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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...

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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...

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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....

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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....

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get ready for seed season

What a difference a year makes! Last year, snow was found everywhere. Except in south central Wisconsin. Mother Nature has been more generous, but I sure wish that it would stay put! Our plants would certainly appreciate the extra snowy blanket. So far, the 2025-26...

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winter pruning dos and don’ts

The frenetic pace of the holidays has given way to the calmer contemplation of mid-winter, making it a great time to settle in, plan for and nurture some spring gardening projects. The little bursts of snow certainly encourage introspection. Preferably indoors, under...

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winter’s hush

Winter snowstorms have a wonderful way of slowing everything down, forcing all of us to live in the moment. The distracting details of daily life that ordinarily occupy every moment of your time are suddenly moved to the back burner. Your mind clears as you focus on...

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to everything a season

The term winter solstice marks the day when the earth’s axis tips up, putting the rest of the Northern Hemisphere farthest from the sun. The sun appears at its lowest and weakest points in the sky on the 21st. We know it simply as the shortest day of the year. At...

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a garden under snow

“There’s a garden under that snow. / Deep in cozy soil, stretch, unfurl. / Plants need privacy, did you know? / Yes, there’s a garden under that snow. / Plants carry the light required to grow, / While winter sky is all storm and swirl.” Winter Garden by Irene Latham...

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christmas time is here

The often melancholy days of November are upon us. Snowflakes may gather on the grass and in the garden as the last of the brightly colored autumn leaves fall, leaving the trees bare. Some of you might think that this is the end of gardening for the year and there is...

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late summer recap

Aug 20, 2025 | Blog, Garden Center

written by Lisa Briggs
Let’s talk about a few things that we’ve seen and experienced this year. Lots of photos and samples of fungal infection have been brought to the Plant Information Desk.

second chance veggies

Aug 20, 2025 | Blog, Garden Center

written by Lisa Briggs
So many of you planted fruits and vegetables again this spring and we hope that you’ve been happy with the results. After all, there are few things more delicious then a tomato eaten right off the vine.

borrow from the prairies

Aug 6, 2025 | Blog, Garden Center

written by Lisa Briggs
Mother Nature has been kindly helping us water our gardens, making this growing season a bit of an anomaly. The hot, dry weather that is typical of late July and early August can be hard on your garden plants.

thinking ahead

Aug 6, 2025 | Blog, Garden Center

written by Lisa Briggs
Seesawing temperatures are one clue that summer is on the wane. Long-range weather forecasters are predicting a warm August, giving us lots of time to plant some fall veg and late blooming annuals.

good golly it’s hot!

Jul 23, 2025 | Blog, Garden Center

written by Lisa Briggs
The brightest of the stars in the Big Dog constellation is Sirius, the Dog Star. In the mid-summer, it can be seen rising and setting with the sun. This conjunction caused the ancients to believe that Sirius’ heat added to the heat of the sun.

a few words on maples

Jul 23, 2025 | Blog, Garden Center

written by Lisa Briggs
Maples are some of the most popular shade and ornamental trees at the Garden Center. And why not? They can provide plenty of shade, offer amazing fall color and can be super adaptable. There are even a few varieties of native species in the shade tree line!