‘THE SAGE’-Klein’s Online Newsletter—OCTOBER 2026
Klein’s Floral & Greenhouses
3758 E. Washington Ave.
Madison, WI 53704
608/244-5661 or [email protected]
THIS MONTH’S HIGHLIGHTS:
Part-time Floral Delivery Driver Wanted
Klein’s Is Again Voted Among the Best of Madison
Now Available: Fall Mums & All of Your Fall Gardening Favorites
Truckloads of Houseplants Are Arriving Fresh from Florida
Spring Blooming Bulbs Are Arriving. Shop Early for Best Selection!
Our ‘Mad Gardener‘ and ‘Houseplant Help‘ Are Ready for Your Questions
Fall Is the Best Time for Revitalizing Lawns
Klein’s Shares a Cooking Oil Primer
Garden Calendar for the Week of October 11…
You Asked about a Blooming Kalanchoe
We Reuse Your Teal-colored 5″ Klein’s Pots
Free Houseplant Potting Service @ Klein’s
Product Spotlight: Organic Garlic from Madison’s Keene Garlic
Plant of the Month: Calathea
Notes from My Garden Journal—From September 2026
—Hibiscus Overwintering Tips
—Keeping Rodents From Digging Up Your Spring Bulbs
—Appearing Soon: White-throated Sparrows
October 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
“As long as autumn lasts, I shall not have hands, canvas, and colors enough to paint the beautiful things I see.”
—Vincent van Gogh
AUTUMN AT KLEIN’S
A single visit to Klein’s in autumn is sure to inspire creativity when decorating your home both inside and out. We have it all and under one roof . . . from our homegrown mums, pansies, kales and pre-planted mixed fall containers to fresh floral arrangements for Halloween and Thanksgiving celebrating, to an amazing assortment of fresh pumpkins, gourds, dried grasses, straw bales and more.
THE SPRING BULBS HAVE ARRIVED!
We have all of your favorites–tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, crocus, alliums–and a few not-so-well known treasures for your garden. Mid- to late October is the best time to plant your spring bulbs (planting too can early promote premature leaf growth) and nothing could be more uplifting after a long winter than crocus, snowdrops and winter aconite blossoms peeking through the snow come spring. Allow the Klein’s staff to share planting tips and ideas to keep those pesky squirrels from digging up those newly planted bulbs. And for indoor blooms, don’t forget a few hyacinths, paperwhites and amaryllis (arriving mid-month) for indoor forcing. We carry a lovely assortment of forcing glasses, vases and decorative pottery. Forced bulbs make for an inexpensive and treasured holiday gift. Any bulb questions? Don’t forget our Mad Gardener @ [email protected]!
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.
OCTOBER STORE HOURS:
Monday thru Friday : 9:00-6:00
Saturday: 9:00-5:00
Sunday: 10:00-4:00
CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
Throughout October…Check out our selection of spring bulbs. Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, crocus, alliums and much more have arrived for fall planting. For Halloween and Thanksgiving decorating we carry pumpkins, gourds, fall leaves, branches, grasses, dried flowers, cattails, hay bales, etc. for fall decor. Shop early for best selection.
October 10 and 11—Art Works’ Winterberry Art & Gift Show @ Klein’s. Saturday,10:00-4:00 and Sunday 10:00-3:00.
Winterberry Art and Gift Show will once again be held at Klein’s Floral and Greenhouses. Looking for unique one-of-a-kind gifts to give others or for yourself? Start your holiday shopping with this boutique show. Local artists will be set up inside the gorgeous greenhouses at Klein’s. Paintings, Fiber, Glass, Jewelry, Photography, Sculpture, and more will be offered by the artists.
We are proud to support and provide a platform for our rich art community to share their craft. Come join us for an afternoon supporting local small businesses.
For more info visit https://artworkswisconsin.com
October 12—Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Columbus Day)
October 16—National Bosses’ Day
October 17—Sweetest Day
October 25—Full Moon
October 25—Mother-in-Law’s Day
October 31—Halloween
November 2—Día de los Muertos
November 3—Election Day
‘THE FLOWER SHOPPE’:
Part-time Floral Delivery Driver Wanted:
Klein’s Floral & Greenhouses is looking for a part-time delivery driver to join our team, approximately 1–2 days per week.
🌿 A little about the job:
• Deliver beautiful floral arrangements and plants to customers throughout the Madison area
• Delivery days typically start around 9:00 AM and finish by 3:00 PM
• The floral industry can have very busy days and slower days, so flexibility is important
• A friendly, dependable attitude and good driving skills are a must
• Experience with floral deliveries is helpful, but we’re willing to train the right person
If you enjoy being on the road, meeting customers and being part of a busy, family-owned floral shop, we’d love to hear from you!
📩 Contact [email protected] for more information or to apply.
YOU ASKED. . .
