May 2025 Newsletter

‘THE SAGE’-Klein’s Online Newsletter—MAY 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 Is Now Online

Extended Spring Hours Through Fathers’ Day, June 15

Our ‘Mad Gardener‘ and ‘Houseplant Help‘ Are Ready for Your Questions

Klein’s Favorite Seed, Bulb & Plant Sources

Don’t Forget Mom This May 11!

Jenny’s Containers by Design Potting Service

We Reuse Your Teal-colored 5″ Klein’s Pots

Recommended Sunscreens for Specific Purposes

‘Organic’ Defined

Plant of the Month: Ninebark

Klein’s Favorite Recipes Using Chives

Product Spotlight: Spawn Inoculated Logs from Mu Mushrooms of Madison

Notes from Rick’s Garden Journal—From April 2025

—Beneficial Insects Are Now in Stock

—Lily Leaf Beetles Make Their Annual Appearance

—About the Northern House Wren

May 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***

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.

WE STERILIZE AND REUSE YOUR TEAL-COLORED 5″ KLEIN’S POTS

Due to costs, we are unable to reuse most plastic pots and trays and never those from other retailers. But we are happy to take back and reuse the teal-colored 5″ Klein’s pots and their accompanying trays. Simply bring in your cleaned out pots and trays and drop them off with the associates at the checkout counters or in the bin along the building. We ask that you recycle or dispose of all other pots, containers and trays in compliance with your municipality’s guidelines. We do not reuse the plant identification tags. 

Madison is currently NOT accepting rigid plastics (flower pots and trays) for recycling due to import restrictions enacted by China for scrap material. At present, there is no end market to accept the type of plastic scrap the mixed rigid plastic program produces. Until further notice, rigid plastics are to be placed in the refuse bins for disposal.

THE MAD GARDENER

Madison’s Firsthand Source for Expert Gardening Advice

Ask any of your gardening questions by e-mailing them to us at madgardener@kleinsfloral.com.  Klein’s in-house Mad Gardener will e-mail you with an answer as promptly as we can.  We’ve also posted a link on our home page and in our contacts for your convenience.  Your question might then appear in the “You Asked” feature of our monthly newsletter.  If your question is the one selected for our monthly newsletter, you’ll receive a small gift from us at Klein’s.  

Sorry, we can only answer those questions pertaining to gardening in Southern Wisconsin and we reserve the right to leave correspondence unanswered at our discretion.  Please allow 2-3 days for a response.

KLEIN’S ‘HOUSEPLANT HELP’

You can contact Klein’s in-house indoor plant experts by emailing to houseplanthelp@kleinsfloral.com for sound information and advice regarding indoor tropicals, succulents, blooming plants and so much more.  

For many years, customers’ indoor plant questions have been directed to Klein’s Mad Gardener. Now you have the opportunity to contact our indoor plant experts directly. We’ve posted a link on our home page and in our contacts for your convenience.  Your question might then appear in the “You Asked” feature of our monthly newsletter.  If your question is the one selected for our monthly newsletter, you’ll receive a small gift from us at Klein’s.

We reserve the right to leave correspondence unanswered at our discretion.  Please allow 2-3 days for a response.

MAY STORE HOURS:

Again during the 2025 spring season, Klein’s will open at 7:00 a.m. every Tuesday!  Year long, Tuesday is Klein’s Senior Discount Day.  On Tuesdays those 62 and over save an extra 5% off.  Beginning Tuesday, April 29, we open the doors an hour early.  Avoid the lines and shop early!  The extended Tuesday hours last through mid-June. Exclusions apply (ex. small packs, flats, service charges and, delivery fees)

Monday thru Friday : 9:00-7:00  (Open Tuesdays at 7:00)

Saturday:  9:00-6:00

Sunday: 9:00-5:00

Open Memorial Day, May 26, 9:00-5:00

Extended spring hours run through Father’s Day, Sunday, June 15.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

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 10—Showering Mom with Love—Kids’ Mother’s Day Arrangement Class.

Let the little ones create something special this Mother’s Day! In this hands-on class, kids will design a beautiful floral arrangement in a charming watering can – the perfect way to shower mom with love and blooms. Cost is $25, space is limited so sign up and let your child craft a gift that will make Mom’s day blossom! To sign up call us @ 608-244-5661.

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.

May 23–Full Moon

May 24—Container Garden Design Class @ Klein’s, 10:00-11:00. Container gardens are an easy way to add color to your doorstep, patio, window frames or as focal points throughout the garden. They’re fun to make and easy to maintain and a great way to get outdoors and enjoy the wonderful spring weather! Cost is $50. Call Klein’s for details.

May 26–Memorial Day-the unofficial beginning of summer!  Store Hours:  9-5:00

‘THE FLOWER SHOPPE’:

The weekend of Mother’s Day is THE busiest time of the year at Klein’s, far surpassing even Valentine’s Day.  The showrooms bustle with not only shoppers looking for that perfect Mother’s Day gift, but also gardeners with cartloads of annuals, vegetables, perennials, seeds and garden supplies.  Our retail cooler is filled to the brim with stunning spring arrangements for mom and buckets of loose cut flowers to create your own at home.  An array of beautiful blooming plants makes choosing even more difficult.

Avoid the rush by shopping early.  Call us 608/244-5661 to talk to one of our designers personally or order on line @ Klein’s Floral Delivery

Klein’s has it all for mom—”one-stop shopping” for floral arrangements, gorgeous hanging baskets and patio pots, interesting and whimsical garden ornaments or the ever-appreciated gift certificate. 

Extra drivers will be on the road Friday and Saturday, May 9 & 10 for prompt and efficient service. Visit Delivery Information for more details about Klein’s delivery.

YOU ASKED. . .

I have 2 deck rail planters that I would like you to plant for me. I want the plants to follow the “filler, Thriller, spiller” design using plants suitable for attracting hummingbirds. Can you pick the plants for me? Diana

Sure!! Just come in and talk to Jenny. She’s our container expert who does all of our in store containers and all custom designs for our customers. You can contact her @ customplanters@kleinsfloral.comor call the store @ 608-244-5661 to set up a time to meet with her and pick out your plants.

Thanks for your question,

madgardener@kleinsfloral.com, houseplanthelp@kleinsfloral.com

DID YOU KNOW. . . 

. . . that not all sunscreens can live up to the claims printed on their labels?

Consumer Reports Says Many Sunscreens Come Up Short

“Consumers just need to be careful when they buy sunscreen, that they are looking at the labels and questioning the information they are reading,” says Trisha Calvo, Consumer Reports deputy editor.

Nearly a third of sunscreens tested by Consumer Reports (2015) fell short of the promised SPF protection, missing the mark by anywhere from 16% to 70%, according to the organization’s sunscreen report.

Skin Shield…(Recommended Sunscreens by Category) 

by Morayo Ogunbayo for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, April 2025

The weather is warming up, and as beach days, baseball tournaments and barbecues are added to your calendar, you should probably pick up a new bottle of sunscreen to get through these upcoming months.

Over the years, the sunscreen aisle has gone from a few key brands to one of the busier sections of the store. And while you’ve likely focused on just the SPF in the past, considerations for your selection should include skin type, activity level and occasion.

For daily use, people should look for sunscreen with an SPF of around 40, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, and a SPF of 60 or above is best for time spent outdoors.

Check out these sunscreens to help you find one that fits your specific needs:

Many newer sunscreens focus on the skin care of its users and provide lower SPF and more delicate ingredients:

**Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen

Powerful zinc-oxide formula is vegan and fragrance-free for sensitive skin. Available in a spray, roll-on and face stick.

