Quirky, collectible, and water-wise, succulents will add eye-catching texture to any garden bed or container display. There are some succulents that are cold hardy, while others will need to be brought indoors for the winter in colder regions. Join Danielle, Carol and guest Amanda Thomsen as they share some of their favorite succulents, including a few unforgettable “oddballs”.   Expert guest: Amanda Thomsen is a garden designer, garden shop owner, and author based in suburban Chicago.   Danielle’s Plants Variegated fox tail agave (Agave attenuata 'Variegata', Zones 9-12) Spiral aloe (Aloe polyphylla, Zones 9-12) Red mistletoe cactus (Pseudorhipsalis ramulosa, Zones 9-11) ‘Frosted Fire’ sedum (Sedum ‘Frosted Fire’, Zones 3-9)   Carol’s Plants 'Red Velvet’ plush plant (Echeveria pulvinata 'Red Velvet', Zones 9-11) ‘Christmas Carol’ aloe (Aloe ‘Christmas Carol’, Zones 9-11) Gold moss sedum (Sedum acre, Zones 3-8) ‘Matrona’ sedum (Hylotelephium telephium 'Matrona', Zones 3-9)   Expert’s Plants Pencil cactus (Euphorbia tirucali, Zones 10-12) Bundle of sticks plant (Cynanchum marnierianum, Zones 10-11) ‘Frizzle Sizzle’ albuca (Albuca spiralis ‘Frizzle Sizzle’, Zones 8-10) ‘Nerds’ sedum (Sedum album ‘Nerds’, Zones 3-8)

Quirky, collectible, and water-wise, succulents will add eye-catching texture to any garden bed or container display. There are some succulents that are cold hardy, while others will need to be brought indoors for the winter in colder regions. Join Danielle, Carol and guest Amanda Thomsen as they share some of their favorite succulents, including a few unforgettable “oddballs”. Expert guest: Amanda Thomsen is a garden designer, garden shop owner, and author based in suburban Chicago. Danielle’s Plants Variegated fox tail agave (Agave attenuata 'Variegata', Zones 9-12) Spiral aloe (Aloe polyphylla, Zones 9-12) Red mistletoe cactus (Pseudorhipsalis ramulosa, Zones 9-11) ‘Frosted Fire’ sedum (Sedum ‘Frosted Fire’, Zones 3-9) Carol’s Plants 'Red Velvet’ plush plant (Echeveria pulvinata 'Red Velvet', Zones 9-11) ‘Christmas Carol’ aloe (Aloe ‘Christmas Carol’, Zones 9-11) Gold moss sedum (Sedum acre, Zones 3-8) ‘Matrona’ sedum (Hylotelephium telephium 'Matrona', Zones 3-9) Expert’s Plants Pencil cactus (Euphorbia tirucali, Zones 10-12) Bundle of sticks plant (Cynanchum marnierianum, Zones 10-11) ‘Frizzle Sizzle’ albuca (Albuca spiralis ‘Frizzle Sizzle’, Zones 8-10) ‘Nerds’ sedum (Sedum album ‘Nerds’, Zones 3-8)

Episode 139: Favorite Succulents

Drought has become synonymous with gardening in the past several years. It seems like regardless of where you live, you will experience some sort of dry conditions in summer. This has led many of us to reevaluate our plant choices. Perennials we once relied on to fill our beds and borders may flag in July and August—or shrivel up and die altogether. In anticipation of drier conditions in the future, we’re talking about plants that thrive in drought. These selections have built in traits that allow them to sail through long periods of no rain, and/or soils that have little-to-no moisture retentive properties. And we’re not just talking about succulents and cacti here! Listen now to hear about an array of lush, floriferous perennials that thrive in desert-like environments. Expert guest: Ed Lyon is Director of the Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa.   Danielle’s Plants  'Drops of Jupiter' oregano (Origanum 'Drops of Jupiter', Zone 4-9)  Sandpaper bush (Mortonia scabrella, Zones 8b-11)  'Pink Champagne' epimedium (Epimedium 'Pink Champagne', Zones 5-8)  'Blue Paradise' little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium 'Blue Paradise', Zones 3-9)   Carol’s Plants ‘Pink Diamonds’ alpine bleeding heart (Dicentra ‘Pink Diamonds’, Zones 3-9) ‘Caradonna’ meadow sage (Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna', Zones 4-8) Bearded iris (Iris germanica cvs., Zones 3-9) Undaunted® ruby muhly grass (Muhlenbergia reverchonii ‘PUND01S’, Zones 5-9)   Expert’s Plants Epimedium (Epimedium  spp. and cvs., Zones 4-9) Baptisia (Baptisia spp. and cvs., Zones 4-9) ‘Blackhawks’ big blue stem (Andropogon gerardii 'Blackhawks', Zones 3-9) Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa and cvs., Zones 3-9) Purple prairie clover (Dalea purpurea, Zones 3-8)

