants of all the ingredients in ice melts. Ingestion of calcium salts can cause severe gastrointestinal signs as well as local irritation from dermal (skin and paws) contact. Large ingestions of calcium salts are unlikely to increase serum calcium concentrations because multiple other factors are needed to absorb the calcium.
Urea:
Urea based ice melts are generally the ones labeled as safe for use around pets. Ingestion of urea usually leads to salivation and mild gastrointestinal irritation, but large ingestions may result in weakness, tremors, and methemoglobinemia.
All types of ice melts have a potential to be hazardous. In general, most ice melt exposures are limited to gastrointestinal upset and local dermal irritation but there is a potential for more serious, life threatening side effects. It is important to educate clients on the potential risks of exposure and inform them of proper storage and use so that exposures can be avoided.
As for plants?…
Salts can injure plants in several ways. The chloride ion is considered the most toxic element of deicing salts, causing much of the direct plant tissue damage. When salt sprays from puddles onto plants as cars drive by, it may scorch leaves or kill buds and twig tips on deciduous plants, especially during spring. Pines in general are especially noted for their sensitivity to roadside deicing salts. When affected, pine needles may become pale green, yellow, or brown in late winter. If dying vegetation is on the side of the plants facing the road or driveway, the damage has likely been caused by salt spray.
Accumulation of salt in the soil also makes it difficult for plant roots to absorb water. Excess sodium affects soil structure, and may result in poor infiltration and increased erosion. The sodium ions can displace essential plant nutrients, decreasing soil fertility. Salt accumulation in soil will also inhibit seed germination of grasses and wildflowers.
The level of damage varies, depending on the concentration of salts in the water running onto your plants, the amount of snowfall, the timing of rains that may help wash off the foliage, the type of soil, and the condition of the plants. Healthy, mature plants that are not drought-stressed will withstand salts better than newly established, young plants.
Sources: www.petpoisonhelpline.com and www.ces.ncsu.edu
KLEIN’S RECIPES OF THE MONTH—These are a selection of relatively simple recipes chosen by our staff. New recipes appear monthly. Enjoy!!
Bulgur is an ancient grain that is very commonly used in Turkey and other areas of the Middle East. Bulgur is made from wheat and is parboiled, dried, and then ground to different textures. During the grinding process, some of the bran (the outer shell) is removed. Bulgur is still considered a whole grain because part of the bran remains and the germ is intact. The bran provides the fiber and the germ provides vitamins and minerals as well as some fatty acids. Bulgur is also a good source of protein, potassium, and iron. What’s especially great about bulgur is that it cooks very quickly since it’s already been partially cooked. (Source: www.nutritioulicious.com)
WONDERFUL PILAF–This absolutely delicious recipe comes to us from Jane Brody’s Good Food Book.
1 TBS. olive oil
2 tsp. butter
1 cup very thin pasta broken into 1″ pieces
2 medium onions, chopped
2 cups bulgar
4 cups chicken broth
1/2 tsp. salt
black pepper
2/3 cup fresh, chopped basil (or 2 TBS. dried)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 x 15 oz. can garbanzo beans, drained
Heat the oil and butter in a deep, heavy kettle with a lid. Add the pasta and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the pasta is golden. Add the onion and bulgar and cook, stirring, another 2-3 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce to very low, cover and simmer 25-30 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve
EDAMAME BULGAR SALAD–A very simple recipe that appeared in an issue of Cooking Light magazine.
2 cups bulgar
2 cups boiling water
2 cups frozen shelled edamame
2 lbs halved cherry tomatoes
2 cups chopped parsley
2/3 cup chopped fresh mint
1 TBS chopped dill (1 tsp. dried)
2 cups chopped onion
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp. coarse salt
1 tsp. pepper
Mix the bulgar and water in a large bowl, cover and allow to rest 1 hour or until the bulgar is tender. Cook the edamame per instructions and drain. Add the edamame, tomatoes and the rest of the ingredients to the bulgar. Mix well and allow to rest before serving or chill until ready. Serves 12.
PILAF WITH ALMONDS AND DRIED CRANBERRIES—From the pages of Martha Stewart’s Everyday Food.
2/3 cup sliced almonds
4 TBS. butter
1 large chopped onion
2 cups bulgar
2 x 14.5 oz. cans chicken broth
coarse salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup dried cranberries
Toast the almonds in a small dry skillet over medium heat until golden and set aside. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until just browning. Add the bulgar and stir to coat. Add the broth and season. Bring to a boil, reduce to low, cover and simmer until the liquid is gone and the bulgar is tender, about 15-20 minutes. Remove from the heat and sprinkle with the cranberries, cover and allow to sit 5-10 minutes to rehydrate the berries. Add the almonds and fluff with a fork. Serves 8.
