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fall into gardening

Now that we’re getting ready to turn the calendar from summer to fall, we can all breathe a collective sigh of relief. Cooler temps. Lower humidity. And so many other reasons to love autumn! But a gardener’s work is never done. Let’s start by acknowledging that cold...
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chill to thrill

Let’s start by saying that the word forcing may sound like a lot of work. It really isn’t. What you’re doing is tricking a bulb into thinking that winter is over and it’s time to flower. You could call it a little sleight of hand. And you reap the rewards of spring...
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dig in for spring

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 often hear at the Plant Desk in late summer and early autumn. Adding bulbs to your borders is simple and...
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bringing in the green

September can be such a transitional time, especially for gardeners. Our garden borders seem to teeter on the edge of a climatic cliff. Colors will begin to morph from deep green foliage to mellow butter yellow and fiery scarlet. Branching forms reappear as deciduous...
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second chance vegetables

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. And you may find that you’ve got some empty spots where spring...
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rake, rest and reset

Weather factors can make gardening in our area mighty interesting. We’ve experienced 10 days of over 90-degree temps, a very dry July and though we have a few more days to make the difference, a dry-ish August. The Autumnal Equinox is just 27 days away and the first...
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prairie much in love

“To make a prairie it takes a clover and one bee, One clover, and a bee, And reverie. The reverie alone will do, if bees are few.” Emily Dickinson Mother Nature has been a bit stingy with rainfall this summer, making this a tricky growing season many of us. Couple...
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rooting for late summer

It sure has been a sultry summer. Fireflies light the warm evenings and katydids and crickets sing us to sleep. It’s a fact, sad but true though, that summer is winding down. The season of extended days never seems long enough, but it’s time for gardeners everywhere...
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keep the garden gloves handy

Seesawing temperatures are one clue that summer is on the wane. Long-range forecasters are predicting typical August weather. Average temps range from the high 70s to low 80s, giving us lots of time to plant some fall veggies and late blooming annuals. If you didn’t...
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leaf fall to the maples

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! There are...
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lion? or lamb?

lion? or lamb?

Feb 24, 2026 | ,

written by Lisa Briggs
What exactly determines the difference between lamb and lion weather? Temperature? Precipitation? Clear skies? I’ve never been sure.

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let the growing begin

let the growing begin

Feb 11, 2026 | ,

written by Lisa Briggs
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.

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be our valentine

be our valentine

Feb 11, 2026 | ,

written by Lisa Briggs
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!

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a flower blooms in winter

a flower blooms in winter

Jan 27, 2026 | ,

written by Lisa Briggs
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.

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duck. duck. groundhog?

duck. duck. groundhog?

Jan 27, 2026 | ,

written by Lisa Briggs
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.

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get ready for seed season

get ready for seed season

Jan 10, 2026 | ,

written by Lisa Briggs
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!

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winter’s hush

winter’s hush

Dec 10, 2025 | ,

written by Lisa Briggs
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 the storm and the immediate tasks at hand. 

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to everything a season

to everything a season

Dec 10, 2025 | ,

written by Lisa Briggs
The term winter solstice marks the day when the earth’s axis tips us, and the rest of the Northern Hemisphere, the farthest from the sun. The sun appears at its lowest and weakest points in the sky on the 21st.

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