February 2026 Newsletter

‘THE SAGE’-Klein’s Online Newsletter—FEBRUARY 2026

Klein’s Floral & Greenhouses

3758 E. Washington Ave.

Madison, WI 53704

608/244-5661 or info@kleinsfloral.com

THIS MONTH’S HIGHLIGHTS:

Ever Thought about Working @ a Garden Center?

UW Extension’s Green Thumb Gardening Series Runs Through March

Free Houseplant Potting Service @ Klein’s

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

Pre-Valentine’s Day Greetings from Klein’s Floral Department

Klein’s Favorite Seed, Bulb & Plant Sources

Wisconsin Garden Club Federation-Madison District

About Madison Public Library’s Seed Library

You Asked about Ordering and Sending a Gift Plant

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

Product Spotlight: Bergs Potter® Pottery

Plant of the Month: 15 Beautiful Pet Safe Houseplants

Klein’s Favorite Recipes Using Flaxseed

Notes from Rick’s Garden Journal—From January 2026

—Green Thumb Gardening Series 2026

—The Importance of Sterilizing Seed Starting Equipment

—Easy-to-Grow Microgreens

February 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

EVER THOUGHT ABOUT WORKING AT A GARDEN CENTER?

Perhaps now’s the time to explore the possibility.

February is the perfect time to fill out an application online @ 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. If you’re interested please fill out an application on our website or call the store @ 608-244-5661 and 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.

WE’VE CHANGED OUR BIRTHDAY MAILING PROCEDURE

Starting in January we switched from our paper birthday “postcard/coupon” to an emailed versionl 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!

FREE HOUSEPLANT POTTING SERVICE @ KLEIN”S

Did you know that if you buy both a plant and it’s new pot at Klein’s, we will pot it up for free and on the spot—time and staff permitting. That means no mess or hassle at home. Let Klein’s staff make it easy for you.

Klein’s has an amazing assortment of houseplants ranging from the smallest plants for terrariums and dish gardens, to tropical trees, to succulents and cactus and a huge assortment of air plants. Our knowledgeable staff will help select the perfect plant for any location and occasion, offering care tips and sound advice.

Obviously, we are overly busy (i.e. during the Valentine’s or spring rush) or understaffed, we may ask that you pick up your newly potted plants at a later convenient time.

Similarly, if your current houseplants have outgrown their pots, take advantage of Klein’s repotting services. Our repotting fees for existing plants are based on pot size and include soil and labor.

***Please note the. free potting service is only available with houseplant purchases and not for seasonal bedding plant and tropical patio plant purchases where normal potting charges apply.

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.

FEBRUARY STORE HOURS:

Monday thru Friday : 9:00-6:00

Saturday: 9:00-5:00

Sunday: 10:00-4:00

CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

Throughout February–Have you ever thought about working at a garden center? Perhaps now’s the time to explore the possibility.

February is the perfect time to fill out an application online @ kleinsfloral.com/employment/. By early March we try to have most of our hiring in place for the upcoming spring.

February 1–Full Moon

February 2–Ground Hog Day

February 8–Super Bowl Sunday

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.

February 16–Presidents’ Day

February 17–Mardi Gras

February 18–Ash Wednesday

February 18–Ramadan Begins

‘THE FLOWER SHOPPE’:

Pre-Valentine’s Day Greetings from Klein’s Floral Department

Our amazing team of talented designers, Sarah, Renee, Sue, Bonnie, Andrea and Darcy, hopes this finds you safe and healthy.

It’s hard to believe that Valentine’s Day, Saturday, February 14, is just around the corner. Our planning for this big floral day began two months ago, and believe it or not, we’ve had our flowers ordered since mid-December.

Our floral department is comprised of a team of talented and creative designers that are here to fashion something beautiful for that special someone in your life. Nothing says “I love you” more than a spectacular, fresh, and custom designed floral bouquet. You can choose from arrangements on our website @ kleinsfloral.com (choose the floral tab), or let our designers create a one-of-a-kind bouquet for your Valentine. We love doing bouquets that are tailored to your special someone. When placing an order, your designer is going to ask you for some helpful hints, such as a favorite color or favorite flower that your Valentine might enjoy. It’s time to do a little sleuthing before the big day!

Here are some important tips that will ensure that your Valentine is well taken care of:

1. ORDER EARLY! As always, ordering early ensures timely delivery. As said above, our floral orders were placed with wholesalers in mid-December and even though we will be able to purchase additional product, we may be limited in regards to what is available. Please be open to substitutions and aware that we might run out of a particular vase or container. We will reach a point when we cannot take any more delivery orders. Pick-up is always an option for you.

2. DELIVERY: We continue to deliver within our normal delivery areas (kleinsfloral.com/delivery-information/ ). WE WILL NOT GUARANTEE SPECIFIC DELIVERY TIMES FOR VALENTINE’S DAY ORDERS. We will try our best to accommodate an a.m. or p.m. specified delivery. We WILL require a phone number for not only you, but for the recipient as well. Due to the cold, floral orders currently cannot be left outside and weather on that day can be a huge factor if inclement. Our delivery day ends about 4:00.

