‘THE SAGE’-Klein’s Online Newsletter—JUNE 2026
Klein’s Floral & Greenhouses
3758 E. Washington Ave.
Madison, WI 53704
608/244-5661 or [email protected]
THIS MONTH’S HIGHLIGHTS:
Our 14th Annual Ladies’ Night is Wednesday, June 10
Extended Spring Hours Through Fathers’ Day, June 21
Our ‘Mad Gardener‘ and ‘Houseplant Help‘ Are Ready for Your Questions
Klein’s Favorite Seed, Bulb & Plant Sources
Harvard: Flowers Boost Morning Moods
Wisconsin Native Flowers in the Garden
White Clover: Friend or Foe?
You Asked about Tulips That Didn’t Bloom
We Reuse Your Teal-colored 5″ Klein’s Pots
Free Houseplant Potting Service @ Klein’s
Product Spotlight: Hats from the Wallaroo Hat Company
Plant of the Month: Hops (Humulus spp.)
Klein’s Favorite Fruit Salad Recipes
Notes from Rick’s Garden Journal—From May 2026
—What is “Full Sun”?
—Great Grasses
—Tips for Keeping Pots Adequately Moist
June in the Garden: A Planner
Gardening Events Around Town
Review Klein’s @: Yelp, Google Reviews or Facebook Reviews
Join Us on Twitter
Follow Us on Facebook
KLEIN’S ANNUAL LADIES’ NIGHT IS WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10…
…and we are currently seeking and accepting businesses that offer direct sales and/or services, artists and hand selected crafters for our annual Ladies’ Night. Email [email protected] for more details. The event runs from 3:00-7:00. If you know of anyone who might be interested, please send them our way!
FOR NEIGHBORHOOD EVENTS OR GARDEN TOURSthat you would like posted on our web site or in our monthly newsletters, please contact Rick at (608) 244-5661 or [email protected]. Please include all details, i.e. dates, locations, prices, brief description, etc. Events must be garden related and must take place in the Madison area.
WE STERILIZE AND REUSE YOUR TEAL-COLORED 5″ KLEIN’S POTS
Due to costs, we are unable to reuse most plastic pots and trays and never those from other retailers. But we are happy to take back and reuse the teal-colored 5″ Klein’s pots and their accompanying trays. Simply bring in your cleaned out pots and trays and drop them off with the associates at the checkout counters or in the bin along the building. We ask that you recycle or dispose of all other pots, containers and trays in compliance with your municipality’s guidelines. We do not reuse the plant identification tags.
THE MAD GARDENER
Madison’s Firsthand Source for Expert Gardening Advice
Ask any of your gardening questions by e-mailing them to us at [email protected]. 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 [email protected] 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.
JUNE STORE HOURS:
Through June 21:
Monday thru Friday : 9:00-7:00 (Open Tuesdays at 7:00)
Saturday: 9:00-6:00
Sunday: 9:00-5:00
After Father’s Day, June 21:
Monday thru Friday : 9:00-6:00
Saturday: 9:00-5:00
Sunday: 10:00-4:00
Open Saturday, July 4: 10:00-4:00
CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
Later in June, visit Klein’s and check out our specials on annuals, vegetables, hanging baskets and containers. Specials and selection change weekly so check our home page @ www.kleinsfloral.com or our social media sites (Click on the links at the top of our homepage). We pride ourselves in having the best cared for plants in even the hottest weather and throughout the month we’ll continue to offer a full selection of annuals and perennials.
June 10–14th Annual Ladies’ Night at Klein’s, 3:00-7:00. Visit our website home page or social media outlets for updated event info as the day gets closer.
June 14–Flag Day
June 16–Islamic New Year
June 19–Juneteenth
June 21–Father’s Day
June 21–First Day of Summer
June 29–Full Moon
‘THE FLOWER SHOPPE’:
Harvard: Flowers Boost Morning Moods
Research confirms that flowers might be the perfect pick-me-up for millions of Americans who do not consider themselves “morning people.” Participants of a behavioral study conducted by researchers at Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital confirmed that they feel least positive in the early hours but reported being happier and more energetic after looking at flowers first thing in the morning.
“The morning blahs, it turns out, is a real phenomenon, with positive moods – happiness, friendliness and warmth, for example – manifesting much later in the day,” says lead researcher Nancy Etcoff, Ph.D. “Interestingly, when we placed a small bouquet of flowers into their morning routines, people perked up.”
Dr. Etcoff is referencing the fact that participants in the study responded to the flowers, which had been placed in rooms they frequented in the morning. Overall, the participants reported they liked to look at the blooms first thing in the morning, particularly in the kitchen. The final study results demonstrate that flowers impact people emotionally at home, causing them to feel less anxious and more compassionate. They even reported a boost of energy that lasted through their day.
“What I find interesting is that by starting the day in a more positive mood, you are likely to transfer those happier feelings to others – it’s what is called mood contagion,” says Etcoff. “And, the kitchen is the place where families tend to gather in the morning – imagine how big a difference a better morning mood can make.”
Source: The Society of American Florists’ website @ www.aboutflowers.com.
YOU ASKED. . .
My tulips of 8 years did not bloom this year. I’m wondering what could
be wrong. They’ve been beautiful up until now. Also, I divided some daffodils last year, and they did not bloom this year. Wondering if you could help with this as well. Nancy
Hi Nancy,
Today’s fancy tulip hybrids are not the reliable bloomers from our grandparents’ days. The modern hybrids put on a good show for usually about 5 years before they begin deteriorating; with fewer to no blooms from then on. That’s why you’ve probably noticed that the best ‘perennial’ tulip beds are usually red and/or yellow–the old and reliable Appeldoorn varieties. The Darwins are the next best perennializing type in our area. For an impressive tulip display I recommend planting the bed new each year (like the beds on the Capitol grounds) or planting a few new ones every year in the existing bed.
