‘THE SAGE’-Klein’s Online Newsletter—APRIL 2025
Klein’s Floral & Greenhouses
3758 E. Washington Ave.
Madison, WI 53704
608/244-5661 or info@kleinsfloral.com
THIS MONTH’S HIGHLIGHTS:
Our 2025 Spring Plant List Goes On-line About April 15
Extended Spring Hours Begin Saturday, April 26
Our ‘Mad Gardener‘ and ‘Houseplant Help‘ Are Ready for Your Questions
Klein’s Favorite Seed, Bulb & Plant Sources
Administrative Professionals Week is April 20-26
Edible Flowers for Cooking & Garnishing
Becoming a Master Gardener
Wild & Surprising Edibles
You Asked about a Tiger Eye sumac
Plant of the Month: The Shallot
Klein’s Favorite Escarole Recipes
Product Spotlight: RailScapes™ from Bloem Living
Notes from Rick’s Garden Journal—From March 2025
—Monarch Numbers in Mexico Are Up
—Growing Lettuce in Pots
—A Seed Starting Primer from Select Seeds
April 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
OUR 2025 SPRING PLANT LISTcan be viewed on-line beginning about April 15 by clicking on Spring Plants or at the top of our website home page under the the “Greenhouses” dropbox. This comprehensive listing contains every plant that Klein’s will be offering at some time during the 2025 season and is extremely helpful for both the home gardener and landscaper alike. The list contains fun facts, cultural information and pot or pack size for each item and comes in very handy in planning your garden this spring.
***Please note the disclaimers and added notes at the beginning of each section***
INTRODUCING JENNY’S CUSTOM PLANTER SERVICE!
We’re thrilled to offer again this season our Custom Planter Service—designed with your unique space and style in mind! Whether you’re looking to enhance your home, office, or outdoor area, Jenny and crew will handle everything from plant selection to design and planting.
Bring in your empty containers, and we’ll create something beautiful for you! Leave the mess here—we’ll take care of everything.
Fill out this form to get started today!
FOR NEIGHBORHOOD EVENTS OR GARDEN TOURSthat you would like posted on our web site or in our monthly newsletters, 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 area.
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.
APRIL STORE HOURS:
Monday thru Friday : 9:00-6:00
Saturday: 9:00-5:00
Sunday: 10:00-4:00
Extended Spring Hours Begin Saturday, April 26.
Monday thru Friday : 9:00-7:00
Tuesdays: 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00-6:00
Sunday: 9:00-5:00
CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
April 1–April Fool’s Day
April 1–Spring Elections
April 12–First Outdoor Farmers’ Market on the Square, 6:15-1:45. Madison’s Official Beginning of Spring! Visit www.dcfm.org/
April 12–Passover Begins
April 12–Full Moon
April 13–Palm Sunday
April 15–Tax Day
April 20–Easter Sunday
April 20–Orthodox Easter
April 20–Beginning of Administrative Professionals Week. In appreciation to those people who make your life so much easier, have one of Klein’s talented designers create for you that perfect ‘Thank You.’ Nothing displays your appreciation better than a lovely bouquet of spring flowers or a cheerful blooming plant. Order early.
April 22–Earth Day
April 23–Administrative Professionals Day
April 25–Arbor Day
April 26–First Day of Klein’s Extended Spring Hours. The days are longer and there’s lots to do in the garden. We make shopping easier to fit into your hectic schedule by offering extended retail hours during May. Evenings are a great time to shop at Klein’s. The greenhouses are cooler and the lines are shorter. It makes for a more relaxed shopping experience and our staff is more available to answer all your gardening questions. See April Store Hours above for more details.
April 26 and 27—Klein’s Spring Preview Weekend. Get ready for spring this weekend! Chat with many of our vendors. Scavenger hunt for kids. Free kneeling pad with $75 purchase while supplies last. Door prize ticket with every $50 pretax purchase.
May 10–This is Madison’s average last frost date, but keep your eye on the weather before planting. Madison has a notorious reputation for late May frosts. Many local old-time gardeners refuse to plant, especially their tomatoes, peppers, morning glories, etc. until Memorial Day weekend when the soil has warmed properly. Novice gardeners have a tendency to plant too early!
May 11–Mother’s Day. Order early and shop early!!! Mother’s Day is second only to Valentine’s Day for deliveries and the Saturday before Mother’s Day is traditionally our busiest day of the entire year. Extra drivers will be on the road Saturday, May 10 for prompt and efficient service. Click on Delivery Information at the top of our home page for more details about Klein’s delivery. Because this is our busiest day of the year in the greenhouse, will not be delivering on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11.
‘THE FLOWER SHOPPE’:
Edible Flowers for Cooking & Garnishing
When used as an ingredient or simply a garnish, edible flowers can be a boon for innovative cooks. They’ll add a fresh flourish of color and introduce unusual flavors to your dishes.
It may be trendy, but it’s nothing new. For centuries, cultures around the world have brightened their recipes by adding flowers. In Roman times, for example, roses were used for cooking and flavoring food. Rose water was also put in fountains and baths to help people freshen up. Flowers delight our senses in so many ways – sight, smell, touch – it’s not surprising that some flowers can be treats for our taste buds as well.
Always check to make sure a flower is edible and, when in doubt, don’t eat it!
It is important to proceed with caution because several flowers, such as azaleas, buttercups, daffodils, delphinium and wisteria, just to name a few, are poisonous. One very important thing that you need to remember is that not every flower is edible. In fact, sampling some flowers can make you very, very sick. You also should NEVER use pesticides or other chemicals on any part of any plant that produces blossoms you plan to eat. Never harvest flowers growing by the roadside. Identify the flower exactly and eat only edible flowers and edible parts of those flowers.
Follow recipes carefully or, if you are improvising, introduce these petals to your diet in small amounts so that you can gauge your body’s reaction. If you have allergies, you should proceed with extra caution; you may want to check with your doctor first. (Also, when dining out, don’t be afraid to ask if a flower used as a garnish is edible.)
A great place to start is with flowers from your own garden. That’s because you know how they have been grown and you can be confident that they are entirely free of pesticides and chemicals. Do not eat flowers unless you are sure that they have been grown without the use of these substances.