3. SHOP HOURS: We are open weekdays 9-6. Designers will be available to help you select something from our cooler. It will be stocked with beautiful arrangements and “grab and go” bouquets!! We will also have a large selection of blooming plants, mylar balloons, teddy bears and wonderful scented soaps, candles and lotions that you can add to your floral order.

On our website @ kleinsfloral.com, we will be offering several Klein’s custom designed bouquets for easy selection.

We look forward to assisting you with your Valentine’s Day order!! Thank you for being a Klein’s customer. We appreciate your continued business and remember to order early!

❤️Sarah, Renee, Sue, Bonnie, Andrea and Darcy❤️

YOU ASKED. . .

I’d love to send my friend who lives in Wisconsin a small house plant. Could you help me with this? Thanks so much! Caitlin

YES!!!! Call Klein’s @ 608-244-5661 M-Sat and go to floral when you hear the extension menu. You’ll probably be talking to Sarah or Renee. We can get a plant delivered to nearly anywhere in the state so long as there is a greenhouse or florist near the recipient. Be prepared with all delivery details including your friend’s phone number and the message you’d like on the card. Have a credit card ready and let them know your budget.

Thanks for your question,

madgardener@kleinsfloral.com, houseplanthelp@kleinsfloral.com

DID YOU KNOW. . .

. . .that there are several local garden clubs that are part of the Wisconsin Garden Club Federation?

About the Wisconsin Garden Club Federation

Founded in 1928, the Wisconsin Garden Club Federation (WGCF) provides education, resources and opportunities for its members to promote and to share the love of gardening, floral design, civic and environmental responsibilities. WGCF is a 501c3 non-profit corporation.

We encourage anyone with an interest in gardening to join a club. Along with learning new garden skills, members participate in garden-related projects for special causes, civic beautification, conservation, youth gardening and disaster relief.

By their nature, gardens embody diversity. Wisconsin Garden Club Federation is committed to an inclusive and supportive environment that respects and embraces all diversity so all members can share and thrive. There is strength when we work together in our communities and we welcome you!

About the Wisconsin Garden Club Federation-Madison District

Our Purpose Statement

To coordinate and promote the interests and activities of the Madison District garden clubs
with that of WGCF, Central Region and National Garden Clubs, Inc.
To encourage the interests of conservation, roadside development and civic beautification.
To promote the study and practice of floral design, gardening, horticulture and landscape
To sponsor activities within the scope of the district and interest of its members.
To coordinate with other community organizations having similar objectives.

Our Madison Area Clubs:

Mound View (Mt. Horeb)—The MVGC Plant Sale Committee hosts the annual Mother’s Day Weekend Plant Sale. This annual event has become a local tradition in the Mount Horeb community. The plant sale is a wonderful project where new and existing members support the sale through numerous activities leading up to the days events. The plant sale draws hundreds of locals to come and learn about our native plants, learn tips and tricks on planting their new treasures, and sometimes even decide to join the Club!

Olbrich (Madison)—Olbrich Garden Club Was founded in 1962. We meet at noon on the second Monday of every month at Olbrich Gardens (except January.) We have about 5 speakers a year to learn about various environmental and gardening topics, and we donate to different nonprofits including Olbrich Botanical Society and Allen Centennial Gardens.

Sugar River Gardeners (Verona)—We are an active club that usually meets in the evening on a Tuesday or Thursday. We learn about gardening and environmental issues through speakers and garden tours. We do projects, such as mushroom-growing logs or cement leaf castings. We have an annual plant sale on Mother’s Day Saturday and manage three raised garden bed locations called, Edible Gardens. The public is welcome to pick produce freely from these sites at Harriet Park, Hometown Junction, and Central Park. Visit our website and become a member!

Sun Prairie (SunPrairie)—The Sun Prairie Garden Club plants wax begonias for Blooming of Sun Prairie at Sheehan Park East. Clean-up is done on Hwy N from 3 miles from Bailey Road to Lonely Lane, twice a year. Every year we have an activity at Generations Park in the Township of Sun Prairie at 5640 Twin Lane Road, Marshall. We meet at Glass Nickel Pizza in Sun Prairie on Main Street at 6:00 pm. We usually have our meetings on the 2nd Monday but always e-mail to check with us to make sure. We also have field trips

Sunset (Madison)—Sunset Garden Club, founded in 1941, is a gathering of friendly people who enjoy volunteering in our community, creating hands-on-projects, getting our hands dirty in gardens and learning new gardening practices! We meet at 7:00 pm on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at the community room in the Midvale Police Department at 4020 Mineral Point Road unless we have a field trip somewhere in the community on that date. We continually maintain the garden at the Mineral Point Police District and at Fire Station #9 on Midvale Blvd, both of which honor the police and firefighters of Madison; we also participate in the Hilary Grace Healing Garden at the UW Hospital, and are proud that several of our members are very active annually in the Lawn and Garden Show at the Alliant Energy Center every February. Our very own Gerianne Holzman is slated to be the National Garden Club President in 2027 and we are and will be very active with the planning and hosting the National Convention here in Madison in 2027!

