‘THE SAGE’-Klein’s Online Newsletter—JANUARY 2026
Klein’s Floral & Greenhouses
3758 E. Washington Ave.
Madison, WI 53704
608/244-5661 or info@kleinsfloral.com
THIS MONTH’S HIGHLIGHTS:
Houseplant Happy Hour: Fridays thru January 30, 4:00-6:00
January/February Yoga/Workout Classes at Klein’s
Our ‘Mad Gardener‘ and ‘Houseplant Help‘ Are Ready for Your Questions
Klein’s Favorite Seed, Bulb & Plant Sources
Guy’s Guide to Giving Flowers
Ways To Have a Better Garden in No Time
Native Wildflower Seeds
You Asked about Propagating an Overgrown Dieffenbachia
We Reuse Your Teal-colored 5″ Klein’s Pots
Product Spotlight: Jiffy® Products
Plant of the Month: Anthurium
Klein’s Favorite Celery Recipes
Notes from Rick’s Garden Journal—From December 2025
—Feeding Houseplants During Winter
—Select Seeds of Union, CT
—10 Great Tips for Buying Seeds
January 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
HOUSEPLANT HAPPY HOUR @ KLEIN’S
Please join us for Houseplant Happy Hour on Fridays, from January 2 thru January 30, 4:00-6:00 p.m. with 20% Off All Houseplants!
Please note that our potting table and free potting service will not be available during this event.
Delivery is not available for plants purchased during Houseplant Happy Hour and must be taken at the time of purchase.
WE’VE CHANGED OUR BIRTHDAY MAILING PROCEDURE
Starting this month we’ll be switching our birthday “postcard/coupon” to an email
in an effort to save on paper and expense 🌎💌
Please make sure your email address (and birthday month) is up to date with us so you don’t miss out on your birthday surprise! 🎉 Email Megan at megan@kleinsfloral.com to verify your info. Thank you for helping us go a little greener!
THE 2026 KLEIN’S CALENDARS ARE STILL AVAILABLE…
…and new for 2026 Klein’s gorgeous custom-designed calendars are loaded with not only beautiful garden photographs, but also month by month gardening tips and coupons for in-store savings.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY YOGA AND WORKOUT CLASSES
Join us for yoga/workout at Klein’s during the month of January. Nothing is more beautiful than being in our cozy and warm greenhouses on a sunny, cold winter morning. We are offering a variety of class options with a variety of instructors throughout the month. See our January calendar @ January Events for info, dates and times or visit our Facebook Page page for all upcoming events at Klein’s.
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.
JANUARY STORE HOURS:
Monday thru Friday : 9:00-6:00
Saturday: 9:00-5:00
Sunday: 10:00-4:00
CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
January 1–New Year’s Day. The store is closed. HAPPY 2026!
January 2–Houseplant Happy Hour @ Klein’s, 4:00-6:00
January 3–Full Moon
January 3—Greenhouse Yoga @ Klein’s with Cass Hanson, 8:00-9:00. For more details and to sign up visit Greenhouse Yoga with Cass Hanson. Space is limited!
January 4—Greenhouse Yoga @ Klein’s with Jess Winkler, 9:00-10:00. For more details and to sign up visit Greenhouse Yoga with Jess Winkler . Space is limited!
January 7–Orthodox Christmas
January 9–Houseplant Happy Hour @ Klein’s, 4:00-6:00
January 10–National Houseplant Appreciation Day
January 10—Greenhouse Yoga @ Klein’s with Cass Hanson, 8:00-9:00. For more details and to sign up visit Greenhouse Yoga with Cass Hanson. Space is limited!
January 11—Barre District Madison @ Klein’s, 9:00-10:00. For more details and to sign up visit Barre District Madison Workout. Space is limited!
January 14–Orthodox New Year
Mid-January–Seeds begin arriving for retail sale. Believe it or not, it’s time to start thinking about spring planting. Klein’s carries an extensive seed selection from Seed Savers, Botanical Interests, Livingston, Olds and more.
January 16–Houseplant Happy Hour @ Klein’s, 4:00-6:00
January 17—Greenhouse Yoga @ Klein’s with Megan Reed, 8:00-9:00. For more details and to sign up visit Greenhouse Yoga with Megan Reed. Space is limited!
January 18—Greenhouse Yoga @ Klein’s with Amanda Hagen, 9:00-10:00. For more details and to sign up visit Greenhouse Yoga with Amanda Hagen. Space is limited!
January 19–Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 23–Houseplant Happy Hour @ Klein’s, 4:00-6:00
January 24—Greenhouse Yoga @ Klein’s with Cass Hanson, 8:00-9:00. For more details and to sign up visit Greenhouse Yoga with Cass Hanson. Space is limited!
January 25—Barre District Madison @ Klein’s, 9:00-10:00. For more details and to sign up visit Barre District Madison Workout. Space is limited!