Pick your flowers at a cool time of day; morning is often best. Remove the pistils and stamen, and be sure to wash petals carefully. Also make sure there are no insects stuck inside your flowers.
Carnations: Steep in wine, candy, or use as cake decoration. To use the surprisingly sweet petals in desserts, cut them away from the bitter white base of the flower. Carnation petals are one of the secret ingredients that have been used to make Chartreuse, a French liqueur, since the 17th century.
Gladiolus: Flowers (anthers removed) have a nondescript flavor (taste vaguely like lettuce) but make lovely receptacles for sweet or savory spreads or mousses. Toss individual petals in salads.
Hibiscus: Cranberry-like flavor with citrus overtones. Use slightly acidic petals sparingly in salads or as garnish.
Lilac: The flavor of lilacs varies from plant to plant. Very perfume-y, slightly bitter. Has a distinct lemony taste with floral, pungent overtones. Great in salads.
Roses: Flavor reminiscent of strawberries and green apples. Sweet, with subtle undertones ranging from fruit to mint to spice. All roses are edible, with the flavor being more pronounced in the darker varieties. Miniature varieties can garnish ice cream and desserts, or larger petals can be sprinkled on desserts or salads. Freeze them in ice cubes and float them in punches. Petals can be used in syrups, jellies, perfumed butters and sweet spreads. Note: Be sure to remove the bitter white portion of the petals.
Edible flowers include citrus blossom, clover, daisies, dandelions, hibiscus, honeysuckle, lavender, lilac, mums, nasturtium, pansies, roses, sunflowers and violets, among others.
Source: https://www.teleflora.com/
YOU ASKED. . .
I planted a Tiger Eye Sumac in our front yard nearly 10 years ago; last year the seed pod production was amazing. We removed a few of them, but there are many left on the tree. Should I snap off the remainder of them? If I don’t, will it affect this year’s growth and productivity? Aren’t birds supposed to snack on them?
Also, can you recommend a compatible ground cover to plant beneath the tree? Jenifer
There’s no need to remove last season’s fruits. They will not affect the plant’s performance this season and the plant will abort the old fruits unnoticeably as time passes. Chickadees, waxwings, nuthatches, and warblers eat sumac berries in the late winter when other fruit is hard to find.
As for groundcovers, your choices are endless including ajuga, vinca, sweet woodruff, certain ferns, lamium, lamiastrum, false Solomon’s seal, many spring ephemerals, hostas, etc. We usually receive our first shipments of perennials by late April.
Thanks for your question,
madgardener@kleinsfloral.com, houseplanthelp@kleinsfloral.com
DID YOU KNOW. . .
. . . that it’s quite easy and rewarding to become a Master Gardener?
Becoming a Master Gardener
Master Gardeners are volunteers typically trained through universities or university extensions throughout the United States and Canada Once they complete their training, Master Gardeners help the Extension better serve the home gardening public by answering questions, speaking to groups, working with 4-H horticultural projects, participating in civic beautification, maintaining demonstration gardens, teaching plant sciences and horticulture, maintaining their web site, and in many other ways. Master Gardeners are willing and able to educate individuals and groups in gardening topics such as plant selection, composting, soil improvement, pest control, vegetable and flower gardening, pruning, and more.
The Madison Area Master Gardeners Association, located in Dane County, Wisconsin, is one of about 50 local Wisconsin Master Gardener Associations (MGAs) whose members are students or alumni of University of Wisconsin-Extension Master Gardener Volunteer training. MAMGA (Madison Area Master Gardeners Association) was founded in 1986 as a forum for Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) in south-central Wisconsin to continue professional improvement and provide service to the community.
Understanding MAMGA, WIMGA & Certified Master Gardener Volunteers:
MAMGA, the Madison Area Master Gardeners Association, is a local non-profit organization of persons who have completed the basic Master Gardener training course, or are current students. MAMGA members may or may not also be currently certified Master Gardener Volunteers. MAMGA exists to provide education, service, and fellowship opportunities for its members. Membership costs $25 per year. MAMGA members receive discounts at many local nurseries, participate in educational programs and garden tours throughout the year, and are invited to social events.
WIMGA, the Wisconsin Master Gardeners Association, is a state-wide non-profit organization of persons who have completed the basic Master Gardener course, or are current students. Most MAMGA members also choose to join WIMGA, but doing so is not required. WIMGA membership costs $5 per year. WIMGA members receive periodic newsletters and other informational communications from the state master gardener office. WIMGA also hosts a statewide Master Gardener conference each year.
Certified Master Gardener Volunteers have completed the basic Master Gardener training course and have satisfied annual volunteer service and continuing education requirements. Most Certified Master Gardener Volunteers choose to join MAMGA and/or WIMGA, but are not required to do so. There is no cost to be certified as a Master Gardener Volunteer. Certified Master Gardener Volunteers assist gardeners through the local UW-Extension Office by serving as plant health advisors, answering hotline calls, tending the Teaching Garden, and performing various other activities that support the UW-Extension Horticulture Program and reach out into the community. Certified Master Gardener Volunteers also perform lots of other gardening outreach and service at places like University Display Gardens, Allen Centennial Garden, Olbrich Gardens, the UW Arboretum, churches, community gardens, and many other venues.
How Do I become a Certified Master Gardener Volunteer?
Step 1—Participate in an approved learning opportunity.
To be a successful Master Gardener, you need foundational knowledge about growing and caring for plants in Wisconsin. Extension offers several “approved learning opportunities” to prepare individuals for the Master Gardener Program.
Approved learning opportunities occur annually in fall. A majority of participants complete the online Foundations in Gardening course, though there are limited in-person courses offered in select counties. These approved learning opportunities are led and facilitated by Extension Horticulture Educators and cover objectives and subjects in the Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener Program Onboarding exam.
Step 2 —Complete the Master Gardener Onboarding course.
The online Onboarding course introduces you to the requirements of the Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener Program. The course takes place in February and March each year. As part of the course, participants must pass the horticulture entrance exam, which requires a score of 70% or better.
As a Master Gardener you apply your knowledge and skills educating others and conducting horticulture-related volunteer activities at local organizations. Volunteer service and continuing education are required to be completed and reported each year. Your involvement will lead to an increase in knowledge and skill in yourself and those you reach. You will use your knowledge of plants to improve the lives of others and the community you live in. This, ultimately, will lead to a bigger change in the world around us.
