Gardening Simplified

Published 2025-05-31

The Bigger, the Better! | Big Plants

43 min Transcript

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Big plants hold a special fascination: watching them shoot from nearly nothing to truly epic proportions in a matter of weeks never gets old. Learn our favorite big plants! Featured shrub: Miss Violet butterfly bush.

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Big plants hold a special fascination: watching them shoot from nearly nothing to truly epic proportions in a matter of weeks never gets old. Learn our favorite big plants! Featured shrub: Miss Violet butterfly bush.

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Published 2025-05-24

You've Got a Friend in Me | Companion Plants

44 min Transcript

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Combining plants is more art than science. Join us as we offer ideas and dispel myths on companion planting. Featured plant: Happy Jack Purple clematis.

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Combining plants is more art than science. Join us as we offer ideas and dispel myths on companion planting. Featured plant: Happy Jack Purple clematis.

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Published 2025-05-17

Deserted Island Plants

44 min Transcript

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If you were stranded on an island, what plants would you need for survival? That's our topic for today. Featured shrub, Flavorette Pear’d rose.

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If you were stranded on an island, what plants would you need for survival? That's our topic for today. Featured shrub, Flavorette Pear’d rose.

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Published 2025-05-10

Hanging Baskets

45 min Transcript

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Hanging baskets never go out of style! Learn how to choose the best one and care for it like a pro. Featured shrub: Fairytrail White Cascade Hydrangea.

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Hanging baskets never go out of style! Learn how to choose the best one and care for it like a pro. Featured shrub: Fairytrail White Cascade Hydrangea.

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Published 2025-05-03

White Flowers

43 min Transcript

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Moon gardens have been gaining popularity and for a good reason! White flowers are great for creating an ethereal look in the garden, particularly in the early morning and evening hours. Hear about some of our favorite white flowering plants. Featured shrub: Oso Easy Ice Bay.

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Moon gardens have been gaining popularity and for a good reason! White flowers are great for creating an ethereal look in the garden, particularly in the early morning and evening hours. Hear about some of our favorite white flowering plants. Featured shrub: Oso Easy Ice Bay.

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Published 2025-04-26

Goldilocks Plants – Plants That Are Just Right

43 min Transcript

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Not too big, not too small, but just right! We discuss plants that not only have sought after habits, but also have multiple season interest, and tie together the landscape. Featured shrub: Wine & Spirits weigela.

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Not too big, not too small, but just right! We discuss plants that not only have sought after habits, but also have multiple season interest, and tie together the landscape. Featured shrub: Wine & Spirits weigela.

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Published 2025-04-19

Nativars

54 min Transcript

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Nativars - a contraction of "native" and "cultivar" - get a bad rep from some people. But is it deserved? Find out the facts and opinions surrounding these controversial plants.

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Nativars - a contraction of "native" and "cultivar" - get a bad rep from some people. But is it deserved? Find out the facts and opinions surrounding these controversial plants.

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Published 2025-04-12

Pruning Pointers

43 min Transcript

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Tis the season - for pruning! We know that's scary to some, so we're giving you the basics you need to make pruning decisions in your landscape. Featured shrub: Perfecto Mundo Double Purple reblooming azalea.

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Tis the season - for pruning! We know that's scary to some, so we're giving you the basics you need to make pruning decisions in your landscape. Featured shrub: Perfecto Mundo Double Purple reblooming azalea.

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Published 2025-04-05

Spring Ephemerals

46 min Transcript

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They're short-lived but much anticipated! Spring ephemerals are a sign of sunnier days and warmer weather, which we could really use here in West Michigan. Featured shrub: Legend of the Small fothergilla.

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They're short-lived but much anticipated! Spring ephemerals are a sign of sunnier days and warmer weather, which we could really use here in West Michigan. Featured shrub: Legend of the Small fothergilla.

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Published 2025-03-29

Spring Tasks - What to Do and When to Do It

54 min Transcript

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Spring is here and with it, the return of garden tasks. Join us to learn what to do and when to do it. Featured shrub: Show Off Sugar Baby forsythia.

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Spring is here and with it, the return of garden tasks. Join us to learn what to do and when to do it. Featured shrub: Show Off Sugar Baby forsythia.