Some other reasons tulips fail to bloom is that they are in too much shade, i.e. a nearby tree has grown too big or perhaps you removed the foliage before it yellowed completely the previous year.
The fact you divided the daffodils just last year and they didn’t bloom doesn’t surprise me in that plants oftentimes spend their first year rooting into their new environment before blooming in subsequent years. If they continue not to bloom reasons might be that they are planted in too much shade, they were planted too deep or the foliage was removed last season before yellowing completely.
Thanks for your question,
[email protected], [email protected]
DID YOU KNOW. . .
. . . that many of Wisconsin’s most cherished wildflowers are equally treasured in the mixed flower border or cottage garden?
The words ‘wildflower’ and ‘weed’ are by all means not synonymous and many, many of our most lovely roadside ‘weeds’ make the perfect addition to any low maintenance garden. By definition, most Wisconsin wildflowers are inherently low maintenance in the sheer fact they are meant to be here. They tolerate our cold winters, crazy seesaw springs and hot and humid (and sometimes very dry) summers. They thrive where many domesticated species whither under those same conditions. Many wildflowers are magnets for beneficial insects, butterflies and birds. Though many wildflowers can become ‘aggressive’ in the garden, they are at least not ‘invasive’. While so many of our garden perennials have come from other parts of the world and are crowding out or even destroying our native species, Wisconsin’s wildflowers are meant to be here by design and perhaps will find a home in your garden–by design.
The following is a list of common and readily available perennial Wisconsin wildflowers available at most well-stocked garden centers. While we encourage the use of Wisconsin wildflowers in the garden, PLEASE do not dig up wild plants. Though beautiful to look at, many Wisconsin wildflowers are becoming increasingly rare. Wildflowers available at garden centers have been propagated from domesticated stock and are not harvested in the wild.
Agastache foeniculum (Giant Blue Hyssop)
Allium cernuum (Nodding Wild Onion)
Allium stellatum (Prairie Onion)
Amorpha canescens (Lead Plant)
Anemone canadensis (Canada Anemone)
Aquilegia canadensis (Columbine)
Arisaema triphyllum (Jack-in-the-Pulpit)
Asarum canadense (Wild Ginger)
Asclepias incarnata (Swamp Milkweed)
Asclepias syriaca (Common Milkweed)
Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed)
Aster divaricatus (White Wood Aster)
Aster novae-angliae (New England Aster)
Aster oblongifolius (Aromatic Aster)
Baptisia australis (False Indigo)
Caltha palustris (Marsh Marigold)
Campanula glomerata (Clustered Bellflower)
Campanula rotundifolia (Harebell)
Echinacea angustifolia (Purple Coneflower)
Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower)
Eupatorium maculatum (Joe-pye Weed)
Eupatorium purpureum (Sweet Joe-pye Weed)
Fragaria virginiana (Wild Strawberry)
Geranium maculatum (Wild Geranium)
Helenium autumnale (Sneezeweed)
Heliopsis helianthoides (False Sunflower)
Iris pseudacorus (Yellow Flag Iris)
Iris versicolor (Blue Flag Iris)
Liatris aspera (Rough Blazing Star)
Liatris ligulistylis (Meadow Blazing Star)
Liatris pycnostachya (Purple Blazing Star)
Lilium superbum (Turk’s-cap Lily)
Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal Flower)
Lobelia siphilitica (Blue Cardinal Flower)
Lupinus perennis (Wild Lupine)
Mertensia virginica (Virginia Bluebell)
Monarda fistulosa (Wild Bee Balm)
Optunia humifusa (Prickly Pear Cactus)
Petalostemum (Dalea) purpureum (Prairie Clover)
Phlox divaricata (Wild Blue Phlox)
Podophyllum peltatum (Mayapple)
Polemonium reptans (Creeping Jacob’s Ladder)
Ratibida pinnata (Yellow Coneflower)
Rudbeckia hirta (Black-eyed Susan)
Rudbeckia laciniata (Green-headed Coneflower)
Rudbeckia triloba (Thin-leaved Coneflower)
Sanguinaria canadensis (Bloodroot)
Silphium laciniatum (Compass Plant)
Silphium perfoliatum (Cup Plant)
Solidago canadensis (Canada Goldenrod)
Solidago rigida (Stiff Goldenrod)
Tradescantia occidentalis (Spiderwort)
Tradescantia ohiensis (Ohio Spiderwort)
Trillium grandiflorum (Large-flowered Trillium)
Verbena hastata (Blue Vervain)
Vernonia fasciculata (Ironweed)
Veronicastrum virginicum (Culver’s Root)
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.
Hats from the Wallaroo Hat Company
Wallaroo Hat Company was founded by Stephanie Carter and Lenya Shore in April 1999 after they discovered the Australian secret to sun protection with style: colorful UPF 50+ crushable fabric hats.
They began wearing them around Boulder, a city known for its outdoor lifestyle and more than 300 sunny days each year.
It wasn’t long before friends and family wanted to know where they got their colorful sun protection. The team discovered that nothing was available in the U.S. that compared to these UPF-rated fashion “finds” from Australia. Carter and Shore began importing small quantities, quickly realized their potential, and launched Wallaroo Hat Company.
Wallaroo Hat Company has continued to expand its selection by bringing back favorites and designing new styles and collections each year. With more than 15 years under their belt, Shore and Carter now sell their hats to many resorts, boutiques, outdoor retailers, gardening stores, and catalogs.
