Plant Spotlight: Coneflower
Common Name: Coneflower
Latin Name: Echinacea purpurea and cultivars
Family: Asteraceae (Compositae)
Native: eastern U.S.
Height: depending on cultivar
Spread: depending on cultivar
Growth Habit: upright
Flower: various colors in July and August
Fall Color: yellowish
Exposure: full sun to light shade
Soil Preference: well drained
Growth Rate: medium
Texture: medium to coarse
Preferred Uses: border, cut flower, naturalizing
Pruning: trim to the ground in late fall or early spring before new growth
Purple Coneflower is a native to our prairies and open fields. Many new varieties and cultivars have been bred in the last few years including ‘Hot Papaya’, introduced in 2009 as the first ever double orange/red coneflower. The color range has continued to expand. Flowers are now available in white, purple, carmine-red, deep pink, clear pink, orange and yellow.
The following is a list of some cultivars that Vande Hey’s carries:
Hot Papaya—Orange/red double bloom, 3-inch diameter on a 3-foot high plant
Kim’s Knee High—clear pink flowers on an 18-24 inch high plant
Magnus—large, 4-inch diameter rose-red flowers on a 4-foot high plant
Mango Meadowbrite—fragrant, mango-yellow flowers on a 30-36 inch plant
Purple (Purpurea)—rosy-purple flower on a 3-foot plant
Ruby Star—stiff, carmine-red flowers on a 3-4 foot high plant
Sunrise—medium yellow flowers on a 30-36 inch high plant
Sunset—bright orange flowers on a 24-30 inch high plant
Tomato Soup—large, 5-inch diameter vibrant red flower on a 28-32-inch plant
White Swan—white flowers with a golden center on a 3-foot high plant
Employee Spotlight: John Harris
Joining the Vande Hey Company in 2014, John brings with him over 25 years of practical experience in the landscaping industry. Earning a bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Wisconsin Madison, John’s background encompasses a broad diversity of project types.
John began his professional career as a Landscape Architect for the Des Plaines Park District in suburban Chicago, specializing primarily in playground design. From there he moved on to join a private landscape design firm “Down the Road” in Rockford, Illinois. With the guidance of a talented team of Landscape Architects, John benefitted from their knowledge while gaining valuable experience on projects which included park and recreation design, condominium development, and unique residential
design applications.
With a desire to move “back” to Wisconsin, John received his first taste of the design/build industry, taking a design and sales position with a growing company in Verona, WI that served the greater Madison area.
Enjoying the design/build lifestyle and work experience, along with its “hands on” approach, John continued his career path in that direction, moving his family “home” to southeastern Wisconsin. It was there that he offered his skills to a similar company, taking every opportunity to bring a different angle, suggest a unique plant selection, or solve a problem in a way that may be a little different from the rest.
John loves the Midwest, the people, and the land. He is most happy when his customers are happy and is proud of the relationships that he has developed with the many people that he has encountered along the way. John currently resides in Kiel, Wisconsin.
Educational Background
· University of Wisconsin—Madison, Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture
Areas of Specialization
· Residential and Commercial Design
· Project Management
· Zoning Submittals
· Presentation Graphics
· Project Estimating
· Site Planning
Water, Water Everywhere
Last month we talked about watering your lawn. This month, let’s talk about taking care of the plants that make up your wonderful landscape.
One of the most difficult questions to answer is the one that asks ‘how often do I have to water my new plantings?’. Too little watering will cause plants to wilt and eventually die while too much water will have exactly the same result. Yes indeed, wilted yellowing leaves can mean too much water as well as too little water. So how do you know how much and how often to water?
The truthful answer is it depends! It depends on weather conditions; it depends on soil type and it depends on the time of year. Given that, here are a few suggestions to get you started on the right track:
· Spring and fall: Soak your plantings thoroughly immediately following installation. We recommend using your hose (not a sprinkler) with the nozzle removed and the water turned on to a slow trickle. Place the hose at the base of the plant and continue to water until the soil is saturated and begins to puddle on the surface. Repeat for each subsequent plant. Keep note of how long it took to water each plant as you can use this as a timetable for future watering. After this initial watering do the same twice per week for the first week and once per week thereafter. This should be continued for the entire first year and will need to be adjusted for rain and temperature extremes in your area.
