Garden Center Blog

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....

duck. duck. groundhog?

Monday will find many a modern gardener checking the sky as soon as their alarm clock rings. Why? Groundhog Day! While Punxsutawney Phil may be more famous, in Wisconsin, Jimmy rules. Let’s explore the origins of this quirky American holiday. Spoiler alert though....
the merry month of may

the merry month of may

written by Lisa Briggs
Late May is usually a gardener’s favorite time of year! Every yard reminds me of Technicolor Munchkinland when Dorothy leaves that fallen house.

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are my plants dead or just sleeping late?

are my plants dead or just sleeping late?

written by Lisa Briggs
There are many commonly-planted trees, shrubs and perennials that are slow to emerge in the spring, especially after this roller coaster of early spring. We like to think of these plants as teenagers, lolling about in the garden bed late on a Saturday morning, while the rest of the plants in our borders are up and flaunting spring color.

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spring gardening tips

spring gardening tips

written by Lisa Briggs
Many gardeners use Mother’s Day weekend as permission from Mother Nature to plant all of their tender annuals and vegetables. But you should keep your ears tuned to your favorite forecaster.

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drumroll please for 2021 shrub intros!

drumroll please for 2021 shrub intros!

The plant buyers at the Garden Center take many things into consideration when they evaluate what new varieties to introduce to our customers. We are gardeners ourselves and are as excited as anyone when the catalogs start arriving touting the best of what’s new.

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Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow…

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow…

We seem to be caught in a snow cycle. As I write this, I remember driving home from the airport during Sunday morning’s Austrian snowglobe snowfall. The snow fell gently and steadily, slowly obliterating the lines between hard and soft surfaces.

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Late Fall Gardening Tips

Late Fall Gardening Tips

At long last. It’s time to take a deep breath, because the physical work, and often frenetic pace, of the growing season is over. Not having a million things to accomplish in the garden may make some folks bereft, but many others so happy.

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Forcing Spring Bulbs Now

Forcing Spring Bulbs Now

Forcing spring bulbs into winter bloom was the rage in the 1800’s. Hyacinths were especially popular. But there are others to try, too. We love vases of paperwhites and pots of amaryllis. And with a little prep time, you can have pots of tulips and daffodils blooming in your kitchen in late February.

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Late Summer Garden Maintenance

Late Summer Garden Maintenance

For many gardeners, Labor Day marks the end of summer and the beginning of the autumn lawn care season. Cooler temperatures and more regular rainfall make this an excellent time to start a new lawn or repair an existing one.

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Common Questions About Fall Bulbs

Common Questions About Fall Bulbs

Do you have questions when it comes to fall bulbs? What are they, and how and when do I plant them are things that gardeners ask. Planting bulbs is simple and rewarding, especially when the shoots emerge after a long winter.

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