SPF: 50

Active ingredients: Zinc oxide 20%

Water resistant: Yes, for 80 minutes

**Banana Boat Light as Air lotion

Lightweight, fast-absorbing formula will keep you feeling fresh and dry in the heat.

SPF: 50+

Active ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 9%, Octisalate 4%, Octocrylene 5%

Water resistant: Yes, for 80 minutes

These daily-use formulas focus on skin nourishment:

**Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense face serum

Nongreasy, fragrance-free formula won’t clog your pores. It also can act as a makeup primer.

SPF: 60+

Active ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 13.5%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 10%

Water resistant: Yes, for 80 minutes

**Paula’s Choice’s Vitamin C Sheer Moisturizer

Vitamin C, acetyl zingerone and algae-derived amino acids give you everything your skin needs in a moisturizer while also protecting against UV waves.

SPF: 50

Active ingredients: Avobenzone 2%, Octinoxate 7.5%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 2%

Water resistant: No

Many brands have created solutions to prevent the white residue that can sometimes be left on darker skin by conventional sunscreens:

**Tula Skincare Protect + Glow

Adds all of the needed protection with zero white cast. It also blocks against blue light and the effects of pollution while providing a glow to your skin and promoting an even skin tone.

SPF: 30

Active ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 10%, Octisalate 5%

Water resistant: No

**Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Hybrid

Infused with ingredients like aloe, lavender and shea butter that do more than just block the sun, it leaves a dewy finish that helps moisturize the skin.

SPF: 50

Active ingredients: Homosalate 10%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 5%, Zinc oxide 5%

Water resistant: Yes, for 80 minutes

Sometimes, you need sunscreen that will stay on no matter how much you move or sweat:

**Supergoop! PLAY Antioxidant Body Mist

Quickly hydrates your skin while being water- and sweat-resistant for over an hour. The formula contains green tea extract and vitamin C for glowing skin.

SPF: 50

Active ingredients: Avobenzone 2.8%, Homosalate 9.8%, Octisalate 4.9%, Octocrylene 9.5%

Water resistant: Yes, for 80 minutes

**Hawaiian Tropic Everyday Active

Clear-spray sunscreen featuring the brand’s popular scent of plumeria extracts. The easy twist-lock top makes this a great option for anyone on the go.

SPF: 50

Active ingredients: Avobenzone 2.7%, Homosalate 9%, Octisalate 4.5%, Octocrylene 7%

Water resistant: Yes, for 80 minutes

**Coppertone SPORT 4-in-1

Absorbs quickly and resists sweat, heat and water. This formula contains vitamin E to hydrate and neutralize free radicals caused by UV radiation.

SPF: 50

Active ingredients: Avobenzone 2.7%, Homosalate 9%, Octisalate 4%, Octocrylene 5%

Water resistant: Yes, for 80 minutes

**Klein’s currently does not carry any of the above sunscreens**

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. 

For the first time this season, Klein’s is carrying mushroom spawn inoculated logs to harvest your own mushrooms from your own garden!

Spawn Inoculated Logs from Mu Mushrooms of Madison

Mu Mushrooms is a Madison, Wisconsin-based urban mushroom farm that uses reclaimed logs to grow edible mushrooms. When trees are cut down in an urban area as part of a management effort, often the wood is chipped, burned, or discarded. We specialize in taking this local waste product and using it to grow delicious, medicinal food.

Logs are inoculated with mushroom spawn and stored in a shady spot outdoors for a year or more before they produce blooms of fresh mushrooms, which are harvested and offered for sale through our online store (https://mumushrooms.com/store/ ). The main crop available is Shiitake, but at certain times we also offer Nameko and Chicken of the Woods. Our mushroom logs produce blooms at varying times during the spring, summer and fall according to the outdoor temperature and humidity,

We also offer inoculated mushroom logs for sale — all they require is a shady spot outdoors to grow, requiring very little care. Klein’s is selling shiitake inoculated logs in two sizes. Inoculated shiitake logs will produce mushrooms for years in the spring, summer and fall before finally breaking down.  They need to be kept in a shady spot outdoors, out of the sun and the wind, and off the ground.  They must receive natural rainfall or occasional watering from a garden hose.

We receive all of our wood from the generous donations of homeowners and tree care professionals. All trees that we use to grow mushrooms have been felled at the professional discretion of a tree care expert. We gladly accept donations of freshly cut wood in the winter and early spring months.

For more info, contact us @ https://mumushrooms.com/contact/

NOTES FROM MY GARDEN JOURNAL–Tips and Observations from My Own Garden by Rick Halbach

ENTRY:  APRIL 17, 2025 (Beneficial Insects Are Now in Stock)

After many inquiries from customers, Klein’s received our supply of beneficial insects for the season for natural pest control in the garden. The past few seasons it’s been difficult to keep them in stock very long.

Beneficial Insects from Organic Control, Inc.

“We’re dedicated to helping you control garden pests using nature’s own army of beneficial organisms. Today your garden and every garden can be a Victory Garden!”

From the Organic Control website @ organiccontrol.com

We believe it’s time to think differently…pro-actively protecting our plants in advance, instead of reacting to pests with a toxic spray. It’s time to improve the way we ALL manage whatever piece of the earth we have been given and it’s time to heal our planet. We can no longer say that we’re sustainably-minded because we’ve past the point of sustainability. It’s time for us to regenerate the soil and the land that supports us. At Organic Control we are regenerative minded and environmentally conscious in all we do.

—LADYBUGS (Hippodamia convergens)

Use: Ladybugs prefer to eat aphids and will devour up to 50 a day, but they will also attack scale, mealy bugs, boil worms, leafhopper, and corn ear worm. They dine only on insects and do not harm vegetation in any way.

Release: Ladybugs should always be released after sundown since they only fly in the daytime. During the night, they will search the area for food and stay as long as there is food for them to eat. The more they eat the more eggs they lay and the more insect eating larvae you will have. It is best if the area has been recently watered. Ladybugs tend to crawl up and toward light. So release them in small groups at the base of plants and shrubs that have aphids or other insects, and in the lower part of trees.

Recommendations: Ladybugs may be kept in the refrigerator after they are received (35-50 degrees F.) and released as needed. Ladybugs may be stored 2 to 3 months.

Life Cycle: Ladybugs mate in the spring and lay yellow eggs in clusters of 10 to 50 on the underside of leaves. About five days later the larvae emerge and will eat about 400 aphids during their 2.5 week cycle. The larvae look like tiny black caterpillars with orange spots but do not eat vegetation.

The larvae then pupate and emerge from their cocoon as adults after about a week. They begin feeding on aphids, other insects, and pollen to build up their body fat. In the summer and fall the Ladybugs migrate into the mountains and during the winter they lie dormant under the snow. In the early spring they fly back down to the lowlands to resume searching for food in earnest. They begin mating, lay eggs, and die.

—PRAYING MANTIDS (Tenodera sinensis)

Life Cycle: Praying Mantids hatch out of their egg case (ootheca) along the seam that looks like louvered windows with some mud packed on top. They hatch in the spring when the weather warms, the warmer the temperature, the sooner they hatch. Unlike most insects the mantids do not hatch as larvae, they emerge as miniature adults, about half an inch long. They will grow through spring and summer until they reach a length of 5 to 6 inches, shedding their skins several times.

