Written by Alex | August 24, 2017 | 2017 NewslettersNewsletterNewslettersWeekly Newsletters

Stoic Garden Kitties & Pups on Sale!

Newsletter 34 – Thursday, August 24, 2017

• Check Out Our Back-to-School Sales• Fall Bulbs, Bulb-tone, & Repels-All• Fresh Flowers for All Occasions• Recipe: Cauliflower Cabbage Salad

Cottage Grove location hours

Mon-Fri 9-6
Sat 9-5
Sun 10-5

Edgerton location open hours

Mon-Fri 8:30-5:30
Sat 9-5
Sun 9-4

Sally’s Tail

Sally the greenhouse kittySally the greenhouse kitty Click for Larger Image
Allow us to introduce you to our resident cat, Sally! This feral beauty adopted the greenhouse as her part-time home one winter about 5 years ago. Very timid and skittish, we noticed her just as a flash of fur as she ran after being spooked out of slumber. Then our compassionate leader, Carol, began regularly providing fresh food and water for Sally and slowly showing her the kindness of humans. Carol fast became her favorite person, and through lots of patience (and slowww movements), she was able to pet Sally when no one else could dare even think about it. This past spring, she picked up on Barb's kind nature and chose her as another favorite person. Soon, Sally could always be found next to her side. She sweetly kept Barb company while seeding countless flats and faithfully followed her wherever she went (as long as it was within the "safe" area, of course).Sally has since gradually warmed up to staff members and she's now an integral part of our daily routine, spending lots of time in the office. Some would say she's needy for attention, but really, it's that she's just very important around here. In fact, she is our tiniest supervisor! She greets staff as they clock in, attends meetings, and checks in on everyone throughout the day. She even meows to let us know when we're working too hard and we need a petting break. What a gal! She does a fantastic job for minimal pay; now all we need to do is get her an appropriately sized work shirt!
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 Sally sure has come a long way… At this point, Sally prefers to work behind-the-scenes, so she's still a bit shy around customers, but see if you can spot her around the greenhouse, and let her know she's doing a good job!
A plateau is the highest form of flattery.

Check Out Our Back-to-School Sales

  • All Statuary & Specialty Planters – 40% OFF
  • All Shrubs – 40% OFF
  • All Gazing Globes – 30% OFF
  • 10" & 12" Hanging Baskets BUY-1-GET-1 FREE

All Statuary & Specialty Planters – 40% OFF

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Take advantage of this sale on items that will last for many years to come. We have a nice selection of stoic garden statues: gargoyles, dogs, cats, stone owls, stone mushrooms, fairies, gnomes, frogs, St. Francis, and more!Get ready for the fall season, or get an early jump on spring with planters that have pizzazz! Sale includes wood and novelty planters (those that are in the shape of animals or items). Our novelty planters include those shaped as dogs, cats, frogs, chickens, books, luggage, birch logs, and more!All plastic and non-novelty ceramic pottery is NOT included in this sale.
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All Shrubs – 40% OFF

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Late summer/early fall is a great time to plant perennials, trees, and shrubs so they can get established before winter. So, why not save some money and improve your landscape? Just remember that shrubs planted this time of the season will still need supplemental watering until they're established.We have spiraea (bridal bush), aronia (chokeberry), dogwood, pussy willow, azalea, snowberry, burning bush, mock orange, button bush (fiber optic), rose, viburnum, evergreens, and more.All shrubs are included in the sale. This offer is not valid on previous purchases or custom orders.  There is no warranty on plants purchased at special savings of 40% off.
I asked the librarian if they had any books on paranoia.

She whispered, “They’re right behind you.”

All Gazing Globes – 30% OFF

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Gazing globes create a colorful focal point that offers a place for reflection… both literally and figuratively! They are as enchanting as they are reflective and add interest to the garden.Gazing globe pedestals are also included in this sale.

10″ & 12″ Hanging Baskets BUY-1-GET-1 FREE

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Spruce up your yard for the rest of the season with fresh plants and a new look. We have many nice looking hanging baskets available.This sale does NOT include mums or foliage hanging baskets.
It’s hard to explain puns to kleptomaniacs because they always take things literally.

Fall Bulbs, Bulb-tone, & Repels-All

Fall bulbs will be arriving at the greenhouse sometime in the next couple of weeks. Call 608-222-2269 or check our facebook page to find out exactly when, so you can get the best selection.