January 30–Houseplant Happy Hour @ Klein’s, 4:00-6:00
Throughout January–Have you ever thought about working at a garden center? Perhaps now’s the time to explore the possibility.
January is the perfect time to apply @ kleinsfloral.com/employment/. By early March we try to have most of our hiring in place for the upcoming spring.
We’re always in need of temporary, part-time counter help in the spring and greenhouse production swings into gear during March and April. If you’re interested, ask for Sue or Megan about retail positions or Michael for the greenhouse. Benefits include flexible hours, a generous discount on all purchases and a stimulating and fun work environment. Join our team and experience first hand how we make the magic happen.
January 31—Greenhouse Yoga @ Klein’s with Cass Hanson, 8:00-9:00. For more details and to sign up visit Greenhouse Yoga with Cass Hanson. Space is limited!
February 1—Greenhouse Yoga @ Klein’s with Rachel Gunder, 9:00-10:00. For more details and to sign up visit Greenhouse Yoga with Rachel Gunder. Space is limited!
February 13—15—PBS Wisconsin’s Garden & Green Living Expo at the Alliant Energy Center. One, Two and Three Day Tickets are now available at Klein’s. Details available at www.wigardenexpo.com.
February 14–Valentine’s Day. Order early for guaranteed delivery. We deliver throughout Madison and most of Dane County.
‘THE FLOWER SHOPPE’:
Guy’s Guide to Giving Flowers
From the Society of American Florists website @ www.aboutflowers.com
What’s the best way for a man to make a lasting impression on a woman? Recent consumer research shows that the answer to making a memorable impact is right under his nose– through flowers. In fact, the study shows that 92% of women can remember the last time they received flowers, and 89% say receiving flowers makes them feel special.
Giving great floral gifts, however, still remains a mystery to most men. To help them out, author and TV host Rebecca Cole provides guidance on giving females flowers.
“If the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, then the pathway to a woman’s heart is through her other senses,” said Cole, author of Flower Power and co-host of Discovery Channel’s Surprise By Design.
“Flowers are a sensual gift that can express any emotion so simply – with just a little knowledge and a phone call to the florist.”
Cole begins by offering advice to guys on how to send just the right message to the woman in his life – a new girlfriend, that special someone, Mom or a good friend.
•The New Thing. This emotion may be the most difficult for a man to express, so Cole provides style advice for the guy who wants to show his new romantic interest exactly how he feels. “A passionate arrangement is filled with hot pinks, oranges, reds and golds. Add a thoughtful card to help communicate just the right sentiment,” says Cole.
•The Real Deal. Flowers are intimately – and internationally – linked with the art of romance, and for good reason says Cole. “As relationships grow, flowers become symbols of different events and milestones in our lives together. Take note of her favorite flowers – the varieties at your wedding, flowers you sent her when you first started dating or the ones she buys for herself. Those will have great meaning and impact.”
•Leading Ladies. “No woman – especially moms, grandmas and sisters – should live without a little TLC,” says Cole. A fabulous flowering plant or a garden-style arrangement with greens and soft pastel hues – no matter what the flower – will send the message that you care.
•The Gal Pal. “Flowers that show you’re thinking of someone, but not in a sensual way, have a natural, just-picked feeling,” says Cole. She advises to ask for a selection of garden-style flowers or a bright bold color palette that is fun and whimsical. A basket with a mix of flowering and green plants delivered to her door or office is also a sure fire winner.
Research shows that 96% of women like to receive flowers when they’re not expecting them. “Guys should know that they don’t have to wait for a special occasion to give flowers,” Cole says. “Make an occasion by sending flowers to the woman in your life, just because. They’ll never forget it.”
Cole offers advice for men willing to try something trendy. She suggests these three top design styles that men can ask for with confidence:
•Monobotanic. Arrangements featuring only one type of flower (such as all roses, tulips, lilies or iris) are in style and may even include different colors of the same flower in the vase or container.
•Monochromatic. Pick a color, any color and stick with it! If her favorite color is pink, for example, ask your florist for a fresh bouquet of different flowers in the same color range.
•Bunches of Texture. Ask your florist to select complementary flowers of various textures to place in bunches in an elegant glass container. This unique look has a bold, contemporary feel and will surely provide the “wow” factor.
In Addition. . .
•Be Spontaneous. You don’t have to wait for a special occasion to give flowers. In fact, most women say “no reason” is the best reason to get flowers.
•Size Doesn’t Matter. Trust your florist to help you send an arrangement that is appropriate for the occasion. Bouquets both big and small can make a bold statement. It’s the sentiment that makes the impact.
•Score Big Points. Surprise her by sending a bouquet to her office, and see how much attention you’ll get because of the attention she got.