Master Gardener Benefits Include:
—Discounts at area nurseries and retailers including Klein’s!
—Free admission to MAMGA sponsored programs and events
—Educational programs
—Garden tours
—Service and community education opportunities
—Fellowship and social events
Sources: dane.uwex.edu and www.mamgawi.org
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.
RailScapes™ from Bloem Living
Get the Viral Look: Create A Stunning Vertical Garden In Seconds
“INSPIRED BY THE BALCONY GARDENS OF EUROPE”
RailScapes™ are designed to disappear and engineered to suspend up to 15 lbs. (25 lbs. at the foot of the railing) for vertical gardening. These tool-free and lightweight railing planters are a game changer. Turn your railing into a floating garden with our original vertical railing planter.
This floating clip provides a tool-free installation on various railings, including metal, wood, and vinyl, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor spaces. To install simply hook and flex the anchors between spindles. The anti-slip/anti-scratch bumpers hold it in position without leaving a mark.
NOTES FROM MY GARDEN JOURNAL–Tips and Observations from My Own Garden by Rick Halbach
ENTRY: MARCH 6, 2025 (Monarch Numbers in Mexico Are Up)
A bit of good monarch butterfly news in the press this morning!!
Mexico’s Monarch Butterfly Population Doubles in 2025 Count
Posted by Cathy Brown for Natural Habitat Adventures and World Wildlife Fund
We were thrilled when some good news about one of the planet’s most beloved pollinators recently winged its way to us: The eastern monarch butterfly population nearly doubled over the past year, according to a new survey by World Wildlife Fund!
“Endangered” Classification Offers Hope for Monarch Population
In 2022, the migratory monarch butterfly was classified as “Endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
While that might sound disheartening, strangely enough, it may have been one of the best things that could have happened to Danaus plexippus, a tiny, spotted powerhouse that travels nearly 3,000 miles from the northern United States and southern Canada to its overwintering destination in the Highlands of Central Mexico.
Every year, millions of golden-orange monarchs gather to rest and mate in the oyamel fir forests before migrating back to the states, where they lay their eggs on the milkweed plants that serve as a food source for the caterpillars.
Although monarch populations have been in decline for years, it was only after the monarch was classified as “Endangered,” that the governments of Canada, the United States and Mexico finally had the scientific backing to collaborate with conservation organizations and the private sector on initiatives designed to restore, conserve and sustainably manage the ecosystems of this emblematic pollinator.
Monarch Numbers on the Rise in Mexico
The new survey , which measures the area of forest occupied by monarchs within the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve during the last two weeks of December, is implemented every year by WWF-Mexico and Mexico’s National Commission of Protected Natural Areas in collaboration with local communities.
The monarch population wintering in central Mexico’s forests this year occupied 4.42 acres, up from 2.22 acres during the previous winter. This could be due to less severe drought than in previous years along the butterflies’ migration route.
Another potential supporting factor: Forest degradation in the core zone of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve recently decreased by 10%. Between April 2023 and February 2024, 9.14 acres of forest were damaged. While that might not sound like good news, that was a decrease from the 10.13 acres of damage reported the previous year.
Forest degradation is most often caused by illegal logging, drought and the removal of trees to prevent disease spread. Monarchs require large, healthy forests to help protect them from winds, rain and low nighttime temperatures.
Court Whelan, a NatHab expedition leader with a PhD in both ecotourism and entomology and the author of The Monarch Migration: A Journey through the Monarch Butterfly’s Winter Home, says the population boom was promising. However, it will take more time to understand the greater trend.
“The big difference is that the new WWF monarch numbers are comparing only two years: the 2023/24 season to the 2024/25 migratory season,” he says. “But if you were to compare since 2000, the area monarchs occupy is down from 44 acres to 4 acres. So, while they’re up this year from roughly 2 acres to 4 acres, that’s still a big decrease over 25 years.”
Source: https://www.nathab.com/
* * * * *
ENTRY: MARCH 27, 2025 (Growing Lettuce in Pots)
A number of years back I received the following email from one of our customers asking about growing lettuce in containers. Given it’s mid-April and it’s lettuce planting time, I thought I’d share my experience with lettuce in pots.
“I would like to grow lettuce and spinach in a container. I’ve had mixed results in the past. I would like some tips for a successful crop.”
I, too, grow my lettuce in containers; saving my garden space for flowers. Spinach can be grown in containers but is more problematic in that the added warmth of container soil causes the plants to grow quickly then bolt and become bitter faster.
I use plain, old, cheap plastic pots at least 14″ across and 16-18″ deep. I use a bagged soilless potting mix available at all garden centers. Never use garden soil or heavy potting mixes (usually the cheaper kinds). I sow the seeds in mid-April for late-May/early June harvest. Leaf varieties will perform best (vs. bibb, romaine, head types, etc.). My very favorite is Seed Savers Lettuce Mix (available at Klein’s), though most leaf types work well. Many varieties have been bred specifically for container growing, so read the backs of the seed packets or google ‘lettuce varieties for containers’.
As for fertilizer, I fertilize whenever I fertilize my flower containers. Because you’re wanting the greens (not flowers), a high nitrogen or balanced fertilizer is best. I use the rate recommended on the package every two weeks. Never use a higher rate. If you prefer organic fertilizers, you’ll notice the results aren’t as fast as the alternatives due to the fact the necessary elements are present at a far lower level.
Lettuce is a spring crop so will begin bolting and turning bitter by late June and early July. If the weather heats up quickly in May and June, your harvests may come to an end even sooner. I put my containers where they get full morning sun and a break from the hot afternoon sun.
A crop for fall harvest can then be planted again in early August for harvest well into October.
* * * * *
ENTRY: MARCH 29, 2025 (A Seed Starting Primer from Select Seeds)
Weekly seed starting for my spring garden is now at its peak. Both seedling heating mats are up and running and seedling transplanting into cell packs and pots is both a non-stop and enjoyable endeavor. It’s hard to believe in just a week or two seed sowing (other than direct sowing into the garden) will be winding down for this spring with the sowing of quick growing crops such as sunflowers, certain vines and cucumbers.