Although mantids have wings, they do not use them until fall when the female wings develop and she begins flying around looking for males to mate with. After mating, she eats the head off the male, which helps to nourish her eggs. She then attaches the brown foam to a branch, lays her eggs inside, and dies shortly afterward, The eggs are protected from the winter cold in the foam and the cycle begins again in the spring.

General Information: When the eggs hatch the egg case does not change in appearance except for what looks like a little sawdust hanging from the seam. Since the Mantids do not move much and blend easily with their surroundings, it is easy to miss the hatching. While most insects are constantly searching for food, Mantids are content to stay in one area and wait for their food to walk by and grab it with their strong forelegs. This is why they are good to use early in the season, before there are pest problems, and use other insects after pests arrive. 

Praying Mantids eat a wide variety of garden pests. In their younger stages they eat aphids, thrips, flies and maggots, small caterpillars, leafhoppers, white grubs and other soft-bodied insects. Mature Mantids feed on larger caterpillars, earwigs, chinch bugs, sow bugs, beetles, grasshoppers and other large insects.

Release: You can keep the egg cases in the cup, set them on a window ledge or in the patio until they hatch. As soon as you see tiny praying mantids emerge remove the lid and sprinkle the mantids around your garden. Or put the egg case in a bush, hedge, limb or anything more than two feet above ground. The egg case may be inserted in the fork of a branch or hung with a piece of string or needle and thread rum through the outside of the case. Hanging will help keep birds and rodents from eating the eggs in the case. If ants are in the area, oiling the string will help keep them away.

* * * * *

ENTRY:  APRIL 27, 2025 (Lily Leaf Beetles Make Their Annual Appearance)         

I love growing hardy lilies and I grow many kinds…Asiatic, Orientals, Hybrids and Martagons. This early in the season, it’s the Martagons that are growing the fastest, as they bloom very early in the season. Just yesterday I already noticed a few lily leaf beetles on many of the plants. It’s hard to miss these brightly colored beetles. Minor infestations are rather easy to deal with. But once out of control they can quickly weaken and destroy many types of lilies.

About Lily Leaf Beetles

By PJ Liesch, UW-Madison Entomology and Lisa Johnson, Extension Dane County

The lily leaf beetle (LLB), Lilioceris lilii, also known as the red or scarlet lily beetle, is an invasive insect of Eurasian origin.  This insect was first reported in North America in eastern Canada during World War II and was most likely introduced in shipments of plant materials from Europe.  LLB spread to New England in the 1990’s and has been moving westward since that time.  LLB made its first appearance in Wisconsin in 2014 and as of early 2023 has been found in 24 counties including Brown, Calumet, Clark, Dane, Door, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Marquette, Milwaukee, Oneida, Outagamie, Pierce, Portage, Price, Shawano, Sheboygan, Taylor, Vernon, Vilas, Waukesha, Waushara, Waupaca and Wood Counties.

LLB can cause significant damage to true lilies (Lilium spp.), including both native and cultivated types, as well as fritllaries (Fritillaria spp.).  LLB can also cause damage, but to a lesser extent, to lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) and Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum spp.).  LLB does not cause damage to daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.), canna lilies (Canna spp.) or calla lilies (Calla palustris).

Both LLB adults and larvae chew irregular holes and notches in lily leaves, stems, and developing buds.  Larvae are the more damaging stage of the insect.  When feeding damage is severe, LLBs can completely defoliate plants and destroy flowers.

Life Cycle: There is a single generation of LLBs each year, but adults can live for several years.  LLBs overwinter as adults in sheltered places, soil, and plant debris in gardens and wooded areas.

These overwintering sites are not necessarily near lilies or other host plants.  Early in the spring, LLB adults emerge to feed, mate and lay eggs.  Because they are strong fliers, LLBs can disperse over long distances to locate host plants.  Eventually, females lay between 250 and 450 eggs.  Eggs hatch within four to eight days.  Emerging larvae feed for two to three weeks during the spring and early summer.  Engorged larvae eventually drop to the soil to pupate (i.e., transform into adults).  Pupae are bright orange and encased in a white cocoon with black spots.  Adults emerge 16 to 22 days later and feed throughout the rest of the growing season and into the fall.

Control:  If you have a small number of lilies, consider hand-picking and crushing adults and larvae or knocking them into a container of soapy water.  Also, crush eggs by hand if you see them.  Repeat this process regularly throughout the growing season.  If LLB becomes a chronic and severe problem, consider replacing your lilies with plants that are not attacked by the insect.

You can also use conventional and organic insecticides to help protect plants from the LLB.  Conventional insecticides containing carbaryl, cyfluthrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, permethrin, and zeta-cypermethrin control a broad range of pests, including LLB.  Organic insecticides containing azadirachtin, pyrethrins, or spinosad can also be used, as well as horticultural oils and insecticidal soap.  Make sure that the product that you select is labelled for use on landscape flowers.  Be aware that conventional and organic insecticides can pose risks to pollinators, so follow all directions on the label to minimize risks to bees and other pollinators.

* * * * *

ENTRY:  APRIL  30 2025 (About the Northern House Wren)

Yeh! I just heard the first house wren singing in my neighborhood this morning. There is no birdsong I long to hear more in the springtime than their’s. Since putting up wren houses in my yard in the early 1990’s, I’ve never not had a pair nest in one of my houses. The male arrives first to set up a territory and seek out possible accommodations. He builds a starter nest in each of my birdhouses. Once the female arrives days later, she chooses the final nesting house and together they finish the nest. In my yard, there is always a second nesting once the first brood fledges…but never in the same house.

About the Northern House Wren

As with many birds, your ears can help lead you to Northern House Wren sightings. Start in the right habitat: backyards, parks, or open woods, then listen. The song can be hard to learn at first, because the notes are nondescript and variable, and because there’s simply so much of it—so loud and insistent—that it’s hard to believe such a small bird is making it.

Wrens love brush piles for cover, protection, and a source of insects. If you need to prune trees or cut brush in your yard, consider heaping the cuttings into a pile as a safe place for birds to gather. More tips for attracting birds

Consider putting up a nest box to attract a breeding pair. Make sure you put it up well before breeding season. Attach a guard to keep predators from raiding eggs and young.

Wrens are a busy forager in low tree branches and shrubs. You’ll occasionally see these birds flit across openings with steady, level flight, or investigating the ground with quick hops. Male Northern House Wrens start building several nests at once in hopes of persuading a female to mate with him. Pairs typically break up by the end of each nesting season and choose new partners the next year. Northern House Wrens are aggressive. Single males sometimes compete for females even after a pair has begun nesting. In about half of these contests the outsider succeeds in displacing his rival, at which point he usually discards any existing eggs or nestlings and begins a new family with the female.

Cool Facts

In 2024, ornithologists split the House Wren, which ranged from Canada to the southern tip of South America, into two widespread species—Northern House Wren and Southern House Wren—and five Caribbean endemic species: Cozu­mel, Kalinago, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, and Grenada Wrens.

Northern House Wrens nest inside tree holes and nest boxes. As the season progresses their nests can become infested with mites and other parasites that feed on the wren nestlings. Perhaps to fight this problem, wrens often add spider egg sacs into the materials they build their nests from. In lab studies, once the spiders hatched, they helped the wrens by devouring the nest parasites.

A Northern House Wren weighs about as much as two quarters, but it’s a fierce competitor for nest holes. Wrens will harass and peck at much larger birds, sometimes dragging eggs and young out of a nest site they want—even occasionally killing adult birds. In some areas they are the main source of nest failure for bluebirds, Tree Swallows, Prothonotary Warblers, and chickadees.