•Relax. Flowers don’t have to mean commitment. Women know when an arrangement simply means that you care.
“The most important thing to remember is that you simply cannot go wrong with flowers,” said Cole. “Your florist is there to help, but you’ll get all the credit.”
YOU ASKED. . .
I have a dieffenbachia that is running into my ceiling. I am hoping to cut the stem somewhere below the leaves and replant this. Is that possible? Any specific advice? Nate
Dieffenbachia are fairly easy to propagate…but wait until March when the days are substantially longer to do so. Based on your photos, I personally would cut the dieffenbachia at about 2 feet above the soil level, keeping the mother plant in the same pot. In about 6-8 weeks it should sprout usually 2 or 3 new shoots, giving you a bushier, multi-branched plant in the future.
As for propagating the top…cut the plant at a point where you have a nice sized tip cutting (about 1-2 feet…whatever you like), tossing the entire midsection. (The midsection can also be propagated if you like. It’s easy to find instructions online, but I don’t think it’s worth it unless you want a bunch of plants and/or enjoy plant propagation). Remove all lower leaves giving you a 4-6″ bare stalk.
Fill a 6 or 8″ diameter pot with potting mix and water thoroughly. Once all excess water has drained out, simply push your cutting about 4″ into the moistened potting mix, making sure at least one node (the point where a leaf was attached to the stalk) is below the soil level. Firm it in. Tie a stake alongside your cutting to support your unrooted cutting and to keep it upright.
Place your cutting, pot and all in a clear plastic bag and seal completely, creating a humid microclimate. Place the pot in a bright, warm location away from direct sunlight. Direct sunlight could potentially cook the rooting plant.
Your cutting should root out in about 8 weeks. You won’t need to open (and shouldn’t open) the sealed bag during the entire rooting process. The environment is totally self-contained and won’t need more water.
Don’t panic if you see a bottom leaf or two yellowing inside the bag. Simply cut them off once you remove the cutting from the bag after the 8 weeks.
Thanks for your question,
madgardener@kleinsfloral.com, houseplanthelp@kleinsfloral.com
DID YOU KNOW. . .
. . .that are ways for you to have a better garden in no time?
10 Simple Secrets to a Better Garden…Faster
by Scott Beuerlein, Horticulturist at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
Excerpted from Horticulture Magazine @ www.hortmag.com.
Is It Tough to Have a Better Garden?
My dad used to blather such platitudes as, “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.” Back when I cut his grass, I gotta say I hadn’t fully bought in. Now, closing in on 60, I think he might have been on to something. Take gardening: You put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into it. Not screwing it up should be a priority.
Problem is, gardening is hard. Variables come from every direction. Weather, pests, pestilence, our own capricious decisions. Moreover, to fully master it, a person must be equally adept at science and art. That’s rare!
What a Better Garden Means
Let’s define a “better garden.” Who is the judge? Your neighbor? Maybe your HOA? Oh, hell no! You should be the judge. But while gardens can and should be as diverse as the gardeners who tend them, some are certainly better than others. What sets them apart?
First, a better garden needs to function—live and thrive. Second, it should be reasonably low maintenance. Last but not least, it should be generally thought of as attractive. Pretty much the same traits we desire in a spouse, right? So simply try to build a garden just a little out of your league, and you’ll be ahead of the game.
1. Don’t Listen To Fools
For good information, go to the best—your local county extension agents, public garden horticulturists, the local legends in the plant-society chapters and proven gardeners. Ingratiate yourself into the local gardening social web. Latch onto people with real training and/or years of experience, as opposed to those cocksure firebrands who’ve read a few books and gardened a couple of years and bundled that into a rat’s nest of attitude and doctrine. On the web, look for .edu suffixes, which will connote a university as the source, or .org suffixes, for most botanical gardens.
2. Successful Gardens Start at Ground Level
Build your garden beds as if that is how you’ll be forever judged. Soil prep: Learn it! Nothing else matters as much as good soil for surviving and thriving gardens. Ask your extension agent how to do a soil test. Have them help you interpret the results. Then, do what they say.
3. Resist Temptation
Easier said than done. So many cool, novel varieties are on the market. Sure, have some fun dabbling with the new stuff. I do. And sure as anything, some of those plants will even become the standard bearers of the future. But for the bulk of your garden, and for all of your important specimens, go with the tried and true. And be sure to web-search regional plant trials for reliable info.
4. Visit Gardens
There’s no better way to develop your own vision than by visiting other gardens. In them, over time, you’ll discover what you like, what you don’t and inspiration to guide you to your potential.
5. Don’t Fear the Reaper
And when that “hardy” camellia you impulsively bought for your USDA Zone 6 garden gives up the ghost, sure, be sad. But remember, you still get to live. Make note and carry on. And don’t be afraid to edit. Sometimes you are the reaper. When something isn’t working, fix it. Often, that means the removal of a perfectly healthy plant you paid good money for, or one that dear Aunt Agnes bequeathed to you. No matter. Ugly is ugly, and you have a compost bin.