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Published 2025-03-22

Plants We Hate

43 min Transcript

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Every gardener has at least one plant they can’t stand. Whether it’s due to aesthetics, invasiveness, or a bad experience, some plants just aren’t for everyone. Find out what plants we hate and hear what listeners had to say about the plants that make their “no thanks” list.

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Every gardener has at least one plant they can’t stand. Whether it’s due to aesthetics, invasiveness, or a bad experience, some plants just aren’t for everyone. Find out what plants we hate and hear what listeners had to say about the plants that make their “no thanks” list.

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Published 2025-03-15

Covering Ground - All About Ground Cover Plants

45 min Transcript

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So much ground to cover! Learn about plants that work well and ones that are best to avoid when it comes to ground covers. Featured shrub: Spilled Wine weigela.

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So much ground to cover! Learn about plants that work well and ones that are best to avoid when it comes to ground covers. Featured shrub: Spilled Wine weigela.

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Published 2025-03-08

Plants You Can't Kill

58 min Transcript

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Looking for the toughest, most durable plants for your garden or landscape? They're in this episode! Featured shrub: Low Scape Mound aronia.

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Looking for the toughest, most durable plants for your garden or landscape? They're in this episode! Featured shrub: Low Scape Mound aronia.

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Published 2025-03-01

The Lavender Show

54 min Transcript

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Lavender is one of the most beloved garden plants - and also one of the most frustrating. That's why we're devoting an episode to growing it! Featured shrub: Bloomerang Dark Purple lilac.

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Lavender is one of the most beloved garden plants - and also one of the most frustrating. That's why we're devoting an episode to growing it! Featured shrub: Bloomerang Dark Purple lilac.

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Published 2025-02-22

Plants that Don't Mind Moving and Those That Do

45 min Transcript

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We're about to enter the prime period for moving shrubs and perennials, so get the dirt on what you can - and shouldn't - move. Featured shrub: Wee Bit Grumpy hydrangea.

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We're about to enter the prime period for moving shrubs and perennials, so get the dirt on what you can - and shouldn't - move. Featured shrub: Wee Bit Grumpy hydrangea.

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Published 2025-02-15

Life Is Too Short For Proper Spacing

52 min Transcript

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Do you want more plants than you technically have room for? We're sharing where you can bend the rules a bit and ignore the plant tag. Featured shrub: Stonehenge yew.

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Do you want more plants than you technically have room for? We're sharing where you can bend the rules a bit and ignore the plant tag. Featured shrub: Stonehenge yew.

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Published 2025-02-08

Overachievers: Plants that do More

44 min Transcript

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We're sharing our list of overachievers - plants with maximum beauty and performance but minimal maintenance and fussing. Join us for ideas for your spring planting list!

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We're sharing our list of overachievers - plants with maximum beauty and performance but minimal maintenance and fussing. Join us for ideas for your spring planting list!

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Published 2025-02-01

Sprouts: The Vegetable You Can Grow Indoors

67 min Transcript

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Sprouting is the fast, easy, low cost way to grow your own healthy nutritious food indoors - even in winter! Join us to learn about sprouting + microgreens. Featured shrub: Soft Serve chamaecyparis.

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Sprouting is the fast, easy, low cost way to grow your own healthy nutritious food indoors - even in winter! Join us to learn about sprouting + microgreens. Featured shrub: Soft Serve chamaecyparis.

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Published 2025-01-25

2025 Houseplant of the Year and Talking Tropical Plants

47 min Transcript

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Warm up this winter with the 2025 Houseplant of the Year! We also talk tropical hibiscus and a mystery plant predator. Featured shrub: Bambino Variegated Orange bougainvillea.

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Warm up this winter with the 2025 Houseplant of the Year! We also talk tropical hibiscus and a mystery plant predator. Featured shrub: Bambino Variegated Orange bougainvillea.

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Published 2025-01-18

2025 Annuals of the Year

52 min Transcript

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Introducing the 2025 Proven Winners Annuals of the Year! Learn why these high-performance annuals deserve a spot in your garden. Featured shrub: Sky Dew Gold ornamental blueberry.

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Introducing the 2025 Proven Winners Annuals of the Year! Learn why these high-performance annuals deserve a spot in your garden. Featured shrub: Sky Dew Gold ornamental blueberry.

