Winter - Spring Visitors :)

 

While winter is officially behind us, our recent cold and blustery days do not provide a feeling of springtime warmth…  March provided southeastern Wisconsin with several warm “teaser” days, which have helped some daffodils, tulips and winter aconites to emerge.  Gardeners must be patient a bit longer to witness the full beauty of a spring bulb explosion!

To bridge the gap from late summer blooms until my tulip and daffodil displays appear, I often turn to my winter-spring visitors… those flowering annuals that I rescued and repotted before fall’s frost!  A variety of colorful plants have thrived under grow lights and sunny windows all winter long.  Within two months, they will go outdoors and acclimate to cool nights and partial sunshine… most plants will survive and thrive through this transition in preparation for a summer show.

Pictured here are some winter-spring visitors, still performing well in late March: 

German ivy (Senecio mikanioides) and wire vine (Muehlenbeckia axillaris) are examples of trailing plants that will later be incorporated into my large container plantings, grouped with other plants that bloom and provide color and texture for each sun-loving container. 

Shade-loving coleus (genus: Solenostemon) plants are also capable of transitioning from outdoors to indoors, and back outdoors in late May.  (If coleus plants get leggy, take cuttings and root in water so you can enjoy them another season.)  Coleus shown here are cultivars ‘Dipt in Wine’ and ‘Electric Lime.’  They should thrive in a part-sun container.

Finally, our bay window is filled with winter-spring visitors…  Hibiscus, white and pink geraniums, lemon-coral sedum and amaryllis have found their Happy Place at our home.  

Most plants shown here will reside outdoors by     June 1^st!  

Even amaryllis plants will be moved to a shady outdoor location to build strength for next year’s blooms. (The only exceptions are my phalaenopsis orchid and jade plant shown; if outdoors, they might become food for bugs and beetles!)

When selecting plants this spring at your favorite garden center, please consider ANNUALS as a viable part of your garden design.  They bloom 4 – 5 months outdoors… and many can come indoors in autumn to become winter-spring visitors to keep your indoor spaces colorful and cheerful during colder months!

M. Lynn Schmid, Master Gardener
A.A.S. Landscape/Horticulture/Arboriculture

Kaleidoscope of Kolors: 2024

While paint manufacturers often promote a certain color each year, and Pantone also declares which color is THE ONE to buy, we need only to look as far as OUR GARDENS to find decadent, delicious colors for our eyes to behold!   

(These colors are truly reminiscent of the toy kaleidoscope I owned as a child… long, long ago!)    

The growing season of 2024 has been quite amazing in Southeast Wisconsin, although some areas received excessive amounts of rain and flooding which does not enhance the ability to grow those favorite flowers and veggies.  Gardeners in our immediate area were quite fortunate since we received adequate rainfall during most months of spring/summer; supplemental watering was sometimes needed to keep plants healthy and happy.

From peonies and poppies in late spring, to purple cauliflower and tomatoes in late summer, bold colors abound in our gardens. 

Pollinators were plentiful in our backyard, and they are always welcome here!   Even a few frogs (not tree frogs and not toads) took up residence in our backyard, which was a surprise to me since there is a river very near that would provide a more suitable habitat.  I have been researching some ways to provide shelter for these frogs, so in 2025, I’ll do my best to provide a clay pot for shelter and a nicer habitat for them.  

(By next year our small rain garden should be completed, so that will likely be an attraction for our local frogs.)

Other Stars of the Show this season were the prickly pear cactus, clematis with its bold purple blooms, and an heirloom tomato (cultivar ‘Mexico Midget’ which grows on an indeterminate plant and often is the largest of all my tomato plants.)   The other tomato varieties I planted look healthy, but most remain VERY GREEN in mid-Sept.   Since tomatoes don’t thrive in temps less than THIRTY-SIX DEGREES, I am hopeful they will ripen on the vine really soon! 

(Just last week we had one cold night of 43 degrees— not much time left to ripen on the vine.)

Can’t forget about herbs and annuals… they contribute color AND texture to our gardens each year.  The marigolds shown here are cultivar ‘Little Hero’ (I have collected seeds each year when seed pods are fully dried on the plant.)  I usually direct sow these seeds in late May, and they begin blooming in early July.  The rosemary plant shown is cultivar ‘Madeline Hill’ and is rated as a Zone 5 plant; since our area has been designated as Zone 5 for several years, I am going to allow this plant to remain in ground over winter. In years past I wintered over indoors under grow lights.

NEW FIND IN THE GARDEN:  On AUG 1^st, a white flower crab spider visited our magenta monarda patch.  A pure white spider with a pink marking— quite beautiful but a bit bizarre too!

TO OUR “GOODNESS IN THE GARDEN” READERS:   Hope your gardening adventures this season were productive, educational AND fun!   Enjoy looking back at blogs from past years (we started writing in FEB 2012) since most articles are timely to a season of the year—but not a specific year.  Happy reading and happy gardening to you!  