The following seed starting primer comes from my very favorite online source for heirloom flower seeds:
A Seed Starting Primer from Select Seeds:
What You Need to Start for Indoor Sowing
Media: Soil-less seed germinating mix is formulated with finely milled sphagnum peat, vermiculite or perlite, free of weeds or pathogens. If the mixture is dry, add some warm water and mix in; let it sit for a few hours to absorb the moisture. The mix should be fine textured and lightly moist.
Container: Clean pots are essential, so be sure to wash any reused plastic pots in soapy water that has a splash of bleach in it. Good drainage is essential! Shallow pots with holes in the bottom, such as the common 6-pack, are ideal. When filling, do not pack the growing medium into the pot, as this will decrease space for air, water, and root growth. Instead, tap the sides or bottom of the container to get the mixture to settle. Leave about 1/2″ of space to the top of the container.
Bright Artificial Light: A fixture outfitted with led lights or even two cool fluorescent bulbs is bright enough for growing good stocky seedlings.
How to Sow Your Seeds Indoors
When to Sow: Find your last spring frost date with this easy zip code frost date lookup. Count backwards from that date to find the best sow times for the seeds, organizing them in groups by sow date. Most annual flower seeds need 6-8 weeks, while some need 9-12 weeks indoors.
Spacing: Generally, space the seeds about four seed-widths apart from each other. Tiny seeds: 4–6 seeds per cell in a 6-pack container. Medium to Large seeds: 2–3 seeds per cell in a 6-pack or 4-pack.
Depth: Check each packet for sowing depth. Some seeds may need direct light or darkness to germinate. Seeds that require light to germinate will be indicated on packet as “Surface sow.” This means they should not be covered, just pressed lightly into the media and sprinkled with a dusting of fine vermiculite. A few varieties require darkness and should be covered by a sheet of black construction paper until germination.
Cold Stratification: Some varieties may need a period of cold temperatures to break dormancy. Sow in moistened flats with covers or place the seeds between moistened paper towels in sealed plastic bags and refrigerate. If stratifying indoors, do not allow the seeds to dry out or freeze. Follow the packet instructions for temperature and duration. More info on outdoor winter sowing coming soon!
Water: Water in with a gentle spray or mist and create a humid environment by covering flats with a clear lid or dome.
Temperature: A room temperature of 65–75°F is suitable for most varieties. Check the individual packet for temperature needs. Heat mats with a thermostat can raise the temperature of the soil to the desired level in a colder room.
Growing Healthy Seedlings
Remove the Dome: Seedlings need air circulation to stay healthy.
Temperature: For most varieties, lower the daytime temperatures by 10°F to 55–65°F. Check the packet for specific temperature information.
Place Under Bright Light: After your seeds germinate, keep them very close to the lights (about 2–4″ away) keeping the lights on for 16–18 hours a day. Close attention to watering is needed to be sure that seedlings do not dry out.
Water: Water from the bottom to promote deep rooting and prevent the sudden collapse of your seedlings, called damping off, which is associated with surface dampness. Place containers in a tray of water and allow the medium to soak up moisture; as soon as the top has darkened a bit, remove from the water and allow
excess water to drain. Overhead watering is better tolerated as seedlings grow larger.
Fertilizer: Use half strength fertilizer or organic formulations for seedlings every two weeks as over fertilization can cause weak, leggy plants.
Thin Crowded Seedlings: Thickly sown seeds will need thinning with tweezers as soon as they come up. Leave 2–4 plants per cell, depending on seedling size.
Time to Transplant
Potting Up: Wait until seedlings have at least two true leaves. Transplant to slightly larger, individual containers. Handle seedlings carefully, gently pulling by leaves not stems. Potting up to a container that is too big will result in the excess growing media retaining too much moisture, leading to root rot.
Hardening Off: Once your seedlings have filled in their roomier quarters with a healthy root system, it is time to get ready to plant outdoors. Begin hardening seedlings off on a partly to mostly cloudy day by exposing them to outdoor conditions including sunlight, cooler/warmer temperatures, and wind, for a couple of hours at a time over the course of several days, gradually working up to all day and overnight
Planting Out: Transplant into well-prepared, raked soil on a cloudy day—misty weather is ideal. Firm in lightly and water immediately.
Visit Select Seeds website @ www.selectseeds.com to see their online catalog or to order their free print catalog.
KLEIN’S RECIPES OF THE MONTH—These are a selection of relatively simple recipes chosen by our staff. New recipes appear monthly. Enjoy!!
Along with lettuce, spinach, chard, arugula, mustard greens and so many more, escarole/endive is an excellent and healthy choice with any spring menu. Find escarole/endive at better food and farmers’ markets and usually just in the springtime.
Escarole and endive are annual chicories of the same species, Cichorium endivia, differing only in leaf shape. Endive’s leaves are deeply cut, escarole’s broad. Both can be used either raw as a salad ingredient, or cooked, most commonly sautéed or in soups. It is an important component in the cut-and-washed salad mixes that have become popular in recent years. This bright, light-colored and finely cut leaf gives many such salad mixes a pleasantly bitter backbone to the lettuce that predominates. They are as easy to grow as lettuce.
In the past, Klein’s has carried Full Heart Batavian (45-50 days), a 1934 AAS Winner. One of the few endive/escarole types well known to American markets and gardens, this is a broad leaf non-heading endive is adapted to a wide range of climates. Harvest baby greens anytime or full-sized heads at 60-90 days from transplant. Escarole is delicious both raw and cooked. Cooking mellows escaroles inherent bitterness, giving it an almost sweet flavor. Here a few of Klein’s favorite escarole discoveries.
BRAISED ESCAROLE WITH GARLIC–This simple dish is ideal alongside any pasta entree or dish with Italian flair. It comes to us from The Occasional Vegetarian by Karen Lee.
1 bunch escarole
4 cloves garlic, crushed
1 TBS. olive oil
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 cup vegetable or chicken broth
lemon juice (optional)
1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)
Cut cleaned escarole leaves into 1″ pieces. In a medium skillet, saute the garlic over low heat in the olive oil until golden, 2-3 minutes. Add the salt and stir. Add the escarole and turn the heat to high and toss well. Add the broth, cover and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes. Serve, sprinkled with lemon juice and pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot. Makes 4 side dish servings.