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Published 2025-01-11

2025 Perennials of the Year

55 min Transcript

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Introducing the 2025 Proven Winners Perennials of the Year! Learn why these high-performance perennials deserve a spot in your garden. Featured shrub: Spice Baby viburnum.

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Introducing the 2025 Proven Winners Perennials of the Year! Learn why these high-performance perennials deserve a spot in your garden. Featured shrub: Spice Baby viburnum.

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Published 2025-01-04

2025 Shrubs of the Year

57 min Transcript

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New Year, new plants! We're talking what's new for 2025, as well as the Proven Winners Shrubs of the Year. Featured shrub: Kintzley's Ghost honeysuckle.

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New Year, new plants! We're talking what's new for 2025, as well as the Proven Winners Shrubs of the Year. Featured shrub: Kintzley's Ghost honeysuckle.

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Published 2024-12-28

What We Learned in the Garden

45 min Transcript

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The garden is a great teacher, and every season is different, so we're reflecting on what we learned in 2024. Featured shrub: Glow Girl birch leaf spirea.

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The garden is a great teacher, and every season is different, so we're reflecting on what we learned in 2024. Featured shrub: Glow Girl birch leaf spirea.

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Published 2024-12-21

The Citrus Show

44 min Transcript

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The look, scent, and taste of citrus fruits helps to keep the winter bright and cheery, so in this episode, we celebrate all things citrus. Featured shrub: Juiced Orange jessamine.

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The look, scent, and taste of citrus fruits helps to keep the winter bright and cheery, so in this episode, we celebrate all things citrus. Featured shrub: Juiced Orange jessamine.

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Published 2024-12-14

Gifts for Gardeners

51 min Transcript

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Got a gardener in your life - or maybe the gardener is you? Join us as we share gift ideas and suggestions for the horticulturally inclined. Featured shrub: Invincibelle Wee White hydrangea.

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Got a gardener in your life - or maybe the gardener is you? Join us as we share gift ideas and suggestions for the horticulturally inclined. Featured shrub: Invincibelle Wee White hydrangea.

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Published 2024-12-07

A Celebration of Garden Vacations

44 min Transcript

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The Gardening Simplified team recently vacationed (separately!) in some pretty fabulously plant-filled locations: Costa Rica, Australia, and Japan. Join us for a fun chat on what we saw and loved.

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The Gardening Simplified team recently vacationed (separately!) in some pretty fabulously plant-filled locations: Costa Rica, Australia, and Japan. Join us for a fun chat on what we saw and loved.

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Published 2024-11-30

Winter Protection for Plants

43 min Transcript

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You often see plants that have been protected somehow for winter, but is it really necessary? Join us to find out if and when you should protect something in the garden. Featured shrub: Sky Box Japanese holly.

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You often see plants that have been protected somehow for winter, but is it really necessary? Join us to find out if and when you should protect something in the garden. Featured shrub: Sky Box Japanese holly.

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Published 2024-11-23

Holiday Décor from your Backyard

46 min Transcript

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Make the holidays more special with place settings and arrangements from your garden. We share familiar and unconventional ideas for decorating. Featured shrub: Ringo Double Pink rose.

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Make the holidays more special with place settings and arrangements from your garden. We share familiar and unconventional ideas for decorating. Featured shrub: Ringo Double Pink rose.

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Published 2024-11-16

Garden Nostalgia

44 min Transcript

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Whether it's a specific plant or an entire vibe you create, there's something nostalgic about gardens and gardening. Celebrate that with us in this episode. Featured shrub, Illuminati Tower mockorange.

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Whether it's a specific plant or an entire vibe you create, there's something nostalgic about gardens and gardening. Celebrate that with us in this episode. Featured shrub, Illuminati Tower mockorange.

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Published 2024-11-09

Moving Plants Indoors

43 min Transcript

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Moving plants that can't tolerate your winter indoors is a time-honored tradition. Learn about what you can move in and what to expect. Featured shrub: Jazz Hands Variegated loropetalum.

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Moving plants that can't tolerate your winter indoors is a time-honored tradition. Learn about what you can move in and what to expect. Featured shrub: Jazz Hands Variegated loropetalum.

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Published 2024-11-02

Garden Horror Stories

45 min Transcript

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To celebrate the end of spooky season, we asked our listeners to share their garden horror stories, and you delivered big time! Join us to hear their stories, as well as a few of our own.