BULGAR PILAF WITH DATES, APRICOTS AND TOASTED WALNUTS—This incredible side dish appeared in Bon Apetit magazine.
2 TBS. olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves minced garlic
2 cups bulgar
1/2 cup pitted dates
1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
1 cinnamon stick, broken in half
2 tsp. curry powder
2 x 14.5 oz. cans chicken broth
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup toasted walnuts
Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the onion until golden. Add the garlic and cook one minute more. Add the bulgar and continue sautéing for 5 minutes. Stir in the dates, apricots, cinnamon and curry powder. Add the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until the bulgar is tender and the broth absorbed, about 15 minutes. Stir in the green onions and season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with walnuts and serve. Serves 8.
BULGAR SALAD—A simple and refreshing recipe from Cooking Light magazine, April 2010.
2 cups bulgar
2 cups boiling water
4 TBS. olive oil
4 TBS. fresh lime juice
1 tsp. salt
16 chopped basil leaves
2 cloves minced garlic
1/2 cup chipped onion
1 1/2 cup sliced green olives
2 large tomatoes, chopped
lime wedges
In a large bowl, mix together the bulgar and water. Cover and let stand for 45 minutes. Combine the oil, juice, salt, basil and garlic in a bowl. Add the dressing, onion, olives and tomato to the bulgar. Toss well and serve with lime wedges. Serves 8.
RHUBARB PILAF–Yet another recipe from the indispensable From Asparagus to Zucchini: A Guide to Farm-Fresh, Seasonal Produce. Our employee reviews say, “Wonderful, easy and a deliciously sweet side dish.”
1 cup uncooked bulgar
2 1/2 cups boiling water
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 TBS. oil
1 clove minced garlic
2 1/2 cups chopped rhubarb
7 dried apricots or peaches, chopped
1/4 cup apple juice
1 tsp. cinnamon
pinch of cayenne pepper
3 TBS. honey or brown rice syrup
1/2 tsp. tamari or soy sauce
1/4 cup slivered almonds
fresh mint
Place the bulgar in a medium bowl, stir in boiling water, cover and steep 30 minutes. In a large skillet, sauté onion in oil until translucent. Stir in the garlic and rhubarb and sauté 1 minute. Add the apricots, apple juice, cinnamon and cayenne. Cover and cook over medium heat until bubbly. Add the honey and tamari. Stir in the bulgar. Garnish with almonds and mint and serve warm. Serves 4.
TABOULEH–There are many fantastic tabouleh recipes to be found, but this one from Jane Brody’s Good Food Book remains THE favorite of ours.
For the salad:
1 cup bulgur
2 cups boiling water
2 tomatoes, finely diced
1 bunch green onions, finely chopped
1 cup finely chopped parsley
3 TBS. chopped mint (or 2 tsp. dried if fresh isn’t available)
For the dressing:
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 TBS. extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. dried oregano
1/4 tsp. ground cumin
a dash of allspice (optional)
a dash of coriander (optional)
In a bowl, soak the bulgur in the boiling water for 1 hour. Drain the bulgur well, pressing out the excess water through a fine sieve or cheese cloth. In a bowl, combine the bulgur, tomatoes, green onions, parsley and mint. Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a small bowl. About an hour or less before serving, add the dressing to the bulgur mix and toss to coat the ingredients thoroughly. Serves 6-8.
NATURAL NEWS–
Root Stimulating Hormone: How To Use Rooting Hormones For Plant Cuttings
By: Susan Patterson @ www.gardeningknowhow.com
One way to create a new plant identical to the parent plant is to take a piece of the plant, known as a cutting, and grow another plant. Popular ways to make new plants is from root cuttings, stem cutting and leaf cuttings—often using a root hormone.
What Is Rooting Hormone?
When propagating plants using a stem cutting, it is often helpful to use a root-stimulating hormone. Rooting hormone will increase the chance of successful plant rooting in most cases. When rooting hormones are used, the root will generally develop quickly and be of higher quality than when plant-rooting hormones are not used.
While there are many plants that root freely on their own, using a root hormone makes the task of propagating difficult plants much easier. Some plants, such as ivy, will even form roots in water, but these roots are never as strong as those that are rooted in soil using a rooting hormone.
How To Use Rooting Hormones
Successful propagation always begins with a fresh and clean cut. Remove leaves from your cutting before starting the rooting process. Place a little bit of the rooting hormone in a clean container.
Never dip the cutting into the rooting hormone container; always put some into a separate container. This keeps the unused rooting hormone from becoming contaminated. Insert the cutting stem about an inch into the root-stimulating hormone. The new roots will form from this area.
Prepare a pot with moist planting medium and plant the dipped stem cutting into the pot. Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag. The new planting should be placed in a sunny location where it will receive filtered light.