I received a little plant that doesn’t have much instructions. The tag says Kalanchoe. It says bright light and water when dry. Is this an ever blooming houseplant? Will it get bigger and need repotting? Any information you can give would be helpful. Aileen
Kalanchoes are succulents and require dryish conditions and full sun to perform well. It will bloom seasonally just once per year once it resets its natural clock. Blooming plants are forced into bloom at all times of the year for retail sales. Blooming kalanchoes don’t get very large and don’t need to be repotted very often. At maturity in a number of years, a 10″ pot is usually large enough.
Thanks for your question,
[email protected], [email protected]
DID YOU KNOW. . .
. . . that fall is the favored time of the year to revitalize your lawn here in southern Wisconsin?
Turf Tips: Fall Feeding
Because grass is a cool weather crop, fall is its optimum growing season. Fall fertilizing produces strong roots and also makes the food (stored in the roots) for next spring’s growth spurt. It’s the most important feeding of the year.
And because the ground is still warm and competing weeds are on the wane, grass seeds germinate faster and better than in spring’s cold soil. The real secret of an enviable lawn is a regular light broadcasting of new grass seed just as the hot weather is ending.
Each time you apply fertilizer, the grass grows faster and greener. A healthy lawn can withstand insects better and crowd out weeds, so fewer pesticides will be needed. If you fertilize only once a year, it should be in early fall. If you fertilize twice, add the second feeding in spring. If you fertilize four times a year, feed very early in spring, mid-spring, early fall, and late fall.
A late fall fertilizing (which should be all organic fertilizer to carry over to spring) makes the lawn green up earlier in spring and helps thatch to compost and melt away.
The organic or slow release fertilizers supply nutrients at a slow steady rate and result in more even, healthier growth of grass. Though they cost more, they are worth it. The best fertilizers have some quick release pure chemical nutrients and a high percentage of the slow release ones.
Some organic fertilizers are made from chemicals, others are from substances that were once alive, such as manure, chicken feathers, and sewerage sludge and such. There is also coated, slow release fertilizer, which lasts a long time and is usually used in spring.
A fine lawn prefers a neutral pH of about 6.5 to 7 which can be determined by a simple soil test. Some grass varieties such as fescues will stand it lower or more acid. If a soil is too acid, it is corrected by the addition of lime which supplies the needed calcium to make the soil “sweet.”
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.
Organic Garlic Bulbs from Madison’s Keene Garlic
About Keene Garlic
We have been growing and selling exceptional quality garlic for over a decade. We provide exceptional quality seed garlic. There is a lot of garlic on the market, but not all of it is what you should invest in as your seed garlic that will be used for years to come.
Good seed garlic is an investment, and we know and understand that. We continually inspect our garlic in the field, during curing, and post-harvest, so it gets to our customers in good shape and ready to grow or eat. Our garlic seed is produced to provide you with garlic that is intended to grow in your garden or field, so you can have a successful garlic crop.
All our garlic is grown organically with no GMO’s, is non-irradiated, and grown in nutrient dense soil to produce high-quality garlic bulbs. Grown on idyllic small organic family farms, we take pride in selling the highest quality garlic seeds to gardeners and farmers who have successfully grown garlic.
Although some seed companies source their garlic from other countries (which does not grow well in the US), we take pride in growing and selling heirloom garlic grown in the US! Wisconsin produces some of the best garlic in the nation! We work hard for our customers, so they can know the sweetness in the success of growing garlic.
Keene Garlic offers:
- Our garlic is organically grown around Wisconsin, heirloom, family farm grown, NON-GMO, non irradiated, and full flavored gourmet garlic.
- American grown Garlic by small family organic farms around Wisconsin
- All our garlic can be planted OR eaten
- Garlic sampler packages, bulk garlic discounts, and a wide variety of gourmet garlic
- Exceptional quality seed garlic
- Easy to grow garlic bulbs
- Family owned and operated
- Heirloom garlic produced from garlic seeds tracing back hundreds of years
- Certified Organic and Naturally Grown Garlic
- Quality, nutrient dense garlic
- Planted and grown successfully by gardeners and farmers across the US
- Our garlic fields are tested annually for Bloat Nematode and other diseases
- Grown on Wisconsin Garlic Farms for decades to bring you the best tasting, easy to grow, easily acclimated garlic seeds, so you can successfully grow this easy crop.
Visit our website @ keeneorganics.com
Klein’s is carrying the following bulk garlic varieties:
Chesnok Red–(aka Shvelisi) Originates from the village of Shvelisi, Republic of Georgia. Beautiful purple striped paper with red cloves, easy to peel. Good lingering taste, retains flavor well when cooked. Rated as one of the very best for baking or roasting. Hardneck, 8-10 cloves per bulb.
German Extra Hardy–Vigorous grower with long roots that enable it to overwinter without heaving out of the ground. Outside skin is ivory-white, but the clove skin is dark red. Strong raw flavor, high sugar content, one of the very best for roasting. Hardneck, 4-7 cloves per bulb.