Westside (Madison)—One of the volunteer projects the West Side Garden Club works on is the gardens around the South Madison Police Station. Our cub does all the planning, planting, maintenance, and fall clean up all around the building. We have been honored by the Police Captain with a breakfast for all the members who work on the project!

Wisconsin Floral Designers Guild—The Wisconsin Floral Designers Guild’s purpose is “To educate members and the public to promote the practice of the art of floral design through various opportunities using flowers, foliage, and design elements.” Our enthusiastic members embrace that goal at each meeting. Following club business, we create a design based on an example from the previous meeting. This format allows everyone to have an idea of the design type and materials needed. When members finish their designs, we discuss the basic design principles as each member describes their creation. It is a great, low-key, no pressure learning experience.

Source: https://www.wisconsingardenclub.org/madison.html

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.

Tuscan Pottery from Bergs Potter®

“Pots Your Plants Will Love”

Since 1942 Bergs Potter (Copenhagen, Denmark) has created pots your plants love. Proper drainage gives their roots room to breathe, and superior clay holds in the moisture they need. At Bergs Potter, we create durable pots designed for both indoor and outdoor use. If you take good care of them, they can be passed down from generation to generation.

If your plants could speak, they would tell you that there’s nothing better than a quality clay pot. Proper drainage gives their roots room to breathe, and superior clay holds in the moisture they need.

Choose from our three natural colors: cream, rosa and gray. The cream and rosa are classic pottery colors, while the gray is one that we created ourselves. All three colors are in step with popular trends in Scandinavian design and décor.

The clay is fired at very high temperatures, giving the pots a natural strength and a special treatment ensures that our saucers are completely waterproof, making our pots suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The high density of the clay, makes the pots frost resistant and allows air to the roots and retain moisture due to the superlative quality of the clay, thus giving plants the optimum growth conditions.

Bergs Potter’s pots are created with love in Tuscany. We take pride in the beauty and strength of our pots, made from premium clay. High quality materials and craftsmanship means the pots’ patinas will improve with age, and live on from one generation to the next.

Klein’s recently received a large and stunning selection of Bergs Pottery in many shapes and sizes. Bergs pottery and saucers are only sold as a complete set and cannot be sold separately.

Source: https://bergspotter.com

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

ENTRY: JANUARY 8, 2026 (Green Thumb Gardening Series 2026)

The always popular Green Thumb Winter Series has started up again and today I was emailed the calendar for this year’s presentations.

The Green Thumb Gardening vegetable series will help you to keep your kitchen garden thriving! The series covers many aspects of vegetable gardening for a robust background in vegetable production. UW-Madison Extension educators and UW specialists will provide in-depth, practical information for the novice to the experienced gardener. Classes are recorded (except Vegetable Diseases) and handouts are provided for your further review after each session.

All classes are Thursdays 5:30 – 7:30 pm. Register for the complete class series at a discounted price ($100.00) or individual classes ($12.00) according to your interests.

Full Vegetable Series – All classes are live; recordings are sent to registrants after the event (vegetable disease management is not recorded).

Visit Green Thumb Gardening 2026 for further details or register @ https://events.humanitix.com/gt-veg-2026/tickets .

No Class February 12 Due to Garden Expo @ the Alliant Energy Center

January 15 Planning the Organic Vegetable Garden

January 22 Seed Starting

January 29 Soils, Soil Testing, & Fertilizers

February 5 Vegetable Crops & Specialized Gardening Techniques

February 19 Composting

February 26 Vegetable Insect Management

March 5 Vegetable Garden Weed Management

March 12 Cover Crops for the Vegetable Garden

March 19 Vegetable Crop Disease Management (this session will NOT be recorded)

March 26 Vegetable Garden Succession Planting, Companion Planting, & Season Extension

Please contact Lisa Johnson @ 608-224-3715 or johnson.lisa@countyofdane.com with questions or for more information.

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ENTRY: JANUARY 25, 2026 (The Importance of Sterilizing Seed Starting Equipment)

I spent the entire day today cleaning my seed starting room and sterilizing all seed starting equipment. My seed starting room is the old workshop in my home’s basement. Because it was a workshop, I’m lucky to have a sizable workbench, lots of cabinet and shelf space and a ton of electrical outlets for my heating mats and banks of florescent fixtures. The seed starting room also doubles as my office with a desk, file cabinet, my computer and a stereo. The room acts as a sanctuary on cold winter days. Sometimes I’ll spend the entire day in my private jungle.

Before I start this year’s batch of seeds I first ready the room by thoroughly sweeping and washing everything down with warm soapy water. Next, I wipe down my seed starting racks and and work surfaces with a 1:16 solution of bleach and water, allowing the surfaces to remain wet for some minutes. This allows the bleach to do its job in killing all pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi, etc.) from the previous season. I also soak all trays, inserts, humidity domes and tools in the same bleach mixture in the laundry sink.

I’ve learned from past experience that skipping the sterilizing step can mean trouble. A few years back I was short on time and decided to go ahead and plant my pepper seeds without sterilizing the trays first. I usually plant about a dozen varieties of both edible and ornamental peppers. The seeds germinated as usual and for the first few days everything seemed fine. Then suddenly, after about a week, my seemingly healthy seedlings toppled over. It started in one area of the tray and spread through the seedlings like wildfire and within 2 days my entire flat of seedlings was no more. My seedlings experienced ‘damping off’–a fungal disease usually found in contaminated soil and spread in unfavorable growing conditions. I started over after first sterilizing the trays and seed racks.

