Knupper Nursery & Landscape1801 N. Rand Rd. l Palatine, IL 60074847-359-1080 l www.KnupperNursery.com

February 2016

My Orchid StoryWalking the trails of northern Michigan, I watch a yellow �ower dance in the breeze. �e lovely lady slipper orchid has emerged for the season. Its soft, pu�ed up lip intrigues the young child I was. And that intrigue grew into a fascination. Wild orchids are a treat to �nd; their reputation as delicate and fragile is shattered once seen thriving amongst the ferns and ivy.

�e wild orchid fascinated me, but the Phalaenopsis orchid stole my heart. Its large �owers and silky petals are truly without match. With blooms that last for months on end and sprays of �owers that arch gracefully over their lush foliage, it’s hard for any other orchid to compete.

With its ease of care, no plant could require less than an orchid. I learned to stop fussing and preening over my orchids and just let them be. Don’t over water, don’t over feed, and, above all else, don’t overthink. �eir ill reputation of being fragile couldn’t be further from the truth. �ese tropical treasures thrive in the home and will grace you with their beauty.

Plant Your IdeasFlower and vegetable seeds have arrived at Knupper’s! Our huge selection of seeds is just what you need to turn your ideas into garden reality! • Burpee’s tried and true selections include heirloom and USDA organic varieties.

• Botanical Interests o�ers a wide selection of gourmet varieties. All seeds are non-GMO and untreated. Many USDA organic seeds are included in this year’s collection.

• Baker Creek is known for their heirloom varieties from all over the world with many unusual, hard to �nd varieties.

• Lake Valley Organics o�er a wide variety of �ower and vegetable seeds that include heirloom and USDA organic varieties.

Stop in today to see how we can help you get your garden growing!

Feb 2016

• If you are growing a lemon or lime tree now is the time to fertilize it! Spinkle Espoma Citrus Tone into the soil to enhance �owering...remember, more �owers equals more fruit!

• Give your houseplants a midwinter cleaning in the shower. �e increased humidity will help keep spider mites at bay and removing dust from your plants’ leaves increases their general health. Cold to room temperature water is best. Don’t use hot water.

• Plan out your vegetable garden well ahead of time. Buy seeds now to get the best selection. Some seeds can be started indoors later this month so they will be ready to move outside when the weather warms up.

• Come by Knupper’s to �nd all of your Valentine’s Day �ower needs! We have blooming cyclamen, orchids, kalanchoe, and tillandsia. Your sweetie will appreciate a plant they can enjoy.

• Celebrate Random Acts of Kindness on February 17! What will you do?

FebruaryGarden Tips

It’s that time of year when we spend the majority of our day stuck inside with poor ventilation. Homes and o�ce buildings are often full of chemicals, such as benzene and formaldehyde from building materials, allergens from dust and mold, and toxins from household cleaners. All these chemicals and allergens often cause us to feel sick, stu�ed up, and in just poor physical and mental health.

Here’s the good news: a small selection of houseplants in your home or o�ce can cleanse the air of these nasty toxins and make you feel happier and healthier. One plant alone can clean up to 100 square feet of air space. Even NASA uses houseplants to clean air! �eir favorites include: snake plant, peace lily, die�enbachia, ferns and sche�era.

Not only do plants remove toxins and chemicals from the air, they provide oxygen into the air, and are natural humidi�ers, providing much needed moisture to our dried-out winter homes.

Everyone feels happier when they see green. Stop in to �nd the perfect plant for you, your health, and your home.

Hard Working Houseplants

Save the DateSpring Flower Show

Saturday, March 199am - 3pm

New product arriving daily! Stop in to see what’s new!

Saturday, February 6 10:00 amOrganics Day: Organic gardening goes beyond avoiding the use of chemicals in the garden. It is more about building a healthy ecosystem in which all things thrive. Dr. Earth understands this philosophy and a representative from Dr. Earth will be here talking about the bene�ts of organic gardening. All Dr. Earth and Neptune’s Harvest Organic Products will be 20% o  for that day.

