Have dreams of becoming a flower farmer or just want to grow flowers for yourself? I talk to Amber Villarreal of @redheadflowerbed all about her journey into the flower growing world. And of course she’ll discuss growing tips and her favorite flowers. You can find Redhead Flowerbed at: Website: redheadflowerbed.com Facebook: @RedheadFlowerbed Instagram: @redheadflowerbed Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon. To ask quest...
Jul 04, 2025•48 min•Ep. 209
It’s peak of summer and it’s hot. But believe it or not it is time for tasks to prep for fall. Bruce and I discuss what needs to be done in the garden now plus we answer questions on azaleas, tomatoes and more Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon. To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: Facebook Instagram email Marlene at [email protected] Find Marlene over on YouTube , Instagram and Facebook...
Jul 01, 2025•57 min•Ep. 208
It’s summer and it’s getting hot but there’s still plenty to do in the garden. My new co-host Bruce Ritter joins me to discuss what tasks you should be tackling in your garden. And no it’s not too late to plant tomatoes. Plus we answer your garden questions. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon. To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: Facebook Instagram email Marlene at [email protected] Find Marle...
Jun 13, 2025•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 207
A truly purple tomato - this is what Norfolk Healthy Produce has achieved. With beauty also comes big health benefits. Listen in as I talk to CEO Dr. Nathan Plumpton and head horticulturalist Ian Baker on what the process was to make this happen and how snapdragons are involved. You can find Norfolk Healthy Produce at: Website: norfolkhealthyproduce.com Facebook: @BigPurpleTomato YouTube: @bigpurpletomato Instagram: @bigpurpletomato Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by...
Mar 15, 2025•44 min•Ep. 206
Fruit tree expert, Ed Laivo of @ed_able_solutions, gives his list of favorite peaches and nectarines for an extended growing season. Plus learn what cat-facing is and why it may be happening to your nectarines. This and more growing tips. You can find Ed at: Facebook: @”Ed”Able Solutions YouTube: @Ed_Able_Solutions Instagram: @ed_able_solutions Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon. To ask questions for future shows, subm...
Mar 07, 2025•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 205
It’s spring! LOTS of prep to do for the upcoming season. Time to sow seeds and prep beds for planting. It is time to plant: Broccoli – plants only Carrots Cauliflower- plants only Leeks Loose leaf lettuce Peas Potatoes Chores include: Sow tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, flowers inside Start flowers (sunflowers, strawflower, zinnias) Fertilize Compost Clean up, cut back Prune fruit trees Plant perennials Check irrigation Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing a...
Mar 01, 2025•24 min•Ep. 204
Anthony Dal Ben is one of the winners of the Be Water Smart #summerstrong competition. Winners of this competition transformed their once water loving lawns/gardens into yards that are water efficient but at that same time beautiful. For Anthony it was a family affair. Hear how not only did he transform his front lawn into a water wise landscape, he used this as an educational experience for his kids. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Ga...
Nov 05, 2024•32 min•Ep. 203
Elaine Fitzgerald is one of the winners of the Be Water Smart #summerstrong competition. Winners of the competition transformed their once water loving lawns/gardens into yards that are water efficient as well as beautiful. Listen in to hear how Elaine went from grass to a pollinator heaven. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon. To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: Facebook Instagram email Marlene at marlen...
Oct 27, 2024•41 min•Ep. 202
Janelle Auyeung is one of the winners of the Be Water Smart #summerstrong competition. Winners of this competition transformed their once water loving lawns/gardens into yards that are water efficient, but at that same time beautiful. Hear the steps Janelle took to make her backyard a magnificent oasis of fruit trees, vegetables and flowers. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon. To ask questions for future shows, submit ...
Oct 19, 2024•37 min•Ep. 201
It is the September To Do List – believe it or not, we are in full Fall prep time. Lots of cool weather vegetables to start planting, and tons of clean up and pruning. It was quite a hot summer and time may have been sparse in the garden, but it’s time to get the gloves on and get to work. Episode includes Listener Q&A. It is time to plant: Beets (seeds or plants) Bok choy (seeds or plants) Broccoli (plants) Brussel sprouts Cabbage (seeds or plants) Carrots (seeds) Cauliflower (plants) Celer...
Sep 18, 2024•31 min•Ep. 200
This episode is sponsored by bewatersmart.info . The heat getting to you? There’s a good chance it’s also impacting your plants. I discuss various heat related plant issues and ways to mitigate them. To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: · Facebook · Instagram · email Marlene at [email protected] Find Marlene over on YouTube , Instagram and Facebook...