For Northern House Wren eggs, temperature inside the nest box can be critical to survival. If a sun-drenched nest box warms above about 106 degrees Fahrenheit for an hour, the eggs will begin to die. If a cold snap chills a nest below about 65 degrees Fahrenheit for more than a day it can also doom the eggs.

Male Northern House Wrens returning north to breed in their first year are more likely to settle close to an established male than farther from it. Experienced males tend to settle farther apart. Young males may take clues from more experienced males about what areas are good nesting sites.

The oldest recorded Northern House Wren was at least 9 years old, when it was recaptured and rereleased during banding operations in New York in 1993, the same state where it had been banded.

KLEIN’S RECIPES OF THE MONTH—These are a selection of relatively simple recipes chosen by our staff.  New recipes appear monthly.  Enjoy!!

Chives are among the earliest edible spring plants that we are able to harvest here in southern Wisconsin.  All parts of this onion relative are edible; including the purple blooms, which are a lovely addition to fresh spring salads.  This small-bulbed allium is easy to grow, as long as you have a sunny spot with good drainage. This herbaceous perennial can also be used as an ornamental in the landscape, and is particularly attractive when in bloom.

Chives, Allium schoenoprasum, is a species in the lily family (Liliaceae) that is native to Europe and Asia (and possibly North America, but there is some dissension on whether it is truly native or naturalized there). It has been cultivated in Europe since the Middle Ages, both for culinary and medicinal purposes, and as long as 4,000 years ago by the Chinese.

The plant grows in dense clumps of slender bulbs, each bulb producing hollow tubular leaves 8-20 inches long. The soft-textured, blue-green leaves emerge in spring before the plant blooms and will continue to produce new leaves throughout the growing season so the plant remains fresh-looking.

Chives are one of the easiest herbs to grow. They do best when planted in full sun in rich, well-drained soil, although they will tolerate light shade (flowering may be reduced) and most soil types.  Chives can be harvested any time during the growing season after the leaves are about 6″ long. The leaves are often chopped into small segments to be used as seasoning or garnish sprinkled on the food just before serving. They are a common addition to baked potatoes, cottage cheese, omelets, salads and cream soups. Chives are one of the fines herbes of French cuisine (along with tarragon, chervil and parsley). They can be used immediately or stored under refrigeration for up to a week. Chives can also be frozen or dried for later use.

Source:  wimastergardener.org/?q=chives

HONEY CORNBREAD WITH CHIVES & BACON—This cornbread is both sweet and savory, combining the sweet richness of honey, butter, and half-n-half with the salty punch of bacon and the oniony zing of fresh chives. Perfect alongside chili, stew, or just a big buttermilk ranch dressed salad, this cornbread is easy to make and quick to disappear.

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup yellow cornmeal

1/4 cup sugar

1 TBS baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup half-n-half

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

1/4 cup honey

2 eggs

2 oz. bacon, cooked and crumbled

2 TBS chives, chopped

Preheat oven to 400º. Whisk flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt together in a large mixing bowl. In a medium-sized mixing bowl combined half-n-half, unsalted butter, honey, and eggs. Stir wet ingredients into dry. Fold in bacon and chives, leaving a tsp. of each to garnish the top of the loaf.  Pour mixture into a 9″ x 9″ greased, glass baking dish.  Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean. Slice, slather with butter, and serve.  

HAM, GARLIC AND CHIVE SPREAD—This easy appetizer uses your leftover ham for a party the next day!

1 cup finely chopped ham
1x 8 oz. package garlic and chive cream cheese
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
3/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
2 TBS. fresh parsley
1 TBS. chives, chopped

Combine ham, cream cheese, mayonnaise, mustard, and cayenne pepper in food processor and pulse until ham is minced. Do not over process. Transfer to a medium bowl and fold in parsley and chives. Spoon into a shallow decorative bowl and refrigerate until firm. Garnish with chives. Serve with your favorite crackers or flatbreads.

CHIVE PESTO—Simply amazing!!—and a great way to use up a lot of chives at one time!!

4 cups (or more) chopped fresh (not “garlic”) chives

2 oz. slivered almonds

1 cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese

1 garlic clove, roughly chopped

1/4 cup (or more) olive oil

Toss the chives, almonds, cheese, and garlic into the work bowl of your food processor. Pulse until all ingredients are finely-chopped. Then, with the machine running, add olive oil to desired consistency. One 1/4 cup oil will give you a spread-able pesto; add more oil to produce a pourable sauce for pasta.

Serve on crackers, on slices of toasted baguette, on cod or another white fish, or toss with pasta. Makes 1 1/2 cups sauce.

CREAMY CHIVE SOUP—This lovely soup makes a nice appetizer or starter course that can be served warm or cool. French bread or croutons are a must, and plain yogurt provides contrast to the dominant onion flavor.

1 TBS. butter or vegetable oil of choice

1 medium yellow onion, diced small

1 large bunch green onions, diced small

1 1/2 cup chives, cut small

1/2 cup peeled, diced potatoes (about 1/2 medium potato)

2 TBS. Marsala wine or sherry

2 cups water

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Diced chives, for garnish

Warm a heavy soup pot over medium heat. Add butter or oil, yellow onion, green onion, and chives and cook on low heat for 7–10 minutes. Add potatoes, wine, water, and salt. Increase heat to boil, reduce heat, and simmer until vegetables are soft, before chives lose their green color, about 8–10 minutes. Working in batches, blend soup in a blender or food processor until smooth (or better yet, use an emersion blender!  Best kitchen tool ever!). Stir in lemon juice and serve, sprinkled with fresh chives.  Serves 4.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND CHIVE SOUP—Oh so nummy!

1 TBS. olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, crushed

2-2 1/2 lb. butternut squash, peeled, chopped

1 lb. potatoes, peeled, chopped

1 qt. chicken broth

1/3 cup sour cream

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic. Cook, stirring, for 3 minutes or until onion has softened. Add pumpkin and potato. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes.  Add stock. Season with pepper. Cover. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until potato is tender. Set aside for 5 minutes to cool slightly. Blend, in batches, until smooth (or better yet, use an emersion blender!  Best kitchen tool ever!). Return to pan over low heat. Add sour cream and chives. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or until heated through. Serve.

NATURAL NEWS–

DEFINITION OF ORGANIC

If bags of granola and clothes made of hemp come to mind when you hear the word “organic,” think again.

When something is described as organic, that means it’s made from agricultural products that were grown and processed without artificial ingredients, preservatives, or irradiation (sounds scary, but it’s actually a safety precaution and just refers to ionizing radiation treatment that helps kill germs). Organic products are often described as “sustainable” – which means they’re produced in a way that promotes stewardship of the land and a clean environment. (For example, the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers on organic crops are prohibited.) Since both food and fibers (namely, cotton) can be grown organically, the term relates to everything from the banana you’re about to eat to the cloth diaper your baby is wearing to the sheets you snuggle in at night.

HISTORY OF ORGANIC

Although it seems like a recent fad, the organic way of life has actually been around for centuries. Until World War II, farmers largely used organic approaches – like hand-weeding and composting – to harvest the country’s crops. During the war, technology boomed, and petroleum-based chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides made their way to U.S. farmland in the years that followed. This created a chemical-based approach to agriculture that was different from the chemical-free methods of the past.

As writers and researchers began investigating the effects of these chemicals on humans, animals and the environment, the organic movement gained popularity for its sustainable, earth-friendly approach. The movement received a big boost in the United States in 2002, when the U.S. Department of Agriculture implemented national organic standards.