Inchelium Red–Found growing on the Colville Indian Reservation in Inchelium, Washington. Light purple blotching on very large bulbs. Compound bulbs have large outer cloves as well as medium cloves in the center of the bulb. Rated the best tasting garlic by the Rodale Institute in 1990. Softneck, 12-16 cloves per bulb.
Italian Red–A certified, great tasting and excellent storing garlic! Italian Red Porcelain is the garlic variety that is widely grown throughout the United States originating in California. This garlic variety produces 6-10 large cloves per bulb that are fairly mild with a little garlic spiced flavor which intensifies during storage.
Ivan–Ivan has a complex and subtle flavor, not as spicy as other porcelains when eaten raw. Very productive in cold winter climates. It has classic teardrop shaped bulbs that are characteristic of the porcelain horticulture group. Hardneck, 4 to 6 cloves per bulb.
Music–Italian variety brought to Canada by Al Music in the 1980s from his homeland. Bright white bulbs with a hint of pink and brown on clove skins. Large cloves are easy to peel. Rich, sweet, and caramelly when roasted. Delicious and spicy raw flavor. Hardneck, 4-10 cloves per bulb.
NOTES FROM MY GARDEN JOURNAL
ENTRY: SEPTEMBER 5, 2026 (Hibiscus Overwintering Tips)
It’s Labor Day weekend so it’s time to prep many my plants for the trip indoors later in the month. Hibiscus are among my favorite plants to save from year to year. That said, they also require the greatest prep for the move inside.
Tips for Overwintering Tropical Hibiscus
Hibiscus are best overwintered near a very bright window–south or west are best. Prune the plant(s), pretty hard and to shape before bringing it inside. Hibiscus are best pruned in the fall here in the north, rather than in the springtime. Pruning in the spring can delay blooming by up to a month or more. Hard pruning can be emotionally traumatic to do when your plant is in full bloom, but it pays off greatly in the long haul. Hibiscus will probably lose most, if not all of its leaves once brought indoors and while it acclimates to its new environment and lower light levels. This is completely normal and it will send out new shoots and leaves as time passes and especially as the days lengthen in late winter.
Hibiscus like to be kept moist, so water throughly once dry to the touch. Don’t allow it to stand in water, but don’t allow it to get too bone dry too often either.
Keep an eye out for pests. I recommend applying a systemic pesticide every 5 weeks through the winter months. Hibiscus are especially prone to aphids and whiteflies. Whiteflies can be especially hard to control once established. Removing all foliage can actually be beneficial in controlling whiteflies as they reside under the leaves.
There’s no need to fertilize during the dead of winter. Begin fertilizing again only once the days lengthen in late February.
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ENTRY: SEPTEMBER 29, 2026 (Keeping Rodents From Digging Up Your Spring Bulbs)
It’s almost time to plant my spring blooming bulbs. Each season I try to add a few hundred new bulbs to replace ones that are fading or have disappeared or just to change my spring displays a little bit. One of my most asked questions regarding bulb planting is how to prevent animals from digging up my newly planted bulbs. The following comes to us from Southern Living @ www.southernliving.com/
How To Keep Rodents From Digging Up Your Spring Bulbs
By Arricca Elin SanSone
If you’ve ever planted spring-blooming bulbs only to later find them dug up, nibbled on or tossed aside, your neighborhood rodents may be to blame. “In general, rodents, and squirrels in particular, have an excellent sense of smell and can detect newly established bulbs in areas they are familiar with,” says Robert Pierce, PhD, state extension fisheries and wildlife specialist at the University of Missouri. “Plus, squirrels are also very curious and often investigate and dig in areas such as planters and flower beds in search of foods during the fall and throughout the year.”
It’s not just squirrels, but chipmunks and voles that may disturb or dine on your bulbs. “Other animals such as skunks and raccoons also may be interested,” says Christian Curless, bulb expert and product developer with Colorblends Wholesale Flower bulbs. “Many times animals will dig bulbs up to eat but they’ll also sometimes relocate them elsewhere. Sometimes, they’ll be disturbed right away, such as the case with squirrels. Or they may be eaten later, such as with voles.”
Certain types of bulbs also are more appealing to wildlife. “Tulips and crocuses are notorious for being rodents’ favorites,” says Peggy Anne Montgomery, horticulturist for Flowerbulb.eu. And if your bulbs escape being dug up or eaten in the fall, wildlife may gnaw off the blossoms in the spring, says Montgomery.
Although nothing is foolproof, here are some methods to try to protect your bulbs from foraging wildlife:
Use a cage.
This is the most reliable way to protect bulbs. “You can DIY a cage with hardware cloth, or buy commercial bulb baskets designed to surround bulbs underground,” says Montgomery. “Choose a mesh size small enough to prevent the target pest from reaching the bulbs, and make sure the cage is large enough to allow the bulbs room to grow and multiply.” In addition, make sure the barrier extends across the top of the planting area and along the sides to prevent nibbling and digging.
Cover the planting area.