6. Get Good Books
You should own at least one book on design, a handful on proper plant care, plant manuals and Principles of Gardening by Hugh Johnson. Other authors I like are Armitage, Cullina, Darke, Dirr, DiSabato-Aust, Druse and Sara Stein. Need more? Check the bibliographies of their books.
7. Grow Plants from Seeds in Containers
Seriously, this is your portal to proficiency. It will acquaint you with everything from water, soil, fertility, light, plant biology and how all of that comes together to create a green and better garden. Google “Norm Deno seed germination theory and practice.” What a great free resource.You’ll find that literally everything you learn growing plants indoors, and then in containers outdoors, directly applies in the garden. Zero to fifty-five right here, folks. And you’ll have a cheap and abundant supply of plants for yourself and others.
8. Don’t Overreact
Don’t do, without careful consideration, what cannot be undone. Think through such things as where you plant a big tree, or what you prune off, or who you spray. More harm comes to gardens by folks overreacting to issues than by the issues themselves.
9. Be Observant
Walk your garden regularly, and note changes—for better and for worse. Did your oak defoliate earlier than normal? Is the color of your holly not quite right? No chance to learn from something if you never see it happen.
10. Most Important, Have Fun
Enjoy the beauty you create. Keep growing. Improve. Share with others. And, yeah, the sooner the better.
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.
Jiffy® “The Original”
A Growing Revolution
Back in the day, the Jiffy Pot made for a whole new way of nurturing plants. It rapidly captured the attention of growers worldwide. That was in the 1950s, when clay pots ruled the horticultural scene, but the Jiffy Pot’s advantages still make it unique today.
Plastic Free and Biodegradable
These days, many gardeners choose the Jiffy Pot because it’s plastic free and biodegradable. Made from all-natural materials, it breaks down naturally into the surrounding substrate. The Jiffy Pot is also light in weight, easy to handle, and helps plants thrive.
Protecting Seedlings from Transplant Shock
Best of all, the Jiffy Pot is ‘plantable’. That’s right – you simply place the seedling in its new location, Jiffy Pot and all. Be it a container, balcony planter or your garden, depotting is never needed with a Jiffy Pot. No more root damage or transplant shock.
More Tried and Tested Solutions
Many new, exciting growing concepts have been added to Jiffy’s portfolio over time. Professional plant growers are always eager to adopt our innovative and sustainable systems. And they are available to home gardeners too. Have you tried our compressed Jiffy-7 Pellet® – Pellets with its biodegradable netting? It offers the best start for tender young seedlings – ever since its launch in the 1970s.
High Quality, Low Environmental Impact
We introduced Jiffy coco products in the 1990s. With these, we turn coir, a waste product of the coconut palm, into stabilized, ready to use growing media. Like so many Jiffy products, they are high in quality, low in environmental impact.
A Greener Tomorrow
Today, Jiffy is a product leader in many green industries worldwide – horticulture, agriculture, forestry, nursery, landscaping, and home gardening. And we continue to innovate and introduce new products all the time. We are paving the way to a greener tomorrow.
Showing up sometime in January, Klein’s carries a wide array of Jiffy products perfect and easy for all of your seed starting needs including:
Jiffypots® and Jiffystrips® – organic planting pots in various shapes and sizes
100% organic, certified as an aid for organic horticulture.
Jiffy-7® – pot and ideal cultivating soil in one – for seeds and seedlings!
Fine netting is filled with high-quality peat and then compressed to form a handy pellet. Just add water, and the little planting wonder grows to up to seven times its size in a few moments. It is held together by fine netting, ensuring optimum air/water exchange. Also available in XXL, for larger plants.
Jiffy greenhouses
Practical and robust indoor greenhouses for window-sills or planting shelves. High-quality design made of strong plastic with adjustable vents; reusable.
Source: www.jiffypot.com/en.html
NOTES FROM MY GARDEN JOURNAL–Tips and Observations from My Own Garden by Rick Halbach
ENTRY: DECEMBER 2, 2025 (Feeding Houseplants During Winter)
When I got home from work this afternoon, one of my neighbors stopped by with a few questions about overwintering a few garden plants and what to with certain houseplants during the upcoming winter months. One of her questions was about fertilizing. We receive this question quite often at work this time of the year; especially as houseplants begin looking a little peaked as the days shorten and homes cool.
Beginning in October, as the days shorten, most indoor plants require not only less water, but little if any fertilizer. Because there is naturally little or no growth during the winter months, it can actually be harmful to your plants to encourage new growth during this time. Therefore, it is best advised to begin cutting back on indoor fertilizing progressively during the months of September and October, stopping completely during November and then not fertilizing again until the end of February when the days begin to lengthen. During March and April slowly increase your fertilizing to normal strength by May 1. From May thru August fertilize at full strength per package instructions. Never exceed recommended amounts.