Cheers, Lynn

M. Lynn Schmid, Master Gardener
A.A.S. Landscape/Horticulture/Arboriculture

 

Those Shady Characters... Caladium!

Each spring when I visit garden centers, I truly enjoy displays of various cultivars of Caladium. 

During summer visits to botanical gardens, I find areas adorned with Caladium seem to draw me near!

Each variety has its own unique beauty: patterned, speckled leaves (large and small), a plethora of color hues from creamy whites and pale pinks to bold reds and greens.  

The contrasting color of veining in each broad leaf provides visual interest as well.

The genus Caladium deserves a space in any ornamental home garden, and is used extensively in container gardening.  

Usually Caladium is considered a shade lover, but some newer cultivars thrive and survive in partly sunny locations.  

My personal experience with Caladium plants indicates they are happy with an eastern exposure location and are quite tolerant of humidity.

While visiting a garden center yesterday, I found a poster indicating some Caladium plants can grow in FULL SUN, providing they have sufficient water.   This is contradictory to what I have learned about this genus, so I will continue to protect those little beauties by planting them in a shady or part-sun location. 

If you wish to experiment with a single plant in a sunny location, be sure the plant tag indicates that particular variety can handle six + hours of sunshine each day. 

The genus Caladium is from family Araceae (Caladium plants are considered tropical perennials; this genus is native to Central and South America.)  These plants usually have a rating of Zone 9 or 10 which means they could be perennials in Southern Florida, but not here in Wisconsin.  

At the end of the growing season, a gardener can lift the tuber or bulb from the soil before first frost.  This bulb can be dried off and stored in a cool, dark location till March of next year; then plant in fresh potting soil.  (I have done this successfully once, but did not achieve success every time.)   

Some gardeners might like to use as a houseplant, but Wikipedia reminds us the plant parts are definitely toxic.

Explore all the possibilities when deciding which cultivars you wish to buy for your garden or containers. 

Try a few varieties together in a container, and enjoy those bold colors all season long!

M. Lynn Schmid, Master Gardener
A.A.S. Landscape/Horticulture/Arboriculture

Have you planted bareroot trees?

 Plant Bareroot trees this Spring and love how easy it is!

Lightweight, no heavy pot or soil, easy to transport & plant!

Check out our 

Spring Tree Sale 

including shade trees, fruit trees, ornamental flowering trees & evergreens!  

Save 25% while quantities last on bareroot & potted trees - 

Shop early for best selection!

NEW! 

Browse, shop & order online 

www.lammscape.com 

Fun-Filled February... a Month of Holidays!

For many Americans, THE holiday season focuses on those holidays which occur in November/December.  But the month of February holds its own in the holiday category as well.  Little or large celebrations… all are welcome diversions during a month that often brings us gray skies and frigid temperatures!

Early in the month (FEB 2) many celebrate Ground Hog Day… a single day when a small furry creature is honored by many and is expected to accurately forecast the onset of springtime weather.   By mid-February in 2024, there are several additional holidays vying for attention; some holidays have religious or political associations, but all have earned their special place on our calendars!

For the football-loving audiences out there, Super Bowl Sunday (FEB 11) is a genuine holiday; it signals the conclusion of the 2023-24 professional football season and for many, is a terrific excuse to cook and consume massive quantities of high-calorie foods and beverages for gatherings of family and friends.

Just one day later, we honor the birthday of former President Abraham Lincoln (FEB 12) followed by renowned activist Susan B. Anthony’s birthday (FEB 15.)   Presidents’ Day (FEB 19) is another holiday in USA which is celebrated by many with a Monday off work since it is a Federal and WI State holiday.

Valentine’s Day (FEB 14) is celebrated with love by many sweethearts, couples and even young children who may learn from teachers how to cut out a heart shape from red construction paper!   

This day is often celebrated with giving flowers and plants, chocolates and heart-shaped cookies—as well as greeting cards— all in an effort to remind those special people in our lives how much we care! This year, Ash Wednesday also falls on FEB 14, which officially begins the Season of Lent in Christian communities and churches throughout the world. 

Just ONE DAY prior to Ash Wednesday is known by various names: Shrove Tuesday, Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras Day and in Brazil, “Carnaval do Rio de Janeiro.”   This holiday is celebrated in many countries—each having their own traditions— and in 2024 these celebrations will occur on FEB 13.  Shrove Tuesday often represented a day of indulgence for many Christians, who then “gave up” certain favorite foods during the Lenten season.  Some may still practice this rite of sacrifice even in modern times.

    As a Horticulturist, I would like 

    ANY DAY in FEBRUARY to be designated as 

    BUY-YOURSELF-A-PLANT-DAY!  

(…not a real holiday—I just made this up!) Visit your fave florist or floral department at the grocery store; buy yourself (or a friend) a pretty flowering plant or bouquet…just to bring a smile!