Now, organic foods – everything from steaks to wines to dog food – occupy significant shelf space in most supermarkets. The organic fiber industry grew out of the organic food movement, and, after a period of decline in the 1990s, it’s gaining steam again. Stuffed animals, diapers, napkins and a host of other cotton-based products are now available in organic varieties.

ORGANIC TERMS

The organic movement has its own language – literally. Here’s a list of common organic terms and their definitions.

100% ORGANIC

all ingredients – the product itself and anything used in processing – were grown and harvested according to USDA organic standards.

BIODIVERSITY

the many life forms and eco-systems that exist on our planet

BLEACHING

a process that eliminates impurities from yarn and fabric. Conventional production often uses chlorine for this process, but organic production uses hydrogen peroxide, which disintegrates quickly and balances pH levels.

BUFFER ZONE

a boundary that borders an organic production site and is used to keep forbidden substances away from the area.

CERTIFIED ORGANIC

a USDA-accredited agency has confirmed that the farmer, company or business who raised or handled the product meets all USDA organic requirements.

CERTIFIER

a USDA-accredited agency that confirms that the farmer, company or business who raised or handled organic products meets all USDA organic requirements.

CONTAMINATION

contact with any substance that makes an organic product ineligible for certification.

CONVENTIONAL

a technique or substance that is not organic.

ECO-FRIENDLY

not harmful to the environment.

ECOSYSTEM

an ecological community made up of all of the organisms in a region, including plants and animals.

FAIR TRADE

certification that a product, such as coffee or sugar, was produced by farm workers who were given a living wage and safe working conditions. Fair trade farming methods must be sustainable, though not necessarily organic.

FOOD MILES

the distance that food travels between the field and the grocery store.

GENETIC ENGINEERING

when DNA from different species is combined to develop new organisms. This results in GMOs – genetically modified organisms – and is prohibited in organic production. Loose or bunched produce items may be identified as genetically modified in the grocery store by a PLU code that begins with an 8.

GMO

genetically modified organism. This results when DNA from different species is combined to develop new organisms and is prohibited in organic production.

IRRADIATION

a safety technique that uses ionizing radiation to kill bacteria, parasites and other harmful elements. Irradiation is not allowed in the organic production of food and cotton.

LOCALLY GROWN

definition varies, but generally means a product was grown in the local area. Whole Foods Market, for example, classifies products as “local” if they traveled seven or fewer hours from the farm to the store. Some people buy locally grown food because they like knowing their food was grown nearby and believe the reduction in transportation time (and therefore greenhouse gases emitted by vehicles) is better for the environment. Not all organic food is locally grown.

LOW-IMPACT DYE

dye that’s used in clothes processing and has minimal impact on the environment.

MADE WITH ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

must contain at least 70 percent organic ingredients.

NATURAL DYE

dye used in clothes processing whose pigment comes from organic substances, such as berries, vegetables and bugs.

NATURAL FIBERS

substances found in nature, such as cotton, wool and silk.

ORGANIC

a way of growing and processing food and fibers that doesn’t involve the use of artificial ingredients, preservatives, synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, hormones, antibiotics or irradiation. Products labeled “organic” must contain at least 95 percent organic ingredients, according to USDA regulations. The name of the certifying agency must be displayed on the package.

PESTICIDE-FREE

food grown without the use of synthetic pesticides. This doesn’t mean that the food is completely free of pesticides: organic pesticides could have been used, or synthetic pesticide residue from neighboring farms could have blown onto crops. Use of this term is not regulated by any national standards.

PLU CODE

price look-up code. It contains four to five digits and is used to help cashiers in the grocery store price items that are sold loose or bunched, like bananas. It can also help you identify organic products. If a product’s PLU code begins with an 8, it is genetically modified; if it begins with a 9, it is organic.

RECYCLED FIBERS

substances that were previously used by consumers and then converted into fibers for further use.

SOME ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

identifies products that contain less than 70 percent organic ingredients.

SULFITES

derivatives of sulfur used in conventional winemaking as preservatives and antioxidants. Certified organic wines cannot contain more than 100ppm of sulfites.

SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

a system of agriculture that promotes the well-being and longevity of natural and human resources through emphasis on environmental, economic and social factors. Organic production is often considered to fall under this definition.

SYNTHETIC MATERIALS

man-made materials from petroleum and carbon derivatives, such as acrylic, nylon and spandex.

TRANSITIONAL

a product grown on a farm that’s switching from conventional to organic farming. The product was grown according to USDA organic requirements, but either the soil was not chemical-free for the required length of time, or the farm was still in the process of gaining organic certification.

USDA ORGANIC SEAL

found on products that are at least 95 percent organic. Use of the seal is optional, so not all organic products contain it.

MAY’S PLANT OF THE MONTH:

Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)

A Native Shrub Beloved for Its Spring Flowers and Exfoliating Bark

By Vanessa Richins Myers

Ninebark is a deciduous spring-flowering shrub widely used in landscaping. It gets its name from its unique exfoliating bark, which peels back in thin layers as its branches mature. The foliage—yellow, green, or reddish leaves—forms an attractive cascading mound. The red fruit in late summer and autumn attracts birds.

Ninebark is best planted in the early spring while still dormant. It is usually sold as a potted nursery specimen. This fast-growing shrub can reach maturity in just one growing season, especially when started from a 1-gallon nursery pot.

Light

Plant ninebark in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. It will flower best in full sun. In northern latitudes, the shrub prefers around six hours of direct light each day, but in southern locations, the plant appreciates some afternoon shade.

Soil

Ninebark grows well in clay and loam soil, as well as in shallow and rocky soil. A neutral to slightly acidic soil (pH 4.5 to 6.5) that drains well is ideal but it will tolerate slightly alkaline soils as well.

Provide mulch around the base every year to help the plant retain moisture and prevent weeds.

Water

Ninebark will grow in both dry and wet locations. Its water requirements are generally low, and once established, it makes a very good drought-tolerant shrub. It also withstands poor drainage and occasional flooding.

Temperature and Humidity

Ninebark is typically tolerant of the different temperatures and humidity levels within its recommended hardiness zones, but the plant will not do well in the summer heat and high humidity of USDA zone 8 and above.

In a hot and humid environment, it is susceptible to fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew.

Fertilizer

If you’ve planted the shrub in nutrient-rich soil, annual fertilization might not be necessary. It will be enough to add a layer of compost to the soil around the plant in the early spring.

Alternatively, apply a granular, slow-release tree and shrub fertilizer a few inches away from the base of the shrub and make sure to spread it out in a thin layer.

Types of Ninebark

Ninebark is available in many sizes, including dwarf varieties. There are also varieties with different leaf colors, the most common being purple and yellow.

Klein’s is carrying the following Ninebark choices in 2025:

PHYSOCARPUS opulifolius ‘Amber Jubilee ‘(Ninebark)

Amber Jubilee offers a unique blend of foliage colors including new growth that takes on shades of yellow and orange in summer before turning purple in the fall. Foliage on mature sections of the plant is lime-green. A breakthrough hybrid between ‘Diablo ‘and

‘Dart’s Gold’. Annual pruning of the stem tips will cause this plant to look its best. Plant in full sun for best foliage color. 5-6 ‘tall and 4 ‘wide. Upright and rounded. Zone 2.

PHYSOCARPUS opulifolius ‘Fireside ‘(Ninebark)

New in 2019. Dark foliage adds wonderful contrast. Leaves emerge in spring with reddish tones, then deepen to a rich shade of red-purple that lasts throughout the summer, never turning to shades of brown. In fall, the foliage turns deep purple adding wonderful contrast to the typically bright colors of the fall landscape. The 5 to 7 foot shrubs bear pinkish-white flowers in spring and have a nice, rounded upright shape. Zone 3.

