Garden Center Blog

lettuce beware!

My whiskers twich when you’re not watching- My ears flick like weather vanes. My eyes grow round and rounder, I hippety-hop along the rows. Sometimes I nibble cabbage. Sometimes I nap amid the squash. When the sun shines, my coat turns to rust. But when the moon...

you had us at pansies

Happy Vernal Equinox! And last Friday was everything I was hoping for the first day of spring. Despite that blizzard, the month of March, thus far, has felt fairly mild and if you look at Wisconsin’s Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, known...

plant a butterfly buffet

Learn About Butterflies Day was March 14th and it always reminds me that the battle between strength and fragility is not illustrated more clearly than by a butterfly. About 130 of these brightly colored beauties can be spotted during the spring and summer in...

signposts of spring

As winter recedes, each sign of spring seems more symbolic than the last. And this year’s teasing tone has made all of us more than a little crazy. Personally, I’m longing for thunderstorms instead of snow showers. The sandhill crane’s raspy call or the melodious song...

coax some early spring bounty

A beautiful vase of flowers is a perfect remedy for chasing away the late winter blues when all we really want is to see is the light of spring at the end of winter’s tunnel. So how can you add the color and fragrance of flowers to your home without breaking the bank?...

how long until spring!

We’ve experienced some lovely weather this month and the warming temperatures will definitely be a trend as we move into March. We hope that you have a chance to get outside and enjoy those beautiful days. And even though, these steps into early spring will be...

lion? or lamb?

What exactly determines the difference between lamb and lion weather? Temperature? Precipitation? Clear skies? I’ve never been sure. I’ve checked all 6 of my favorite weather apps and forecasts range from 30 degrees and sunny to 24 degrees with a 30% chance of snow....

let the growing begin

It’s a bit early, but if you’ve already started some seeds, those baby seedlings may be growing like Jack’s beanstalks. Be sure that you check them every day and observe their progress. Water whenever the soil surface is dry to the touch and feed them every other week...

be our valentine

Valentine’s Day, as well as the more inclusive Palentine’s and Galentine’s days, are this weekend and everyone at the Bruce Company wishes you and everyone you love a great day! Have you wondered why red roses are the go-to flower for Valentine’s Day giving? Or why...

a flower blooms in winter

Even though it’s barely started, you may find yourself getting a bit sick of winter. My guess is that the recent super cold days have contributed to many cases of cabin fever and a longing for the sight of some swelling buds and tender green shoots. I see two choices....
to prune or not to prune

to prune or not to prune

written by Lisa Briggs
If you’re itching to do some active gardening at this time of year, mid-January into February is an excellent time to do a bit of pruning, especially when we get that odd mild day or two.

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a few of our favorite traditions

a few of our favorite traditions

written by Lisa Briggs
Every family has their particular holiday traditions that are practiced, and enjoyed, year after year. But there are some time-honored traditions that everyone practices. Have you ever wondered how some of them got started?

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let it snow! let it snow!

let it snow! let it snow!

written by Lisa Briggs
Baby, it’s been cold outside, so winter is definitely here, if you can just ignore the last couple of days. Outside, seeds and buds are settling in for their seasonal nap.

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holidays in bloom

holidays in bloom

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.

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o christmas tree! o christmas tree!

o christmas tree! o christmas tree!

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.

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get ready for old man winter

get ready for old man winter

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.

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and in this corner? LED vs incandescent

and in this corner? LED vs incandescent

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.

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the slow slide from fall to winter

the slow slide from fall to winter

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?

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