Wallaroo Hat Company is based in Boulder, Colorado. The company has been awarded the “Best of Denver” from Westword magazine and was listed as a Top Women-Owned Business in the Daily Camera. Wallaroo has been committed to making charitable contributions over the past 15 years, including such organizations as the Skin Cancer Foundation, Melanoma Research Foundation, Shade Foundation, Melanoma International, Avon Breast Cancer 3 Day and American Cancer Society Relay for Life.
You can’t beat our UPF 50+ rating. Fabrics are tested by the Australian Radiation Protection Agency and block 97.5% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Ultraviolet radiation, or UV, is present in sunlight. The Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) shows how well a fabric protects your skin from solar UV. But remember, a Wallaroo hat only protects the skin it covers. Safeguard the rest of your body by wearing sunglasses and sunscreen.
For more information, please check out Wallaroo’s website at www.wallaroohats.com/
NOTES FROM MY GARDEN JOURNAL–Tips and Observations from My Own Garden by Rick Halbach
ENTRY: MAY 3, 2026 (What is “Full Sun”?)
The term “Full Sun” on plant tags is very broad when choosing plants for your garden and there are many misconceptions and misunderstandings regarding its usage by both gardeners and garden center staff alike. Many gardeners mistakenly assume that “full sun” literally means a full day of unbroken sunlight.
By the simplest rule, “full sun” usually refers to a minimum of about 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. But as we all know, 6 hours of direct morning sun is very different than 6 hours of direct afternoon sun, and there are very different plants that thrive in each of those scenarios. In fact, there are few plants that will actually thrive in both. The morning sun tends to be cooler and the winds in the morning are usually calmer. Whereas, in the afternoon, the sun can be brutal and the winds very drying. In addition, the “full sun” against a south or west facing wall is very different from the full sun in the middle of an open yard or field. Though the exposure to the sun is far longer in the open yard, the intensity is less harsh than against a structure. Your full sun zinnias, for example, may do better in the open bed rather than against the pounding sun on the south side of the house.
As a rule, a wider assortment of plants can be grown in morning “full sun” rather than afternoon “full sun.” And “Full Sun” doesn’t necessarily mean uninterrupted sun. Sun in the morning, then a break by some tree shade, and sun again in the late afternoon and evening may fill the “Full Sun” requirement.
Much of gardening is experimentation and a combination of successes and failures, but a great beginning point is to follow plant tag guidelines, keeping in mind that they are just that–guidelines. It’s very important to come into a garden center aware of your yard’s light conditions and knowing that these conditions will change drastically as the summer progresses. The days will eventually shorten and the sun’s angle will become increasingly less direct.
Shade is also not created equal. From a plant’s perspective, shade created by a tree is very different from shade created by a structure. There are a far greater number of plants that will grow in the dappled shade of a deciduous tree than the dense shade of a house, where few blooming plants can thrive. On top of that, spruce tree shade (dense) is different than honey locust shade (dappled). For shade, gardeners are usually limited to–much to their disappointment–impatiens, begonias, coleus and a few more choices. If the shade is too dense, even they won’t bloom to their full potential.
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ENTRY: MAY 18, 2026 (Great Grasses)
As the years have passed, my interest in and collection of hardy grasses continues to grow, now including little bluestem, switch grasses, blue oat grass, prairie dropseed and Japanese forest grass and many others. I relish the fact they bring year-round interest to the garden. The following is a reprint of an article from a number of years ago.
Great Grasses: Winter Interest an Outstanding Quality
By Alma Gaul for The Quad-City Times, from January 2012 @ qctimes.com
If you’re a gardener who still doesn’t have any ornamental grass in your yard, Jeff Epping of the Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison, Wis., can tell you what you’re missing.
During the growing season, the structure and foliage of ornamental grasses slides into the background and creates a nice backdrop for colorful flowers such as coneflowers or daylilies, he said.
Grasses also add movement, a bit of sound and texture to your yard. Depending on variety, they provide height, and they are relatively low-maintenance.
“The greatest thing about them, though, is their winter interest,” Epping said.
Ornamental grasses flower in fall and their foliage generally turns tan. Then they remain standing through the cold and snow when other perennials wither, providing something to look at in an otherwise-bleak landscape.
Most ornamental grasses are perennials and sun-lovers, but there are exceptions.
If you’re a novice, Epping has three suggestions to get you started. Being a horticulturist, he uses proper botanical names.
1. Miscanthus sinensis ‘Adagio’
This smaller-scale, fine-textured grass grows 3 to 3½ feet high, and when it flowers (puts forth its fluorescence) in the fall, it approaches 5 feet.
“It is refined, flowers beautifully and stands up well,” Epping said.
(Miscanthus is a word you’ll hear often in the world of ornamental grasses. It refers to a genus of about 15 species of perennial grasses native to regions of Asia and Africa; many of the showier ornamental grasses are miscanthus.)
2. Switchgrass panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’
This is an American native that grows 3 to 5 feet high and is very drought-tolerant. It does better in drier, leaner soil than miscanthus varieties.
The tips of its leaf blades are reddish.
3. Hakonechloa macra
This is a green grass with an appealing growth habit like a waterfall and – unlike most ornamental grasses – it can grow in shade as well as sun.
It grows about 3½ feet high as well as wide.
Because it can grow in sun and shade, a gardener “can plant a drift of it at the edge of a tree and then blend it into the shady area,” Epping said. “It has a nice flow.”
“A downside is that it doesn’t stand up that well in winter, so its contribution in that season of the year is lower than many other grasses.”