For discouraging top-down digging by critters such as squirrels and chipmunks, lay an expandable mesh screen over the planting area. When the ground eventually freezes and digging is no longer an issue, remove the screen, says Curless.
Plant later, rather than sooner.
Planting later in the season, rather than earlier, may discourage rodents because they’re typically most active earlier in the season, says Curless.
Choose bulbs they’re less likely to bother.
Again, never say never because you can’t predict what wildlife is going to do. However, Montgomery says animals may be less likely to dig up bulbs such as:
Narcissus – Daffodils
Hyacinth – Hyacinth
Fritillaria meleagris – Checkered Lily
Fritillaria imperialis – Crown Imperial
Hyacinthus – Hyacinths
Allium – Ornamental Onion
Galanthus – Snowdrops
Muscari – Grape Hyacinth
Chionodoxa – Glory-of-the-snow
Leucojum sp. – Snowflake
Hyacinthoides hispanica – Spanish Bluebells
Ipheion uniflora – Spring Star Flower
Eranthis hyemalis – Winter Aconite
Layer plantings.
Mixing preferred bulbs with varieties that rodents tend to avoid can help make a planting less appealing. “Tulips and crocus are favorites for many garden grazers, so surround or interplant them with daffodils, fritillaria, alliums, or hyacinths,” says Montgomery. “Rather than creating one large planting of a favorite bulb, mixing in less-palatable varieties makes it harder for pests to locate and access the bulbs they prefer.” You can also try to plant bulbs among established perennials or other strongly-scented plants animals tend to avoid.
Mix it up.
For gardens with persistent rodent pressure, combine several strategies, such as planting resistant bulbs, using physical barriers, mixing preferred bulbs with less-palatable varieties, and applying commercial repellents throughout the growing season. “No single method will keep every hungry critter away, but layering several defenses can give bulbs a much better chance of making it to spring,” says Montgomery.
Don’t rely on repellents.
While there are commercially-available squirrel repellents containing capsaicin (hot pepper), they’re not reliable—and they are expensive. “They have shown some success over a short period of time. However, these must be re-applied regularly and after rainfall and used according to label directions,” says Pierce. “It is recommended to use other methods, rather than a total reliance on scent deterrents or repellents.”
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ENTRY: SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 (Appearing Soon: White-throated Sparrows)
Within a week or so, cool weather fall migrants will be making their appearance at the bird feeders, among them the entertaining white-throated sparrow. Though present in my yard for just a few weeks before it heads farther south (Madison lies at the northern edge of its winter range), the white-throated sparrow is a common sight during those weeks as it seeks out stray seeds on the ground below the feeders; known for its attention-getting hopping as it scratches debris backwards in search of seeds.
A common winter bird of eastern woodlots (southeast of the Ohio River and up the East Coast), shuffling about on the ground in loose flocks, often coming to bird feeders that are placed close enough to the shelter of thickets. It is also widespread in the West in winter, but in much smaller numbers. In summer, White-throated Sparrows sing their clear whistles in northern forests, including all of far northern Wisconsin.
Adults may have head stripes of either white or tan, and scientists have found some odd differences in behavior between these two color morphs. The two color morphs (with tan-striped and white-striped heads) may be either male or female; adults almost always mate with the opposite color morph. White-striped males are usually more aggressive and do more singing than tan-striped males. White-striped females also sing, but tan-striped females usually do not. Pairs involving a tan-striped male and white-striped female usually form more quickly than those of the opposite combination. Tan-striped adults tend to feed their young more often than white-striped adults.
Diet
Mostly seeds and insects. Feeds heavily on insects during breeding season, including damselflies, ants, wasps, true bugs, beetles, flies, caterpillars, and others, plus spiders, millipedes, and snails. Winter diet is mostly seeds of weeds and grasses. Also eats many berries, especially in fall. Young are fed mostly insects. Forages mostly on ground under or close to dense thickets. Often scratches briefly in leaf-litter with both feet. Also forages up in shrubs and low trees, mainly in summer.
Source: www.audubon.org
KLEIN’S RECIPES OF THE MONTH—These are a selection of relatively simple recipes chosen by our staff. New recipes appear monthly. Enjoy!!
For the past 20 years, Klein’s has been sharing some of our very favorite recipes with our readers and for obvious reasons most of the recipes we’ve shared contain some sort of cooking oil. With concerns about fat intake and health, we thought we’d share this concise overview of some of our many cooking oil choices and how they’re best used.
We use cooking oils for frying, baking, stir-fries, salads and marinades, but choosing the right one can be confusing. Consumers are bombarded with all different types of oils – not to mention all the different descriptors such as “extra light” and “cold-pressed”.
Then of course there are health concerns, particularly around levels of saturated fat. So when it comes to cooking oils, which one should you use?
While all fats supply the same amount of energy to the body (1g of fat provides 37kJ), not all fats are created equal. Fats are the body’s most concentrated source of energy and help protect and insulate your vital organs. They also allow fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K), to be absorbed and provide essential fatty acids, which are important building blocks for the brain, eyes and nervous tissues. So what are these different types of fat?