ESCAROLE SOUP WITH TURKEY SAUSAGE–From Cooking Light magazine.
8 oz. sweet Italian turkey sausage
2 tsp. olive oil
3/4 cup chopped onion
1 clove minced garlic
1 cup water
1 cup small pasta
1 cup chopped tomato (fresh or canned)
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp. pepper
3 x 14.5 oz. cans chicken broth
4 cups torn, lightly packed escarole leaves
2 TBS. parmesan
Remove the casings from the sausage. Heat the oil in a pot over medium high heat. Add the sausage, onion and garlic. Cook, stirring to crumble. Stir in the water, pasta, tomato, Italian seasoning, pepper and broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and stir in the escarole. Simmer 10-15 minutes until the escarole is cooked and the pasta tender. Serve, sprinkled with parmesan cheese. Serves 6.
ARTICHOKE SAUCE WITH MUSHROOMS AND GREENS–A “luxurious” sauce over pasta, cooked rice or baked potatoes. Yields enough sauce for 1 lb. pasta. Use a mix of greens or on their own. Choose from kale, collards, escarole, spinach or chard. A phenomenal recipe fro The Enchanted Broccoli Forest by Mollie Katzen.
1 TBS. olive oil
1 cup minced onion
3/4 lb. mushrooms, sliced
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1/2 tsp. dried sage
1/2 lb. greens of choice, stemmed and chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 TBS. vegetable broth, water or white wine
1 TBS. flour
2 x 6 oz. jars marinated artichoke hearts (keep the liquid)
pepper to taste
6 leaves basil, minced, if available, or 1 tsp. dried
3-4 TBS. milk or cream, optional
Heat the oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven. Add the onion and saute about 2 minutes on medium. Add the mushrooms, 1/2 tsp. salt, thyme and sage. Stir and cook on medium, 5 minutes. Add the greens, garlic and rest of the salt. Stir, cover, and cook another 5 minutes on medium. Add the broth and wait until it bubbles. Sprinkle in the flour, stirring as you sprinkle. Cook, uncovered, for another minute or two, stirring constantly. The liquid will thicken. Cut the artichokes into bite-size pieces. Add these to the skillet along with all of the liquid from the jars. Add the pepper, basil and milk. Remove from the heat and serve as desired. Makes 5 or 6 servings.
ESCAROLE, BEAN AND ROAST GARLIC SOUP–A flavorful and simple recipe from Cooking Light magazine.
1 whole garlic bulb
1 x 15 oz. can Great Northern beans, drained, rinsed and divided
1/4 tsp. rubbed sage
1 TBS. olive oil
8 cups (1 lb.) escarole, chopped
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups marinara sauce of choice
1 tsp. pepper
1 x 15 oz. can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 x 15 oz. can pink beans, drained and rinsed
parmesan
Preheat the oven to 350º. Remove the papery skin from the garlic, but do not peel or separate the cloves. Wrap in foil and bake 45 minutes. Cool 10 minutes. Separate the cloves and squeeze out the pulp. Mix the pulp with 1/4 cup of the Great Northern beans. Mash with a fork to form a paste. Stir in the sage and set aside. Heat the oil in a Dutch oven on medium heat. Add the escarole and cook 3 minutes until wilted. Add the rest of the beans, broth, marinara sauce and the pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat and simmer 20 minutes. Stir in the garlic mixture. Remove from the heat, cover and let stand 10 minutes. Serve with parmesan. Makes 6 servings.
PASTA WITH GREENS AND FETA–Any of your favorite greens can be used for this delicious recipe, but escarole and spinach work especially well together. From Still Life With Menu Cookbook by Mollie Katzen.
3-6 TBS. olive oil
4 cups chopped onion
8 cups packed, coarsely chopped greens of choice (escarole, spinach, kale, mustard, collards, chard, etc.)
salt to taste
1 lb. penne
1/2-3/4 lb. crumbled feta
parmesan to taste (optional)
pepper
Heat the oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven. Add the onions and cook 10 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, start cooking the pasta. Add the greens to the skillet, salt lightly, and stir until the greens begin to wilt. Cover and cook 10-15 minutes over medium-low heat. Cook the pasta until al dente. Just as it becomes ready, add the feta to the sauce, keeping the heat low as the cheese is added. Pour the drained, cooked pasta directly into the sauce and mix thoroughly. Cook slightly over low heat for a few minutes. Add some parmesan if desired and season with salt. Serve immediately on warmed plates. Serves 4-6.
NATURAL NEWS–
With the popularity of “doomsday” dystopian television series, we thought it might be kind of fun to explore some safe and edible ‘weeds’ found all around us. You may look at these plants somewhat differently from now on! If you’re planning on giving some of these weeds a culinary try, be sure that you’ve identified them correctly and under no circumstances harvest them from an area where pesticides and herbicides have been used. Otherwise, enjoy . . .
Amaranth
Amaranthus species
Look for amaranth along roadsides, in disturbed waste areas, or as weeds in crops throughout the world. Some amaranth species have been grown as a grain crop and a garden vegetable in various parts of the world, especially in South America. All parts are edible, but some may have sharp spines you should remove before eating. The young plants or the growing tips of older plants are an excellent vegetable. Simply boil the young plants or eat them raw. Their seeds are very nutritious. Shake the tops of alder plants to get the seeds. Eat the seeds raw, boiled, ground into flour, or popped like popcorn.
Burdock
Arctium lappa
Burdock is found worldwide in the North Temperate Zone. Look for it in open waste areas during the spring and summer. Peel the tender leaf stalks and eat them raw or cook them like greens. The roots are also edible boiled or baked.
Cattail
Typha latifolia
Cattails are found throughout most of the world. Look for them in full sun areas at the margins of lakes, streams, canals, rivers, and brackish water. The young tender shoots are edible raw or cooked. The rhizome is often very tough but is a rich source of starch. Pound the rhizome to remove the starch and use as a flour. The pollen is also an exceptional source of starch. When the cattail is immature and still green, you can boil the female portion and eat it like corn on the cob.