My next batch of pepper seedlings turned out perfectly, proving to me the problem was not the seed, the soil or the growing conditions (I’ve always started my seeds in that room). The fact is that I had skipped that one vital step with disastrous results. Now I set aside enough time to go through my preparation checklist thoroughly and I haven’t had a problem since!

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ENTRY: JANUARY 25, 2026 (Easy-to-Grow Microgreens)

After sterilizing all of my seed starting equipment today (see above), I started my first batch of microgreens for the winter. I usually start a batch in late fall, but this year I was out of microgreen seed and decided to wait until Klein’s received our fresh 2026 seeds from Botanical Interests. I usually purchase microgreen mixes from Klein’s. Some of their delicious mixes include; Mild Mix, Umami Asian Blend, Jazzy Mix, Mellow Blend, Italian Amaro Blend. They also offer a nice selection of single plant microgreens; cilantro, basil, beets, sunflowers and cress. (Note that some may only be available online).

What Are Microgreens? Learn How to Grow These Superfoods

By Marie McCartan

Microgreens are a popular culinary trend because of their intense flavor and extraordinarily high vitamin content (a USDA study found that microgreens have five times more nutrients than mature plants). They’ve been used for years in high-end restaurants, but microgreens have become increasingly familiar to home cooks thanks to how quickly and easily they grow.

Even if you lack space for a garden, growing microgreens indoors near a sunny window (or under a grow light) is a snap. Within a few weeks, you can go from seeds to a crop of tiny, tasty edibles ready to snip and eat. Here’s how to start growing microgreens yourself.

So, what are microgreens? Microgreens are vegetables and herbs grown from seeds and harvested at the seedling stage when they have only their seed leaves before their true leaves develop. Even though they’re small, these plants pack a big, bold flavor. And it’s that fabulous flavor that attracts cooks to microgreens. Broccoli microgreens taste like broccoli, only a bit stronger. Chives in microgreen form taste a little zestier than their mature selves. Cilantro microgreens have an even brighter flavor than full-grown cilantro leaves. Among others, Klein’s carries a Umami Asian Blend, a Jazzy Mix, a Mellow Blend and a Basil Blend, all from Botanical Interests.

Don’t confuse microgreens with sprouts, even though they look similar and both are seedlings. Microgreens are grown in soil, typically eaten fresh, and we eat only the seed leaves and stem. Sprouts are often grown without soil and eaten roots and all. (Klein’s also carries a wide variety of sprout choices.)

How to Grow Microgreens

There are a few methods that home gardeners use to grow microgreens. The most popular and easiest way is to grow them indoors. You can create a simple setup if you don’t want to purchase a microgreens kit. Here’s what you’ll need to grow microgreens:

(….all available at Klein’s)

—Shallow garden 10×20″ growing tray with drainage holes

—Shallow garden 10×20″ growing tray without drainage holes

—Organic seed starting mix or light potting mix

—Seeds

—Spray bottle filled with water

—Damp paper towels or clear acrylic seed-starting cover or dome

Add moist organic potting soil to the tray with holes to a depth of about one-and-a-half inches. Gently pat down the soil, breaking up any lumps. Sprinkle seeds liberally on top of the soil. Because microgreens are harvested when the plants are still tiny, they don’t mind being crowded together. Edible gardening expert Barbara Damrosch recommends sprinkling seeds evenly over the tray with a colander. Top with just enough soil to cover the seeds.

Use your spray bottle to thoroughly dampen the soil and settle it around the microgreens seeds. The gentle mist won’t disturb seeds or soil. Cover your seed tray with damp, bleach-free paper towels or a plastic garden dome. Place the tray of seeds in the tray that doesn’t have drainage holes to prevent leaks onto your counter or table. Set in a sunny (preferably a south-facing) window. An east-facing or west-facing window will work, but a north-facing window won’t provide enough light.

Remove the paper towels or dome when sprouts start developing (around day three). To keep the soil moist, continue to mist several times a day or as needed. You also can water from below by removing the tray containing the seedlings, placing water in the bottom tray (or a bigger pan), then returning the seedling tray to soak. Fertilizer is not necessary.

Your microgreens are ready to harvest when plants reach about 2 or 3 inches tall. Use a sharp chef’s knife or scissors to cut the seedlings about a half-inch above the soil. With a chef’s knife, you’ll get a bigger handful and do the job faster. Rinse the microgreens in cool water and blot with cloth or paper towels. You also can use a salad spinner to remove most of the water. Place the rinsed greens between paper towels and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should last about a week.

You can get up to three harvests from a seed bed, depending on the type of microgreens you’re growing. However, the third crop may not be as tasty as the first two harvests, and the plants may be leggy. Damrosch also suggests flipping over the entire root-filled mat of potting mix and sowing more seeds on the newly exposed surface. After you harvest your last crop, toss your old potting mixture in your compost bin. Wash your seed trays well before starting a new batch of microgreens.