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To celebrate the end of spooky season, we asked our listeners to share their garden horror stories, and you delivered big time! Join us to hear their stories, as well as a few of our own.

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Published 2024-10-26

Fall is for Transplanting

44 min Transcript

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Got a plant that's not working in its spot? Bust a move! We share why fall is ideal for transplanting, and how to do it. Featured shrub: Diamond Ball clematis.

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Got a plant that's not working in its spot? Bust a move! We share why fall is ideal for transplanting, and how to do it. Featured shrub: Diamond Ball clematis.

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Published 2024-10-19

Colorful Flowers + Foliage for Fall

43 min Transcript

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Go beyond mums and maples to discover the many other plants that make fall such a colorful, memorable season. Featured shrub: Tres Amigos abelia.

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Go beyond mums and maples to discover the many other plants that make fall such a colorful, memorable season. Featured shrub: Tres Amigos abelia.

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Published 2024-10-12

Beautiful, Bountiful Berries for Fall

46 min Transcript

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Leaves get all the attention in fall, but the many shrubs with colorful and unique berries deserve to be celebrated, and that's what we'll do. Featured shrub: Pearl Glam beautyberry.

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Leaves get all the attention in fall, but the many shrubs with colorful and unique berries deserve to be celebrated, and that's what we'll do. Featured shrub: Pearl Glam beautyberry.

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Published 2024-10-05

Fall-planted Flower Bulbs for Spring

50 min Transcript

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You'll never regret planting flower bulbs in fall - join us in this episode to learn why these easy to plant, easy to grow flowers offer so much. Featured shrub: Kodiak Fresh diervilla.

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You'll never regret planting flower bulbs in fall - join us in this episode to learn why these easy to plant, easy to grow flowers offer so much. Featured shrub: Kodiak Fresh diervilla.

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Published 2024-09-28

Repetition & Rhythm in the Garden

43 min Transcript

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Using the concepts of repetition and rhythm is one of the easiest ways to up your garden or landscape design game. Learn how in this episode! Featured shrub: Tater Tot arborvitae.

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Using the concepts of repetition and rhythm is one of the easiest ways to up your garden or landscape design game. Learn how in this episode! Featured shrub: Tater Tot arborvitae.

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Published 2024-09-21

Things to Do Now for an Even Better Spring

43 min Transcript

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Investing time in your lawn, garden, or landscape now can pay big dividends come spring - learn what you can do to save time and get great results! Featured shrub: Double Play Red spirea.

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Investing time in your lawn, garden, or landscape now can pay big dividends come spring - learn what you can do to save time and get great results! Featured shrub: Double Play Red spirea.

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Published 2024-09-14

In Praise of Ornamental Grasses - A Look At Rick's Garden

45 min Transcript

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Rick talks about his love for ornamental grasses and why they play a central role in his very sandy, very dry, and very deer-filled garden. Featured shrub: Sister Redhead Scotch broom.

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Rick talks about his love for ornamental grasses and why they play a central role in his very sandy, very dry, and very deer-filled garden. Featured shrub: Sister Redhead Scotch broom.

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Published 2024-09-07

Gardening in the North, Gardening in the South

47 min Transcript

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Is the grass always greener on the other side? Probably - so we're exploring the difference between gardening in cold and hot climates. Featured shrub: Center Stage Pink crapemyrtle.

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Is the grass always greener on the other side? Probably - so we're exploring the difference between gardening in cold and hot climates. Featured shrub: Center Stage Pink crapemyrtle.

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Published 2024-08-31

Labor-Saving Tips and Ideas

43 min Transcript

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Less work in the garden means more time to enjoy it, so we're dedicating this pre-Labor Day episode to labor-saving ideas. Featured shrub: Red Balloon viburnum.

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Less work in the garden means more time to enjoy it, so we're dedicating this pre-Labor Day episode to labor-saving ideas. Featured shrub: Red Balloon viburnum.

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Published 2024-08-24

The Soil of the Matter

50 min Transcript

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Soil is a vital and valuable natural resource - it's not just dirty ol' dirt. That's why we're celebrating it throughout this episode. Featured shrub: Lo & Behold Pink Micro Chip butterfly bush.

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Soil is a vital and valuable natural resource - it's not just dirty ol' dirt. That's why we're celebrating it throughout this episode. Featured shrub: Lo & Behold Pink Micro Chip butterfly bush.