Saturated fat is the main dietary cause of high cholesterol, raising levels of the harmful low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood. Too much saturated fat heightens your risk of heart disease.
Trans fat behaves similarly to saturated fat. However, it not only raises levels of harmful LDL cholesterol, but also lowers levels of the good high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. To earn the Heart Foundation tick, vegetable oils must contain no more than 1% trans fat as part of their total fat content.
Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated (omega-3 and omega-6) fats are the types you should aim to include in your diet. They’re essential nutrients for the body, and also reduce the levels of the harmful LDL cholesterol. Keep in mind, however, that these fats still provide kilojoules, so only use them in moderation.
It’s generally recommended that less than 30% of your daily kilojoule intake should come from fat, with no more than 10% coming from saturated fat.
You can largely avoid the bad fats – saturated and trans – by staying away from processed and fast foods. When it comes to cooking, make your meals heart-friendlier by using a small amount of the right oils (instead of butter or margarine), adding nuts and seeds to stir-fries and salads, and including avocados in your diet. This will provide your body with the good monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats it needs.
Cooking oils are a combination of all the different types of fats. When it comes to cooking, we use oils in a wide variety of ways. But you don’t need to buy a whole range, as some are versatile and multi-purpose. Using non-stick cookware and trying to stir-fry, grill or bake your food rather than deep-frying it will reduce your need for oil.
Almond oil is high in monounsaturated fat and comparatively low in saturated fat, so it’s a good heart-friendly choice. Like mustardseed oil, almond oil has a strong nutty flavor and aftertaste. It’s a low-heat oil, so it should only be used to drizzle over vegetables, in salad dressings, or to make mayonnaise.
Avocado oil is very high in monounsaturated fat, but comparatively low in polyunsaturated fat. It’s packed with the fat-soluble vitamins A, D and E, and also contains B-group vitamins. Avocado oil is green in color with a mild flavor and pleasant aftertaste. It’s a low-heat cooking oil and a great addition to salads, poultry and seafood. But it is more expensive than other oils.
Canola oil is high in monounsaturated fat and a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. It’s versatile and comparatively inexpensive; you could easily replace peanut or vegetable oil with canola oil in the kitchen as it’s much higher in monounsaturated fat and lower in saturated fat. It performs very well for low-heat cooking and has no strong aftertaste, allowing the food flavors to dominate. It also performs well for high-heat cooking purposes.
Canola and red palm fruit oil is high in monounsaturated fat and a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, as well as pro-vitamin A and vitamin E. It has a medium smoke point, making it a good multipurpose oil; however, in a chip-frying test we found it has a slight smell and unpleasant taste. Carotino claims its red palm fruit oil comes entirely from environmentally sustainable plantations in Malaysia.
Coconut oil has a slight nutty flavor and works well in both savory and sweet dishes. It’s particularly popular in vegan cooking and can replace dairy products to make pastry and creamy desserts. Coconut oil has a very high smoking point when cooking and has a long shelf life, but it’s very high in saturated fat.
Corn oil is effective in lowering blood cholesterol levels because it’s high in polyunsaturated fat. It has a high smoke point which makes it ideal for frying, and its mild flavor means it’s good to use for baking where oil is only needed to provide moisture and texture. It performs well for both low- and high-heat cooking; however we found it developed a slightly unpleasant smell when frying chips.
Grapeseed oil is high in polyunsaturated fat, and not only lowers the bad LDL cholesterol but also raises levels of the good HDL cholesterol. It’s a rich source of vitamin E and has a light, pleasant taste that brings out the flavors of the other foods being cooked. It’s a good multi-purpose oil.
Macadamia oil is very high in monounsaturated fat but comparatively low in polyunsaturated fat. It’s also relatively expensive and has a strong strong nutty flavor and aftertaste, making it better for stir-fries and salad dressings than, say, making a mayonnaise.
Mustardseed oil has the lowest saturated fat content of any edible oil. It also has a good balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. In cooking, it has a distinctive strong flavor and very nutty aftertaste that can overpower the rest of the dish.
Olive oil is a great source of monounsaturated fats and a key ingredient in the Mediterranean diet – a heart-healthy style of cooking that traditionally includes fruits, vegetables, pasta and rice. Olive oil is best used for low- to medium-heat cooking in salads or marinades.
Palm oil is commonly used in manufactured and fast foods. Its low-cost production makes it a cheaper option but it has also raised a number of environmental concerns, particularly around deforestation. At 51% it’s also high in saturated fat, making it suited for processed food, but obviously a less healthy option. Currently there is no obligation to label palm oil.
Peanut oil is widely used in Asian cuisine and works well for high temperature cooking, especially for frying and stir-frying. It’s predominantly monounsaturated, but in comparison to the other oils it is lower in both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats and comparatively higher in saturated fat. If you’re cooking for guests, check no-one has a peanut allergy before using the oil.