There are exceptions to this rule. For example, plants grown under timed light replicating longer days can be fertilized lightly throughout the winter, as with plants growing actively on sunny windowsills, where more watering is required. For ease, one can use fertilizer drops (such as Bonide) at half strength with each watering even during the winter months. At this diluted rate, plants remain healthy and rich green, with little or no growth. Again, go back to full strength by May.
But most importantly, water most indoor plants during the winter only when rather dry below the soil surface, rather than to the touch. Overwatering, more than any other reason, is the cause of plant demise during our long Wisconsin winters.
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ENTRY: DECEMBER 26, 2025 (Select Seeds of Union, CT)
The seed and plant catalog from Select Seeds arrived in the mail today. Select Seeds is one of my very favorite seed companies for selection and quality. Some of their hard-to-find antique offerings have been among my garden favorites for decades and I can’t imagine my garden without them.
About Select Seeds
Select Seeds offers gardeners an extensive and curated collection of high quality flower seeds and plants, specializing in heirloom flowers, fragrant flowers, open-pollinated annuals, bee-friendly flower seeds and plants, flowering vines, and rare annuals and perennials. Family owned and operated since 1987!
What is an Antique Flower?
Antique, or heirloom flowers, are open-pollinated seed varieties that originated fifty or more years ago. Open-pollinated flowers are fertilized by insects, hummingbirds or wind, and the resulting seeds will produce plants that are identical or very similar to the parent plant.
We love the simple pleasures of a handful of sweet and spicy nasturtiums in a vase, of honey-scented sweet peas gathered at their peak of dewy freshness, the joy of discovery as a new favorite flower unfolds before you, the feeling of community as we share our bounty; this promise of summer resides in a packet of seeds or a young plant ready to grow!
Our mission: Our mission calls for new respect for our common resources of seed, soil, water, wildlife and community,-by saving rare heirloom flowers, by producing organically certified flower seeds and naturally grown plants, by enhancing habitat for pollinators with open-pollinated and native flowers, and by committing to sharing our seed bounty with groups that teach the importance and joy of gardening.
Our people are gardeners just like you and are dedicated to providing great customer service and to helping you enhance your gardens with quality seeds and plants partnered with knowledgable assistance from our horticulturalists.
Visit our website @ www.selectseeds.com to see our online catalog or to order our free print catalog.
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ENTRY: DECEMBER 28, 2025 (10 Great Tips for Buying Seeds)
Christmas is now over and the seed catalogs are arriving my mailbox almost daily now. I’m hoping to place my seed orders within the next week or so to guarantee availability.
10 Tips for Buying Seeds Online and in Catalogs
By Joe Lamp’l @ www.growingagreenerworld.com
1. Ask gardeners you trust to find out what companies they like and have had success with. A good source is your county extension office. Ask to speak with a Master Gardener.
2. Call the company and see how you like their responses to your questions. Do they have knowledgeable staff on hand to answer your gardening and planting questions?
3. How long have they been in business? Just because they’re new, doesn’t make them bad. But the companies that have been around a long time must be doing something right.
4. Are you looking for something specific? Some companies specialize in only certain plants while others are more generalist. If you’re looking for only certified organic, or heirloom for example, those companies are out there. Be aware there are plenty of specialty companies.
5. Don’t over buy. This is a common mistake. It is easy to be sucked into the pretty pictures and before you know it, you’ve purchased way more than you’ll have time to plant or that you’ll have room to grow.
6. How much are shipping costs? Sometimes it can be more than the seeds. Companies can vary a great deal here. Know the whole cost, not just the price of the seeds or plants.
7. Make sure the seeds you are buying are fresh and packaged for that year. Deeply discounted seeds may be out of date. Although still viable in many cases, they do begin to decline in their rate of germination success as they get older and/or stored improperly. Remember, you get what you pay for.
8. Know approximately how many seeds are in a pack. Some packs have more seeds than you’ll need, while other will surprise you at the small amount provided. It pays to inquire to save the disappointment of finding out you didn’t get enough.
9. Know if what you are ordering will grow in your zone and conditions. It is so easy to assume you’ll get results like those in the picture. In reality, without just the right conditions, your results could vary greatly.
10. Don’t be afraid to try new things. You won’t blow your life’s savings on an order of seeds so if you’re feeling lucky, go for it. Experimenting is one of the best parts of gardening. Nothing ventured, nothing gained as they say.
KLEIN’S RECIPES OF THE MONTH—These are a selection of relatively simple recipes chosen by our staff. New recipes appear monthly. Enjoy!!