· Summer: The same as above except increase the watering to three times a week for the first week, twice per week for the next three weeks and then once per week for the remainder of the season.
· Heavy clay soils: May require less and less frequent watering
· Sandy soils: Will require more and more frequent watering
How do you know if you’ve actually watered too much or too little? You need to watch the plants on a daily basis for signs of yellow or wilted leaves. Then use your finger or small garden trowel to dig down into the soil 4-6 inches along the side of the plant. If the ground is moist hold off on watering for a few days; if the soil is dry and powdery water immediately and increase your regular watering schedule.
Finally remember that all plants and soils are different. What works in the front yard may not be the proper watering schedule for the rear yard; what works for a small potentilla may not be correct for a maple. Be vigilant in checking plants on a regular basis and your new and existing plantings will repay you for the effort.
Schedule of Events:
For the Kids
· Free Wednesday Evenings featuring Children’s Discovery Station (GBBG)
· Wednesdays, June 3rd—August 26th, 4:00—6:00 PM (Table) 4:00—8:00 (free admission to gardens)
· Stop by the Children's Garden from 4-6 pm for FREE, fun, hands-on activities your family can do at your own pace. Learn more about the world of horticulture and gain an appreciation for plants and nature. In case of inclement weather, activities will be held indoors.
· Garden Buds Club (GBBG)
· Tuesdays, 10:00—11:30 AM (August 4th, 11th)
· Each week, youth gardeners will get their hands dirty by tending to their own 4'x5' garden plots. They'll plant seeds, weed and harvest, then cook some tasty garden snacks and learn about garden-related topics..
· Cost: $72/Members; $85/Non-Members
· August 3rd—7th, 9:30 AM—12:00 PM: Youth Summer Camp: Nature Explorers (Ages 9-12) (GBBG)
· Kids will get into nature with games, crafts and dirty adventures! We’ll explore all the nature the Garden has to offer from pond ecosystems and compost to vegetable gardens, birds, flowers and trees. New adventures each day make for a week full of fun!
· Cost: $65/Members; $85/Non-Members (Pre-registration required)
· August 19th, 9:30 AM—3:30 PM: Summer Day Camp: Nature Scene Investigators (Ages 6-8) (GBBG)
· Kids! Grab your detective hats and join us as we follow clues leading us on a garden adventure! The names of flowers often give clues to their personalities. As garden sleuths, we’ll work together to solve the mystery of “Who grew that plant?”
· Cost: $30/Members; $40/Non-Members (Pre-registration required)
· August 20th, 9:30 AM—3:30 PM: Summer Day Camp: Nature Scene Investigators (Ages 9-12) (GBBG)
· Kids! Grab your detective hats and join us as we follow clues leading us on a garden adventure! The names of flowers often give clues to their personalities. As garden sleuths, we’ll work together to solve the mystery of “Who grew that plant?”
· Cost: $30/Members; $40/Non-Members (Pre-registration required)
· August 21, 10:00—11:30 AM: Garden Sprouts: Veggie Fun! (GBBG)
· Get ready to “turnip” the fun by exploring the world of vegetables! Sprouts will harvest various vegetables growing in our Children’s Garden, return to the classroom and make a tasty treat to take home. This program is designed for children ages 3-5 and one accompanying adult. Price includes one child and adult.
· Cost: $8/Members; $13/Non-Members
For the Family
· Farmer’s Market (Downtown Appleton)
· Wednesdays, June 3rd—September 30th, 2-6 PM
· Saturdays, June 20th—October 31st, 8:00 AM—12:30 PM
· Farmer’s Market (Shattuck Park, Neenah)
· Saturdays June 20th—October 17th, 8:00 AM—12:00 PM
· Menasha Farm Fresh Market (Marina Terrace, Downtown Menasha)
· Thursdays, June 12th—October 30th, 2:00—6:00 PM
· Cookouts at the Garden: GBBG
· Wednesdays, June 3rd—August 26, 11:00 AM—1:00 PM
· Includes choice of hamburger, brat, chicken sandwich, or hot dog, 2 snacks (chips, granola bar, or cookie) and a beverage PLUS free admission to the Garden
· Produce used for cookout will be grown at the Gardens in partnership w/ Northeast Wisconsin Master Gardeners Association
· Cost: $5/GBBG Members; $9/Non-Members
· Free Wednesday Evenings featuring Children’s Discovery Station (GBBG)
· Wednesdays, June 3rd—August 26th, 4:00—6:00 PM (Table) 4:00—8:00 (free admission to gardens)
· Stop by the Children's Garden from 4-6 pm for FREE, fun, hands-on activities your family can do at your own pace. Learn more about the world of horticulture and gain an appreciation for plants and nature. In case of inclement weather, activities will be held indoors.