Fall Bulbs

Fall bulbs, also known as spring flowering bulbs, are planted in the fall to create beautiful flowering displays in early spring. Fall bulbs include alliums, crocus, daffodils, fritillaria, grape hyacinths, iris, snowdrops, tulips, and scilla (a charming little blue flower that can be found in our front beds here at the greenhouse each spring). After some planning and planting, fall bulbs require little maintenance to continue blooming year after year.Fall bulbs are planted in the fall and need the ground to be cool but not frozen. Planting when the soil is warm risks that bulbs will start growing in the fall, so wait to plant until we’ve had a couple of frosts, yet before the ground freezes completely. This could mean late October, but as long as the ground hasn’t frozen yet, you could plant into November or December.Plant in full sun, at a depth 2-3 times as deep as they are wide. Follow the tag for spacing between plants and water thoroughly after planting.

Espoma Bulb-tone

The best time to fertilize bulbs is at the time of planting because it’s the only time you can get it right in the root zone where the bulb can reach it. After digging the hole, mix fertilizer with the surrounding soil before planting the bulb.Espoma Bulb-tone is a natural fertilizer derived from organic ingredients and provides all the nutrients necessary for healthy bulb plants and flowers. It breaks down and releases nutrients gradually, so the plant has time to take it up as it grows. It also contains a blend of microbes that are vital to plant health and facilitate nutrient uptake.

Espoma Bulb ToneEspoma Bulb Tone More Information
Espoma Bone Meal is another good soil amendment for bulbs, providing nitrogen and phosphorus. It helps develop a sturdy root system and promotes growth.

Bonide Repels-All

To prevent damage from animals, use an animal repellent such as Bonide Repels-All. It’s environmentally safe and keeps away a variety of animals for up to 2 months, without harming them and comes in either a granular or spray.

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“This is your captain speaking, AND THIS IS YOUR CAPTAIN SHOUTING.”

Fresh Flowers for All Occasions

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We all know the major events for which to give someone flowers, but there are many more happenings that we don't often think of that are perfect occasions for an arrangement: retirement, anniversary/engagement (not just for your relationship, but for another couple), divorce (if appropriate), baby shower/birth, bridal shower, or a new job.To order flowers or plants for delivery, for any occasion, just contact us at either our Cottage Grove location at 608-222-2269 or www.americasbestflowers.net or our Edgerton location at 608-884-8120 or 1-888-287-1411 or www.edgertonfloralandgarden.com.Please keep in mind that flower, plant and container selection may vary between our locations.

Upcoming Events

Rose Winterization Class
Sat, Sep 9 @ 9:30 am – 10:30 am
Learn how to prepare your roses for winter! Our rose expert will share several techniques and tips for rose winterization and pruning, so that next season your roses will come back strong, healthy and beautiful!
Learn how to create a spring bulb garden
Sat, Sep 9 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Art In the Garden Craft Fair
Sat, Sep 16 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Talented local artists display and sell their unique items among flowers and foliage! Crafts include a variety of styles and mediums, providing a nice selection to choose from. This is a great way to get a jump on holiday shopping!
Create a Bonsai plant with the help of our expert
Sat, Sep 23 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Scarecrow Weekends
Sat, Oct 7 – Sun, Oct 8 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bring the family and build your own scarecrow!
Scarecrow Weekends
Sat, Oct 14 – Sun, Oct 15 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bring the family and build your own scarecrow!

Our Kitchen – By Lauren

Here's a delicious and easy-to-make dish from Marty. It's a fresh dish, perfect for potlucks and picnics. Personally, my favorite step of this recipe is number 3.  😉

Cauliflower Cabbage Salad

• 1 lb. bacon, fried crisp & crumbled• 1 bag shredded cabbage – coleslaw• 1 head cauliflower, chopped into small pieces• 1 small onion, choppedDressing:• 2 C mayo• 1/3 C Kraft parmesan cheese• 1/3 C sugar• salt & pepper to taste

Directions

1. Put cauliflower in bottom of 9×13" glass dish (DO NOT USE METAL PAN). Add coleslaw mix & onion over top.2. Mix dressing ingredients together well. Spread over top of slaw mix. Sprinkle bacon over top.3. Chill.
SEE YOU SOON!!!