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....
Fall Houseplant Care

Fall Houseplant Care

October is such a transitional time, a month that seems to teeter on the edge of a climatic cliff. Colors change as deep green foliage morphs into mellow butter yellow or fiery scarlet.

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Planting Fall Bulbs

Planting Fall Bulbs

Are you confused when it comes to fall-planted bulbs? Lots of gardeners are. What are bulbs, and how, and when should they be planted are questions that we hear at the Plant Desk.

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Fall Gardening

Fall Gardening

Weather-wise, August was an unusual month. Hot pepper-lovers are despairing as the high temps broke into the 80s a mere 5 times, never getting above 85.

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Lessons from a Japanese Garden

Lessons from a Japanese Garden

I’ve gardened in many languages. And each one, whether an English-inspired knot garden, a parterre of antique roses or the restored northern woodland, taught me some lessons about gardening, and about life in general. My latest teacher is an inherited, what I call, Japan-esque garden.

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Furniture Care

Furniture Care

Outdoor living is so popular now. So it stands to reason that we all have a piece of furniture or two that would benefit from some extra attention, especially after a summer of steady use and exposure to the elements. Even furniture that is treated to be weather...

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Early Fall Gardening

Early Fall Gardening

Falling temperatures are the usual clue that we’re nearing the end of summer. But long-range weather forecasters predict that temperatures will hover in the very pleasant upper 70s and low 80s for the next 30 days or so, giving us lots of time to plant some fall veg...

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