Wild Cucumber
In late summer, you may notice trees or shrubs covered with crowns of white flowers that are not part of the woody plant blooming. Look closely and you'll notice the leaves and individual flowers look just like that of cucumber--this is wild cucumber. Wild cucumber is...
Cannas- A Touch of Tropical
Cannas can add a touch of tropical to any garden with wide, green or variegated leaves and bright flowers in multiple shades of red, pink, orange and yellow. Canna is the only genus in the family of Cannaceae which can be propagated from seed, but most often are grown...
Bird of Paradise
Master Gardener, Betty Grotophorst, has a green thumb when it comes to growing the “Bird of Paradise”. The iconic, stereotypical flower of the tropics, isn’t really a tropical plant at all, however, it has a very exotic bloom that looks great! The Bird of Paradise...
Sources for Seeds & Gardening Accessories
Submitted by Ann Marie Ott, MG If you planted seeds early and they didn’t germinate or haven’t gotten into the planting mood given the cool weather, you may find yourself needing to purchase seeds. This list certainly does not represent all possible sources...
Potato Varieties for Wisconsin Gardens
Potato Varieties for Wisconsin Gardens by MGV Ann Marie Ott Folklore and family tradition may find you planning for potato planting on St. Patrick’s Day or Good Friday. Given our recent winter weather and deep frost line, you won’t have an opportunity to plant on St....
Orchid Care
Orchid Care by MGV Ann Marie Ott With winter apparently continuing without end, you may be tempted to bring a bit of the tropics into your home by purchasing an orchid. An easy to maintain variety is Phalaenopsis, also called the moth orchid because of the shape of...
Tropical Hibiscus
Since Mother Nature refuses to provide us with a peek at Spring, we’ll take a wishful look at growing tropical hibiscus. Picture glossy green leaved shrubs, trimmed to five or six feet high, forming a privacy screen around a red brick patio. Sprinkled among the...
The Language of Flowers
As Valentine’s Day nears, you may be planning to select a floral arrangement or card to send to a loved one. Consider the language of flowers when making your selections! Floriography, the technical term for the meaning of flowers, was coined in the Victorian era...
Poinsettia & Christmas Cactus Care, After the Holidays
Florists and other retail outlets may now be offering poinsettia and Christmas cactus plants at greatly reduced prices. Neighbors and friends may be discarding the plants, if wilted or blooms have naturally dropped from the Christmas cactus. If you are tempted by the...
Forcing Paperwhite Narcissus Bulbs
Bring spring into your home to beat the winter blues! Bring a glimpse of spring to your home by forcing paperwhite narcissus bulbs! The beautiful white blooms set above spring green leaves have a distinctive fragrance so consider whether family members or visitors to...