Drought has become synonymous with gardening in the past several years. It seems like regardless of where you live, you will experience some sort of dry conditions in summer. This has led many of us to reevaluate our plant choices. Perennials we once relied on to fill our beds and borders may flag in July and August—or shrivel up and die altogether. In anticipation of drier conditions in the future, we’re talking about plants that thrive in drought. These selections have built in traits that allow them to sail through long periods of no rain, and/or soils that have little-to-no moisture retentive properties. And we’re not just talking about succulents and cacti here! Listen now to hear about an array of lush, floriferous perennials that thrive in desert-like environments. Expert guest: Ed Lyon is Director of the Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa. Danielle’s Plants 'Drops of Jupiter' oregano (Origanum 'Drops of Jupiter', Zone 4-9) Sandpaper bush (Mortonia scabrella, Zones 8b-11) 'Pink Champagne' epimedium (Epimedium 'Pink Champagne', Zones 5-8) 'Blue Paradise' little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium 'Blue Paradise', Zones 3-9) Carol’s Plants ‘Pink Diamonds’ alpine bleeding heart (Dicentra ‘Pink Diamonds’, Zones 3-9) ‘Caradonna’ meadow sage (Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna', Zones 4-8) Bearded iris (Iris germanica cvs., Zones 3-9) Undaunted® ruby muhly grass (Muhlenbergia reverchonii ‘PUND01S’, Zones 5-9) Expert’s Plants Epimedium (Epimedium  spp. and cvs., Zones 4-9) Baptisia (Baptisia spp. and cvs., Zones 4-9) ‘Blackhawks’ big blue stem (Andropogon gerardii 'Blackhawks', Zones 3-9) Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa and cvs., Zones 3-9) Purple prairie clover (Dalea purpurea, Zones 3-8)