Rice bran oil has one of the highest amounts of saturated fat, but is free of trans fats. It performed excellently for chip-frying and can be used in all cooking practices.
Sunflower oil comes in two main varieties. Normal sunflower seeds will make polyunsaturated sunflower oil rich in vitamin E. Monounsaturated sunflower oil requires special breed of sunflower seeds. Both varieties help reduce cholesterol levels. Sunflower oil is versatile for cooking; it works well for high-, medium- and low-heat temperature cooking. It’s also comparatively good value for money.
Vegetable oil generally contains a combination of canola and soybean oil. It’s comparatively inexpensive, but also comparatively high in saturated fat. It’s worth noting that palm oil and coconut oil can also be labelled as ‘vegetable oil’, which can be an issue seeing as palm oil contains 51% saturated fat and coconut oil contains a staggering 90% sat fat.
Who knew cooking oils could be so complicated? Here are some commonly used terms – and what they mean:
—Cold-pressed oils aren’t extracted using excessive heat. As a result, they generally have a stronger flavor and are higher in antioxidants such as vitamin E and polyphenols.
-All oils are from cholesterol-free, as oils are derived from plant sources that naturally have no cholesterol.
–Blended vegetable oils are made from mixture of oils depending on availability and price. For example, vegetable oils generally contain a mixture of soybean and canola oil.
–Lite/Light/Extra light only means the oil is lighter in flavor and/or color, not lower in kilojoules.
–Extra virgin olive oil is extracted from the first pressing of olives. It yields the best-tasting and lowest acidity oil, and therefore comes with a higher price tag. It’s best suited for cold purposes such as salad dressings, drizzling over cooked pasta or char-grilled vegetables.
-The smoke point of an oil refers to the level of heat it can withstand before it begins to smoke. Oils with a high smoke point are ideal for frying. Once an oil begins to smoke it will start to lose both flavor and nutritional quality and becomes more prone to bursting into flame (i.e. its flash point).
–High-heat oils generally have a high smoke point, allowing them to reach high temperatures, and can be used for deep-frying, stir-fries and sautéing.
–Medium-heat oils can be used for sautéing, baking, grilling and roasting.
–Low-heat oils generally have a low smoke point and shouldn’t be used where heat is involved. They’re best for cold dishes such as salad dressings and dips.
–Rancid oil develops a distinct smell akin to crayons, musty paint or paint thinner, whereas fresh oil should be fairly odorless. When heated, rancid oil has a strong and unpleasant smell. Older oil can also become more viscous and stick around the cap of the jar.
By Rebecca Ciaramidaro for www.choice.com.au
NATURAL NEWS–
Garden Calendar for the Week of October 11…
Hardy bulbs: You can start planting spring-blooming bulbs such as daffodils, tulips, crocus, hyacinth and ornamental onions now, and continue planting up until a couple of weeks before the ground freezes.
If you plant hyacinth bulbs, use gloves, as some people develop dermatitis after handling the bulbs.
Bulbs look more natural when planted in clumps rather than stiff rows — and it means you have to dig fewer holes, so put five to eight in a hole together.
The general rule for planting spring bulbs is to plant two to three times as deep as the bulbs is tall. So, most large bulbs like tulips or daffodils will be planted about 8 inches deep while smaller bulbs will be planted 3-4 inches deep.
Measure the planting depth from the bottom (not the top) of the bulb. Ideally, water the bulbs after planting, especially if it is dry.
Most of the hardy spring-flowering bulbs evolved in desert or Mediterranean climates. Many are native to Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan, for instance.
Tulips, especially hybrids, are not well-adapted to our wet, heavy clay soils. That means they often don’t last more than a few years in our yards, especially if we plant annuals that need a lot of water on top of or right next to them. They appreciate moisture while blooming, but prefer a hot, dry summer afterwards when they go dormant.
Tulip bulbs need good drainage, so plant them where the soil is suitable. Planting “species” tulips, the shorter types with smaller flowers, may work better for you as they tend to live longer. Species tulips include named varieties of Tulipa clusiana, Tulipa tarda, Tulipa greigii and Tulipa kaufmanniana, among others.
Daffodils tend to last much longer in our climate and soils than tulips. If you have issues with chipmunks or squirrels digging up bulbs, planting more daffodils or hyacinth, which are poisonous to such critters (as opposed to tulips or crocus), can be helpful as they will be less motivated to dig up tulip bulbs.
Another strategy is to put a couple inches of “chicken grit” that you can buy in farm and feed stores just under the mulch (or if you don’t use mulch, about half an inch under the top of the soil) that is over the bulbs. Squirrels and chipmunks don’t like digging in such material and it may discourage them but won’t interfere with the bulbs coming up in spring.
You can also lay chicken wire over the soil where you planted the bulbs and weight it with bricks or rocks. Leave it over winter but be sure to remove it in spring when the bulb foliage starts to poke out of the soil so the leaves don’t get girdled.
If you have critters that like to snip off the flower heads, you may want to apply a repellant on a regular basis. A number of such products are available for sale.
