Written by Alex | June 10, 2010 | 2010 NewslettersNewsletter Tags: flowers, Gardening, jokes, recipies, stories
Plant, Pot and Pinch
Newsletter 13 – Thursday, June 10, 2010
- Perennial of the Week: Buddleia
- FREE Ask the Expert Class
- Recipe: Fettuccine with Scallops and Mushrooms
- Recipe: Korean Barbeque
One of these days, is None of these days.
A greater truth has never been told. One of my greatest struggles is dealing with things as they come. It’s so easy for me to say "I’m not doing that right now," "I’ll do it tomorrow," or "I’ll get to that someday when I have time." But we all know that when we plan to do something someday, chances are good that someday will never come. So today I will make the above bit of wisdom my mantra. I will post many copies of it around my home and office. I will stop with the excuses.
Bonnie and I answer the phone everyday and hear "Is it too late to plant?" or "Is there anything I can still plant?" or "I suppose you’re sold out of everything good to plant." and even, "I’m just not going to do much this year, it’s too late." Let us reassure you that is definitely not true. In fact, we consider June the true beginning of the planting season. In Wisconsin, May is fickle another one of those great truths. But once we reach June, the air warms and summer rains fall creating perfect growing conditions.
Many times, after we reassure our callers and tell them we still have thousands of plants, they will come out and fill their carts with gorgeous mature specimens in a plethora of colors. They go home inspired and happy, and we are so pleased to have provided "Beauty with God’s Help" to them.
If you, too, have spent much of May procrastinating. Saying, "I’ll plant next week, and then next week and then…" We encourage you to plant today. When you are obsessing about how behind you are, or how late it is, you are missing out on so much. So join me in resolving to stop the excuses. Come on out today and let us help you turn your outdoor living spaces into your own personal paradise.
The Law of Logical Argument:
Anything is possible if you dont know what you are talking about
Pots for Every Place
Contain those plants before they get away! Now that your veggies are off and running, don’t forget about that empty spot on your front porch or that corner of your deck or patio. Just by adding a small grouping of beautiful pots to your entrance, you can add value to your property. Let us help you choose the perfect plants for your containers. We have many sizes, colors, textures and shapes for you to choose from. From small to tall we have something for everyone, even chocolate lovers. Go to our photos on Facebook for great ideas! You’ll love these pictures taken by our own Jesse Steinke.
The Starbucks Law:
As soon as you sit down to a cup of hot coffee,
your boss will ask you to do something which will last until the coffee is cold.
Perennial of the Week Buddleia
Ilene has chosen Buddleia as the Perennial of the Week. Available in 4 colors: Black Knight, Nanho Blue, Royal Red and Bicolor, this is a favorite perennial plant of many gardeners. I could go on and on about it, but this Butterfly Website says it much better than I ever could. What a great website for all things butterfly.
If you would like to add this wonderful butterfly magnet’ to your landscape, we suggest you hurry out. When we put these on special, they go fast.
The Law of Probability:
The probability of being watched
is directly proportional to the stupidity of your act.
FREE Ask the Expert Class
Perennial Gardening for Shade
Saturday, June 12th 10AM by Ilene Isenberg. There are more choices for those less-than-sunny locations than hostas. Lest we give hostas a bad name, they are wonderful plants and there are many sizes, colors and leaf shapes to choose from to enhance your garden’s beauty. But there are also quite a few lovely perennials for shade that you may not have thought of. Ilene is not only a Master Gardener, but she is our perennial manager too, and would love to help you design, or spruce up your shady beds. She’s drawn up two free garden plans for this class one for under a tree, and another for shady entryway. We hope to see you there.
Mark Your Calendars – You won’t want to miss the free ice cream on July 3-4th when you come out to our Cottage Grove location to celebrate our nation’s Independence
The Law of Biomechanics:
The severity of the itch is inversely proportional to the reach.
The Power of Pinching
June is a great time to pinch back many of your perennials to keep them more compact. Since shorter stalks are more resilient to the wind, this is a great way to prevent your gorgeous blossoms from breaking off. Upright Garden Phlox can be cut in half to produce shorter, more compact plants. Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium) can be pinched to produce fuller plants, sturdier stalks and more flowers. Other perennials that benefit from early summer pruning include Boltonia, Chrysanthemums, Hibiscus, Obedient Plant (Physotegia), Russian Sage, Veronica, and Yarrow (Achillea).
For detailed information on how and what to pinch, check out the University of Illinois Extension for suggestions.
The Law of Public Speaking:
A closed mouth gathers no feet.
Our fan club is growing. Please become a fan on Facebook, and invite your friends. Help us get one thousand fans and surprises will await you when you visit our page.
Law of Close Encounters:
The probability of meeting someone you know increases dramatically
when you are with someone you don’t want to be seen with.
Upcoming Events
Sat, Jun 12 | Class 10AM – Shade Perennial Gardening There are more choices than hostas for shady places. Class by Ilene Isenberg. |
Sat, Aug 14 | IRIS Divide and Swap Starts at 10 AM. Bring a clump of Iris to divide and swap with others! Bring a knife, a sharpie pen and plastic bags. |
Sat, Sep 18 | Art in the Garden 9 AM – 4 PM Local artisans and crafters will be displaying and selling their merchandise |
The Law of Physical Appearance:
If the clothes fit, theyre ugly.
Bonnie’s Kitchen
Fettuccine with Scallops and Mushrooms
- 1 t salt
- 1 lb. fettuccine
- ¼ lb. sweet butter
- ¾-1 lb. scallops, fresh or frozen
- ½ lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 2 T fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup heavy cream, warmed
- Coarsely ground pepper and salt to taste (I also add cayenne pepper)
Directions
Cook pasta in 5-6 quarts salted boiling water until extra al dente (chewy), drain. Use a large skillet to melt butter, add scallops, mushrooms, and one tablespoon parsley. Saute for 2-3 minutes. Add cream and blend into mixture. Sprinkle extra parsley, salt and pepper over all. Serve on warmed plates.
Korean Barbeque
- ¼ cup sesame oil
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 T toasted sesame seeds
- 3 green onion, finely chopped
- 1 t fresh ginger root, grated
- 1 clove garlic, pressed, or finely diced
- 1 ½-2 lbs. flank steak
Directions
Mix all ingredients except steak in pan. Score meat lightly. Marinate 2-4 hours (or overnight). Barbecue 5 minutes on each side. Slice on a slant.
And speaking of food and recipes:
Theres room for all Gods creatures.
Right next to the mashed potatoes.

Edward Knapton says Keep on Smiling!
Sec – Treasurer Berry Hill Farms, Inc.
DBA Americas Best Flowers Garden Center
4311 Vilas Hope Road
Cottage Grove, WI 53527
608-222-2269 Fax 608-222-1234 Cell 608-698-5627