If using a lighting system and a timer, 13 hours on and 11 hours off is optimum.

Source: https://www.bhg.com/

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

Flax is a very versatile and useful plant. Physically, it is a tall, upright growing annual plant with long, pale grey-green leaves and slender stems. It will produce relatively small 5-petaled blue flowers. Its fruit is a dry, round capsule that contains a few seeds. The flax seeds are similar to apple seeds.

Flax is grown for many reasons including: its ornamental use in gardens, its edible oils, use as a nutritional supplement and for its fibers. Flax seeds are used whole, roasted or ground in cooking. They’re an excellent source of dietary fiber and Omega-3 fatty acids. Flax is also one of the oldest known fiber crops. Flax was probably domesticated in the Fertile Crescent. It was an important crop for Ethiopia and ancient Egypt. It was during this period where flax was probably first used to make linens. Historians report that it was used by humans as far back as 30,000 BCE!

BLACK BEAN BURGERS—

3 cups black beans, canned or cooked

¼ cup chopped walnuts

½ cup grated carrots

1 Tbsp soy sauce

1 Tbsp water

¼ tsp salt

1 tsp basil

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp onion powder

½ tsp black pepper

½ tsp red pepper

¼ cup stabilized ground flaxseed

Mash beans. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well. If mixture seems too dry, add additional water to moisten. If mixture seems too wet, add additional stabilized ground flaxseed. Form mixture into patties. Spray skillet with nonstick spray and preheat on stovetop. Place patties on skillet. Cook for five minutes, then turn and cook five minutes on the other side.

FLAXEN HUMMUS—

2 tablespoons stabilized ground flaxseed

¼ cup warm water

2 cups cooked Garbanzo Beans or 1 each 15 ounce can, drained

¼ cup fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons Tahini

2 cloves garlic, shopped

Pinch black pepper

½ teaspoon ground cumin

Pinch cayenne pepper

1 to 2 tbsp Tamari

In a small bowl, combine stabilized ground flaxseed and water and let soak 10 minutes.

In a food processor, combine beans, lemon juice, Tahini, garlic, black pepper, cumin, cayenne, Tamari, and soaked flax. Process until smooth.

OVEN BAKED FRIED CHICKEN—

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Canola or olive oil

½ cup bread crumbs

½ cup stabilized ground flaxseed

¼ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp black pepper

1 tbsp parsley

1 tbsp Parmesan cheese

¼ tsp Italian seasoning to taste

Wash and pat dry chicken. Dip chicken in Canola or olive oil. To make a flax breading, combine the bread crumbs, ½ cup stabilized ground flaxseed, garlic powder, black pepper, parsley, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning in a plastic bag, seal and shake to blend. Coat chicken in the flax breading. Place breaded chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake, uncovered, in a 375ºF oven for about 25 minutes, or until chicken is done and a golden brown.

FLAX OATMEAL COOKIES WITH CAROB CHIPS—Yields about 72 cookies.

1 cup canola

1 cup sugar

1 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

2 cups all-purpose unbleached flour

1 cup oatmeal

½ cup stabilized ground flaxseed

½ tsp salt

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

2 cups carob chips

1 ½ cups almonds, chopped

Cream canola and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla and beat well. Mix together flour, oatmeal, stabilized ground flaxseed, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Stir into creamed mixture. Add carob chips and almonds. Mix until blended. Form into 1 inch balls. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet, leaving about 2 inches between cookies. Bake at 350ºF for 10 minutes.

FLAX MEATLOAF—Oh so nummy!

2 lbs lean ground beef

1 cup skim milk

½ cup stabilized ground flaxseed (Mega Omega® or Simply Omega-3™)

½ cup dry bread crumbs

½ cup chopped onion

1 Egg, beaten

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp dry mustard

½ tsp celery salt

¼ tsp ground thyme

¼ cup ketchup

In a large bowl, combine beef, milk, stabilized ground flaxseed, crumbs, onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, garlic, mustard, celery salt and thyme. Mix well. Pat mixture into a 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pan. Spread ketchup over top of loaf. Bake at 350ºF 1 to 1½ hours, until no pink remains. Remove from oven and let stand 5 minutes. Remove from pan, place on platter to serve. Serves 8.

ORZO, LENTIL & FLAX SOUP—

¼ cup Butter

1 onion finely chopped

1 carrot finely chopped

1 celery stalk finely chopped

½ green pepper, finely chopped

5 cups boiling water

⅓ cup low sodium chicken soup base

2 tsp granulated garlic

1 bay leaf

2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

28 oz tomatoes with herbs and spices; break up tomatoes

⅓ cup orzo pasta or any small soup pasta

⅓ cup dried lentils, rinsed

1 tsp granulated sugar

⅓ cup stabilized ground flaxseed

In a large pot, over medium to medium-low heat, melt butter. Add onion, carrot, celery and green pepper. Gently sauté over medium-low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add boiling water, soup base, granulated garlic, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, tomatoes with juice, orzo and lentils. Stir. Slowly simmer for 1 hour with lid ajar, stirring occasionally until lentils are soft. Add sugar and stabilized ground flaxseed. Stir and serve. Serves 10.