For more holiday info, visit website: timeanddate.com/holidays/us/2024 

M. Lynn Schmid, Master Gardener 
A.A.S. Landscape/Horticulture/Arboriculture

Savoring the Season of Winter

We've entered a new month of WINTER here in Southeast Wisconsin.  

While some may lament over cold or snowy days in February, I have learned to savor the season by incorporating pleasant activities into each day.  Some may call these “micro-practices” since they aren’t large events, but these tiny activities could become the highlights of your days and keep your spirits up, even when skies are gray.  I’ll share a brief activity list, and you can add to this list to make it your own:

Even those with limited culinary skills can likely cook a pot of spicy chili or a hearty chowder for a lunch-time entrée.  Use a favorite family recipe or check online to find a chowder or chili that appeals to you; add a variety of legumes for color, flavor and fiber.

Take a winter walk (alone or with children/grandchildren/neighbors’ kids) and search for wildlife along your route.  Even during cold weather, you might observe various bird species, squirrels and other critters along the way.  Kids can count how many of each they encounter on your route (observing a barking dog in your neighborhood can be included in their animal count, unless you’re a purist and only wish to count wildlife!)

A calming indoor activity could involve planting bulbs like Amaryllis or Caladium.  The Caladium can be planted in lightweight pots and later in spring, can be added to an outdoor SHADY container plant grouping.  The Amaryllis need approx six weeks from planting bulb in pot till bloom time; should be blooming indoors by mid-March if you plant this week.  NOTE:  Amaryllis bulbs are capable of producing 4 – 6 blooms atop a thick green stalk; the plant in bloom can be top heavy, so suggest a heavy clay or ceramic pot for each bulb.  Don’t put more than one bulb per pot since the blooms will crowd each other which detracts from their beauty. 

Another indoor activity involves baking cookies… always a pleasure during wintry weather!  Bake a batch of SNOWBALL COOKIES using either your favorite shortbread or pecan finger cookie dough; use cookie scoop (2 tsp. size) to portion cookies and roll each into one-inch diameter ball of dough.  Place on cookie sheets and bake. Pour one cup POWDERED or ICING SUGAR into bowl.   After cookies are baked, remove from oven and immediately roll in powdered sugar to complete the look of snowballs.  Arrange on platter and enjoy. (DISCLAIMER: this author does NOT condone any food fights using snowball cookies!)

Final suggestion for today’s blog: observe or photograph the morning sunrise! During February, sunrise occurs after 7AM and from our location, appears over Lake Michigan. The Lake often provides condensation and cloud formations to make sunrise unique… enjoy some brief moments of tranquility, while admiring the morning sunlight!

M. Lynn Schmid, Master Gardener
A.A.S. Landscape/Horticulture/Arboriculture

* * * Winter Week in Wisconsin! * * *

A naked landscape during December in Southeastern Wisconsin seemed wrong… 

where was our SNOW??? 

The entire month of December 2023 passed without a snowfall in our area, which is quite rare.  

This trend continued into the first week of January, causing those who wanted to ice skate, snowshoe or snowmobile some sad days.  

As we approached the second week of January, weather forecasts warned of a massive cold front with snow, which would affect several states simultaneously.  

This forecast caused sadness for some, BUT smiles and anticipation for the snow aficionados in our state!

Winter week in Wisconsin is here!  

An entire month’s worth of ice, snow and sub-zero temps occurred the second week of January.  Some areas (like our backyard…) received 12 to 18 inches of snow within a few days, accompanied by fierce winds. 

With sub-zero temps each night, this snow will likely remain with us for some time… our landscape no longer appears naked and is fully clothed in a thick blanket of ice and snow.

Dense snow cover can be beneficial to all our dormant perennials, shrubs and trees.  

While an ICE GLAZE isn’t great for plants, SNOW can insulate the soil and maintain a cold, frozen state for those root systems underground.  

Freezing temps often are NOT the cause of Zone 4 or 5 plants dying, but freeze-thaw cycles can be extremely harmful!

***An ice coating can be especially harmful to conifers mainly if humans try to intervene! One of my horticulture instructors reminded us NEVER to knock off icicles from branch tips of our pines and spruces.  

The branches may struggle under the weight of the snow load, but if ice has formed beneath the snow, more damage can be caused by human intervention.

Thankfully, this massive storm front was followed by a high-pressure system which provided blue skies with sunshine to sparkle the fresh snow.  The air was crisp and fresh each day, and those who care to brave the cold could enjoy being outdoors.

People who prefer being indoors can start perusing seed catalogs and begin planning for springtime planting.  

Indoor enthusiasts can also enjoy watching birds frolicking at their feeders.  (Just a reminder, if you choose to put feeders in your yard, you must keep them clean and filled!  Not a huge task to perform, but a vital service to those hungry finches and woodpeckers who visit each day…)

Allow me to share my favorite Albert Einstein quote to end today’s blog:

“Snowflakes are the fairy dust of winter.”

M. Lynn Schmid, Master Gardener
A.A.S. Landscape/Horticulture/Arboriculture