Aug 04, 2024•35 min•Ep. 199
This episode is sponsored by bewatersmart.info . In this episode, I discuss 10 of my favorite drought tolerant plants. Even if you think you don’t have a green thumb, these plants will thrive in your garden with minimal water requirements. Plus, I include pollinator information. To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: · Facebook · Instagram · email Marlene at [email protected] Find Marlene over on YouTube , Instagram and Facebook...
Jun 30, 2024•35 min•Ep. 198
In this episode, I have a great conversation with the Chocolate Botanist, Derek Haynes. Hear about his journey becoming a plant biologist as well about his mission to debunk misinformation on the internet. We discuss his “favorite” myths and how he handles the backlash he receives on social media. Derek is a plethora of educational and entertaining information -- links below can be found to his variety of media. Instagram: @thechocolatebotanist Website: thecrazybotanist.com Facebook: @thecrazybo...
Jun 15, 2024•55 min•Ep. 197
Soil science can be a bit confusing. How long does it take for materials to be broken down, is it good practice to add microbes and what exactly are microbes? Robert Pavlis addresses these questions and more. Check out his new podcast Garden Fundamentals plus his impressive list of books including Soil Science for Gardeners and Compost Science for Gardeners. Check out more at his links below. Links below can be found to Robert’s vast expanse of media. · Podcast: Garden Fundamentals (available on...
Apr 03, 2024•57 min•Ep. 196
If I was picked up and dropped into a gardening zone relatively different than mine, it would be a huge steep learning curve. I love talking to gardeners from zones different than my zone 9b and it doesn’t get much different than zone 3. I have a fun and educational chat with Theri Vasina LHirondelle who grows amazing flowers and veggies in Montana. Theri can be found on Instagram at @backyard.impressions Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Powe...
Mar 09, 2024•48 min•Ep. 195
Dieffenbachia, ‘pothos’, Monstera… a great majority of houseplants are in the Araceae family which most people shorten to just say Aroids. I discuss this broad family with UC Davis Botanical Conservatory volunteer extraordinaire Bruce Ritter. He has revamped our collection and he shares all his tips and tricks with us. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon. To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: · Facebook · I...
Feb 20, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 194
Believe it or not, spring is around the corner. Here in NorCal, it is still wet with periods of cold, so one does have to be careful with working soil and protecting from potentially freezes. LOTS of prep to do for the upcoming season. It is time to plant: · Broccoli · Cabbage · Carrots · Cauliflower · Collards, swiss chard · Kale · Leeks · Loose leaf lettuce · Peas · Potatoes….late in the month Chores include: · Sow tomatoes inside · Start flowers (sunflowers, strawflower, zinnias, etc) · Direc...
Feb 08, 2024•35 min•Ep. 193
It’s here – the last To Do list of the year. So far it has been a mild winter, with regards to both temperature and moisture. It is the time to plant another round of winter vegetables, work on pest management, and start planning for your spring garden. We are at the apex of short days, so time to work is limited. Episode includes Listener Q&A, with topics listed below. It is time to plant: · Asparagus · Bok choy · Kale · Onion sets · Radish Chores include: · Cut back garden, clean up · Watc...
Dec 24, 2023•42 min•Ep. 192
How do we ensure the next generations become stewards of the land? Of course exposing them to nature and getting them outdoors but also having conversations and reading with them. I talk with author, Collin Pine, about his children’s book ‘The Garden Next Door’ and how its message is more important than ever. Collin’s latest book is called “ The Garden Next Door’ ” Collin can be found at: · Instagram: @collin.pine · River Horse Books To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: · Facebook ...
Nov 19, 2023•38 min•Ep. 191
Gardening can be murder... that is what a lot of people who claim to have a brown thumb think. But in this case, I’m discussing murder mystery books and their links to gardening. Author, Marta McDowell, joins me to discuss her new book “Gardening Can Be Murder: How poisonous Poppies, Sinister Shovels and Grim Gardens Have Inspired Mystery Writers’. We discuss historical detectives who a passion for plants, methods of murder as well as my favorite topic… poisonous plants! Marta’s latest book exte...
Nov 08, 2023•53 min•Ep. 190
Trees -- we all know how important they are. But what are the best trees for zone 9? How exactly do you properly plant, stake and water a new tree? Pamela Sanchez -- Certified Arborist and Education Programs Manager for the Sacramento Tree Foundation -- joins me to discuss these topics and more. Pamela and the Sacramento Tree can be found at: · Website: sactree.org · Instagram: @sactree · Facebook: @Sacramento Tree Foundation To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: · Facebook · Instag...