NATURAL NEWS–

Madison Public Library: Seed Library

Madison Public Library’s Seed Library includes two FREE seed giveaways throughout the year – the native Wisconsin seed giveaway, which typically takes place in December or January and the Garden Seed giveaway, which begins in early March. Each of these seed giveaways are free and library visitors are not required to have a library card to take and enjoy seeds. In addition to seeds, we also offer several accompanying gardening classes and additional resources to support your growth! The seed library helps create a culture of sharing and community, and saving seeds leads to a sustainable future for both your community and your garden.

How do I get seeds?

Borrowing seeds from Madison Public Library is free and easy!

Visit participating libraries to pick up seeds.
Grow your plants and enjoy the harvest.
After harvest, collect and share seeds with neighbors if you’d like!

No library card is needed. Please note, just like with our books, there are a limited number of seeds in the collection, so only take as many seed packets as you will use.

Participating Libraries:

Alicia Ashman Library
Goodman South Library
Hawthorne Library
Lakeview Library
Meadowridge Library
Monroe Street Library
Pinney Library
Sequoya Library

The garden seed giveaway offers a variety of vegetable, herb, fruit, and flower seeds

beginning in March while supplies last. We begin giving away seeds in March so that

growers have 8 weeks before the last frost to start preparing their gardens and begin

starting some of the earlier plants indoors prior to moving them outdoors for full

planting.

Thanks to the help of many volunteers, we package more than 45,000 packets of seeds

to give away each Spring. In 2025, we had approximately 50 different species of seeds

available and each year we modify our ordering based on both public feedback and

observation. For instance, flowers and herbs are always very popular across locations,

and we upped the amount that we had available of each of those in 2025.

Each packet contains 10-15 seeds apiece and can be put to use in your garden at home

or in a community garden plot around town. As part of the Seed Library, we’ve also

planned a great lineup of gardening programs that will take place throughout the year.

Get supportive instruction or learn different techniques to utilize the new seeds you pick

up at the library.

Note: The Seed Library is very popular. Please keep an eye on the participating

locations section above to see which libraries still have seeds available, as we’ll be

updating that section at the link below as seeds run out. Thank you!

Source: Madison Public Library: Seed Library

FEBRUARY’S PLANT OF THE MONTH:

15 Houseplants That Are Beautiful AND Safe For Cats And Dogs

Toxic? No. Gorgeous? Yes.

By Tom Vellner for www.buzzfeed.com

It’s natural to worry that having plants might harm your pets since there are so many poisonous ones out there, but fear not! There are lots of non-toxic ones that won’t harm your curious critters if they take a little nibble. Of course, ingesting any plant material could still give them an upset stomach, so keep an eye on them like the good pet parent you are and make sure they’re not chowin’ down on an entire plant for dinner.

Here are some pet-friendly plants that are safe for your cat or dog to cuddle up to (and how to care for them):

All are currently available at Klein’s unless noted.

1. Bird’s Nest Fern

If you’re thinking, “OK, sure, these plants are pet-friendly, but I also don’t get much sunlight!” I have news for you. The bird’s nest fern does very well in low-light situations, and since it’s used to growing on anything from tree trunks to buildings, you can feel free to pot it or fix it to a plank and hang it on a wall.

Sun: Low to medium light

Water: Weekly

2. Calathea (Rattlesnake Plant)

You probably already thought the rattlesnake plant was cool because it’s pet-friendly and has some killer stripes, but you’ll also be fascinated by its leaf movements. Because of a flux of water pressure in the nodes at the base of its leaves, it raises and lowers them from day to night! So, when you close up shop and hit the hay, so will your lil’ rattlesnake buddy.

Sun: Low to bright indirect light

Water: Weekly

3. Spider Plant

Spider plants are another variety that can thrive in low light while keeping your pets company. They’re also known to sprout spider plant babies, which you can pluck off and propagate in water or soil.

Sun: Medium to bright indirect sunlight

Water: Weekly

4. Parlor Palm

You might hear “palm” and think of a sunny, balmy climate, but the parlor palm has actually been prized since the Victorian era for its resilience to indoor conditions. It can also grow to six-feet tall with the right amount care. Just don’t repot it too often — its roots like to relax.

Sun: Low to bright indirect light

Water: Weekly

5. Staghorn Fern

Just like the bird’s nest fern, the staghorn fern is a really popular plant for fixing to a plank and hanging on a wall, where it looks an awful lot like mounted antlers. Cool, right? Also, pro tip: Leave the dead shields on your staghorn because they help it regulate water.

Sun: Medium to bright indirect light

Water: About every 1–2 weeks

6. Haworthia (Zebra Plant)

If you’re someone who can never remember to water your plants, this lil’ zebra is for you. It’s used to desert conditions), so as long as it’s getting plenty of sun, you only have to remember to water it every few weeks.

Sun: Bright direct light

Water: About every 2-3 weeks in full sun

7. Air Plant (We are anticipating a very large order once the weather warms.)

All air plants are pet-friendly. Also, air plants don’t even need to be rooted in soil, you just get yourself a cute hanging or mounted holder and you’re good to go.