Hakonechloa macra is more drought-tolerant than golden hakone, which was the “perennial plant of the year” in 2009, Epping said.
Overall, ornamental grasses are low-maintenance and definitely don’t require the chemicals some plants do.
Because winter interest is a dominant quality, they should be left standing, then cut to 4 to 6 inches high around March, before the bulb plants begin to emerge. With large clumps, this can be a challenge; try tying your clump in several places, beginning at the bottom, and then cut with any kind of saw or trimmers that will work.
Grasses also may need to be divided every few years because if the crown gets too thick, the center can begin to die and you may be left with a ring of grass and nothing in the middle.
Grasses can be used in many ways – as focal points, as a hedge (for privacy, for providing a backdrop to colorful perennials and for their own beauty) or as in-fill here and there.
Epping is a proponent of planting “everything” – trees, shrubs, perennials, bulbs and annuals. The trick to avoiding a hodgepodge look, to pulling the landscape together, is repetition. By planting multiples of the same plant throughout the garden, one adds cohesion.
“Otherwise the garden is schizophrenic and the eye has no place to settle,” he said.
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ENTRY: MAY 29, 2026 (Tips for Keeping Pots Adequately Moist)
One of the most often asked questions at Klein’s regards the proper watering of summer containers and hanging baskets. The following question appeared in one of our past newsletters.
“I watered my petunias baskets before I went to work this morning and they were wilted by the time I got home . Am I doing something wrong? Do I really need to water twice a day?”
In short, if the weather is warm and sunny, your baskets are located in full sun (like they should be) and your plants are healthy and vigorous, you may need to water containers and hanging baskets twice a day. This is especially true if it is windy or if your containers have been allowed to dry out so much that water is no longer penetrating the soil, but simply running through the pots. Watering is one of the joys and necessities of gardening. Perhaps it’s the time to take a moment and enjoy the sights and scents of gardening.
There are a few things you can do to make the task easier:
–Keep water close at hand. If it’s impractical to keep a hose close by, keep a filled watering can near the plants that dry out fastest.
–Keep your plants accessible. If you have plants that dry out often, place them where they can be easily checked and watered, rather than out of reach.
–Use a saucer during the hottest of weather. As a rule of thumb, plants should not sit in a pool of water. The exception is during hot, windy weather when many plants are happy to have the extra water at hand. Make sure your hanging baskets have a large, built in reservoir. Moss baskets dry out exceptionally fast.
–Use the proper potting soil. Use a soil with an adequate amount of peat moss. Cheap potting soils often times turn to brick when allowed to dry out. Add water retentive granules if desired to your potting mixes.
–Use a drip system with a timer. This is usually overkill in Wisconsin with our frequent summer downpours. But during dry spells or while on vacation, they can be a godsend.
–Learn to enjoy this extra time with your plants!!
Keep in mind that you need to check that your plants are dry to the touch before watering too often. Many plants simply wilt on sunny afternoons whether they need to be watered or not. They will usually perk up once the sun lowers in the sky.
KLEIN’S RECIPES OF THE MONTH—These are a selection of relatively simple recipes chosen by our staff. New recipes appear monthly. Enjoy!!
With summer ahead and friend and family gatherings on your calendar, nothing could be easier to put together or more refreshing than a cool summer fruit salad as your pot luck contribution. These are a few of our time honored favorite fruit salad recipes.
STRAWBERRY BASIL SALAD–Simple and flavorful. This one comes from Cooking Light magazine.
3 TBS. extra virgin olive oil
3 TBS. balsamic vinegar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
8 cups torn lettuce
1/2 cup sliced onion
1/4 cup torn basil
2 cups (1 lb.) sliced strawberries
Combine the oil, vinegar, salt and pepper with a whisk in a large bowl. Add the lettuce, strawberries, onion and basil and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately. Serves 6.
SUMMER BERRY MEDLEY WITH MINT–From the pages of Cooking Light magazine.
1 cup raspberries
2 cups blueberries
2 cups quartered strawberries
2 cups blackberries
1/4 cup sugar
1 TBS. fresh lemon zest
2 TBS. fresh lemon juice
2 TBS. Grand Marnier or limoncello
1/2 cup torn mint leaves
In a bowl, combine everything but the mint and allow to sit 20 minutes in the refrigerator. Gently stir in the mint. Serve in chilled wine glasses for an extra special presentation. Serves 6.
SIMPLE FRUIT SALAD–Per six servings toss together the following and allow to steep at least 15 minutes or more:
2 sliced plums
2 sliced nectarines
2 sliced peaches
3 sliced apricots
1 cup blueberries
1 cup blackberries
2 tsp. honey
the juice of one orange
1/2 cup fresh chopped mint leaves
FRESH FRUIT SALAD WITH YOGURT MINT DRESSING–From the pages of Isthmus from sometime in the mid-1990’s. Kids LOVE this one.
8 oz. vanilla yogurt
2 TBS. honey
1 tsp. fresh orange zest
1/2 tsp. fresh grated ginger
a dash of amaretto or Grand Marnier
2-3 TBS. fresh minced mint
6-8 cups assorted fruit–strawberries, melons, pineapple, berries, grapes, apples, etc.
Combine the yogurt, honey, zest, ginger, liqueur and mint. Mix well and chill. Serve the dressing over individual bowls of fresh, mixed fruit to taste.
FRESH FRUIT WITH RICOTTA AND HONEY–This fantastic seasonal recipe appeared in the Sunday Parade section of the newspaper in August of 2010.