Chickweed
Stellaria media
You’ll find this delicious weed in temperate and arctic zones and in almost every shady, moist backyard. The leaves are pretty hefty, and you’ll often find small white flowers on the plant. They usually appear between May and July. You can eat the leaves raw or boiled. They’re high in vitamins and minerals.
Chicory
Cichorium intybus
Look for chicory in old fields, waste areas, weedy lots, and along roads. It is a native of Europe and Asia, but is also found in Africa and most of North America where it grows as a weed. The flowers are sky blue and stay open only on sunny days. All parts are edible. Eat the young leaves as a salad or boil to eat as a vegetable. Cook the roots as a vegetable. For use as a coffee substitute, roast the roots until they are dark brown and then pulverize them.
Dandelion
Taraxacum officinale
Dandelions grow in open, sunny locations throughout the Northern Hemisphere. All parts are edible. Eat the leaves raw or cooked. Boil the roots as a vegetable. Roots roasted and ground are a good coffee substitute. Dandelions are high in vitamins A and C and in calcium.
Daylily
Hemerocallis fulva
Daylilies are found worldwide in Tropic and Temperate Zones. They are grown as a vegetable in the Orient and as an ornamental plant elsewhere. The young green leaves are edible raw or cooked. Tubers are also edible raw or cooked. You can eat its flowers raw, but they taste better cooked. You can also fry the flowers for storage.
Garlic Mustard
Alliaria officinalis
Garlic Mustard is a seriously invasive alien plant. Left to itself, it can completely take over an area, crowding out all native plants. Feel free to pull up (and eat) as much of this plant as you can!! The crushed plant smells of garlic, hence its name. To prepare Garlic Mustard, simply boil or steam the whole plants (the part that’s above ground). Garlic Mustard makes an incredible pesto:
Garlic Mustard Pesto
1 1⁄2 cups fresh garlic mustard leaves
1 clove garlic
1⁄4 cup pine nuts or walnuts
3⁄4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3⁄4 cup olive oil
In a food processor, finely chop the garlic mustard leaves, garlic and nuts. Slowly mix in the cheese and olive oil. Pesto may be eaten on bread or crackers, on spaghetti or
frozen in ice cube trays and stored for future use in sauces.
Jerusalem Artichoke
Helianthus tuberosus
Jerusalem Artichokes have small tubers on the roots that are delicious. It is a native plant, with a very misleading name. It is not at all related to artichokes, nor does it grow in Jerusalem. Cook them like potatoes, until they’re soft. The skin can be eaten, or you can peel them. The insides are soft and mild tasting. Very good with salt and butter!
They can also be eaten raw. One used to be able to find them in certain grocery stores. But with the current trend towards decreased variety in stores, they are very hard to find. If you find any growing naturally, please harvest with care. They are no longer common.
Lamb’s Quarters
Chenopodium album
Also known as goosefoot, lamb’s quarters grows wild in many places, and the leaves and young stems can be boiled and eaten like spinach (it even has a spinach-y taste). Lamb’s quarters is a relative of quinoa, and its seeds are high in protein, making it another important survival food.
Nettle
Urtica and Laportea species
Nettles prefer moist areas along streams or at the margins of forests. They are found throughout North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and northern Europe. Young shoots and leaves are edible. Boiling the plant for 10 to 15 minutes destroys the stinging element of the bristles. This plant is very nutritious.
Plantain
Plantago species
Look for these plants in lawns and along roads in the North Temperate Zone. This plant is a common weed throughout much of the world. The young tender leaves are edible raw. Older leaves should be cooked. Seeds are edible raw or roasted.
Purslane
Portulaca oleracea
It grows in full sun in cultivated fields, field margins, and other weedy areas throughout the world. All parts are edible. Wash and boil the plants for a tasty vegetable or eat them raw. Use the seeds as a flour substitute or eat them raw.
Shepherd’s Purse
Capsella bursa-pastoris
Also used as a medicinal plant, shepherd’s purse is a great source for spring and fall greens, and can be found in many of the same places where dandelion and purslane grow. The younger leaves are edible raw and have a very mild taste. Older leaves can be boiled in the same manner as dandelions, to remove bitterness, and the seed pods are also edible.
Wild dock and wild sorrel
Rumex crispus and Rumex acetosella
These plants can be found in almost all climatic zones of the world, in areas of high as well as low rainfall. Many kinds are found as weeds in fields, along roadsides, and in waste places. You can eat their succulent leaves fresh or slightly cooked. To take away the strong taste, change the water once or twice during cooking. This latter tip is a useful hint in preparing many kinds of wild greens.
Wild Carrot
Daucus carota
Root is edible – tastes like carrots. The first year roots are the best. But be very careful not to confuse Wild Carrot with other similar species, some of which are poisonous. Be sure that the plant you think is WIld Carrot actually smells like carrots and that it is growing in a dry field.
Wood sorrel
Oxalis species
Wood sorrel resembles shamrock or four-leaf clover. Wood sorrel is found in Temperate Zones worldwide, in lawns, open areas, and sunny woods. Cook the entire plant.
Source: Wilderness Survival and Wildwood Survival
APRIL’S PLANT OF THE MONTH:
Shallots (Allium cepa)
Shallot sets are now available at Klein’s. We carry both Golden and Red Gourmet in pre-packaged bags.
Tips For Growing Shallots
By Nikki Phipps
One of the easiest members of the onion family to grow, shallots not only mature faster but require less space than their counterparts. Growing shallots in your garden is very easy. Let’s look at how to grow shallots.
What is a Shallot?
Many people wonder “what is a shallot?” Although they’re often confused with green onions and the like, shallots are quite different. With their mild onion and garlic flavor, shallots are considered an essential ingredient for flavoring nearly any dish. The most distinguishing factor that sets shallots aside from other members of the onion family can be found by close examination of the bulbs. Unlike onions or leeks, shallots are made up of cloves – much like that of garlic. To get the most from these tasty plants in the garden, it may help to practice some important tips for growing shallots.
How to Grow Shallots
The best way how to grow shallots in loose, well-drained soil that’s been amended with organic matter. They also prefer areas receiving full sun. Shallots are often planted in early spring or as soon as the soil is manageable in warmer climates. Plant them about an inch or two deep with the tips slightly protruding from the soil’s surface. Space shallots about eight inches apart to prevent overcrowding.