Relegated to the relish try, few people consider celery when preparing their meals except as a relatively flavorless ingredient that adds little more than texture to casseroles and salads. Quite the contrary, celery is loaded with minerals and is an important source of fiber. And depending on the source, stalk celery (vs. root celery) can be extremely flavorful.
GRANDMA LOIS’ TO-DIE-FOR STUFFING–This simple stuffing is perfect every time and an easy way to transition the kids from boxed Stove Top Stuffing to the ‘real’ thing. A perfect combination of flavors and texture! The edges are lightly browned, while the center is nicely moist.
1 1/2 lbs. hearty white bread, cubed. Allow the bread to sit out, covered, for a day or dry in the oven on cookie sheets @ 300º for 20 minutes, tossing and rotating as needed
1/2 lb. bulk, sage pork sausage or bulk mild Italian sausage, thawed if frozen
1 qt. milk
2 large eggs
1/2 tsp. poultry seasoning
1/2 tsp. salt
1 medium onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
broth or water for moistening
About 1/2 hour before prep begins, place the thawed sausage back in the freezer for easier slicing. Preheat the oven to 330º. Prep a glass 9×13″ baking dish with cooking spray and set aside. Cut the lightly frozen sausage into 1/2″ slices. In a very large bowl and by hand, lightly toss together the bread, onion, celery, salt, seasoning and the sausage torn into 1/2″ chunks. Add the egg, pour in the milk and continue to mix carefully by hand until well mixed. Place the mixture in the prepped pan and bake, uncovered, for 50 minutes. Add a little bit of broth to moisten, then cover with foil and bake, covered, about 1/2 hour.
This recipe is especially delicious if prepared earlier in the day and then reheated in the oven later (adding a little extra broth) while baking a turkey, roasting chicken or preparing any pork or poultry dish.
DOUBLE CELERY AND POTATO SOUP—A back-in-the-day recipe from Vermont Valley Community Farm.
8 cups chicken broth
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1 TBS. olive oil
1 bay leaf
2 TBS. butter
1 large onion, chopped
2 cups slice leeks
2 medium potatoes in 3/4″ cubes
2 medium celeriac (root celery), peeled and cut into 1/2″ cubes
5 stalks celery, thin sliced, leaves reserved
1/3 cup milk or cream
Melt the butter with oil in a large pot on medium heat. Add the leeks, onion and thyme and cook until almost tender, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in the potatoes, celeriac and bay leaf. Add the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer 40 minutes. Add the celery, cover and simmer 12 minutes longer. Using a handheld immersion blender, puree the soup right in the pot. Stir in the milk or cream. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Garnish with the reserved celery leaves.
CELERY PEAR SOUP–A truly scrumptious soup from Bon Appetit magazine.
4 1/2 TBS. butter
6 cups thin sliced celery, any leaves reserved and chopped
3 generous cups unpeeled, diced Bartlett pears
1 1/2 cups chopped leeks
3 bay leaves
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1 TBS. flour
3+ cups chicken broth
Melt the butter in a pot over medium high heat. Add the celery, pears, leeks, bay leaves and thyme. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Add the flour and stir and then stir in the broth. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce the heat and simmer about 20 minutes until tender. Remove the bay leaves and puree with a handheld immersion blender until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Thin to desire consistency with extra broth and heat through. Garnish with the reserved leaves. Serves 6.
CELERY SALAD WITH FETA AND MINT–A refreshing salad that appeared in Everyday Food magazine.
Per 4 servings:
6 large stalks celery cut into 1/2″ pieces
1/4 of a small red onion, thinly sliced
2 TBS. extra virgin olive oil
2 TBS. fresh, minced lemon zest
2 TBS. fresh lemon juice
coarse salt and pepper
1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
3 TBS. thinly sliced mint leaves
Toss & serve. Especially good with grilled chicken, fish or burgers.
NATURAL NEWS–
Native Wildflower Seeds
By Lisa Johnson
This is the time of year for winter sowing of native wildflower seeds. While the very best time is usually late fall, for spreading seeds on the ground outside, we can use winter-sown techniques as well.
Winter sowing is a way to provide for native plant seeds that require it, a cold, moist period, something akin to what they’d experience outside in winter. Some native plant seeds don’t require a cold moist period at all and will germinate in a warm moist situation inside the house, the way you’d start vegetable seeds. Other plants need a cold period for the seeds to germinate, but don’t need moisture as well. These seeds can receive a cold period by putting the seed packet in a sealed container or Ziploc bag in the refrigerator for the time period specified on the seed packet (usually 30 or 60 days). Then they can be planted outside or started in pots.