While waiting for new root growth, be sure to keep the stem cutting moist and watch for new leaves to form. When new leaves appear, it is a favorable sign that new roots have formed. The plastic bag can be removed at this time. As your plant matures, you can begin caring for it as a new plant.
Klein’s carries Bonide’s Bontone II Rooting Powder in a 1.25 oz. container.
NOVEMBER’S PLANT OF THE MONTH:
Success with Growing Cacti Indoors
By Jon VanZile @ houseplants.about.com
There are two varieties of cacti grown as houseplants, and both are popular and readily familiar. The desert cacti are the “traditional” cacti, usually covered with spines or hair and often growing in paddles, balls or obelisks. Forest (or tropical) cacti grow in wooded areas, ranging from temperate forests to subtropical and tropical regions. The most well-known forest cacti is probably the Christmas cactus. Both desert and forest cacti boast beautiful blooms, but they have very different growing habits.
The Desert Cacti:
When I think cactus, I’m usually thinking about the desert cacti. These aren’t friendly plants—grab a desert cactus without thinking about it and you’re in for a nasty surprise. But they have a unique, stark beauty, and some of the desert cacti feature the most beautiful flowers in the plant kingdom. I had never thought of a desert as particularly lush until I saw my first desert bloom. There’s nothing quite like it.
Growing desert cacti is not difficult—these are among the toughest of all houseplants—but it does require sticking to some pretty simple rules. There are dozens of kinds of desert cacti on the market today—for the most part, the rules governing their growth are the same. Some species of cacti will bloom after 3 or 4 years in cultivation. Others will take longer, or never bloom indoors. Generally, follow these tips for success with desert cacti:
—Light: Strong light is essential for healthy cacti, especially in the winter. Some species may scorch in direct summer sun if they haven’t been hardened off first.
—Temperature: During the active growth period, cacti prefer hot, dry temperatures, ranging from 70ºF to more than 80ºF. In the winter, the plants prefer a cooler period, down to 55ºF. In their desert habitats, many cacti are accustomed to very chilly nights. However, protect them from very cold winter drafts.
—Water: In the spring and summer, when the plant is actively growing and/or blooming, water whenever the compost begins to dry. During these waterings, make sure the plant is thoroughly watered. During the winter rest period, nearly cease watering. Only water if the plant begins to shrivel.
—Potting Soils and Repotting: Pot into a fast-draining cacti mix. If one is not available, amend regular potting soil with inorganic agents like perlite to increase drainage and aeration. Cacti are generally slow-growing plants and will rarely need repotting. Also, remember that many species of cacti will bloom better when they are slightly underpotted.
—Fertilizer: Use a cacti fertilizer during the growing season. Some growers have poor results with standard fertilizers, so it’s probably worth it to seek out a specialized cacti fertilizer.
—Common Problems: The most common mistake with desert cacti is overwatering in the winter (!), which will cause rot either at the base of the plant or at the tips of the growing areas. If the rot is advanced, it might be necessary to start new plants from cuttings or discard the whole plant. Cacti are also susceptible to pests include mealy bugs and mites.
The Forest Cacti:
The forest cacti grow in tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world. They are often climbing or epiphytic plants that cling to trees. The most famous among these is the Christmas cactus, which is native to Brazil. Today, Christmas cacti are available with blooms in red, pink, purple and even yellow. They make excellent hanging plants. Other forest cacti include the stunningly beautiful Orchid Cacti (Epiphyllum) and Rhipsalis (Mistletoe Cactus).
—Light: These plants like bright, but not direct, sunlight. Move them outside during the summer (see Blooming Tips below).
—Temperature: During the growing season, they have a wide range, from 55ºF to 70ºF. During the rest period, a colder spell of 50ºF is essential.
—Water: Water as a normal houseplant during the summer months and when the buds begin to show. During the resting period, only water when the soil is dry to the touch.
—Potting Soils and Repotting: Use a regular potting mix. Repot at the beginning of the growing season.
—Fertilizer: Fertilize during the growing season with a standard fertilizer. Reduce fertilizer during the growing season.
—Blooming Tips for Christmas Cacti: Coaxing multiple blooms from a Christmas cactus (or the closely related Easter cactus) takes a little planning. Before you want the plant to flower, cut it back and induce a rest period when watering and fertilizer is reduced and the plant is kept cool (about 50ºF to 55ºF). After one to two months, move the plant to a warmer place and resume watering, and buds will soon begin to show. It is also essential to move the plant outside during the summer.
—Common Problems: As with succulents and desert cacti, these plants should not be watered heavily during the rest period. Root rot will result. Advanced root rot can only be treated by taking new cuttings and starting over. Fortunately, these plants root easily from cutting. Failure to bloom is usually caused by an inadequate rest period and/or not taking the plant outside during the summer months.