Some tips for growing shallots are that they require thorough watering once planted but will require less as they mature, with exception to overly dry conditions. Once mid-spring arrives, you may want to expose shallot bulbs to aid in the ripening process, as they develop better on top of the ground. However, a light layer of mulch will help retain moisture while keeping weeds to a minimum.
When to Harvest Shallots
When to harvest shallots can be tricky for some, as this usually depends on when planting took place. Generally, fall plantings are ready to harvest in winter or spring while those planted in spring may be harvested in mid-summer to early fall.
Harvest shallots when the bulbs are about a quarter inch around but wait for the leaves to yellow before lifting. For an extended harvest season, plant and harvest the largest shallots first, replanting smaller bulbs in their place for harvesting later.
How to Store Shallots
Once shallots are harvested, any unused bulbs should be stored. Dispose of any bulbs that appear soft or bruised. Shake off soil once lifted from the soil and allow shallots to remain in a warm, dry area for about a week prior to storing. Then place them in a mesh bag and store them in a cool, dry place.
Growing shallots is easy and require little care, other than occasional watering. These hardy little bulbs are seldom affected by problems; however, you should practice crop rotation every other year or so, especially in areas where other onions have been previously grown.
Following these tips for growing shallots, you should be able to easily add these delicious vegetable to your garden.
Source: www.gardeningknowhow.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.
Rotary Garden’s Garden Speaker Series: Home Grown Bouquets
Thursday, April 3, 6:00-7:30 pm
Rotary Botanical Gardens, 1455 Palmer Dr., Janesville, WI
Incorporating Cut Flowers Into Your Landscape or Garden
Practical methods and tips for anyone wanting to learn more about growing their own flowers specifically for cutting on any scale.
Key takeaways:
- Know how to evaluate and select flower varieties that are good for cutting.
- Learn how to create a planting plan tailored to your landscape and a schedule to have blooms all season long.
- Best practices for harvesting flowers & plant after-care for common varieties.
About the Speaker
Blake is owner and grower at Alhambra Flower Farm, which produces and sells fresh cut flowers direct to customer and through various wholesale channels.
Blake’s business was born from a passion for gardening – with over a decade of experience growing flowers, ornamentals and vegetables, Blake loves getting his hands dirty, connecting with nature and creating the optimal conditions for plants to thrive.
Blake is proud to be part of the local flower movement, seeking to spread the infectious joy of fresh flowers grown by the local community, for the local community.
Registration Cost: $5 for active RBG volunteers; $10 for RBG members; $15 for non-members.
Rotary Botanical Gardens
1455 Palmer Dr., Janesville, WI
608/752-3885 or www.rotarybotanicalgardens.org/
Sky Dance Night Walk @ the Arboretum
Saturday, April 5, 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Listen for frogs and other night animals, like woodcocks. We can’t guarantee that wildlife will appear, but if they do, we may see the woodcock’s fascinating mating ritual known as “sky dance.” Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather and insects. Walks canceled for unsafe weather or trail conditions. Free. Registration required by April 1: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/night-walk-sky-dance-registration-1245233449769?aff=erelexpmlt. 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, April 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
The Canopy Sessions at Olbrich Gardens
Friday, April 11, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Kick off your weekend with a live concert in one of Madison’s most unique spots: the Bolz Conservatory! Immerse yourself in tropical surroundings, soak up the warmth, and enjoy performances by some of the region’s finest musicians.
$12 – General Admission
$10 – Olbrich Member
$6 – Child (Ages 6-12)
FREE – Ages 5 & under
- Event Guidelines
- Bar service available in the Conservatory
- Lobby doors open at 5:30 p.m. Conservatory doors open at 6 p.m.
- This is a strolling concert, so no seating is provided, through there are a few benches in the Conservatory. No carry-in chairs.
- The Canopy Sessions are amplified performances, not acoustic.
- You are encouraged to purchase tickets in-advance online @ Order Tickets. If the concert does not sell out online, remaining tickets will be available at the door.
- For ticket assistance, call Mike Gibson, Program Specialist, at 608-243-0156
- A limited number of reduced fee tickets are available. To request a fee waiver, please contact Mike Gibson, Program Specialist, at mgibson2@cityofmadison.com.
The remaining Canopy Sessions 2025 Schedule:
April 11:
The Racing Pulses—The Racing Pulses, an alternative rock band from Madison, have been captivating audiences with their energetic performances and intelligent music since 2012. Blending sharp lyrics with dynamic instrumentation, their evolving sound continues to keep audiences buzzing and coming back for more.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave., Madison
608/246-4550 or www.olbrich.org for details.
Nature Hike @ the Arboretum
Sunday, April 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
Rotary Garden’s Garden Speaker Series: Gardening with Climate Change in Mind
Thursday, April17, 6:00-7:30 pm
Rotary Botanical Gardens, 1455 Palmer Dr., Janesville, WI
Learn adaptive gardening techniques for unpredictable weather patterns
The first part of this presentation reviews the interconnected causes of climate change, patterns we are observing now, and projected climatic trends for the upcoming few decades.
The second part presents a number of place-based suggestions for strategies to make gardens more resilient to weather trends and ways to shrink your carbon footprint in the garden.
The many small actions of gardeners as a group can help implement solutions for climate change effects.
About the speaker
Lisa Johnson holds a bachelor’s degree in Horticulture from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master’s in Life Sciences Communication. She spent 8 years in the horticulture industry before becoming the Dane County Extension Horticulture Educator in 2004.
Lisa provides continuing education, manages the Dane County Extension Teaching Garden, and supports the Healthy Black Agriculture project. She writes a weekly column for the Wisconsin State Journal, conducts the Green Thumb Gardening class series, and frequently presents to garden clubs and libraries.
Lisa is also a regular guest on Larry Meiller’s ‘Garden Talk’ program on Wisconsin Public Radio.
Registration Cost: $5 for active RBG volunteers; $10 for RBG members; $15 for non-members.
