In this week’s episode, Stacey and Rick discuss what perennials you should be pruning in fall, and which you shouldn’t. Stacey reminds gardeners when in doubt, don’t prune! If you’ve noticed more acorns this year, it isn’t just you - Rick talks about Oak Mast and explains what’s happening. Plus, learn why a rose of Sharon may not bloom and more in Questions Answered.
It's time to plant fall bulbs! Learn how you can be successful selecting, planting, and growing bulbs. Stacey shares a shrub perfect for planting next to your bulbs for a stellar spring display. Stacey and Rick talk about gardening next to Black Walnut trees and how to handle the presence of juglone in soil.
As gardeners, we tend to enjoy working in our gardens. But we should also take the time to enjoy being in them, looking at them, and appreciating our hard work. Plus, gravel in flower beds and removing annuals in fall. Featured plant: Gatsby Gal hydrangea.
"Once it's established" is oft repeated about plants but seldom explained. In today's episode, we change that and cover what it actually means. Plus, Japanese beetle resistance and garden trends. Featured plant: Kodiak Orange diervilla.
Thank you to all of our listeners who send us in their gardening questions! In this bonus episode, Stacey and Rick answer questions from the mailbag that haven’t had a chance to be answered on the show yet.
As we head into our second year, we look back at all that we’ve discussed on and look forward towards what’s to come. Our Plant on Trial is one the Fonz would approve of – Perfecto Mundo ® Double Pink reblooming azalea. Learn about hydrophobic soil and whether or not you should protect your panicle hydrangea in winter.
So many plants have an inviting, touchable texture - we share our favorites, as well as those you should definitely avoid touching. Plus, a beautiful, bouncy hydrangea, pruning boxwood, and printing photos on foliage. Featured plant: Little Lime Punch hydrangea.
Edging your garden beds is a crucial part of maintaining a landscape, but a good edge? That's easier said than done. Find out why, plus we talk favorite vines, deterring dogs, and Stinky the Owl.
Do you know your neighbors? If not, plants can change that! Plant something that sparks conversation and make connections within your community. Plus, dealing with powdery mildew, cleaning pruners, and another bear story. Featured plant: Sweet Summer Love clematis.
We love self-sowers! Far from weeds, these plants pop up where they will thrive best, making you look like a design superstar. Plus, saving tomato seed and an interview with PHS vice president for horticulture, Andrew Bunting. Featured plant: Sunny Boulevard St. John's-wort.
It’s not just people that get sunburned, plants can too! Learn about damage that sun can do to plants, how you can avoid it, and about plants’ natural sunscreen. Rick and Stacey interview with a special guest, Brie Arthur aka Brie The Plant Lady. Brie talks about an outstanding tomato and the benefits of incorporating edibles into the garden.
Dive into the world of blue plants and learn how bigleaf and mountain hydrangeas can turn blue. In Plants on Trial, Stacey introduces a new, easy to grow blue hydrangea. Rick discusses news regarding rising temperatures and a 97 year old who finally got the tractor she deserves.
Yes, summer gardening is actually harder. Today we explore problems gardeners are facing in the dog days of summer and tips to work through them. In Plants on Trial, Stacey and Rick talk about a plant that makes gardening easy. Learn about plant reversion and what to do if you notice it.
It's the height of summer, which means the vegetable garden is in full swing. Learn how to keep it looking, and producing, its best. Plus, growing showy castor bean plants, and the elements of curb appeal. Featured plant: Gin Fizz juniper.
Learn various ways you can give your plants a spa day and why you shouldn’t add Epsom salts in your garden. At Last, a groundbreaking rose is put on trial and Dr. Judson LeCompte joins us to talk about plant genetics and the differences between gardening in the South vs North.
Do plants really repel mosquitoes? We look at the evidence. Plus, learn why your hydrangea might not be blooming, and how police used a YouTube video to save ducklings. Featured plant: Incrediball Blush hydrangea.