Please note that Klein’s carries a wide assortment of cacti and succulents year round. Christmas cacti become available during November. Though Klein’s currently has 4″ Orchid Cacti in stock, for a fantastic assortment of orchid cacti, please visit Logee’s Tropical Plants @ www.logees.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.
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
Nature Hike @ the Arboretum
Sunday, November 10, 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
Cocktails in the Conservatory @ Olbrich Gardens
Friday, November 15, 7:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.
Stay-cation in the tropics! Sip botanically-inspired cocktails and groove to a variety of music spun by local DJs in Olbrich’s Bolz Conservatory! All proceeds benefit the Gardens.
Tonight’s Music: DJ Fuzzy Duck blends his wide-ranging musical interests with his energetic style of mixing to set the right vibe for any occasion. From the most joyous and wild all-night dance floors to blissed-out sunset hangs, he’s sure to set the party off right.
Inspired by the house music scene of San Francisco, his music and DJ sets are an eclectic mix of soulful funky deep house music with a dose of R&B where the mainstream meets the underground. Immaculate vibes will immerse you in the scenery and have you dancing the night away!
Cost: $12/person. Must be 21 or over. Tickets become available November 1 @ https://www.olbrich.org/calendar/cocktails-in-the-conservatory
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave., Madison
608/246-4550 or www.olbrich.org for details.
Full Moon Night Walk @ the Arboretum
Saturday, November 16, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Let your eyes adjust to the moonlight, listen to the night sounds, and experience the darkness on this naturalist-led walk (full moon November 15). Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather. Walks canceled for unsafe weather or trail conditions. Free, register through Eventbrite by November 12: 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 Walk: the CCC and the Arboretum
Sunday, November 17, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
In 1935, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) set up its only camp on a university campus. More than 200 men served at Camp Madison before it closed in 1941. Learn how they contributed to the restoration of native Wisconsin ecosystems and walk through the landscape they helped create. 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 Program: Preparing for Winter @ the Arboretum
Sunday, November 17, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
This program is a fun, fascinating way for families with children elementary age and younger to explore the natural world. Nature walk: 1:30–2:30 p.m., activities: 2:30–3:30 p.m. Adults must attend. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather 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
Scenic Stroll @ the Arboretum
Sunday, November 24, 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
Rotary Botanical Gardens’ Holiday Light Show
November 29-December 1, December 5-8, December 12-23, December 26-30 and January 2-4
This year’s dazzling after-dark walk on the Gardens’ paths features more than ONE MILLION lights, themed light displays and animations for a family-friendly outdoor activity.
Doors open 4:30 pm. Last ticket sold 8:30 pm.
Admission is $15 for adults, $5 for children 3-12 and free for 2 & under.
Rotary Botanical Gardens
1455 Palmer Dr., Janesville, WI
608/752-3885 or www.rotarybotanicalgardens.org/
Nature Hike @ the Arboretum
Sunday, December 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, December 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
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
Dane County Holiday Farmer’s Market
Saturdays, November 16, November 23, December 7, December 14 and December 21, 7:30-noon
Monona Terrace
The Holiday Dane County Farmer’s Market is located in the majestic Monona Terrace. This bustling market features more than 60 vendors and is your one-stop shop for all of your local food needs for the holidays!
For details visit www.dcfm.org
NOVEMBER IN THE GARDEN-–A checklist of things to do this month.
___Visit Olbrich, Rotary or Allen Centennial Gardens and note plants of fall interest for
spring planting and best selection.
___Put up all bird feeders and fill daily as needed. Begin feeding raw suet.
___Make water available to the birds. Begin using a de-icer as needed.
___Dig new beds now! It’s easier now than in spring when super-busy.
___Continue planting spring bulbs till the ground freezes.
___Plant bulbs for forcing and put in a cool location for 10-12 weeks.
___Stop feeding houseplants and cut back on watering.
___Continue planting deciduous shrubs and trees until the ground freezes.
___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.
___Cut perennials back to 4-6″, leaving those for winter interest.
___Make notes in your garden journal for changes, improvements, etc.
___Mow the lawn at shortest setting for last mowing of the season.
___Ready lawnmower and tiller for winter. Prep the snowblower.
___Keep gutters clear of leaves and debris.
___Clean empty pots and containers for winter storage.
___Purchase marsh hay and rose protection. Wait till the ground freezes to apply.
___Wrap trunks of susceptible trees to protect from rodents.
___Visit Klein’s—The poinsettias are just about ready. Look for end of the season savings on all remaining spring bulbs.
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.comor 860/567-0838
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 NOVEMBER:
—Our employees prep the store inside and out for the upcoming holidays.
—Wreaths, roping and pine boughs arrive mid-month from northern Wisconsin.
—Most plant material and supplies have been ordered for the 2025 growing season. We order early to ensure you best selection in spring.
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 Twitterwhere 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