Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. We have a little Reddit Follow Up this week. “That’s Hot” discusses spines and spikes, “This or That” debates lists and sizes, and “Take it of Leaf it” is a rare treat. Did we give you a shoutout this week? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. That’s Hot – Fran’s Plant / Tom’s Plant Read Fran’s Article / Read Tom’s Article Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189 Have a comment? Email info...
Jun 27, 2025•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 268
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Edwina von Gal (Founder at Edwina von Gal + Co. and Founder at Perfect Earth Projec t) to talk about making real ecological change in our gardens. Topics include global ground rules, changes in the landscape design world, embracing being an expert, the creation of the Perfect Earth Project, and of course, favorite native plants. Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow Edwina von Gal Here . Follow Perfect Earth Project H...
Jun 20, 2025•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 267
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. Our Facebook Group has the BEST content! “That’s Hot” discusses yellow and blue. “This or That” takes a look under the ground as well as the health of our forests. Don't you dare call “Take it of Leaf it” lazy. Did we give you a shoutout this week? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. That’s Hot – Fran’s Plant / Tom’s Plant Read Fran’s Article / Read Tom’s Article Have a question or a comment? Call...
Jun 13, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 266
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Claire Chambers of Meadow Lab and Sam Monaghan of Wildflower Turf UK to talk about an exciting new product that is making its way to the United States. Topics include the concept of wildflower sod, the benefits of wildflower sod compared to traditional restorations that are done by seeding, the journey of perfecting wildflower sod as well as the journeys of both Claire and Sam, and the process of bringing this technology to the US. Music by Egocent...
Jun 06, 2025•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 265
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. Let's talk about our Facebook Group! “That’s Hot” highlights two plants we have never seen in the wild...that we know of. “This or That” is good over here but not over there. "Take it of Leaf it" gets called some bad names. Did we give you a shoutout this week? Listen to the end of the episode for a secret. Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. That’s Hot – Fran’s Plant / Tom’s Plant Read Fran’s Art...
May 30, 2025•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 264
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with award winning director and cinematographer Louie Schwartzberg ( Fantastic Fungi , Wings of Life , Moving Art ) to talk about finding a connection with nature. Topics include being thankful for the little things, the art of storytelling, rooting for the underdog, and the healing properties of nature. Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow Moving Art Here . Follow Fantastic Fungi Here . Have a question or a comment? Call...
May 23, 2025•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 263
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. “That’s Hot” highlights some favorites that we don't give enough love to. “This or That” dives deep into some heavy topics. "Tom's Petty" rises up to defend our friends. Fran and Tom zoom out and see a larger picture. Did we give you a shoutout this week? Listen to the end of the episode for a secret. Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. That’s Hot – Fran’s Plant / Tom’s Plant Read Fran’s Article /...
May 16, 2025•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 262
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Kelly Norris (Author and Founder/Curator of The Public Horticulture Company , to talk about ecological ethics. Topics include the ecological gardening movement, inspirations for his books New Naturalism and Your Natural Garden, Kelly's favorite gardening trends, and finding your love for native plants. Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow Kelly Norris Here . Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189. Follow N...
May 09, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 261
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. There is fire abound! “That’s Hot” highlights what was found in a cemetery and a hunting field. “This or That” focuses on what is not there and what could be there. “Take it of Leaf it” might not contribute. A listener shares a great website resource. Did we give you a shoutout this week? Listen to the end of the episode for a secret. Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. That’s Hot – Fran’s Plant /...
May 02, 2025•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 260
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Patrick Cullina (Owner, Patrick Cullina Horticultural Design and Consulting) to talk about ecological gardening in public spaces. Topics include finding horticulture as a career, incorporating function and systems in urban and public spaces, the beginnings of the High Line in NYC, and Pat's favorite underused native tree. Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow Pat Cullina Here . Have a question or a comment? Call (215)...