1 1/2 lbs. fresh ricotta
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 pts. halved strawberries or 6 sliced plums or nectarines (or a combo thereof)
1/2-2/3 cup honey
fresh ground pepper
fresh chopped mint (optional)
In a bowl, combine the ricotta, cream and vanilla. Whip until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Spread onto a large platter. Top with the fruit, drizzle with the honey, sprinkle with pepper and garnish with mint if desired. Serves 8.
NATURAL NEWS–
With increasing concerns about water quality, homeowners in the Madison area are beginning to look at our lawns and turf management in a different light. Lush, green, weed-free lawns are making room for several alternatives. Perhaps we should revisit our past for a few ideas.
White Clover: Is It a Weed?
What is a weed? To some, it’s a plant out of place. To others, it’s an unwanted plant. Still, others seem to think a weed is simply a plant that overtakes a lawn by crowding out grass. One familiar plant that seems to fall in each of these categories is white clover. But white clover didn’t always hold such dubious distinctions.
Clover was once highly prized in lawns because of its soft texture and its contribution of nitrogen to the soil. Then in the 1950s, a lawn-seed company campaigned to convince the public that clover was noxious. A lot of lawn lovers were converted into clover clippers – a lucky occurrence indeed for the company, which had recently introduced a chemical to kill clover.
Nevertheless, white clover can be particularly frustrating for those trying to eradicate it from their lawn because it’s difficult to kill. Clover leaves can literally shed weed and feed products – causing the leaves to turn brown at the margins. When this happens we reach for more potent chemicals. This whole sequence is ironic, since the valuable nitrogen in weed and feed products could have been supplied, at least in part, by the clover.
For those not fond of white clover, it is generally a greater problem (more aggressive) on wet soils, in years of excessive rainfall, and under high potassium fertilization. Under these conditions, cutbacks on supplemental watering and testing the soil before using potassium fertilizers should be the first steps in controlling this “weed.”
On the other hand, since clover provides benefits to the lawn, perhaps it would be a good subject around which to start rethinking lawn weed control. (In fact, Klein’s sells white clover seed, along with our grass seed, as a lawn replacement.)
The previous article comes to us from the UW Extension.
JUNE’S PLANT OF THE MONTH:
Hops (Humulus spp.)
Hops are a lovely, yet vigorous, vine that continue to grow in popularity in the Madison area; both as a quick growing ornamental or for the production of hops in beer making. While all produce the trademark hop flowers, Golden and Bianca hops are used ornamentally; whereas Cascade, Willamette and Nugget (which is available at Klein’s) are used in the production of beer.
Location for Growing Hops
Select an area with plenty of sun. Hops need at least 6-8 hours of sun a day, so the South facing side of your home or an exposed site is a good location. Hop vines (called bines) can grow to over 25 feet and weigh over 20 pounds, so vertical space for a trellis is important as well.
Hops prefer well-aerated soil that is rich in nutrients and has good drainage. If you are going to plant several varieties, keep them well separated in your garden. Hop roots will spread quickly and take over the garden unless you separate them and trim the roots each season.
Hop Planting and Care
Hops should be planted in the spring, late enough to avoid a frost. Fertilize liberally before planting. Plant your hops in a mound and aerate the ground by turning it over several times to aid drainage, enhance growth and prevent disease. Place the rhizomes about 4 inches deep, and make your mound of soil about a foot high to aid drainage. Place the root side of the rhizome down. Cover the mound with some straw or light mulch to inhibit the weeds.
The hop bines grow vertically and require some kind of trellis. Your trellis could some heavy rope or twine going from ground level to your roof, or a few poles securely mounted in the ground. If using rope, select rough twine-like rope so the bines can grab onto it. Keep in mind that the hop bines can be 25+ feet long and weigh 20+ pounds. The trellis should be strong and secure.
Hops also enjoy lots of water and sunlight. In the dry climates or the heat of summer, they may need to be watered daily. Once the hops begins to grow, select the best bines and wrap them around your trellis to train them. You will need to train the hops for a few days, but eventually they will begin growing in a clockwise direction from east to west around your trellis. Train the best shoots and trim the rest off.
Harvesting and Drying your Hops
Your hops will continue to grow throughout the summer, and will be ready to harvest by late summer. The harvest in the first year may not be huge, and in fact it could be very small – hops don’t reach peak yield in the first year.
To determine when to harvest, you need to examine the cones. Mature hop cones will be dry to the touch, springy, have a very strong aromatic hop odor, and leave yellow lupulin powder on your fingers. Check the cones every day or two, and when you think they are ripe, pick one and open it. It should be filled with thick yellow-gold lupulin powder if it is fully ripened.
The hops may not all ripen at once, but you need to harvest each as it ripens. Dry the hops out in a warm dry spot in your house, and keep them away from sunlight. Sunlight can seriously damage picked hops. A paper bag is a good place to store them while drying. The hops should dry out in a week or two. After that, place them in a sealed bag and store the hop cones in your freezer. Remove as much oxygen as possible from the bag to avoid oxidization.
Maintenance of Your Hops
Cut the bines back to 3 feet or so after harvesting. The winter frost will kill off the bines, after which you can cut them back further and cover them until Spring. When Spring comes, take a spade and cut around the rhizome to trim the roots back to about a foot. Trimming the roots will prevent the hops from consuming your entire garden, as they tend to spread rapidly. Add some fertilizer, fresh mulch and a new trellis and you will be ready to grow hops for a fresh new season.
A properly cared-for hops garden will keep you in fresh hops for years to come.
Note: Hops can be dangerous for dogs to consume so please don’t feed your pets hops.