· August 3rd, 5:30—7:00 PM: Garden Shutterbugs for Families (GBBG)
· Come see how the Garden looks through the eye of a camera! Learn about photo composition and basic camera operations with photographer Marc Amenson. Bring your imagination and creativity as we venture into the garden to practice taking nature photographs. Designed for families with children ages five to twelve.
· Cost: $18/Members; $23/Non-Members
· · August 4th—9th: Winnebago County Fair (Sunnyview Expo Center, Oshkosh)
· August 5th, 5:30—6:30 PM: Family Nature Nights—Pond Life (GBBG)
· Learn about the plants and animals that come out in the evening! Wear your walking shoes and let us guide you through the Garden. Mark your calendars now for the entire summer!
· Cost: Free/Members; $5/Non-Members (Registration required)
· August 10th, 6:00—8:00 PM: Garden to Table—Garden Quesadillas (GBBG)
· Discover the many plants we eat while you improve your skills as both a gardener and cook. Help in the garden, harvest fresh produce and prepare a healthy snack! The cooking class is designed for families with children of all ages.
· Cost: $13/Members; $17/Non-Members (Pre-registration required)
· August 11th, 5:30—7:00 PM: VHC Grilling Event (Vande Hey’s)
· Be our guest at our next grilling event! Sample delicious faire from the lines of grills we offer and learn from company representatives how to grill to perfection. This month enjoy complimentary tastes of brews by Stone Cellar Brewpub!
· Cost: Free!
· August 13th—16th: Waushara County Fair (513 Fair Street, Wautoma)
· August 15, 16, 20—23: Oconto County Fair (Zippel Park, Gillett)
· August 19th—23rd: Brown County Fair (1500 Ft. Howard Ave, De Pere)
· August 22nd, 12:00—4:00 PM: Heckrodt Prairie Hootenanny (Heckrodt Wetland Reserve, Plank Rd, Menasha)
· Experience the prairie through artisan food, live music, and nature observation. View the prairie from a horse-drawn wagon, learn about native birds of prey and snakes, and observe plans and pollinators using magnifying lenses and binoculars from the event observation platform
· Cost: $5 early registration; $8 at the door
· August 25th—30th: Manitowoc County Fair (Manitowoc County Expo Center, 4921 Expo Dr., Manitowoc)
· August 26th—30th: Waupaca County Fair (South Street, Weyauwega)
For the Adults
· Farmer’s Market (Downtown Appleton)
· Wednesdays, June 3rd—September 30th, 2-6 PM
· Saturdays, June 20th—October 31st, 8:00 AM—12:30 PM
· Farmer’s Market (Shattuck Park, Neenah)
· Saturdays June 20th—October 17th, 8:00 AM—12:00 PM
· Menasha Farm Fresh Market (Marina Terrace, Downtown Menasha)
· Thursdays, June 12th—October 30th, 2:00—6:00 PM
· Cookouts at the Garden: GBBG
· Wednesdays, June 3rd—August 26, 11:00 AM—1:00 PM
· Includes choice of hamburger, brat, chicken sandwich, or hot dog, 2 snacks (chips, granola bar, or cookie) and a beverage PLUS free admission to the Garden
· Produce used for cookout will be grown at the Gardens in partnership w/ Northeast Wisconsin Master Gardeners Association
· Cost: $5/GBBG Members; $9/Non-Members
· August 4th—9th: Winnebago County Fair (Sunnyview Expo Center, Oshkosh)
· August 10th, 6:00—8:00 PM: Garden to Table—Garden Quesadillas (GBBG)
· Discover the many plants we eat while you improve your skills as both a gardener and cook. Help in the garden, harvest fresh produce and prepare a healthy snack! The cooking class is designed for families with children of all ages.