Apr 25, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 259
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. Why are Tom and Fran NOT in the same room? “That’s Hot” recalls a harmless prank. “This or That” builds roadways to new worlds. “Take it of Leaf it” has a funny take. Did we give you a shoutout this week? Listen to the end of the episode for a secret. Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. That’s Hot – Fran’s Plant / Tom’s Plant Read Fran’s Article / Read Tom’s Article Check out Snarky Sparrow Shirts...
Apr 18, 2025•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 258
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Kelly Wilson (Horticulturalist) and Greg Huse (Urban Forester) of Arlington National Cemetery to discuss the heritage of horticulture at the cemetery. Topics include honoring those who gave their lives for this country through horticulture, the challenges of maintaining excellence, implementing ecological strategies into current and future projects, Medal of Honor Memorial Trees, and Spring Horticultural Tours of the grounds. Music by Egocentric Pl...
Apr 11, 2025•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 257
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. “That’s Hot” picks a page. “This or That” is a little more uplifting this week. “Take it of Leaf it” leads to a very interesting discussion about university funding. Did we give you a shoutout this week? Listen to the end of the episode for a secret. Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. That’s Hot – Fran’s Plant / Tom’s Plant Read Fran’s Article / Read Tom’s Article Have a question or a comment? Ca...
Apr 04, 2025•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 256
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Dr. Jared Barnes (Associate Professor of Horticulture at Stephen F. Austin State University) to talk about inspiring people to garden. Topics include the power of knowledge and education, the rise of ecological gardening, current gardening trends, and Jared's journey into horticulture. Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow Dr. Jared Barnes Here . Follow Seed Your Future Here . Have a question or a comment? Call (215) ...
Mar 28, 2025•1 hr 42 min•Ep. 255
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. “That’s Hot” picks an edible and a botanical. “This or That” has Tom and Fran realizing how much they do not know. “Take it of Leaf it” puts a round object in a square hole.. Did we give you a shoutout this week? There are secrets galore this episode as well as some pettiness! Listen to the end of the episode for a secret. Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. That’s Hot – Fran’s Plant / Tom’s Plant...
Mar 21, 2025•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 254
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Ken Parker (Owner – Native Plant Guy Consulting) to talk about human interaction with native plants. Topics include reconnecting Indigenous Tribes with traditional foods and healthier eating, interesting medicinal uses for native plants, and inspirations in ecology. Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow Ken Parker Here . Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189. Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website /...
Mar 14, 2025•1 hr 38 min•Ep. 253
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. “That’s Hot” picks a number and takes and interesting turn. “This or That” has Tom and Fran trying not to press the panic button and find some good and make some sense. “Take it of Leaf it” asks what kind of steward you are. Did we give you a shoutout this week? Grow Read a Book takes to the mountains! Listen to the end of the episode for a fancy secret. Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. That’s ...
Mar 07, 2025•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 252
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Ethan Tapper (Owner - Bear Island Consulting and Author of How to Love a Forest ) to talk about his book How to Love a Forest . Topics include Ethan's journey into forestry, the challenges of stewardship, signs of a healthy forest, being a steward of wildlife, and learning to write a book. Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow Ethan Tapper Here . Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189. Follow Native Plants ...
Feb 28, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 251
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back to celebrate five years, 250 episodes, and over a half a million downloads of The Native Plants Healthy Planet Podcast. That celebration does not come without technical difficulties. Thank you to all of our listeners who have made the journey with us and took the time to call in to our show. “That’s Hot” asks, "What is your favorite native plant?". “This or That” knocks open doors and cracks open shells. “Take it of Leaf it” spies on some good work. Li...
Feb 21, 2025•1 hr 54 min•Ep. 250
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Andrew Bunting (Vice President of Horticulture) from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. Topics include how gardening has changed over the years as well as the view on native plants, PHS and the wonderful work and programs they offer, how they incorporate native plants into urban gardens as well as the internationally renowned Philadelphia Flower Show, and what the future holds for the PHS. Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave B...