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Published 2024-08-17

That’s Just Peachy! Using Peach in the Garden | Talking About Summerific Hibiscus

53 min Transcript

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The color peach, whether in foliage or flowers, is a useful blender in the garden. Join us for a celebration of this happy hue! Featured shrub: Ringo All Star rose.

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The color peach, whether in foliage or flowers, is a useful blender in the garden. Join us for a celebration of this happy hue! Featured shrub: Ringo All Star rose.

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Published 2024-08-10

In Praise of Panicle Hydrangeas | South vs North Gardening with Dr. Allan Armitage

56 min Transcript

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Panicle hydrangeas are dominating the landscape right now - learn just how easy to grow they really are. Plus, an interview with Dr. Allan Armitage on North vs South gardening. Featured shrub: Limelight hydrangea.

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Panicle hydrangeas are dominating the landscape right now - learn just how easy to grow they really are. Plus, an interview with Dr. Allan Armitage on North vs South gardening. Featured shrub: Limelight hydrangea.

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Published 2024-08-03

Gardentopia

53 min Transcript

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We're celebrating our 100th episode with the concept of "gardentopia" - creating a dreamy place to escape the world, right in your own backyard. Featured shrub: Cedar Rapids false cypress.

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We're celebrating our 100th episode with the concept of "gardentopia" - creating a dreamy place to escape the world, right in your own backyard. Featured shrub: Cedar Rapids false cypress.

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Published 2024-07-27

Eat Your Landscape

45 min Transcript

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Growing food doesn't necessarily mean turning your yard into a farm: there are many ways to mix edible plants in with your garden and landscape. We share ours and provide new ideas. Featured shrub: Paraplu Pink Ink rose of Sharon.

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Growing food doesn't necessarily mean turning your yard into a farm: there are many ways to mix edible plants in with your garden and landscape. We share ours and provide new ideas. Featured shrub: Paraplu Pink Ink rose of Sharon.

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Published 2024-07-20

The Hydrangea Show

43 min Transcript

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Hydrangea season is in full swing, so we take the opportunity to clear up the mystery surrounding summer's favorite flowering shrub. Featured shrub: Invincibelle Lace smooth hydrangea.

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Hydrangea season is in full swing, so we take the opportunity to clear up the mystery surrounding summer's favorite flowering shrub. Featured shrub: Invincibelle Lace smooth hydrangea.

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Published 2024-07-13

Dogs in the Garden

44 min Transcript

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Yes, you can have a pup and a garden too! We share listeners’ advice, as well as our very own Adriana Robinson, on how they make it work. Featured shrub: Funshine abelia.

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Yes, you can have a pup and a garden too! We share listeners’ advice, as well as our very own Adriana Robinson, on how they make it work. Featured shrub: Funshine abelia.

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Published 2024-07-06

Garden Regrets and Learning From Them

46 min Transcript

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Regrets? We've had a few, and maybe you have too, which is why we're dedicating this episode to the things we wish we had - and hadn't - done in the garden. Featured shrub: Let's Dance Arriba reblooming hydrangea.

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Regrets? We've had a few, and maybe you have too, which is why we're dedicating this episode to the things we wish we had - and hadn't - done in the garden. Featured shrub: Let's Dance Arriba reblooming hydrangea.

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Published 2024-06-29

Can Plants Repel Spiders and Snakes? Myths, Tips, and More!

43 min Transcript

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Don't like spiders and snakes? You're not alone! They are beneficial for gardens, though, so we're sharing advice on coexistence and safe, simple management. Featured shrub: Gatsby Moon oakleaf hydrangea.

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Don't like spiders and snakes? You're not alone! They are beneficial for gardens, though, so we're sharing advice on coexistence and safe, simple management. Featured shrub: Gatsby Moon oakleaf hydrangea.

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Published 2024-06-22

Plants that Play Supporting Roles

51 min Transcript

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Some plants play starring roles in the landscape, while others play supporting ones. Meet these valuable plants and learn to use them in the landscape. Featured shrub: Happy Face White potentilla.

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Some plants play starring roles in the landscape, while others play supporting ones. Meet these valuable plants and learn to use them in the landscape. Featured shrub: Happy Face White potentilla.

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