Five things everyone should know about . . . Hops
By Judith Reith-Rozelle
1. Wisconsin was once the nation’s largest producer of hops.
The 1860s saw “an unbounded zeal” in Wisconsin hop production, according to the Milwaukee Sentinel in 1867, when Wisconsin was growing 75 percent of the nation’s hops. The state’s brewing industry demanded hops at a time when wheat prices were declining, prompting many farmers to grow hops instead. The hop market crashed soon thereafter, but the boom-time infusion of cash helped establish a strong agricultural base in Wisconsin.
2. There’s a wine connection.
The Hungarian Count Agoston Haraszthy is believed to have grown some of the first hops in Sauk County, which became the epicenter of the Wisconsin hops craze. But the Count’s true love was grapes, and alongside hops he planted vineyards that were to become the heart of Wollersheim Winery, Wisconsin’s largest. Seeking a warmer climate for grape growing, Haraszthy moved to California, where he became a pioneer of the state’s wine industry.
3. And a pot connection as well.
The hop is a member of the Cannabis family. As its scientific name (Humulus lupulus) indicates, hops contain the chemical lupulone, which is a mild sedative. Long before the plant’s female flowers were used to provide flavor and aroma in beer, they served a medicinal purpose as a sedative and digestive aid (pillows filled with the flowers, for example, were used to induce sleep).
4. The Pacific Northwest rules.
Wisconsin breweries purchase most of their hops from that region. Washington state leads the pack, growing 77 percent of the nation’s hops.
5. But we’re seeing a mini-revival of hop growth here.
In Iowa, Sauk, Grant and Dane counties people are buying land and planting hops again. Gorst Valley Hops, near Black Earth, has developed a charter growers program, a cooperative of sorts for hop growers. In northern Wisconsin, many of the smaller brewpubs and microbreweries are beginning to grow their own hops—an example is the South Shore Brewery in Ashland. As you drive around the state, look for tall poles in long lines across a field. It could mean that hops are happening.
All of the above hop varieties are available at Klein’s in the springtime.
Sources: grow.cals.wisc.edu/ and http://beersmith.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 [email protected]. 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, June 7, 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
Summer Sundays: Jazz in the Garden at Allen Centennial Garden
Add a little bit of musical enjoyment to your Sunday afternoons this summer with Summer Sundays: Concerts in the Garden. The concerts will be held Sunday afternoons starting June 7 and ending August 23 from 5-6:15 p.m.
This event is free and open to the public. Brought to you by the Friends of Allen Centennial Garden.
June 7: Edgar Knecht Trio From our sister county, Kassel, Germany!
Edgar Knecht, piano | Rolf Denecke, bass | Tobias Schulte, drums
This critically acclaimed European trio transforms centuries-old traditional melodies into contemporary jazz, merging classical depth, lyrical improvisation, and rhythmic adventure.
June 21: Mr. Chair Madison (Jazz Festival)
Jason Kutz, piano | Ben Ferris, bass | Mike Koszewski, drums
Joyful, fearless, unpredictable. An innovative, genre-blending piano trio known for its jazz, classical, rock, and improv fusion. Classical craft meets jazz imagination.
July 12: Betsy Ezell’s Canção Project
Betsy Ezell, vocals | Richard Hildner, guitar | Chris Rottmayer, piano | Nicholas Bartell, saxophone & flute | Nick Moran, bass | Wayne Salzmann II, drums
Music in the bossa nova tradition – an intimate Brazilian style of sophisticated elegance blending samba rhythms, jazz harmony, and cool understated vocals.
July 26: Peter Mathistad Jazz Quintet
Peter Mathistad- tenor sax | Frank McKearn IV, electronic valve instrument | Dan VanZeeland, piano | Ben Ferris, bass | Jim Huwe- drums
A high energy set of mostly original music weaving tasteful melodies with complex harmonies, an original voice in a post-bop lineage..
August 9: Madison Choro Ensemble
Josh Pultorak, drums | Peter Baggenstoss, piano | Julio Flores, guitar | Chris Ptasnik, cavaquinho | Tom Ross, cavaquinho | Nick Bartell, saxophone | Grant Ziolkowski, bandolim. Celebrating Brazilian choro in dance music of melodic intricacy and lively rhythmic sophistication—rooted in tradition, unmistakably modern.
August 23: Bill Roberts Combo
Bill Roberts, guitar | Joe Wallner, keys | Ben Schult, bass | Tommy Mattioli, percussion
Master guitarist Bill Roberts leads this groove-centered jazz-blues band of seasoned club veterans blending soulful swing, blues authority, and straight-ahead jazz fire.
Summer Breeze Block Party @ Olbrich Gardens and Garver Feed Mill
Friday, June 12 and Saturday, June 13, 4:00-8:00
Olbrich Botanical Gardens and Garver Events are teaming up to throw a Summer Breeze block party! Join us for two nights filled with pop-up artmaking activities, classic lawn games, dance parties, and local food cart fare.
Sugar Ave, the bike/pedestrian pathway linking the Gardens to Garver, will transform to a free neighborhood block party vibe featuring picnic tables, a variety of food carts, and live music hosted by Garver. Grab a bite, enjoy some live music, and then head into Olbrich Gardens to continue the party!
Support your public garden along with the featured local artists/musicians by paying a nominal admission fee at the Gardens’ entrance – then sip on a cocktail/mocktail as you stroll the Gardens with your sweetheart, play a round of bocce or badminton, encounter pop-up performers, and create botanically based art. The evening concludes with a curated story slam on the Great Lawn surrounded by the lush beauty of the Gardens. Come up soak up the sun, feel the warm summer breeze, and make some memories!