PHYSOCARPUS opulifolius ‘Little Devil’, syn. ‘Donna May ‘(Ninebark)

This “cute little devil” will add deep burgundy foliage color to your garden in a compact, easy to grow and maintain shrub. An exciting improvement to ninebark selections, Little Devil   is great for every garden but especially useful for smaller urban gardens or where low maintenance is desired, as it needs little to no pruning and is free from pest and disease issues. The dark foliage is beautifully offset by button-like white-pink flowers in June. This cute little devil is a trouble-free addition to any home or commercial landscape. Grows to 3-4 ‘tall and wide. Zone 3.

PHYSOCARPUS opulifolius ‘Spicy Devil ‘(Ninebark)

Spicy Devil® Ninebark is a great structural shrub with plenty of multi-season interest to keep your garden exciting spring through fall. Leaves emerge a fiery combination of orange and yellow before maturing to a vibrant reddish-purple, which is a beautiful backdrop to the white-pink spring flowers. Growing to 3-4′ tall and wide with that gorgeous dark foliage, Spicy Devil® is a fantastic foundation plant or small hedge in cool and moderate climates. Zone 3.

PHYSOCARPUS opulifolius ‘Summer Wine ‘(Ninebark)

An exciting new and improved ninebark with neat, compact branching and fine, deeply cut, dark crimson-red leaves. Pinkish-white, button-like flowers appear in mid-summer. Showy and extremely hardy. A wonderful cut flower. Ht.: 5-6′. Spread: 5′. Grow in any good garden soil in full sun. Native to North America. Zone 3.

Pruning

Ninebark tends to bounce back well after pruning. Prune ninebark after it flowers, or no later than mid-August, to maintain its shape and to improve air circulation around the plant.

At each pruning, cut no more than one-third of the branches. Focus on older and damaged branches, as well as those that cross and rub each other.

In older shrubs, radically pruning them by cutting them 3 to 4 inches from the ground before winter encourages better leaf and flower growth next spring.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

With proper care, established ninebark shrubs are not bothered by major pests or diseases. The shrub is susceptible to aphids. Spray the plant with a steady stream of water to knock them off.

Fireblight, powdery mildew, and leaf spots may occur, but are rarely fatal. Most diseases can be controlled by promptly removing the affected branches.

Source: www.thespruce.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 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

Badger State Dahlia Society Tuber Sale

Begins Saturday, May 3, 9:00

Get tubers and already-growing dahlia plants from award-winning “parents” at very reasonable prices. We have hundreds of tubers and plants from scores of exotic and gorgeous cultivars!

When: Saturday, May 9am – Tuesday May 6 at 6pm. The link to the sale will be posted on our webpage at badgerdahlia.org and on our Instagram and Facebook pages at 9am on May 3.

Pick-up: No shipping. Pick-up on East side of Madison on May 10. The specific address for pick-up will be included in your order confirmation.

Please email us at badgerstatedahlias@gmail.com if you have any questions about the sale.

Willy Street Park Plant Sale

Saturday, May 3, 9:00-2:00

Over 40 years ago, a dedicated group of neighbors came together to preserve what is now Willy Street Park, successfully preventing its development into a fast food restaurant. Today, the Willy Street Park Society is collaborating with the Wisconsin State Historical Society to create an archive and oral history of the park, preserving its rich legacy for future generations.

Though Willy Street Park remains private land, it operates much like a public park, welcoming all. But because it’s maintained by the not-for-profit Willy Street Park Society, the park doesn’t receive the same city funding and maintenance as public parks. Neighbors are invited to take an active role in keeping the park beautiful—whether by picking up litter during visits or volunteering for a variety of tasks, from gardening to administrative support.

Willy Street Park

1002 Williamson St.

Madison, WI 53703

For details visit https://willystreetpark.org/event/spring-2025-plant-sale/

University of Wisconsin Family Gardening Day

Saturday, May 3, 10:00-1:00

April showers bring May flowers—and this opportunity to explore campus gardens, greenhouses, and related facilities. Visit the DC Smith Greenhouse, Allen Centennial Garden, Steenbock and BioCommons, and Wisconsin Energy Institute. Explore hands-on activities with seeds, plants and soil. Ask questions of Master Gardeners. Discover books for all ages about gardening, plants, soil, water and more. Take home plants and seeds for your own garden (while supplies last).

Visit the link below closer to the event for details regarding the activities that will take place at the the four campus locations…

How to Get Around Campus!

Free Campus Bus Routes

80, 81 & 82

Parking is Also Available:

Lot 17: 1550 Engineering Dr

Lot 20: 1390 University Ave

Lot 34: 1480 Tripp Circle

Lot 36: 1645 Observatory Dr

Lot 40: 1655 Linden Dr

Lot 41: 1820 University Ave

Visit www.science.wisc.edu/family-gardening-day.htm#sthash.ugjcsqEH.dpuf .

For more information, please visit the UW Family Gardening Day Facebook Page

Lilacs @ the Arboretum

Saturday, May 3, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Garden Tour

Established in 1935, the Longenecker Horticultural Gardens’ lilac collection is the third largest in the country. Join David Stevens, garden curator, to explore lilac history, lore, culture, and color. Due to the popularity of this tour, free registration through Eventbrite is required by April 29: uw-madison-arboretum.eventbrite.com . Meet at the Visitor Center.

University of WI Arboretum

1207 Seminole Hwy.

Madison, WI 53711

608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu

Nature Hike @ the Arboretum

Sunday, May 4, 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, May 4, 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

Seed Starting @ Goodman South Madison Library

Tuesday, May 6, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Meeting Room 115

Starting garden plants from seed can be a rewarding activity.  Maybe you’ve it tried a time or two and for you it was a frustrating activity.  In this talk you will hear from a Dane County Extension Horticulture Volunteer who will give you a solid foundation for growing your own garden plants from seeds. Included in this talk are tips on factors that make for successful seed starting. You will learn how to purchase seeds, and plant and care for them until they are ready to be planted outdoors. You will leave this talk feeling confident in your abilities to start seeds right in your own home.

Registration is recommended for this event. Please contact your local library to register.

Register @ https://events.madisonpubliclibrary.org/events/197735

Goodman Library South

2222 S Park St
Madison, WI 53713

608-266-6395
goodmansouth@madisonpubliclibrary.org

Sunset Garden Club Plant Sale

Saturday, May 10, 8:00-1:30

4634 Tokay Blvd.

Items offered for sale include hardy perennial plants, bird houses, birdseed wreaths and assorted garden items.

Call 608/658-2255 for more info or email to janemeyer.wisc@gmail.com

Troy Farm Plant Sale

Saturday, May 10, 10:00-4:00

Troy Farm

502 Troy Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53704

Come to Troy Farm and Gardens for our annual Plant Sale this coming Mothers Day weekend! We have an amazing selection of certified organic vegetable, fruit, herb, flower, perennial, and southeast Asian plants for sale. You are sure to find something you love and a wonderful gift for Mom. There will also be delicious food for sale from Cafe Costa Rica.

For a complete list of plants we will have for sale visit:

Troy Farm, Community Gardens and Kids Garden

502 Troy Drive, Madison, WI 53704

Spring Highlights @ the Arboretum

Saturday, May 10, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Garden Tour

Explore the wonders of spring flowering woody plants in Longenecker Horticultural Gardens as garden horticultural specialist Neil Schmidt presents seasonal highlights from the gardens’ expansive collection. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.