Episode 138: Water-Wise Perennials

Visiting a great nursery is inspirational. Colors and textures draw you in, and wish-list plants beckon to you from the benches and displays. You may even encounter a plant that you can’t live without, even though you’ve never seen it or heard about it before. Join Danielle and Carol as they stroll the aisles of a favorite Rhode Island nursery and chat about their favorite finds. Expert guest: Sarah Partyka is the owner of The Farmer’s Daughter, a garden center in South Kingstown, Rhode Island. Danielle’s Plants 'Copper Harbor' juniper (Juniperus horizontalis 'Copper Harbor') Sensational!™ lavender (Lavandula x intermedia 'Tesseract', Zones 5-9) ‘Nickel Silver’ dyckia (Dyckia ‘Nickel Silver’, Zones 8-11) ‘Shiloh Splash’ river birch (Betula nigra 'Shiloh Splash', Zones 4-9)   Carol’s Plants ‘Venusta’ queen of the prairie (Filipendula rubra ‘Venusta’, Zones 3-8) Agave-leaf sea holly (Eryngium agavifolium, Zones 6-9) ‘Eastern Star’ white wood aster (Eurybia divaricata ‘Eastern Star’, Zones 3-8) ‘Purpleleaf Bailey Select’ American hazelnut (Corylus americana ‘Purpleleaf Bailey Select’, Zones 4-9)   Expert’s Plants ‘Purple Knight’ calico plant (Alternanthera dentata ‘Purple Knight’, annual) Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus*, Zones 7–10) ‘Limelight’ licorice plant (Helichrysum petiolare ‘Limelight’, Zones 9–11) ‘Kudos Mandarin’ agastache (Agastache ‘Kudos Mandarin’, Zones 5–9) ‘Xanthos’ cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Xanthos’, annual) ‘Profusion Double Deep Salmon’ zinnia (Zinnia ‘Profusion Double Deep Salmon’, annual) Balloon plant (Gomphocarpus physocarpus, Zones 8–10) ‘Black and Blue’ anise-scented sage (Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’, Zones 7–10) ‘Kudos Yellow’ agastache (Agastache ‘Kudos Yellow’, Zones 5–9) ‘Aromatto’ basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Aromatto’, annual) ‘Emerald Falls’ dichondra (Dichondra repens ‘Emerald Falls’, Zones 7–11)   Expert’s plants:  Container 1  1.     ‘Purple Knight’ calico plant  2.     Cardoon  3.     ‘Limelight’ licorice plant  4.     ‘Kudos Mandarin’ Agastache  5.     ‘Xanthos’ cosmos  6.     ‘Profusion Double Deep Salmon’ zinnia Container 2  1.     Balloon plant  2.     ‘Black and Blue’ anise-scented sage  3.     ‘Kudos Yellow’ agastache  4.     ‘Aromatto’ basil  5.     ‘Emerald Falls’ dichondra   To see more of Sarah Partyka’s beautiful pollinator-friendly containers, check out her article from Fine Gardening issue 206:  https://www.finegardening.com/project-guides/container-gardening/6-beautiful-pollinator-container-garden-designs .

Visiting a great nursery is inspirational. Colors and textures draw you in, and wish-list plants beckon to you from the benches and displays. You may even encounter a plant that you can’t live without, even though you’ve never seen it or heard about it before.<a></a> Join Danielle and Carol as they stroll the aisles of a favorite Rhode Island nursery and chat about their favorite finds. Expert guest: Sarah Partyka is the owner of The Farmer’s Daughter, a garden center in South Kingstown, Rhode Island. Danielle’s Plants 'Copper Harbor' juniper (Juniperus horizontalis 'Copper Harbor') Sensational!™ lavender (Lavandula x intermedia 'Tesseract', Zones 5-9) ‘Nickel Silver’ dyckia (Dyckia ‘Nickel Silver’, Zones 8-11) ‘Shiloh Splash’ river birch (Betula nigra 'Shiloh Splash', Zones 4-9) Carol’s Plants ‘Venusta’ queen of the prairie (Filipendula rubra ‘Venusta’, Zones 3-8) Agave-leaf sea holly (Eryngium agavifolium, Zones 6-9) ‘Eastern Star’ white wood aster (Eurybia divaricata ‘Eastern Star’, Zones 3-8) ‘Purpleleaf Bailey Select’ American hazelnut (Corylus americana ‘Purpleleaf Bailey Select’, Zones 4-9) Expert’s Plants ‘Purple Knight’ calico plant (Alternanthera dentata ‘Purple Knight’, annual) Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus*, Zones 7–10) ‘Limelight’ licorice plant (Helichrysum petiolare ‘Limelight’, Zones 9–11) ‘Kudos Mandarin’ agastache (Agastache ‘Kudos Mandarin’, Zones 5–9) ‘Xanthos’ cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Xanthos’, annual) ‘Profusion Double Deep Salmon’ zinnia (Zinnia ‘Profusion Double Deep Salmon’, annual) Balloon plant (Gomphocarpus physocarpus, Zones 8–10) ‘Black and Blue’ anise-scented sage (Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’, Zones 7–10) ‘Kudos Yellow’ agastache (Agastache ‘Kudos Yellow’, Zones 5–9) ‘Aromatto’ basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Aromatto’, annual) ‘Emerald Falls’ dichondra (Dichondra repens ‘Emerald Falls’, Zones 7–11) Expert’s plants: Container 1 1.     ‘Purple Knight’ calico plant 2.     Cardoon 3.     ‘Limelight’ licorice plant 4.     ‘Kudos Mandarin’ Agastache 5.     ‘Xanthos’ cosmos 6.     ‘Profusion Double Deep Salmon’ zinnia Container 2 1.     Balloon plant 2.     ‘Black and Blue’ anise-scented sage 3.     ‘Kudos Yellow’ agastache 4.     ‘Aromatto’ basil 5.     ‘Emerald Falls’ dichondra To see more of Sarah Partyka’s beautiful pollinator-friendly containers, check out her article from Fine Gardening issue 206: <a href="https://www.finegardening.com/project-guides/container-gardening/6-beautiful-pollinator-container-garden-designs" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.finegardening.com/project-guides/container-gardening/6-beautiful-pollinator-container-garden-designs</a> .