Oct 21, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 189
It is the October To Do List, and that means it is a very busy time in the garden. Clean up from summer vegetables and prepping for fall and winter. The days are cooler, but shorter – which means you have to work efficiently and hard. Episode includes Listener Q&A, with topics listed below. It is time to plant: · Fava beans · Beets · Bok choy · Carrots · Celery · Swiss chard · Collards · Garlic · Kale · Kohlrabi · Leeks · Lettuce · Onions · Peas · Radish · Spinach · Turnips · All perennials,...
Oct 04, 2023•39 min•Ep. 188
Seeds. As gardeners we sow them, order them, harvest them, and sometime try to prevent them. Author and gardener Jennifer Jewell delves even deeper into the science and importance of seeds in her new book ‘What We Sow’. We discuss her inspiration for the book and talk about why seeds are so important in our ecosystem, cultures and overall survival as humans. Jennifer Jewell, Cultivating Place and her new book ‘What We Sow’ can be found at: · Book: What We Sow · Website: Cultivating Place · Insta...
Sep 27, 2023•58 min•Ep. 187
As a plant person with minimal design skills, I’m in awe of people with both skill sets. In this episode I talk to Soleil Tranquilli about how she combines her artistic design ability with her wealth of plant knowledge to create firesafe, water wise and tranquil gardens. She is the owner of Tranquill Gardens as well as being a Certified watershed Wise Landscape Pro and the president of the Sacramento Association of Professional Landscape Designers. Soleil and Tranquill Gardens can be found at: ·...
Sep 11, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 186
It is the September To Do List – believe it or not, we are in full Fall prep time. Lots of cool weather vegetables to start planting, and tons of clean up and pruning. Summer may have been easy in the garden, but it’s time to get the gloves on and get to work. Episode includes Listener Q&A and a discussion around current published articles in the horticulture world. It is time to plant: Beets Carrots Broccoli Brussel sprouts Cauliflower Cabbage Celery Swiss chard Collards Garlic Leek Lettuce...
Sep 02, 2023•44 min•Ep. 185
You can say that my guest, Justin Hancock, is passionate about passion vines! But he is also passionate about anything that grows. As a horticulturalist for one of the top nurseries, Costa Farms, he gets to surround himself with all types of plants. We discuss, of course, passion vines as well as houseplant care. Justin and Costa Farms can be found at: · Instagram: justinwhancock · Website: costafarms.com · Instagram: costafarms · Facebook: Costa Farms · Twitter: @CostaFarms · YouTube: @CostaFar...
Aug 26, 2023•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 184
It is the August To Do List, and we are having a gorgeous summer that is offering up IDEAL garden conditions. Vegetable and fruit harvests are bountiful, but there is prep work for fall piling up. It is time to: Plant seeds in ground, including: beets, cabbage, carrots, turnips, potatoes Prep garden beds for Fall planting in September: Weed, compost Chores include: Dead-head flowers Pick up fallen fruit Cut off suckers Prevent weeds from going to seed Collect seeds Harvest melons Order fall bulb...
Aug 12, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 183
Want to replace your lawn with a cacti/succulent garden? Here’s how. My coworker and succulent grower extraordinaire, Gianluca Bacci, joins me to discuss succulent growing tips. We talk about major do’s and don’ts of succulent care plus why the saguaro cacti of Arizona are dying. Gianluca can be found at: · Instagram: marinsect_gianluca To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: · Facebook · Instagram · email Marlene at [email protected] Find Marlene over on YouTube , Instagr...
Aug 03, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 182
Many of us walk around with ideas/inventions in our head but don’t follow through with them for numerous reasons. In this episode, I talk with inventor/founder of PlantTraps, Deborah Holtschlag, about how she came up with an idea and ran with it. We discuss her products that turn balconies into amazing gardens as well as her journey from idea to market. Links below can be found to Deborah and PlantTraps. · Website: planttraps.com · Instagram: planttraps · Facebook: planttraps · YouTube: @planttr...
Jul 29, 2023•47 min•Ep. 181
It is the July To Do List, and we are in the HEAT of summer. Garden work is relegated to morning and (maybe) late afternoon given the blistering temperatures. Luckily, it is not the busiest time of the year garden wise – hopefully most of your time is spent harvesting vegetables. Plenty to do still from a maintenance perspective, and believe it or not….some early prep for Fall/Winter. It is time to: · Sow seeds indoors for brussel sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli Chores include: · Deep water trees...
Jul 16, 2023•40 min•Ep. 180