Lisa Johnson, Dane County UW-Extension horticulture educator
Source: Wisconsin State Journal @ madison.com/wsj/
SEPTEMBER’S PLANT OF THE MONTH:
Calathea
Calathea plants, known for their strikingly striped and colorful leaves, are popular tropical houseplants that bring a touch of the jungle indoors. Originating from Central and South America, they flourish in low to medium light and require humid environments to thrive. When provided with the right conditions, such as filtered light or dappled shade, calatheas grow rapidly, reaching full maturity in just a year.
Calathea needs light that mimics its natural habitat in the understory where there is no direct sun. The potting medium should be lightweight, rich in organic matter, and slightly acidic. Water the plant enough to keep the soil moist at all times but not wet and fertilize it once a month except during the winter. The plant is highly sensitive to cold and grows best in a warm, humid environment so ensure the air in your home isn’t too dry.
Calatheas prefer filtered light or shade. They naturally grow beneath a canopy of trees on the jungle floor with dappled sunlight. Keep your calathea out of direct sun, as too much light burns the leaves and cause their vibrant patterns to fade. Indirect sun from an east-, south-, or west-facing window is usually best. Rotate your plant so all sides get an equal amount of light.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Calathea plants don’t tolerate temperatures lower than 60°F and thrive in temperatures between 70 and 85°F.
The plants prefer humidity levels of 50% and higher. Raise the humidity around your plant by placing a humidifier nearby or put the plant on a pebble tray filled with water (make sure the bottom of the pot isn’t touching the water). Calathea is also a great plant for a bathroom or a terrarium where the conditions are naturally humid.
For a luscious, full plant, treat your calathea once a month with a liquid balanced fertilizer at half strength throughout the spring, summer, and fall, following label instructions. Hold off on fertilizer in the winter months when the plant naturally grows less.
If you notice the edges of your calathea’s leaves are browning or withering, that’s a sure sign you need to up your watering cadence. If you feel dryness when you stick your finger an inch or two down into the soil, give your plant some water.
Calatheas are surprisingly picky when it comes to the type of water they receive. They are sensitive to several minerals typically found in most tap water, which can cause their leaves to yellow. To avoid this, water your calathea with filtered water, rainwater, or tap water that has sat out overnight to let any chlorine or fluoride present evaporate.
Klein’s currently carries an amazing assortment of calathea in all colors and leaf patterns.
Source: www.thespruce.com/
AROUND TOWN:
For neighborhood events or garden tours that you would like posted in our monthly newsletter, please contact Rick at (608) 244-5661 or [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.
GLEAM, Art in a New Light @ Olbrich Gardens
Thru October 24
Wednesdays thru Saturdays, 6:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m., rain or shine
In the gardens @ Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Creatures, creatures all around…imagination runs wild when you hear a sound.
From the tall and looming to the small and unassuming, creatures of every shape and size coexist, each playing a role in a global ecosystem. Typically unseen, those that prowl beneath the moonlight, colonies that tunnel deep under foot, or sea dwellers that pulse and glow in the depths of the blue emerge in the twilight. But beyond the familiar lies a realm of imagination—fantastical creatures born of legend and lore: mythical beasts, and monsters – tiny insects that present superhero feats. In this world, plants grow larger than life and communicate in symphony.
As night falls, the Gardens come alive—illuminated in vibrant color patterns, curious movements, and the calls of the wild and the weird—casting light on the rich presence of creatures all around us, whether real or make-believe. Light artists from around the world inspire this world of illuminated enchantment, expanding your imagination beyond what is known.
Ticket sales begin August 4! Advanced timed-tickets are required.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave., Madison
608/246-4550 or www.olbrich.org for details.
Family Nature Walk @ the Arboretum
Sunday, October 4, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
This walk is a fun, fascinating way for families with children elementary age and younger to explore the natural world. Adults must attend. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather and insects. Walks canceled for unsafe weather or trail conditions. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
University of WI Arboretum
1207 Seminole Hwy.
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu
Conifers @ the Arboretum
Saturday, October 10, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Longenecker Horticultural Garden Tour
Join Neil Schmidt, garden horticultural specialist, for a ramble through the Longenecker Horticultural Gardens’ pinetum – the largest and most diverse conifer collection in the state. Designated an American Conifer Society reference garden since 2015, the collection presents a stunning array of conifers from around the country and the world. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
University of Wisconsin Arboretum
1207 Seminole Highway
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu.