Admission at the door; no pre-sale tickets. Additional cost for food and beverages; no carry-ins.
General Admission – $15
Olbrich Members – $12
FREE – Ages 12 & under
Purchase tickets in advance online or at the doors starting at 4 p.m. on June 12 & 13!
Gardens close early at 2 p.m. to prepare for Summer Breeze and reopen at 4 p.m.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave., Madison
608/246-4550 or www.olbrich.org for details.
Nature Hike @ the Arboretum
Sunday, June 14, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Learn about the land, plants, animals, fungi, phenology, and ecology. Geared for adults, these longer walks may cover some sloping terrain. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes. Walks canceled for unsafe weather or trail conditions. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
University of WI Arboretum
1207 Seminole Hwy.
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu
Rotary Garden’s What’s in Bloom? Tour
Wednesday, June 17, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Rotary Botanical Gardens, 1455 Palmer Dr., Janesville, WI
Step into the heart of nature with our What’s in Bloom Garden Tours! This exclusive series invites you to explore the beauty and wonder of the garden through the changing seasons.
Every month from May to September, you’ll discover what’s currently in bloom, learn insider gardening tips, and get a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the gardens’ vibrant landscapes.
Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or a curious newcomer, these tours offer an unforgettable experience to connect with nature and expand your horticultural knowledge.
What’s in Bloom Tours are on the 3rd Wednesday of each month, May-September. Free for RBG members (remember to bring your membership card!) or $10 for non-members.
Reserve your spot for each month @ www.rotarybotanicalgardens.org/event-details/whats-in-bloom-garden-tours-2026-06-17-10-00 Spaces are limited.
Rotary Botanical Gardens
1455 Palmer Dr., Janesville, WI
608/752-3885 or www.rotarybotanicalgardens.org/
Dragonfly Walk @ the Arboretum
Wednesday, June 17, 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Join the Arboretum and the Wisconsin Dragonfly Society for guided walks to learn more about dragonflies and damselflies. Participants can practice identifying species and collecting data for the Arboretum’s dragonfly and damselfly (Odonata) monitoring project. No experience required. Please bring binoculars if you have them. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Walks take place monthly, June through September, but may be canceled for rainy or cool weather. Meet at the Visitor Center.
University of WI Arboretum
1207 Seminole Hwy.
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu
Woodland, Savanna, and Prairie Gardens @ the Arboretum
Wednesday, June 17, 7:00
Garden Tour
Celebrate late spring by visiting our woodland, savanna, and prairie gardens. This tour, led by garden curator Susan Carpenter, provides an overview of the Wisconsin Native Plant Garden. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
University of WI Arboretum
1207 Seminole Hwy.
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu
Summer Solstice Night Walk @ the Arboretum
Saturday, June 20, 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Walk
Let your eyes adjust to the moonlight, listen to the night sounds, and experience the darkness on this naturalist-led walk. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather and insects. Walks canceled for unsafe weather or trail conditions. Free. Register by June 16: https://uw-madison-arboretum.eventbrite.com. Meet at the Visitor Center.
University of WI Arboretum
1207 Seminole Hwy.
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu
Family Nature Program: Insects Galore!
Sunday, June 21, 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
Olbrich After Hours
Turn up your Tuesdays at Olbrich After Hours, where the gardens stay up late and the good times roll in! Each week offers a fresh blend of live music, surprise pop-ups, crave-worthy food carts, and the perfect pour (think cocktails, mocktails, and brewskis). Stroll the gardens during the golden hour, soak in the sounds, and connect with inspiring eco-friendly groups making a difference for the planet. It’s summer – turned all the way up!
Concerts are FREE to the public; a $5 suggested donation is appreciated.
No tickets required. Please carry out all trash.
Olbrich Concerts in the Gardens 2026 Schedule:
(All concerts are on Tuesdays at 7 p.m.)
June 23
Adam Greuel & The Space Burritos—From a galaxy far, far away, yet oddly close by, Adam Greuel & the Space Burritos bring some type of musical mischief to stage’s here, there, and everywhere! Rooted in country, blues, bluegrass, and show music, as Levon Helm put it, you could just call it “rock n’ roll”. They specialize in having a damn good time.
June 30
The Grand Groove Hotel—The Grand Groove Hotel is a Rhythm and Jazz band based in Rockford, Illinois. The band features award-winning vocalist Gina Meeks with an eight-piece ensemble focusing on improvisation, syncopation, and a powerful rhythm section. The group brings a mix of the energetic swing of big bands and the evolving sounds of contemporary music.
July 7
Smart Cookie—Smart Cookie is an ensemble of talented Madison musicians including former members of several MAMA award winning projects. Currently they are nominated for WAMI awards in R&B/Funk Band and Vocal Ensemble categories. The group has spent time in the studio crafting original material built on foundational drum and bass grooves, rooted in funk and soul, enhanced by percolating melodies and powerful vocals, with a pop sensibility that will leave you humming these songs well after the show.
July 14
The Burroughs—Hailing from Greeley, Colorado, The Burroughs are a high-energy 9-piece soul-funk band known for their “sweaty soul music” and electrifying live shows that turn crowds into one big dance party. Led by frontman Johnny Burroughs, the group blends blazing horns, deep grooves, and joyful, communal vibes to create nights of release, connection, and celebration.
July 21
Obi Original & The Black Atlantics—A powerhouse collective led by the enigmatic Obi Original. In their music, you can hear echoes of West African percussion, Caribbean rhythms, and the spiritual depth of the blues—all woven together into a tapestry of sound that celebrates the resilience and creativity of the African spirit. With each performance, they invite listeners to embark on a journey of self-discovery and collective empowerment, solidifying their status as one of the Twin Cities’ most exciting and essential musical acts.