Episode 137: Field Trip to The Farmer’s Daughter Nursery

We all love plants that have some personality. These are the ones that stand out and make us take notice, and when we see them at a nursery, public garden, or in a fellow gardener’s collection, they go straight onto the wish list or into the shopping cart. Which unforgettable treasures will jump to mind as you listen to Danielle, Carol, and their guest musing about some of their favorite plants with presence? Expert guest: Karl Gercens is the East Conservatory Manager at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.   Danielle’s Plants  Rose Sensation™ false hydrangea vine (Schizophragma hydrangeoides 'Minsens', Zones 5-9)   Double Take Scarlet ™flowering quince (Chaenomeles speciosa 'Scarlet Storm', Zones 5-9)   'Wu-La-La' hosta (Hosta ‘Wu-La-La’, Zones 3-9)  ‘Little Honey’ oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Little Honey’, Zones 4b-9)   Carol’s Plants ‘Storm Cloud’ bluestar (Amsonia tabernaemontana ‘Storm Cloud’, Zones 4-9) Kodiak® Orange bush honeysuckle (Diervilla x 'G2X88544', Zones 4-7) Marine heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens, Zones 10-11) ‘Straw’ Colorado spruce (Picea pungens ‘Straw’, Zones 4-8)   Expert’s Plants Titan arum (Amorphophallus titanium, Zones 11-12) Tower of jewels (Echium wildpretii, Zones 9-10) Madeira Island geranium (Geranium maderense, Zones 9-11) Wood’s cycad (Encephalartos woodii, Zones 10-11) Mule’s foot fern (Angiopteris evecta, Zones 10-11)

We all love plants that have some personality. These are the ones that stand out and make us take notice, and when we see them at a nursery, public garden, or in a fellow gardener’s collection, they go straight onto the wish list or into the shopping cart. Which unforgettable treasures will jump to mind as you listen to Danielle, Carol, and their guest musing about some of their favorite plants with presence? Expert guest: Karl Gercens is the East Conservatory Manager at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Danielle’s Plants Rose Sensation™ false hydrangea vine (Schizophragma hydrangeoides 'Minsens', Zones 5-9)  Double Take Scarlet ™flowering quince (Chaenomeles speciosa 'Scarlet Storm', Zones 5-9)  'Wu-La-La' hosta (Hosta ‘Wu-La-La’, Zones 3-9) ‘Little Honey’ oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Little Honey’, Zones 4b-9) Carol’s Plants ‘Storm Cloud’ bluestar (Amsonia tabernaemontana ‘Storm Cloud’, Zones 4-9) Kodiak® Orange bush honeysuckle (Diervilla x 'G2X88544', Zones 4-7) Marine heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens, Zones 10-11) ‘Straw’ Colorado spruce (Picea pungens ‘Straw’, Zones 4-8) Expert’s Plants Titan arum (Amorphophallus titanium, Zones 11-12) Tower of jewels (Echium wildpretii, Zones 9-10) Madeira Island geranium (Geranium maderense, Zones 9-11) Wood’s cycad (Encephalartos woodii, Zones 10-11) Mule’s foot fern (Angiopteris evecta, Zones 10-11)