Saturday, February 13 10:00 amOrchids: Join us for a free seminar to learn how fun and easy it is to care for phalaenopsis orchids, also known as moth orchids. After the seminar, our orchid expert is available to repot your orchid for a small fee. Fee for repotting varies depending on the size of pot and orchid.

Saturday, February 13 1:00 pm Hydroponics: Join us for a discussion on hydroponics. We will talk about the different types of hydroponics systems as well as demonstrate some of the systems Knupper’s now offers. Indoor plant lighting is also now available and will be reviewed during the seminar.

�ursday, Feb 18 & Saturday, Feb 20 10:00 am – 4:00 pmMini Landscape Design Consultations: Join Knupper’s landscape designer, Paula, for a personalized consultation to help create a landscape that will showcase your home and turn some heads. Fee is $49 for a 25 minute consultation. Pre-registration is required.

Saturday, February 20 10:00 amFairy Fun Day: Wings? Check! Tutu? Check! Join us for a morning exploring the world of miniature fairy gardening. Learn all about fairies as you and your fairy friends enjoy activities including planting up your own fairy garden! Fee is $30 plus tax. Pre-registration is required. For more details, see the back of the newsletter.

�ursday, February 25 & Saturday, February 27 10:00 amPruning 101: Believe it or not, now is actually a great time to prune your trees and shrubs. Most are still dormant, and because they aren’t leafed out yet, you can see the real shape of your plant. �is free seminar will teach you which plants to prune when, proper techniques and help you get your plant back into shape.

Saturday, February 27 1:00 pmCatch the Carnivorous Bug: Here’s a fun event for kids and adults! Come learn all about the mysterious world of carnivorous plants. �is free seminar will unravel the mystery of venus �y traps, pitcher plants and other fun carnivorous creatures.

Calendar of Events Fatal AttractionCarnivorous plants have both fascinated and intrigued us for generations. �e Venus Fly Trap, the most popular of carnivorous plants, traps its prey between two thickly padded leaves covered in tiny hairs. �e hairs sense the insect and before a blink of an eye they shut around their meal and just like that…dinner is served!

Most carnivorous plants use showy �owers or enticing smells to attract their meals. �ey then secrete an enzyme to break down their food into usable nutrients. �ough they do require some special care, these plants can be grown in the home.

Most carnivorous plants grow in humid environments and would prefer to be misted often and watered regularly. Bright but indirect light is most suitable for carnivorous plants since they grow mostly in the understory. Vacation your plants outside in the summer where bugs are abundant. Letting them go dormant in the winter will allow them to rest for the following year.

Come in and see our selection of carnivorous plants to pick out the perfect one for your home.

Check out our newly re-designed website!

Knupper Nursery & Landscape1801 N. Rand Rd. l Palatine, IL 60074847-359-1080 l www.KnupperNursery.com

Store Hours 2/1 - 2/29Mon-Sat 9:00 - 5:00 Sunday Closed

It’s chilly outside, but gardening doesn’t have to stop. Bring your garden indoors with hydroponics! Now at Knupper’s, we have complete hydroponic kits that will let you garden year round. You don’t even need much space to give hydroponics a try. Some of our complete kits can �t on a counter top and supply fresh herbs to your kitchen. We also now have lighting for your system which can double as a pick-me-up for your houseplants!

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand come take a look at all the exciting new items here at Knupper’s.

Hydroponics - The Ultimate in Fresh

Call today to schedule a landscape design appointment!

Fairy Fun DayJoin us for a fantasy-�lled day of fairy fun! Come dressed as your favorite fairy for a parade through the greenhouse, starting at 10:00 am.

We will learn all about fairies — what they like and how to invite them into your garden. We’ll enjoy activities like face painting, painting wishing stones, creating your own fairy garden and a tea party with our friends!

Most suited for ages 3 – 10, but all fairy-lovers are welcome. Pre-registeration is required. Fee is $30 plus tax and includes all activities, a fairy garden planter, three plants, soil, rocks and two accessories for your garden.

Saturday, February 20

10:00 am