· Cost: $13/Members; $17/Non-Members (Pre-registration required)
· August 10th, 6:30—7:30 PM: Master Gardeners Presents: Composting (Little Chute Public
Library)
· Composting is an easy way to turn your kitchen and yard waste into the best soil amender. In this presentation the Outagamie County Master Gardeners will show us how to get started. It's easier than you think!
· Cost: Free
· August 11th, 5:30—7:00 PM: VHC Grilling Event (Vande Hey’s)
· Be our guest at our next grilling event! Sample delicious faire from the lines of grills we offer and learn from company representatives how to grill to perfection. This month enjoy complimentary tastes of brews by Stone Cellar Brewpub!
· Cost: Free!
· August 12th, 6:00—7:30 PM: Floral Arranging: Fresh from the Kitchen (GBBG)
· Take a break from the summer heat and plan to attend this refreshing floral design workshop, Inspiration comes from the kitchen by combining fresh vegetables and herbs with summer flowers to cook up a unique flower arrangement; perfect to adorn your dinner table or summer picnic! Materials included.
· Cost: $35/Members; $44/Non-Members
· August 13th—16th: Waushara County Fair (513 Fair Street, Wautoma)
· August 15, 16, 20—23: Oconto County Fair (Zippel Park, Gillett)
· August 17th, 6:00—7:30 PM: Healthy Snacks (GBBG)
· Prepackaged snacks can hide lots of dirty secrets such as artificial colors, flavors and dyes. The good news is that you can make your own delicious snacks that taste amazing! Each participant will take home a small batch of fruit leather or granola bars.
· Cost: $35/Members; $44/Non-Members
· August 19th, 5:30—7:00 PM: All About Trees (GBBG)
· Trees are an important part of our daily lives, they provide shade, shelter, reduce energy costs, and are just plain nice to look at. Vijai will focus on tree identification and how to select the right tree for the specific location in your landscape. Wear your walking shoes—part of the class will be held outdoors.
· Cost: $9/Members; $18/Non-Members
· August 19th—23rd: Brown County Fair (1500 Ft. Howard Ave, De Pere)
· August 22nd, 12:00—4:00 PM: Heckrodt Prairie Hootenanny (Heckrodt Wetland Reserve, Plank Rd, Menasha)
· Experience the prairie through artisan food, live music, and nature observation. View the prairie from a horse-drawn wagon, learn about native birds of prey and snakes, and observe plans and pollinators using magnifying lenses and binoculars from the event observation platform
· Cost: $5 early registration; $8 at the door
· August 23rd, 1:30—3:00 PM: Homegrown Hydroponics (Ledgeview Gardens, De Pere)
· Join Darran for a tour of the hydroponic greenhouses at Ledgeview Gardens and learn how a hydroponic garden can increase your yield of tomatoes, peppers and other plants! Ledgeview Gardens is a small, family owned farm dedicated to growing produce naturally and pesticide free.
· Cost: $9/Members; $18/Non-Members
· August 24th, 6:00—8:00 PM: Garden to Table—Veggie Spring Rolls (GBBG)
· Discover the many plants we eat while you improve your skills as both a gardener and cook. Help in the garden, harvest fresh produce and prepare a healthy snack! This cooking class is designed for families with children of all ages.
· Cost: $13/Member Families; $17/Non-Member Families
· August 25th—30th: Manitowoc County Fair (Manitowoc County Expo Center, 4921 Expo Dr., Manitowoc)
· August 26th—30th: Waupaca County Fair (South Street, Weyauwega)
· August 27th, 5:30—7:30 PM: Invaders in the Landscape (GBBG)
· Just when you thought you have conquered all the invasive plants in your landscape, guess what? There’s more...Plants we planted (some sold in nurseries) have turned to being invaders of the landscape. The DNR has released the updated version of the NR40. Come learn if you have the plants on the most unwanted list. Part of class will be spent walking the Garden discussing alternative plantings, so please dress for the weather.
· Cost: $9/Members; $18/Non-Members