Sun: Bright direct light

Water: Weekly

8. Money Tree

The money tree is another great choice for all you neglectful plant parents out there. It’s ~grown~ in popularity because it can bounce back even if you ignore it for a while. If you do take good care of it, this cutie will grow big and strong.

Sun: Medium to bright indirect light

Water: About every 1-2 weeks

9. Peperomia

Continuing with the trend of plants that are basically immortal, not only can you easily propagate the peperomia by cutting off its leaves, it can also regenerate after completely dying. So, yeah, even the blackest of thumbs can probably manage this one!

Sun: Low to bright indirect light

Water: Weekly

10. Echeveria

This gorgeous plant can literally grow out of cracks in rocks, so it should do perfectly fine in your home. It’s also just really beautiful — even though it’s so abundant in its natural habitat that it’s practically considered a weed.

Sun: Bright direct light

Water: About every 2-3 weeks in full sun

11. Boston Fern

First of all, Boston ferns look so damn good in hanging baskets. That’s where they live their best life. Second, they love humidity. So, if you’re keeping it indoors, you can either display it in your bathroom so it can absorb all that steam, mist it daily, or run a humidifier.

Sun: Medium indirect light

Water: Keep soil consistently moist

12. Bamboo Palm (Not in stock)

A bamboo palm will add those ~tropical vibes~ you love to your home — and without much effort on your part. All you have to do is water it a few times a week, keep it out of full sun, and if it’s lookin’ a little cramped in its pot, just bump it up to a larger holder. It’ll even purify the air in your home!

Sun: Bright indirect light

Water: 1-3 waterings weekly

13. Prayer Plant

The name of this one ~stems~ from the fact that prayer plants’ leaves lay flat during the day and then fold upward at night. Neat! Also neat: They’re perfect for dimmer rooms in your home, as they thrive in low light. Those pink patterns are also super stylish.

Sun: Low to medium light

Water: Keep soil consistently moist

14. Swedish Ivy (Not in stock)

Swedish ivy is sort of a liar because it isn’t Swedish or an ivy, but we love it anyway. It looks incredible in a hanging planter and it’s easy to take care of: It can handle low light and as long as you water it once a week, it’ll keep on growin’. Its other nickname is Creeping Charlie.

Sun: Bright indirect light

Water: Weekly

15. Cast Iron Plant

Cast iron plants are native to the forest floors of Japan and Taiwan — aka they’re used to very little sunlight — so they won’t mind a dim home. Direct sunlight can actually burn their leaves, so you should keep them near north-facing windows to prevent that, or just place them away from any windows at all.

Sun: Besides direct light, any exposure will do

Water: Let soil dry out between waterings

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.

Orchid Escape @ Olbrich Gardens

Through 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

Nature Hike @ the Arboretum

Sunday, February 8, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Learn about the land, plants, animals, fungi, phenology, and ecology. Geared for adults, these longer walks may cover some sloping terrain. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes. Walks canceled for unsafe weather or trail conditions. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.

University of WI Arboretum

1207 Seminole Hwy.

Madison, WI 53711

608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu

The Invasive Golden Oyster Mushroom Is Affecting Local Fungi – Now What? @ the Arboretum

Thursday, February 12, 10:00 – 11:30

A Winter Enrichment Lecture

Aishwarya Veerabahu, PhD Candidate, UW–Madison Department of Botany. Now that the ecological impacts of invasive golden oysters have been published and entered the public conversation, what happens next? Veerabahu, the Arboretum’s Leopold Research Fellow, will weave together the social, evolutionary, and ecological aspects of managing golden oyster mushrooms moving forward. Fee: $10. Register by February 8.

University of WI Arboretum

1207 Seminole Hwy.

Madison, WI 53711

608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu

Wisconsin Garden & Green Living Expo @ Alliant Energy Center

Friday, February 13, 12:00-7:00

Saturday, February 14, 9:00-6:00

Sunday, February 15, 10:00-4:00

CULTIVATE A LOVE OF GARDENING AND SUSTAINABLE LIVING

Connect with seasoned gardeners and environmental enthusiasts at this vibrant three-day celebration of gardening, landscaping, local food culture and ecological responsibility! Learn from 150 educational presentations, browse through the exhibitor mall, chat with UW-Madison Extension Horticulture experts, enter a floral design competition, explore the PBS KIDS Backyard family area and more. Explore ideas for reducing waste, conserving resources and creating eco-friendly spaces at home and in your community. All proceeds support PBS Wisconsin.

The Garden & Green Living Expo is thrilled to once again welcome guests to a glimpse of spring in the middle of winter. PBS Wisconsin is proud to host this educational community event and fundraiser. From the buzz of the exhibitor mall to the bounty of knowledge shared by our presenters, Garden & Green Living Expo offers many opportunities for you to delve into the latest trends in gardening, landscaping, local foods and ecological sustainability.

Explore a wide variety of educational opportunities to pique your curiosity, all facilitated by leading educators, presenters, and community members.

Tickets cost $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Children 12 and under are admitted free. Two and three-day passes are available for added savings. Advance tickets are available at Klein’s. Visit www.wigardenexpo.com for more information.