Are you a Southern gardener longing for the North? Or perhaps the other way around? We break down the pros and cons of gardening in hot climates. We move on to a gardener with fire ants in her potted lemon tree, then Adriana, our producer, shares garden photography tips. Featured plant: Center Stage Red crapemyrtle.
Variegation: love it or hate it, we discuss this unique plant mutation from a scientific and aesthetic standpoint. Plus, we dive into the truth about controlling Japanese beetles using milky spore, and end with an interview with Proven Winners ColorChoice plant breeder, Megan Mathey. Featured shrub: My Monet weigela.
We're suffering through dryness not seen in 100+ years here in Michigan, so watering is on our minds. Join us as we talk water conservation tips, a high performance, drought tolerant spirea, controlling cucumber beetles, and the time-honored tradition of the "Chelsea Chop."
Whether it's just a pot of basil or a whole garden's-worth, having fragrant herbs as close as your backyard is luxury. Learn our favorites, plus how to grow cilantro successfully, a trick for more chives, and a brand new slug solution from Oregon State University.
Planting annuals is one of the most joyful parts of gardening - listen in as we share our thoughts on this time-honored tradition, and our favorite plants. Plus, learn what it means to be an innovative plant and how to manage hydrangea leaftiers. We end with an interview with Mike Connor, who shares his extensive knowledge of pollinators with us.
Learn why the right soil matters, especially when it comes to plants like our Plant on Trial today, Dandy Man® Purple rhododendron. Now is a great time to start hardening off plants! Hear tips on how to get your plants ready for their new home outdoors. In Questions Answered, we talk about the danger of Oak Wilt and how you can help avoid this dreaded disease.
Gifting plants to Mom on Mother’s Day has been a go-to for most people. In this episode, Stacey and Rick talk about what plants make a good gift, including a revolutionary new rose. Find out if you can grow garlic and spring and still get a harvest. In Branching News, Rick talks about a “novel” idea if you enjoy houseplants and reading.
Container gardening has come a long way in the last few years! Learn our tips and favorite plants for containers, plus how to use your containers for flowering shrubs and evergreens. And by popular demand, Birdman Bill Stovall is back! The Birdman gives an update on his Loons, talks about a few other quirky feathered friends, and discusses migration season.
In today’s episode, we talk about the cut flower trend. Rick and Stacey talk about the rising popularity of growing your own cut flowers and which types they recommend. Our Plant on Trial this week is a sure sign that spring is here, Show Off® forsythia. Get helpful tips on designing and growing plants in containers during our interview with Renee Clermont from Second Nature Designs.
Learn all about perennials in today's episode! Stacey and Rick discuss the best care practices, what their favorite perennials are, and why. Stacey highlights a compact butterfly bush that fits perfectly into any perennial garden. In Branching News, Rick tells us about a moose on the loose!
Spring blooming trees are ubiquitous and a welcome splash of color before warmer days start to come in. Stacey and Rick talk all about spring blooming trees and highlight the beautiful and shade tolerant Golden Shadows® Pagoda Dogwood. Learn about fun facts about frogs and how they help a garden's ecosystem during our interview with amphibian expert Professor Raymond Gates, also known as "The Gator."
New to gardening? Wondering how to get started? This is the show for you! We talk best plants for beginners and how falling in love with a plant can kick off your garden journey. Plus, the perfect hydrangea for beginners, a rose of Sharon dropping its flowers, and a cow on a tennis court.
In this week’s episode, we put the spotlight on the much-loved vine, the clematis! Stacey and Rick discuss care practices and easy to grow varieties, like our Plant on Trial, Pink Mink® clematis. In our Questions Answered segment, Stacey and Rick break down and simplify composting. And in Branching News, find out what dinner hosts stress over and what plant is stopping traffic.
It's finally, officially spring, and the weather's vine! We dedicate much of today's show to climbers and twiners, and spotlight a woody vine in the midst of an identity crisis. Stay to the end for a fascinating interview with birdman Bill Stovall, where we talk loons, cranes, bluebirds, and orioles.