Some seeds have very complicated needs, such as requiring a cold moist period followed by a warm moist period and then a second cold period (these seeds usually take two years to germinate). Some seeds have a really thick seed coat (leadplant is an example). These seeds usually germinate better if the seed coat is etched before the cool moist period to better allow the seed to imbibe water. These seeds may have evolved to pass through the gut of an animal, where the stomach acid could partly break down the seed coat. We can simulate that by rubbing the seed gently on fine grade sandpaper. You don’t want to rub too hard or you can damage the embryo, but a little scouring is highly beneficial.
There are three basic winter-sown techniques to simulate the cold, moist period. You need to know first whether the seed requires light to germinate. This information is usually available online from native plant nurseries that sell seeds. Seeds that need light to germinate often are exceedingly tiny (don’t sneeze while handling!).
If light is not needed, you can either use moist fine sand to encase the seed and put it in a labeled Ziploc bag in the refrigerator. The other method is to make a moist “coffee filter sandwich” with the seeds between two layers of coffee filter, gently folded and then placed in a labeled Ziploc bag in the refrigerator. Check every week or so to make sure that the filter paper is still moist, and seeds are not germinating. If they start to germinate, carefully transplant them into individual pots to grow as houseplants (ideally in a cool, very bright room) until they can go outside.
If the seeds do need light to germinate, then the thing to do is plant them in potting soil in labeled plastic gallon jugs (empty milk, distilled water or juice jugs work fine) and place them outside in a snowbank for winter. You should drill holes in the bottom for drainage and keep the caps off. Cut the jug horizontally, using the handle area as a hinge and put the soil and seeds in the bottom 3 or 4 inches of the jug. After planting and gently watering in the seeds, use duct tape to seal the two halves of the jug together.
If you have a cold frame or other structure outside to corral the jugs in, so they don’t blow away once the snow melts, that is ideal. You have now created a mini-greenhouse for your seedlings! Once you see the seeds sprouting in spring, you can remove the tape and bend the jug top back on its handle-hinge to give the plants more light and air circulation. You can close the jug back up at night if it will be cold.
When plants are an inch or so tall, they can be carefully transplanted into individual pots until large enough to plant in the ground once the weather is warmer. You can also use the jug techniques for seeds not needing light if refrigerator real estate is scarce. It is OK if seeds get a longer cold period than required.
Lisa Johnson is the Horticulture Educator for Dane County Extension. She trains Master Gardener Volunteers, gives presentations to community groups and is a frequent guest on Larry Meiller’s “Garden Talk” radio show on Wisconsin Public Radio.
Source: madison.com
JANUARY’S PLANT OF THE MONTH:
ANTHURIUM
Anthurium, also called flamingo flowers, are known for their unique, bright red, orange, purple, pink, green, and white colors. The genus consists of around 1,000 perennial plants native to Central America, northern South America, and the Caribbean.
Though they can easily be grown outdoors in tropical climates, they are more often kept as houseplants or in greenhouses due to their specific care needs.
Anthurium can bloom repeatedly for long periods; varieties are distinctive with heart-shaped waxy spathes (i.e., modified leaf around the flower) and red or yellow spikes. Growth rate is slow or moderate and dependent on ample light but susceptible to sunburn. Many anthuriums are climbers, and all need high humidity and warmth to thrive. Anthurium is toxic to both humans and pets.
Anthurium Care
- Plant in a well-draining pot with a 50-50 mix of orchid and houseplant potting media.
- Place anthurium in a warm, brightly lit room but out of direct light. An area with high humidity such as a bathroom is a good choice.
- Allow anthurium’s soil to dry out between waterings.
- Feed weekly during the growing season with a diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer.
- Provide a stake or small trellis to support plants with aerial roots.
Many anthurium plants are epiphytic in natural settings—they grow on other plants instead of in soil. If leaves and flowers tend to fall over, give the plant a stake or small trellis to climb on.
Klein’s currently has a nice assortment of anthurium in both 4″ and 6″ pots.
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.
Family Nature Walk @ the Arboretum
Sunday, January 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
Nature Hike @ the Arboretum
Sunday, January 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. 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
Quantifying Nature-based Solutions for Climate Change @ the Arboretum
Thursday, January 15, 10:00 – 11:30
A Winter Enrichment Lecture
Michelle Probst, Land and Water Scientist, Dane County. Restoring or converting land to permanent perennial vegetation can enhance soil’s ability to store carbon, playing a vital role in reducing greenhouse gases. This session will summarize the Dane County Land & Water Resources Department’s effort to quantify the climate benefits achieved by establishing perennial cover in Dane County Parks and on private lands. Fee: $10. Register by January 11.
University of WI Arboretum
1207 Seminole Hwy.
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu
Family Nature Program: Animal Signs @ the Arboretum
Sunday, January 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
How Reciprocal Restoration Fosters Cultural Revitalization @ the Arboretum
Thursday, January 22, 10:00 – 11:30
A Winter Enrichment Lecture
Ferin Davis Anderson, Natural Resources Manager, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. Join Davis Anderson (Ojibwe) to learn about fire as an ecological and cultural tool to achieve beneficial and healing outcomes. We will discuss our relationship with fire and how we must find balance. It can be destructive but also revitalizing – it’s our duty to learn how to live with fire and be responsible stewards. Fee: $10. Register by January 18.
