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frost things first

Wow. Our first frost was earlier than the last few years The old saying No frost until after the full moon in October doesn’t always hold true as the October full moon isn’t until Monday. Long range forecasts are predicting warmer than normal temperatures for the next...

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give me pumpkin to talk about

At the end of October, the doorway to winter swings wide open. The sun is swallowed up by nights that lengthen with every passing day. The shimmering greens of summer and fiery hues of autumn give way to bare branches. Glorious fall flowers fade and die back. It is a...

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fall for your garden

At long last. It’s time to take a deep breath because a lot of the physical work, and often frenetic pace of the growing season is winding down. Even though the warm weather means that there is still raking to be done, not having a million things to accomplish in the...

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give me pumpkin to talk about

If we were able to solve a couple of the great mysteries of gardening, we would not want to know if a rose by any other name would still smell as sweet. But we might be sure to ask if there really is a difference between a squash and a gourd. Squashes generally refer...

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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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is it time to re-pot?

Mar 4, 2025 | Blog, Garden Center

written by Lisa Briggs
Haven’t the mild temperatures and sun been marvelous? We hope that you had a chance to get outside and enjoy those beautiful days.

spring of deception

Mar 4, 2025 | Blog, Garden Center

written by Lisa Briggs
As winter recedes, each sign of spring seems more symbolic than the last. And this year’s seesawing temperature swings have made all of us more than a little crazy.

be our palentine

Feb 4, 2025 | Blog, Garden Center

written by Lisa Briggs
Valentine’s Day, as well as the more inclusive Pal- and Galentine’s days, are next week and everyone at the Bruce Company wishes you and all of those you love a great day!

your own jack in the beanstalk

Feb 4, 2025 | Blog, Garden Center

written by Lisa Briggs
It is a bit early for most seeds, but if you’ve already started, those baby seedlings may be growing like Jack’s beanstalks.

a flower in time

Jan 21, 2025 | Blog, Garden Center

written by Lisa Briggs
Even though it’s barely started, you may find yourself getting a bit sick of winter. The damp, gray days contribute to cases of cabin fever and longing for the sight of some swelling buds. Either we need to take a tropical vacation or direct some of this untapped energy towards an indoor gardening project.

is it spring yet jimmy?

Jan 21, 2025 | Blog, Garden Center

written by Lisa Briggs
Next weekend will find many a modern gardener checking the sky as soon as the alarm clock rings. Why? It’s 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. Perhaps the whole thing began with a badger!