University of WI Arboretum

1207 Seminole Hwy.

Madison, WI 53711

608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu

Full Moon Night Walk @ the Arboretum

Saturday, May 10, 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm

Let your eyes adjust to the moonlight, listen to the night sounds, and experience the darkness on this naturalist-led walk (full moon May 12). Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather and insects. Walks canceled for unsafe weather or trail conditions. Free, register through Eventbrite by May 6: 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, May 11, 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

Rotary Garden’s Garden Speaker Series: Successful Container Gardening

Thursday, May 15, 6:00-7:30 pm

Rotary Botanical Gardens, 1455 Palmer Dr., Janesville, WI

Container gardening offers versatility in growing plants

Whether you want to grow flowers or food, container gardening is a viable option. In this presentation, you will explore reasons for using container gardening and how to successfully grow plants of your choice.

• Topics include:
• Container types
• Growing mediums
• Watering and fertilizing specifics
• Design components

Registration Cost: $5 for active RBG volunteers; $10 for RBG members; $15 for non-members. Register @ https://rotarybotanicalgardens.org/event/successful-container-gardening/

Rotary Botanical Gardens

1455 Palmer Dr., Janesville, WI

608/752-3885 or www.rotarybotanicalgardens.org/

Friends of the Arboretum Native Plant Sale

Saturday, May 17, 10:00-2:00

U.W.-Madison Arboretum Visitor Center

In the large tents on the lawn near the Visitor Center, shop for more than 200 species of native grasses, woodland, prairie, and savanna plants to purchase, while supplies last. Organized by Friends of the Arboretum, open to the general public.

University of WI Arboretum

1207 Seminole Hwy.

Madison, WI 53711

608/263-7888 or uwarboretum.org/events

Badger Bonsai Society Annual Exhibit @ Olbrich Gardens

Saturday, May 17, 10:00-4:00

Sunday, May 18, 10:00-4:00

The annual exhibit features trees from the private collections of club members. Explore the art of bonsai with this unique opportunity to view some amazing miniature trees and talk with the bonsai artists who grew and cultivated them. A wide variety, including conifer, deciduous, flowering, and tropical trees will be on display. Whether you are curious about bonsai and want to learn more or just have an appreciation for these living works of art, the exhibit is sure to have something for you. The exhibit will include 50 to 60 bonsai with many varieties, sizes and ages represented with demonstrations both days at 11 am and 1:30 pm. BBS members will be present to answer questions and share their enjoyment of bonsai with everyone. To learn more, visit Badger Bonsai Society on Facebook.  Free admission to bonsai exhibit and demonstrations. 

Interested in joining the Badger Bonsai Society? We welcome people at all levels who have an interest in bonsai and want to learn how to start and maintain their own collection. We meet the second Thursday of each month at Olbrich Gardens.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

3330 Atwood Ave., Madison

608/246-4550 or www.olbrich.org for details.

Starting and Maintaining a Perennial Garden @ Lakeview Library

Saturday, May 17, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Community Room

Do you love visiting local garden centers with the intention of selecting and purchasing plants that will bloom and grow in your flowerbeds for many years? However, when you encounter all the choices available, you don’t know where to start. If this description sounds like you, this is the talk for you! A Dane County Extension Horticulture Volunteer will give you guidance in assessing your garden for suitability for perennial plants, the importance of sun, soil and water in your perennial garden and techniques for choosing the right plant for the right place. 

Registration is recommended for this event. Please contact your local library to register.

Register @ https://events.madisonpubliclibrary.org/events/197926

Lakeview Library

2845 N Sherman Ave
Madison, WI 53704

608-246-4547
lakeview@madisonpubliclibrary.org

Dane County UW-Extension’s

Master Gardener Plant Sale

Sunday, May 18, 11:00-3:00

Dane County UW-Extension Office

5201 Fen Oak Ct, Madison (just off Agriculture Dr. between Pflaum & Femrite)

Each year, Dane County Master Gardeners hold a plant sale on a Sunday in the last half of May. The annual plant sale is the primary source of funds for the Teaching Garden, which includes the new greenhouse. Take a self-guided garden tour before or after the sale to discover new favorites, get ideas for your own garden, or simply enjoy the beautiful setting. You can learn more about the Teaching Garden here: https://dane.extension.wisc.edu/horticulture/teaching-garden/

The sale includes hundreds of perennials for both shade and sun, native plants, vegetable and herb starts, annuals, houseplants and more. Plant Health Advisors and other Master Gardeners will be available to answer your gardening questions. Plants are priced to sell.

Madison Area Master Gardeners Association

PO Box 259318

Madison, WI, 53725

608/224-3721 or at http://dane.uwex.edu/horticulture/

Nature Hike in the Grady Tract @ the Arboretum

Sunday, May 18, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Walk

Learn about the land, plants, animals, fungi, phenology, and ecology. Geared for adults, these longer walks may cover some sloping terrain. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come seasonally prepared for weather and insects. Walks take place rain or shine, except in unsafe weather. Free, no registration required. Meet at Grady Tract parking lot, southeast corner of Seminole Hwy. and W. Beltline Frontage Rd.

University of WI Arboretum

1207 Seminole Hwy.

Madison, WI 53711

608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu

Family Nature Program: Terrific Turtles @ the Arboretum

Sunday, May 18, 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

Rotary Garden’s What’s in Bloom? Tour

Wednesday, May 21, 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Rotary Botanical Gardens, 1455 Palmer Dr., Janesville, WI

Rotary Botanical Gardens Director of Horticulture, Michael Jesiolowski will provide a behind-the-scenes look at what’s blooming this month and answer any questions you may have.

What’s in Bloom? Tours take place on select Wednesdays of each month (May-September). The tours are free for RBG members, or $10 for non-members.

To register, please call 608.752.3885., sign up in person on the day of the tour or sign up @ https://rotarybotanicalgardens.org/event/whats-in-bloom-tour-2025-05-21/

Rotary Botanical Gardens

1455 Palmer Dr., Janesville, WI

608/752-3885 or www.rotarybotanicalgardens.org/

Scenic Stroll @ the Arboretum

Sunday, May 25, 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

Family Nature Walk @ the Arboretum

Sunday, June 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

Learning Together: Incredible Insects @ the Arboretum

Tuesday, June 3, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Family Class

We will share stories and create nature art and crafts. This class is for preschool-age children and their adult caregivers. Adults must attend. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come seasonally prepared for weather and insects. Fee: $20 per family/group of up to four people. Register by May 26 @ https://arboretum.wisc.edu/group-classes/learning-together-family-class-incredible-insects/ . Meet at the Visitor Center.

University of WI Arboretum

1207 Seminole Hwy.

Madison, WI 53711

608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu

Pollinators and Your Gardens @ Pinney Library

Tuesday, June 3, 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Community Room B

Many of our pollinators such as bees and butterflies have been in decline due to multiple reasons. 87% of all flowering plants depend on pollinators for their reproduction.  This includes 35% of the world’s food crops. A Dane County Extension Horticulture Volunteer will tell you about what you can do in your gardens to help provide habitat and protect our local pollinators. 

Registration is recommended for this event. Please contact your local library to register.

Register @ https://events.madisonpubliclibrary.org/events/197734

Pinney Library

516 Cottage Grove Rd
Madison, WI 53716

608-224-7100
pinney@madisonpubliclibrary.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

Northside Farmers Market

Sundays, May 11 through October 26, 8:30-12:30

In the Northside TownCenter at the intersection of N. Sherman Ave. and Northport Dr. across from Warner Park.    