University of WI Arboretum
1207 Seminole Hwy.
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu
Scenic Stroll @ the Arboretum
Sunday, January 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
State Natural Areas at 75 Years: Charting a Meaningful Future in Challenging Times @ the Arboretum
Thursday, January 29, 10:00 – 11:30
A Winter Enrichment Lecture
Matt Zine, Conservation Biologist, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The Wisconsin State Natural Areas program is the oldest and largest such program in the nation. Zine will speak about how this successful program aims to work through unprecedented challenges in pragmatic ways and still meet goals to support natural areas for education, research, and protecting biological diversity. Fee: $10. Register by January 25.
University of WI Arboretum
1207 Seminole Hwy.
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu
Water and Winter Salt Workshop @ the Arboretum
Friday, January 30, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Learn about the importance of freshwater ecosystems, tips for using winter salt wisely, and opportunities to join citizen science projects. Indoor presentation followed by an option for an outdoor walk or indoor activities. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center. Presented in partnership with Friends of Lake Wingra as part of Winter Salt Week.
University of WI Arboretum
1207 Seminole Hwy.
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu
Orchid Escape @ Olbrich Gardens
January 31-March 8, 10:00-4:00 daily
Orchid Escape is an annual exhibit in the tropical Bolz Conservatory, featuring hundreds of orchids including specimen from Olbrich’s collection.
Admission:
$10 – General Admission
$6 – Child (ages 6-12)
FREE – Ages 5 & under
FREE – Olbrich members (adult/child)
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave., Madison
608/246-4550 or www.olbrich.org for details.
Family Nature Walk @ the Arboretum
Sunday, February 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
37th Annual Orchid Quest 2026 @ Monona Terrace
Saturday, February 7, 10:00-5:00
Sunday, February 8, 10:00-3:00
ORCHID QUEST has something for everyone! It is the Upper Midwest’s largest orchid show and sale, featuring thousands of exotic orchids on display and for sale to the public. The event showcases individual plants and group exhibits designed by orchid clubs from Wisconsin and neighboring states that are judged at the national level by the American Orchid Society. Klein’s Floral & Greenhouses is a sponsor of this event.
Commercial vendors include specialty orchid nurseries from across the USA and overseas, artists, and businesses selling a variety of orchid growing supplies for the greenhouse and home grower. Raffles and a silent auction take place both days and a free plant check is available. Educational lectures and demonstrations are included with admission and feature professional orchid growers sharing their experience and knowledge. Orchid Ambassadors are on site both days to answer all your orchid related questions and enhance your show experience; there is even a children’s area with fun games and prizes for the kids!
Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for students. Children under 5 are free. Parking is $5 at Monona Terrace, but there is street parking and city ramp parking available nearby.
Visit Orchid Quest 2026 for details.
Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center
1 John Nolen Dr.
Madison, WI 53703
Dane County Late Winter Farmer’s Market
Saturdays, January 3 thru April 4, 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 3rd 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
JANUARY IN THE GARDEN-–A checklist of things to do this month.
___Place your used Christmas tree in the garden for added wildlife protection.
___Inspect stored summer bulbs like dahlias, cannas and glads for rotting.
___Check for and treat for pests on plants brought in from the garden.
___Begin forcing stored elephant’s ears at the end of January.
___Keep birdfeeders full. Clean periodically with soap and water.
___Inventory last year’s leftover seeds before ordering new ones.
___Order your seeds. By ordering early, there are usually freebies & discounts.
___Start certain slow-growers like lisianthus, geraniums, pentas and bananas.
___Shop for summer bulbs like begonias, caladium, calla and elephant’s ears.
___Use the winter days to plan next summer’s garden.
___Check your garden for any plant damage from weather or rodents.
___Have trees trimmed–it’s often times cheaper and easier to schedule.
___Visit Klein’s—it’s green, it’s warm, it’s colorful—it’s always spring.
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 JANUARY:
—Thousands of geranium cuttings arrive for our 5″ pots and we begin planting up our geranium hanging baskets and flower pouches.
—We begin stepping our tropicals into larger pots for spring sale. This early jump gives you larger and more vigorous plants than many of our competitors.
—We spend much of our time ordering and checking in product for next summer, from plants to pottery to garden ornaments and sundries.
—We begin to access our needs for spring staffing and try to have the new people in place and trained by March 1. March and April are the busiest months behind the scenes in the greenhouse and we rely on a dedicated, hardworking team to have everything ready for the customer come May 1 and the spring onslaught.
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.
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