Episode 136: Plants with Presence

If you’re looking to add some heft to the spring garden, but don’t want to overwhelm genteel bulbs or ephemeral perennials then dwarf, spring-flowering shrubs are the answer. These little powerhouses are quick to put on new growth in the early part of the season and often sport blossoms in soft hues which will compliment the pastel colors that dominate May and June. Today’s requirements are simple: the shrubs mentioned must stay under 3 to 4 feet tall and wide and they must flower before the summer solstice. You might think this is a tall order for any plant to fill (Peter certainly thinks so) but there are a surprising number of candidates that are up to challenge.    Expert guest: Julie Lane Gay is a garden designer and horticultural writer in British Columbia, Canada.   Danielle’s Plants Yuki Cherry Blossom ® deutzia (Deutzia 'NCDX2', Zones 5-8) Baby Kim® lilac (Syringa 'SMNSDTP', Zones 3-8) ‘Cora Louise’ Itoh peony (Paeonia 'Cora Louise', Zones 4-9) ‘Jim’s Pride’ daphne (Daphne × transatlantica ‘Jim's Pride’, Zones 5-9)   Carol’s Plants Perpetua® blueberry (Vaccinium 'ORUS-61-1', Zones 4-8) Dwarf red-leaved sand cherry (Prunus x cistena, Zones 2-8) Sugar Baby® forsythia (Forsythia x intermedia 'NIMBUS', Zones 5-8) Double Play® Candy Corn® Spirea (Spiraea japonica 'NCSX1’, Zones 4-8)   Expert’s Plants Dwarf sweet box (Sarcococca hookeriana var. humilis, Zones 6-9) Eternal Fragrance ® daphne (Daphne × transatlantica 'Blafra', Zones 5-9) ‘Wabi-Sabi' dwarf viburnum (Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum 'Wabi-Sabi', Zones 5-8)   A link to expert Julie Lane Gay’s article on dwarf shrubs:  https://www.finegardening.com/project-guides/gardening-basics/surprising-shrubs-for-small-spaces

If you’re looking to add some heft to the spring garden, but don’t want to overwhelm genteel bulbs or ephemeral perennials then dwarf, spring-flowering shrubs are the answer. These little powerhouses are quick to put on new growth in the early part of the season and often sport blossoms in soft hues which will compliment the pastel colors that dominate May and June. Today’s requirements are simple: the shrubs mentioned must stay under 3 to 4 feet tall and wide and they must flower before the summer solstice. You might think this is a tall order for any plant to fill (Peter certainly thinks so) but there are a surprising number of candidates that are up to challenge.    Expert guest: Julie Lane Gay is a garden designer and horticultural writer in British Columbia, Canada. Danielle’s Plants Yuki Cherry Blossom ® deutzia (Deutzia 'NCDX2', Zones 5-8) Baby Kim® lilac (Syringa 'SMNSDTP', Zones 3-8) ‘Cora Louise’ Itoh peony (Paeonia 'Cora Louise', Zones 4-9) ‘Jim’s Pride’ daphne (Daphne × transatlantica ‘Jim's Pride’, Zones 5-9) Carol’s Plants Perpetua® blueberry (Vaccinium 'ORUS-61-1', Zones 4-8) Dwarf red-leaved sand cherry (Prunus x cistena, Zones 2-8) Sugar Baby® forsythia (Forsythia x intermedia 'NIMBUS', Zones 5-8) Double Play® Candy Corn® Spirea (Spiraea japonica 'NCSX1’, Zones 4-8) Expert’s Plants Dwarf sweet box (Sarcococca hookeriana var. humilis, Zones 6-9) Eternal Fragrance ® daphne (Daphne × transatlantica 'Blafra', Zones 5-9) ‘Wabi-Sabi' dwarf viburnum (Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum 'Wabi-Sabi', Zones 5-8) A link to expert Julie Lane Gay’s article on dwarf shrubs: <a href="https://www.finegardening.com/project-guides/gardening-basics/surprising-shrubs-for-small-spaces" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.finegardening.com/project-guides/gardening-basics/surprising-shrubs-for-small-spaces</a>