Rotary Botanical Gardens
1455 Palmer Dr., Janesville, WI
608/752-3885 or www.rotarybotanicalgardens.org/
Magnolias @ the Arboretum
Saturday, April 19, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Garden Tour
Celebrate the return of spring on a flower-filled stroll through Longenecker Horticultural Gardens’ dazzling collection of 110 magnolia trees. Tour led by David Stevens, garden curator and Magnolia Society International board member. Due to the popularity of this tour, free registration through Eventbrite is required by April 15: uw-madison-arboretum.eventbrite.com. Meet at the Visitor Center.
University of WI Arboretum
1207 Seminole Hwy.
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu
Nature Hike in the Wingra Oak Savannah @ the Arboretum
Sunday, April 20, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Learn about the land, plants, animals, fungi, phenology, and ecology. Geared for adults, these longer walks may cover some sloping terrain. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather and insects. Walks canceled for unsafe weather or trail conditions. Free, no registration required. Meet at Arbor Dr. parking lot, off Monroe St.
University of WI Arboretum
1207 Seminole Hwy.
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu
Family Nature Program: Sprouting Seeds @ the Arboretum
Sunday, April 20, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
This program is a fun, fascinating way for families with children elementary age and younger to explore the natural world. Nature walk: 1:30–2:30 p.m., activities: 2:30–3:30 p.m. Adults must attend. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather. Walks canceled for unsafe weather or trail conditions. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
University of WI Arboretum
1207 Seminole Hwy.
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu
Early Signs of Spring @ the Arboretum
Saturday, April 26, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Garden Tour
As trees begin to leaf out, Dutchman’s breeches, twinleaf and rue-anemones might be blooming in the woodland gardens, and prairie-smoke in the prairie gardens. Susan Carpenter, garden curator, will lead this tour of the Native Plant Garden. 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, April 27, 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 Garden’s Spring Plant Sale
Friday, May 2, 9:00-5:00
Saturday, May 3, 9:00-5:00
Shop a wide variety of beautiful plants. We have many veggies including an outstanding and unusual varieties of tomatoes & peppers, as well as herbs, perennials and woody plants, bagged mushroom compost, obelisks plus more!
Members save 10% off! Sign up during the sale and receive immediate savings! Proceeds from the plant sale support the mission of the Garden.
RGB members only can shop Thursday, May 1, 4:00-7:00pm
Rotary Botanical Gardens
1455 Palmer Drive, Janesville, WI
608/752-3885 or www.rotarygardens.org
Dane County Late Winter Farmer’s Market
Saturdays, January 4 thru April 5, 8:00-noon
The Garver Feed Mill behind Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3241 Garver Green (access off Fair Oaks Ave.)
The Late Winter Market runs each Saturday from January 4th until the beginning of the outdoor season. Get your market fix all year long. You will still find many of your favorite Dane County Farmers’ Market members, as well as a full array of fruits and vegetables, cheeses, hyper-local meats, honey, bakery items, and many specialty items.
For details visit www.dcfm.org
Dane County Farmer’s Market
Saturdays, April 12 thru November 8, 6:15-1:45
On the Capitol Square
Wednesdays, April 23 thru November 5, 8:30-1:45
In the 200 block of Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
For details visit www.dcfm.org
APRIL IN THE GARDEN–A checklist of things to do this month.
___Continue bringing out your cooled forced bulbs for indoor enjoyment.
___Early in the month, pot up cannas and dahlias for early growth.
___Begin removing, cleaning and storing winter bird feeders.
___Begin your summer bird feeding regimen.
___Keep birdbaths full and clean.
___Repair and put out birdhouses. Put out nesting material like pet hair & fibers.
___Seed starting is in full swing and even winding down by the end of April.
___Sterilize seed starting equipment and pots with a 1:16 bleach solution.
___Shop for summer bulbs like gladiolas, lilies and dahlias.
___Prune late summer and fall blooming shrubs.
___Do not prune spring blooming shrubs like lilacs, forsythia or viburnum.
___Continue bringing in branches for forcing: pussy willow, forsythia, quince, etc.
___Increase fertilizer to full strength by month’s end (houseplants).
___Ready the lawn mower if you haven’t done so already.
___Start weeding your beds. It’s easier while weeds are small & the soil moist.
___Remove all winter mulch from beds.
___Remove the soil mound from around roses and mums.
___Lay soaker hoses in beds. It’s easy now without plants in the way.
___Cut back all remaining perennials and ornamental grasses left from fall.
___Begin sowing seeds of larkspur, poppies and hardy annuals in the garden.
___Plant pansies, violas and calendula into the garden and containers.
___Harden off your seedlings and wintered over potted geraniums.
___Repair lawns by sowing grass seed. Rake the lawn.
___Move cole crop transplants to the garden; broccoli, kohlrabi, cabbage, etc.
___Plant onion sets and early spring crops like lettuce, spinach, carrots, beets
___Begin planting perennials. Plant shrubs and trees.
___Visit Klein’s—the showrooms are filled with spring annuals.
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 APRIL:
—Transplanting is in full swing on the transplanting line in our back greenhouses.
Employees work 8-10 hour shifts planting thousands of plugs and tiny seedlings into the cell packs you purchase in the spring. Once planted, the flats move by conveyor and then monorail into the various greenhouses, all kept at different temperatures depending on the plant.
—The greenhouses and showrooms are filling fast with thousands of hanging
and potted plants. We’re constantly moving product around, trying to make the best use of our limited space.
—Retail items are arriving nonstop for unpacking and pricing, everything from
garden ornaments and pottery to pesticides and fertilizers.
—In most years, employees are readying the thousands of lilies, hydrangeas, azaleas, mums and spring bulbs that we deliver to the many area churches each Easter. We look forward to this time when the greenhouses are emptied to make room for our spring crops.
—Product is moved from the warmth of the greenhouses to the outdoors for the hardening off process. Plants are pinched back and moved outside so they can be acclimated for spring planting in your garden. Plants that have not been properly acclimated can find the transition to full sun and temperature extremes quite difficult. You’ve probably noticed that many garden centers do not harden off their plants properly. Symptoms include leaf burn and root rot.
—We’re readying the showrooms for the spring onslaught. Tables become fully stocked. Spring info and price signs are put into place. The last week of April is an amazing time to visit Klein’s. The showrooms are jam-packed, bursting with color, awaiting the spring rush which usually begins about May 1.
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