The Bruce Company Blog

written by Lisa Briggs
The tradition of bringing holiday plants and greenery into the home has been around for centuries. It helps us deny the winter’s snow and dark days. But who cares why when the plants are so lush and beautiful? Try a couple to brighten your holiday.

written by Lisa Briggs
What type of tree is best? The popularity of Christmas trees varies geographically. Here in Dane County, the overwhelming favorite is the Fraser Fir, with its dark green needles highlighted by silvery-blue undersides, sturdy branches and superb needle retention.

written by Lisa Briggs
Colder weather is certainly on its way. It’s time to get your ponds and water features ready for the frosty temperatures to come.

written by Lisa Briggs
Wow. It’s November and we’re seeing forecasted temps in the upper 50s. Lilacs are blooming. So are Iris! The Farmers’ Almanac is predicting a chilly and snowy winter for the lower Great Lakes region. I’m excited to see what the next couple weeks will bring.

written by Lisa Briggs
These beautiful late fall days are perfect for getting a jump on outdoor holiday decorating. Why not start with hanging your Christmas lights? There’s no rule that says they need to be lit right away and it’s so much easier to put them up now.

written by Lisa Briggs
At the Garden Center, we’re clearancing trees, shrubs and perennials while stocking up on holiday decor. We have mixed emotions about the end of the outdoor gardening season. What about you?

written by Lisa Briggs
Fall is the time of year for two of my favorite garden activities-harvest and reflection. Without harvest, you can’t reap the rewards of a summer well spent. And without reflection, I can’t learn from my mistakes, as well as the successes.

written by Lisa Briggs
I love pots of showy amaryllis during the holidays. Though fragrant paperwhites are not my favorite, they are very easy to force in vases. And with a little prep time, you can have pots of tulips and daffodils blooming in your kitchen in late February.

written by Lisa Briggs
We call them all bulbs, but bulbs, rhizomes, corms and tubers are essentially storage organs that contain flower buds. The structure feeds the developing flower as it grows to maturity and blooms.

written by Lisa Briggs
We’ve got a couple of chilly nights under our belts, with the night temps as low as 45 degrees. So it’s time to get your houseplants that have spent the summer months outdoors ready for their move back inside.