How do I protect against deer?
A physical barrier such as chicken wire or deer netting is best, but highly aromatic bars of soap tied to branches and stakes are also effective. There are also a number of sprays that work well.

What can I do to improve my soil this fall?
Turn in organic matter—composted cow manure, leaves, and what you have saved in your compost pile (coffee grounds, egg shells, grass clippings, vegetable trimmings, etc.)

How do I get my poinsettias to "redden up" ?
Beginning in early October, the plant must be placed in complete darkness every day from 5pm until 8am, and then brought out into a bright room during the day. To guarantee complete darkness, use a box or place the plant in a closet that is never opened at night. When the bracts begin to redden, the plant may stay permanently in a bright room.

How do I protect my bulbs from squirrels and rodents?
As with deer, the best protection is offered by a physical barrier. Use pieces of chicken wire or hardware cloth over newly planted bulbs, anchoring them with rocks or landscape pins. Once the ground freezes, the squirrels can no longer dig, and you may remove your barrier. You can also soak bulbs in a taste repellent (such as Ropel) before you plant them, and critters will not eat them. Finally, you can plant bulbs such as narcissus, allium, hyacinths and fritillaria, which rodents do not eat.

Fountains - There is nothing more soothing than the sound of water, and we have a fabulous selection of fountains—many of them museum reproductions— to provide that special atmosphere during the winter ahead. From concrete to bonded marble, these are beautiful pieces and they’re sized for indoors.

Statuary - This is one of the hottest trends in gardening and home decor today. From angels to animals, to St. Francis himself, we have a wide array of statues made of concrete and bonded marble, as well as a line made of recycled fly ash, a byproduct of coal-fired electrical plants—for the environmentally aware art lovers on your shopping list.

Plaques, Stepping Stones - These are welcome gifts the year ‘round. Ours are made of recycled metal, poly-resin, and recycled fly ash. Some are ornate, others simple, and a number of them bear inspirational messages or memorable quotes for the gardener.

Christmas Ideas - Being a greenhouse doesn’t stop us from having one of the best selections of collectible Christmas ornaments around. We carry Old World, Polonaise, and many other hand-crafted blown glass ornaments.

Madison Ornament - Made especially for Johannsen’s, this wonderful limited edition ornament features the Madison skyline across Lake Monona. Order yours now,