The Northside Farmers Market is a nonprofit community enterprise. It is one of the newest and fastest growing farmers’ markets in Dane County. In keeping with the innovative spirit of Madison’s Northside, we are surpassing what defines the traditional farmers’ market. Our fundamental principles include:

–Providing an abundant selection of high quality, locally grown foods. 

The market accepts Quest, WIC and Senior FMNP vouchers.

–Supporting our local agricultural entrepreneurs who are increasingly important today in ensuring that we have the best and safest food possible.

–Educating the community about traditional foods and the history of local agriculture in an attempt to preserve (and expand upon) our rich heritage.

Parking is always FREE!

For details visit www.northsidefarmersmarket.org

MAY IN THE GARDEN-–A checklist of things to do this month.

___By May 1, cool weather items like pansies, cole crops, onion sets, etc. should 

      already be planted.

___Sow successive crops of radishes and greens every 2 weeks.

___Mow your lawn frequently and at a high setting to control lawn weeds.

___Reseed bare spots in the lawn as needed.

___Begin hardening off your seedlings and overwintered plants.  Move inside or cover                                    on cold nights.

___Prep beds as soon as the soil is workable and not too wet.

___Till compost into beds.

___Perennials, shrubs and trees can now all be planted safely.

___Divide and propagate most perennials as desired (except peonies & iris)

___Plant strawberries and asparagus early in the month.

___Plant your leftover Easter Lily into the garden. They’ll bloom each July in the garden.

___Be prepared to move plants indoors if a sudden cold spell (or snow) hits.

___After May 10, begin setting out all plants, but KEEP AN EYE ON THE WEATHER!

___Sow beans and corn after the last scheduled frost date.

___After May 20, begin planting warm weather items: tomatoes, peppers, eggplants,    cucumbers, coleus, impatiens etc.

___Mulch beds as needed to cut down on weeds and watering.

___Begin a weeding as needed.  The smaller the weed, the easier to remove.

___Prune spring blooming as desired AFTER they are done flowering.

___Wait until after the foliage has yellowed to cut back daffodils, tulips, etc.

___Begin pinching tall perennials like asters, goldenrod, phlox, etc. for shorter and bushier plants.

___Visit Klein’s—SPRING PLANTING IS FINALLY HERE!

Some of our very favorite seed and plant sources include:

For seeds:

Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds @ www.rareseeds.com or 417/924-8887

Burpee @ www.burpee.com or 800/888-1447

Harris Seeds @ www.harrisseeds.com  or 800/514-4441

Johnny’s Select Seeds @ www.johnnyseeds.com or 207/861-3901

Jung’s Seeds @ www.jungseed.com or 800/247-5864

Park’s Seeds @ www.parkseed.com or 800/845-3369

Pinetree @ www.superseeds.com or 207/926-3400

Seeds of Change @ www.seedsofchange.com or 888/762-7333

Seed Savers @ www.seedsavers.org or 563/382-5990

Select Seeds @ www.selectseeds.com or 800/684-0395

Territorial Seeds @ www.territorialseed.com or 888/657-3131

For bulbs:

Brent & Becky’s Bulbs @ www.brentandbeckysbulbs.com or 877/661-2852

Colorblends @ www.colorblends.com or 888/847-8637

John Scheeper’s @ www.johnscheepers.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 MAY:

—Transplanting continues!!  Early in the month we finish transplanting the seedlings for spring sales.  But during mid-month we begin transplanting the plugs for our summer program.  Customers continue to purchase bedding annuals through the summer months.  Sometimes they’re replacing plants that have succumbed to summer heat or heavy rains.  Or maybe some quick color is needed for selling a house or having an outdoor party.  Whatever the case, we can fill their needs.  

—The spring onslaught is in full swing.  The back greenhouses are filled floor to ceiling with plants awaiting purchase.  Our outdoor space is a sea of color.  Flats of plants waiting for sale fill most nooks and crannies of our property.

—Watering is a nonstop endeavor.  On hot, windy days, we no sooner finish the first round, when we have to start all over again.  Some plants in our retail areas may need watering 3 or 4 times in a single day!  You wouldn’t do this at home, but customers don’t like to see wilted plants.  It’s not harmful for us to let them wilt a bit, but it makes for bad presentation.

—Restocking is also constant.  Cart loads of product are moved nearly continuously from our back greenhouses to the front showrooms.  

—Believe it or not, but our fall mums arrive! The small plants are put into small pots now and then stepped into larger tubs later in the summer.  They won’t be available for sale until mid-August.

PERMANENT FEATURES–

KLEIN’S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

Have our monthly newsletter e-mailed to you automatically by signing up on the top of our home page @ kleinsfloral.com .  We’ll offer monthly tips, greenhouse news and tidbits, specials and recipes. . .everything you need to know from your favorite Madison greenhouse.  And tell your friends.  It’s easy to do.  

THE MAD GARDENER–“Madison’s Firsthand Source for Expert Gardening Advice”

Ask us your gardening questions by e-mailing us at madgardener@kleinsfloral.com.  Klein’s in-house Mad Gardener will e-mail you with an answer as promptly as we can.  The link is posted on our home page and in all newsletters.  

We can only answer those questions pertaining to gardening in Southern Wisconsin and we reserve the right to leave correspondence unanswered at our discretion.  Please allow 2-3 days for a response.

KLEIN’S ‘HOUSEPLANT HELP’

You can contact Klein’s in-house indoor plant experts by emailing to houseplanthelp@kleinsfloral.com for sound information and advice regarding indoor tropicals, succulents, blooming plants and so much more.  

For many years, customers’ indoor plant questions have been directed to Klein’s Mad Gardener. Now you have the opportunity to contact our indoor plant experts directly. We’ve posted a link on our home page and in our contacts for your convenience.  Your question might then appear in the “You Asked” feature of our monthly newsletter.  If your question is the one selected for our monthly newsletter, you’ll receive a small gift from us at Klein’s.

We reserve the right to leave correspondence unanswered at our discretion.  Please allow 2-3 days for a response.

TO WRITE A REVIEW OF KLEIN’S, PLEASE LINK TO

Yelp, Google Reviews or Facebook Reviews

FACEBOOK

Follow Klein’s on Facebook where we post updates and photos on a regular basis.

TWITTER

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, small packs, flats 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

http://hort.uwex.edu

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

http://uwlab.soils.wisc.edu/

American Horticultural Society

http://www.ahs.org/

Garden Catalogs (an extensive list with links)

http://www.gardenlist.com/

also http://www.mailordergardening.com/

Invasive Species

http://www.invasiveplants.net/

http://www.ipaw.org/

Community Groundworks 

3601 Memorial Dr., Ste. 4

Madison, WI 53704

608/240-0409

http://www.communitygroundworks.org

Madison Area Master Gardeners (MAMGA)

http://mamgawi.org/

Wisconsin Master Gardeners Program

Department of Horticulture

1575 Linden Drive

University of Wisconsin – Madison

Madison, WI 53706

608/265-4504

http://wimastergardener.org

The Wisconsin Gardener

http://www.wpt.org/garden/

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

http://www.olbrich.org/

Rotary Gardens 

1455 Palmer Dr.

Janesville, WI 53545

608/752-3885

http://www.rotarygardens.org/

University of WI Arboretum

1207 Seminole Hwy.

Madison, WI 53711

608/263-7888

http://uwarboretum.org/

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