Dear Gardener...

With the 4th of July coming up and all of America out showing off its red, white and blue colors, we choose to let nature show its entire rainbow of colors at the annual parade through downtown Winter. Like in years past Winter Greenhouse participates with a landscape trailer and greenhouse van decorated to the brim (and usually over). On the roof of the van is one of our enormous eagles-nest moss baskets which miraculously tends to stay put (so far). The theme for this years' float is 'Trees are Cool!' Referring to the Trees are Cool campaign from the United Nations.

We want to wish you all a 'Happy 4th'!

Echinacea's or Coneflowers are not what they used to be - which is just plain rosy-purple. As you can see, they come in a lot of different colors now, as well as various heights. Coneflowers, also known as 'The King of Daisies', are native to the eastern United States and are well adapted to survive in the hot, windy conditions typical for that region. They have a long tap root making them able to withstand long periods of drought. That feature could come in handy the way the summers have been recently, at least here in northern Wisconsin.

Some people find they want to stay true to only growing native plants and that is great. But for those of us that love new plants, it is fantastic every time a break-through like these new colors in Coneflowers comes on the market. While some plants are not always tested as long as we who sell them would like, these Echinacea's do seem to be what they promise. They are more fragrant than previous varieties and the colors are much more vibrant. The newest variety this year is both double and fragrant. Coneflowers are irresistible to birds and butterflies also!

From today on the annual Hanging Basket Sale starts. All of our small, large and very large hanging baskets are now on sale for 50% and even some for 75% off the regular price! We still have a great selection to choose from with some very fine combinations that you won't find everywhere else. Also, we are continuing the sale of annuals with Buy One get One Free. Among these you can find some good looking plants to tuck in here and there in your beds, borders or containers.
 

ATTENTION! Now it is time to get out your Bonus Bills! From this coming Friday, July 6 until July 22nd you can come in and redeem them and get a great deal.
We really wish to say Thank You to all of our frequent and loyal visitors through the spring season and hope this way will help in making your trip to Winter well worth it.
A small reminder of how this works. You can use your bonus bills to pay for up to 50% off any purchase of plants (including trees & shrubs) that are not already on sale.

We look forward to seeing you!

At this time of the year insects and diseases start showing up in the yard. Catching things before they get out of hand is essential, so make it a habit to walk around your yard every week or two - it will save you time and money! Here are a few things to watch out for. Hostas with holes in-between the veins are usually caused by slugs. If you really have a problem area treat it now by either handpicking, or with beer tray bait, Metaldehyde or Sluggo.
Roses are typically starting to show black spots, spider mites and aphid problems now. Bayer's treatment for roses has an insecticide, fungicide, and fertilizer that lasts for six weeks, making life easy for us rose growers.
Mildew is another one to watch out for. Check your Phlox and Monarda's as they often show signs of powdery mildew. Give them as much air flow as possible and spray preventatively with Fertilome's Lawn and Garden Fungicide . Old home remedies like baking soda haven't really helped us much, so we spray with conventional products.
Four lined plant bugs make a lot of cosmetic damage in our display-gardens most years. They scrape the leaves making them spotted. Eventually they get holes in them and wilt. Spraying is difficult because you have to actually hit the beetles to kill them and somehow by the time you see the damage they are never there anymore! We can recommend another new product called Bayers 3 in One that treats insects (including plant bugs!), spidermites, and fungi all at the same time. The insecticide part is systemic, which is an added plus.

Finally, don't let your inspections and treatments take the pleasure out of enjoying your garden! Every cloud has a silver lining.

If I'm ever reborn, I want to be a gardener-
there's too much to do for one lifetime!
 - Karl Foerster