Colors of Fall Garden Tour @ the Arboretum
Saturday, October 17, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Join David Stevens, garden curator, for a vibrant stroll through Longenecker Horticultural Gardens, where he will highlight sensational seasonal colors and share the science behind this natural phenomenon. Advance registration is free through Eventbrite and opens September 1: uw-madison-arboretum.eventbrite.com. Registration closes October 13 or when full. 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: Mighty Migrations @ the Arboretum
Sunday, October 18, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
This program is a fun, fascinating way for families with children elementary age and younger to explore the natural world. Nature walk: 1:30–2:30 p.m., activities: 2:30–3:30 p.m. Adults must attend. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather. Walks canceled for unsafe weather or trail conditions. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
University of WI Arboretum
1207 Seminole Hwy.
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu
Full Moon Night Walk @ the Arboretum
Saturday, October 24, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Let your eyes adjust to the moonlight, listen to the night sounds, and experience the darkness on this naturalist-led walk (full moon October 25). Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather and insects. Walks canceled for unsafe conditions. Free, register through Eventbrite by October 20: 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
44th Annual Herb Fair @ Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Saturday, November 7, 10:00-4:00
This Year’s Theme: Herbal Self-Care
The Herb Fair annually sponsored by the Madison Herb Society, reaches out to the public through lectures and demonstrations and provides an outlet for members to expand their knowledge and abilities to use herbs.
Hear about herbs from speakers and vendors. Purchase herbal products. Make & take projects, demonstrations, and a Q & A station. Free! Sponsored by the Madison Herb Society. Visit madisonherbsociety.org/annual-herb-fair for a detailed schedule of the day’s events.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave., Madison
608/246-4550 or www.olbrich.org for details.
All About Owls @ the Arboretum
Saturday, November 7, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Class
Learn about Wisconsin’s twelve owl species, focusing on the three that nest in Madison, and how to identify these elusive birds of prey. Habitat, calls, courtship, hunting, and eating will be discussed. Instructor: Sylvia Marek, Arboretum naturalist. Indoor class. Fee: $25. Register by November 3 @ https://arboretum.wisc.edu/classes/23584/ . 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
OCTOBER IN THE GARDEN-–A checklist of things to do this month.
**Although the average first frost date for Madison is about Oct. 10, killing frosts have occurred as early as September 12 (1955). Be aware of quick weather changes this time of year. Be prepared to cover tender plants at any time.
___Visit Olbrich, Rotary or Allen Centennial Gardens and note plants of fall interest for spring planting and best selection.
___Dig new beds now! It’s easier now than in spring when super-busy.
___Take geranium, salvia, impatiens, abutilon cuttings before the first freeze.
___Plant spring bulbs now! Plant tulips, daffodils, hyacinths & crocus.
___Plant bulbs for forcing and put in a cool location for 10-12 weeks.
___Plant Christmas amaryllis now for holiday blooms; paperwhites now for Thanksgiving blooms.
___Apply a systemic pesticide to plants to be wintered over indoors.
___Move potted bulbs to be stored like begonias, callas, caladiums and cannas to a garage so they can dry out before storage.
___Dig up and store dahlias, glads, cannas and elephant’s ear after tops freeze.
___Continue planting deciduous shrubs and trees until the ground freezes.
___Divide and plant perennials as desired.
___Clean up stalks and leaves of annuals and vegetables, preventing viruses and pests for next year’s garden.
___Continue harvesting brussels sprouts, kale, greens and root crops.
___Plant garlic. October is the best time.
___Stop deadheading perennials for winter interest, i.e. sedums, grasses, etc.
___Cut perennials back to 4-6″, leaving those for winter interest.
___Collect seeds for next year’s garden.
___Plant winter rye as a cover crop for spring tilling.
___Make notes in your garden journal for changes, improvements, etc.
___Take pictures of your garden for record keeping.
___Mow the lawn at shortest setting for last mowing of the season.
___Visit Klein’s—Great selection of mums, kales, cabbages, pansies & more!
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 OCTOBER:
—Pots, cell packs and trays arrive from our wholesalers in preparation for next spring. Most are stored in the unused greenhouses out back. It’s only 3 months till the first of next year’s geranium crop arrive (we already have some of next season’s tropicals).
—We send out our mailings to local churches regarding poinsettia and blooming plant information for the upcoming holidays. We are proud to say that hundreds of area churches and businesses are decked out with Klein’s HOMEGROWN poinsettias during the holiday season.
—By month’s end the poinsettias begin to change color. Looking across the greenhouses, one begins to see hints of red, pink and white. We’ve moved many of our poinsettias into our retail area from their growing spaces. We’ve been pampering them since early July!
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, Stoughton, Sun Prairie, Verona, Waunakee and Windsor. We do not deliver to Cambridge or Columbus.
Current delivery rate on 1-4 items is $11.95 for Madison, Maple Bluff, Monona and Shorewood Hills; $12.95 for Cottage Grove, DeForest, Fitchburg, McFarland, Sun Prairie, Waunakee and Windsor; $14.95 for Middleton, Oregon and Verona; $17.95 for Marshall; $19.95 for Stoughton and Cross Plains. An additional $8.00 will be added for deliveries of 4-10 items and $10.00 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 $50.00 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 $11.95. 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.
Our normal rates apply for funeral deliveries. 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 10:00 a.m. for Cross Plains, Verona, Oregon, Fitchburg and Middleton or 12:30 p.m. for Madison zip codes 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