Alliant Energy Center Exhibition Hall

1919 Alliant Energy Center Way

Madison, WI 53713

608/267-3976 or www.alliantenergycenter.com

The Canopy Sessions at Olbrich Gardens

Fridays, February 13, March 6 & April 17, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Kick off your weekend with a live concert in one of Madison’s most unique spots: the Bolz Conservatory! Stroll through the vibrant plants, sip on refreshments, and let the music transport you to a tropical escape right in the heart of Madison.

Concerts are 6:00-8:00. Admission varies by event for the general public ranges and from $12-16 (ages 13 and up), $10 for Olbrich members (ages 13 and up), and $6-8 for children ages 6 to 12. Children 5 and under are free.

Bar service available in the Conservatory
Lobby doors open at 5:30 p.m. Conservatory doors open at 6 p.m.
This is a strolling concert, so no seating is provided, through there are a few benches in the Conservatory. No carry-in chairs.
The Canopy Sessions are amplified performances, not acoustic.
You are encouraged to purchase tickets in-advance online. If the concert does not sell out online, remaining tickets will be available at the door.
For ticket assistance, call 608-246-4550.
A limited number of reduced fee tickets are available. To request a fee waiver, please contact Mike Gibson, Program Specialist, at mgibson2@cityofmadison.com .

February 13

Mr. Chair + Spectaculous—A Madison-based trio—Jason Kutz (piano), Ben Ferris (bass), and Mike Koszewski (drums)—known for their inventive blend of jazz, classical, and improvisational music.

March 6

Heavy Looks—A Madison-based power pop rock band led by Dirk Gunderson and Roz Greiert, blending raw vocals, grunge riffs, and catchy guitar hooks into an energetic, emotionally charged sound. Since their 2014 debut Senses Growing Dull, they’ve opened for national acts like Gin Blossoms and The New Pornographers

April 17

Bill Roberts Combo—The Bill Roberts Combo delivers a tight, soulful, and rhythmically powerful take on blues-jazz. Led by award-winning guitarist Bill Roberts (voted Madison’s best electric guitarist and acclaimed for his album Blues Rides Shotgun) the group performs both instrumentally and with full-band arrangements.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

3330 Atwood Ave., Madison

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

Family Nature Program: Winter Birds @ the Arboretum

Sunday, February 15, 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

Re-kindling Old Flames: Fire, Plant Reproduction, and Population Dynamics in Tallgrass Prairies @ the Arboretum

Thursday, February 19, 10:00 – 11:30

A Winter Enrichment Lecture

Jared Beck (he/him), Research Ecologist, UW–Madison Arboretum. Why are prairies losing plant diversity? And what can we do about it? In this talk, Beck will explore how habitat fragmentation and fire combine to influence plant reproduction and plant populations in fragmented tallgrass prairies. Fee: $10. Register by February 15.

University of WI Arboretum

1207 Seminole Hwy.

Madison, WI 53711

608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu

Scenic Stroll @ the Arboretum

Sunday, February 22, 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 Parks: Valuing the Invaluable in a Time of Austerity @ the Arboretum

Thursday, February 26, 10:00 – 11:30

A Winter Enrichment Lecture

Steven Davis, Professor of Political Science and Environmental Studies, Edgewood University. Davis’s new book, The Other Public Lands, is the first comprehensive account of the natural resource lands owned and managed by the fifty states. Davis will explore how policymakers underestimate or ignore the spectacular real value found in our state parks in favor of a strategy of neglect and austerity. Fee: $10. Register by February 22.

University of WI Arboretum

1207 Seminole Hwy.

Madison, WI 53711

608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu

Family Nature Walk @ the Arboretum

Sunday, March 1, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm

University of WI Arboretum

1207 Seminole Hwy.

Madison, WI 53711

608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu

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

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

___Check perennials for heaving during warm spells. Re-mulch as needed.

___Continue bringing out your cooled forced bulbs for indoor enjoyment.

___Inspect stored summer bulbs like dahlias, cannas and glads for rotting.

___Check for and treat for pests on plants brought in from the garden.

___Keep bird feeders full. Clean periodically with soap and water.

___Repair and clean out birdhouses. Early arrivals will be here soon!

___Inventory last year’s leftover seeds before ordering or buying new ones.

___Order seeds and plants. Some of our very favorite seed and plant sources include:

___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 new state of the art growing greenhouses behind our beautiful open-to-the-public retail space. 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 FEBRUARY:

—We’re readying ourselves for Valentine’s Day awaiting the onslaught by prepping the thousands of additional cut flowers, unpacking all the beautiful vases and containers, ordering hundreds of blooming plants and securing additional delivery vehicles and staff.

—Spring plants begin arriving enforce! After Valentine’s Day the first spring bedding annuals arrive. Pansies, violas and dianthus plugs are popped into cell packs so they’re ready for early April sales.

—We’re planting up our thousands of mixed annuals hanging baskets. The geranium hanging baskets planted in January are filling out and almost ready for their first pinching and shaping.

—The deadline approaches for Easter orders. Dozens of area churches order lilies, tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, mums and hydrangeas for Easter delivery.

—Spring product begins arriving for unpacking and pricing–the pots, the tools, the sundries. We need to have everything priced and ready to go by April 1.

—We continue 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’

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.

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

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

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