July 28
Mariachi Monarcas de Milwaukee—Mariachi Monarcas de Milwaukee was born from a singular vision: to preserve, share, and elevate the rich tradition of Mexican mariachi music in the heart of the Midwest. The ensemble’s name draws inspiration from the monarch butterfly (a timeless symbol of migration, endurance, and transformation) reflecting the spirit of the immigrant community and the remarkable journey of carrying culture, language, and identity across borders.
August 4
Do The Needful—Chicago based music ensemble Do The Needful features Hindi vocalists, Indian flute, guitar/fuzz organ, electric bass, drums and percussion. The band interprets classic Bollywood anthems from the 60s and 70s through the prism of its myriad influences that includes not only Indian pop and Bollywood music , but also garage pop, surf, rockabilly, ghostly jazz, South Asian classical music and raw blues.
August 11
Brandon Santini—A 25-year veteran of the blues whose sound stretches from the Piedmont roots of his North Carolina childhood to the storied stages of Memphis’ Beale Street, where he forged his explosive harmonica work, commanding voice, and dynamic songwriting. With seven Blues Music Award nominations and shared stages with Buddy Guy, Gary Clark Jr., Beth Hart, and Charlie Musselwhite, he has earned his reputation as one of today’s leading modern blues performers.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave., Madison
608/246-4550 or www.olbrich.org for details.
What’s in Bloom? @ the Arboretum
Wednesday, June 24, 7:00
Garden Tour
Join Susan Carpenter, Wisconsin Native Plant Garden curator, to find, compare, and learn about flowers on native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants. Tour may be canceled for unsafe weather. 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
Class: Introduction to Prairie Plant Identification
Saturday, June 27 and Wednesday, July 1, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Join our accessible yet in-depth introduction to Wisconsin prairie plant identification. Learn about key plant features, shared family and genus characteristics, and tips to aid identification. Activities begin indoors then move outside for practice. Instructor: Micah Kloppenburg, ecological restoration outreach coordinator. Fee: $40. Register by June 23 for the June 27 class or June 28 for the July 1 class. Visit the website for the links to each registration.
University of WI Arboretum
1207 Seminole Hwy.
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu
Scenic Stroll @ the Arboretum
Sunday, June 28, 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
Dane County Farmer’s Market
Saturdays, April 11 thru November 14, 6:15-1:45
On the Capitol Square
Wednesdays, April 22 thru November 4, 8:30-1:15
In the 200 block of Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
For details visit www.dcfm.org
Northside Farmers Market
Sundays, May 3 through October 25, 8:30-12:30
In the Northside TownCenter at the intersection of N. Sherman Ave. and Northport Dr. across from Warner Park.
The Northside Farmers Market is a nonprofit community enterprise. It is one of the newest and fastest growing farmers’ markets in Dane County. In keeping with the innovative spirit of Madison’s Northside, we are surpassing what defines the traditional farmers’ market. Our fundamental principles include:
–Providing an abundant selection of high quality, locally grown foods.
The market accepts Quest, WIC and Senior FMNP vouchers.
–Supporting our local agricultural entrepreneurs who are increasingly important today in ensuring that we have the best and safest food possible.
–Educating the community about traditional foods and the history of local agriculture in an attempt to preserve (and expand upon) our rich heritage.
Parking is always FREE!
For details visit www.northsidefarmersmarket.org
JUNE IN THE GARDEN-–A checklist of things to do this month.
___By early June, finish planting all annuals and vegetables.
___By early June, move all houseplants out that spend the summer outdoors.
___In early June give all beds a thorough weeding for easier follow-up.
___June is a great month to plant perennials, trees and shrubs.
___Prune evergreens.
___Prune hard any spring flowering shrubs like forsythia, quince, etc.
___Mulch beds to conserve moisture and keep down weeds.
___Begin deadheading spent blooms as needed.
___Remove yellowed foliage of spring tulips, daffodils, etc.
___Begin staking and supporting tall plants as needed.
___Begin your fertilizing regimen. Regular fertilizing makes for healthy plants.
___Order spring bulbs from catalogs while your memory is still fresh.
___Keep and eye on the weather. Water as needed.
___Watch for pests and control as needed or desired.
___Begin seeding cole crops for fall harvest. Also sow pansies and wallflowers.
___Pinch hardy mums until July 4 for bushier less floppy plants.
___Visit Klein’s—Watch for end of season savings on annuals and perennials.
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 JUNE:
—Our new growing greenhouse is nearly empty of product. We’ve had another successful season. This is the time to plan for next spring–while our memories are still fresh: How can we improve in 2027? Which plants did we run out of too early? How was staffing?
—Watering is a nonstop endeavor. On hot, windy days, we no sooner finish the first round, when we have to start all over again. Some plants in our retail areas may need watering 3 or 4 times in a single day! You wouldn’t do this at home, but customers don’t like to see wilted plants. It’s not harmful for us to let them wilt a bit, but it makes for bad presentation.
—We continue to plant some annuals, hanging baskets and containers for summer sales.
—Fall mums and asters are stepped up into larger tubs and containers for fall sales.
—We begin prepping for the arrival of poinsettia plugs in just a few weeks.
—Our employees breathe a sigh of relief and spend some much needed downtime with family and friends.
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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]
Floral Department—Sarah Somson [email protected]
Houseplant Buyer, Newsletter Coordinator—Rick Halbach [email protected]
Purchasing—Megan Buchholz [email protected]
Owner, Floral Designer & Purchasing—Sue Klein [email protected]
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