Feb 14, 2025•1 hr 44 min•Ep. 249
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. “That’s Hot” is an oldie but a goodie. “This or That” leads to some difficult discussions. “Take it of Leaf it” has Tom and Fran on opposite ends. Did we give you a shoutout this week? Grow Read a Book is a surprise! Listen to the end of the episode for a secret. Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. That’s Hot – Fran’s Plant / Tom’s Plant Read Fran’s Article / Read Tom’s Article Have a question or ...
Feb 07, 2025•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 248
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick welcome back Sam Hoadley (Horticultural Research Manager) from the Mt. Cuba Center about the results of their newly published Vernonia trials. It's time to get excited about Vernonia! They discuss which Vernonia performed well and which ones performed better, surprise value of many of the Vernonia species, How species rated in the trials as well as the buzz generated by this timely research. Find out what trials are next! Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro ...
Jan 31, 2025•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 247
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. We've been exhibiting and speaking. Find out how it's been going. “That’s Hot” takes to the trees. “This or That” deals with fire and rain. “Take it of Leaf it” leaves Tom and Fran collecting their thoughts. Did we give you a shoutout this week? Listen to the end of the episode for a follow up to Tom’s secret. Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. That’s Hot – Fran’s Plant / Tom’s Plant Read Fran’s ...
Jan 24, 2025•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 246
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Mike McGraw from Princeton Hydro to discuss all things ecology speaking. Topics include the journey from a big city to wildlife biologist, the impact of deer, the documentary "Roots so Deep" and regenerative farming, and making your own ecological impact. Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow Princeton Hydro Here . Watch Roots so Deep Here . Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189. Follow Native Plants Healt...
Jan 17, 2025•1 hr 40 min•Ep. 245
Happy New Year! Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. “That’s Hot” ironically, looks good in the snow. “This or That” talks about raking and preserving. “Take it of Leaf it” is a little general. Tom and Fran break down our Top 10 of All-Time and our Top Ten of 2024. Did we give you a shoutout this week? Listen to the end of the episode for a follow up to Tom's secret. Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. That’s Hot – Fran’s Plant / Tom...
Jan 10, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 244
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick share one of their favorite episodes of The Native Plants Healthy Planet Podcast. Tom and Fran spoke with Oliver Milman (Environment Correspondent at the Guardian ) to talk about his new book The Insect Crisis. Topics include the state of our insect friends, the factors contributing to their decline, the obstacles we face in reversing the trend, and what you can do locally to help. Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Buy a copy of The ...
Jan 03, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 243
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a sneak peek of Season 3 of A Native Plant Every Day. Season 3 will be a four week season debuting in 2025. Listen to hear about the exciting changes moving forward. Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow A Native Plant Every Day Here . Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189 Have a comment? Email info@nativeplantshealthyplanet.com Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube Follow...
Dec 27, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 242
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. “That’s Hot” is festive for the season. “This or That” talks about urban meadows and host plants. “Take it of Leaf it” takes Tom and Fran on a long journey. Did we give you a shoutout this week? Listen to the end of the episode for a secret. Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. That’s Hot – Fran’s Plant / Tom’s Plant Read Fran’s Article / Read Tom’s Article Have a question or a comment? Call (215) ...
Dec 20, 2024•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 241
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Claudio Vazquez and Amanda McClean from Izel Native Plants to discuss supplying native plants to the retail market. Topics include the history of Izel Native Plants, how the market and their company has changed since their inception, challenges in making wholesale native plant material available to the public and what the next ten years look like. Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow Izel Native Plants Here . Have a ...
Dec 13, 2024•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 240
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. We have two winners!!! Are you one of them? It is the most leaf blower time of the year. Let's talk about two stroke engine bans. “That’s Hot” survives the cold. “This or That” talks soil and radiation. “Take it of Leaf it” has a lot of stipulations. Did we give you a shoutout this week? Listen to the end of the episode for a secret. Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. That’s Hot – Fran’s Plant / ...
Dec 06, 2024•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 239