Episode 135: Spring Flowering Dwarf Shrubs

Every garden has gaps that need to be filled from time to time. Whether you are looking for a short-term stand-in while a bed is being reworked or a quick fix after another plant dies, it is nice to have a list of pinch-hitters that can step in and fill space quickly. Listen in as Danielle, Carol, and expert guest Lisa Bauer share some of their favorite choices for gracefully filling the vacancies that are a natural part of a garden’s evolution. Expert guest: Lisa Bauer is the owner of Chartreuse Garden Design in Seattle.   Danielle’s Plants Spider flower/Cleome (Cleome hassleriana and cvs., annual) Appalachian sedge (Carex appalachica, Zones 3-7) Creeping petunia (Petunia  spp. and cvs., annual) Caladium (Caladium  spp. and cvs., Zones 9-11)   Carol’s Plants Prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis, Zones 3-9) Snow on the mountain (Euphorbia marginata, annual) ‘Strawberry Fields’ gomphrena (Gomphrena ‘Strawberry Fields, annual) ‘Pink Cotton Candy’ betony (Stachys officinalis ‘Pink Cotton Candy’, Zones 4-8)   Expert’s Plants Black Lace® elderberry (Sambucus nigra ‘Eva’, Zones 5-7) ‘Cavatine’ pieris (Pieris japonica ‘Cavatine’, Zones 5-8) ‘Blue Star’ juniper (Juniperus squamata ‘Blue Star’, Zones 4-8) ‘Bressingham White’ bergenia (Bergenia ‘Bressingham White’, Zones 3-8) Liverleaf (Hepatica nobilis, Zones 5-8)

Every garden has gaps that need to be filled from time to time. Whether you are looking for a short-term stand-in while a bed is being reworked or a quick fix after another plant dies, it is nice to have a list of pinch-hitters that can step in and fill space quickly. Listen in as Danielle, Carol, and expert guest Lisa Bauer share some of their favorite choices for gracefully filling the vacancies that are a natural part of a garden’s evolution. Expert guest: Lisa Bauer is the owner of Chartreuse Garden Design in Seattle. <a></a> Danielle’s Plants Spider flower/Cleome (Cleome hassleriana and cvs., annual) Appalachian sedge (Carex appalachica, Zones 3-7) Creeping petunia (Petunia  spp. and cvs., annual) Caladium (Caladium  spp. and cvs., Zones 9-11) Carol’s Plants Prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis, Zones 3-9) Snow on the mountain (Euphorbia marginata, annual) ‘Strawberry Fields’ gomphrena (Gomphrena ‘Strawberry Fields, annual) ‘Pink Cotton Candy’ betony (Stachys officinalis ‘Pink Cotton Candy’, Zones 4-8) Expert’s Plants Black Lace® elderberry (Sambucus nigra ‘Eva’, Zones 5-7) ‘Cavatine’ pieris (Pieris japonica ‘Cavatine’, Zones 5-8) ‘Blue Star’ juniper (Juniperus squamata ‘Blue Star’, Zones 4-8) ‘Bressingham White’ bergenia (Bergenia ‘Bressingham White’, Zones 3-8) Liverleaf (Hepatica nobilis, Zones 5-8)

Episode 134: Hole Fillers

To gardeners, spring is the signal of something big to come. It kicks off our season. For the next several months we will primp and preen our beds to maximize their beauty and relish in their good looks. But as all our plants start waking up in April and early May, it can be hard to really focus on the “design” elements. Many of us are often just happy to see any signs of life, never mind if those newly emerging plants look good together. That’s why today we’re focusing on plant combinations (of two, three, or perhaps even four) that look incredible in spring when grouped together. There’s a mix of annuals, perennials, and even a few shrubs in this array. But, when massed in close proximity, the effect is just as stunning as your peak season pairings. Many of you listeners asked us to broach planting design in an episode, so here we are, answering your call! Expert guest: Matt Mattus is a regional reporter for FineGardening.com. The author of two gardening books, he gardens in Worcester, Massachusetts. Danielle’s Combos Combo 1: ‘Mango Charm’ tulip (Tulipa 'Mango Charm', Zones 3-7) 'Peach Flambe' heuchera (Heuchera 'Peach Flambe', Zones 4-9) ‘Peach Melba’ horned violet (Viola cornuta ‘Peach Melba’, Zones 6-9)   Combo 2: Lady's mantle (Alchemilla mollis, Zones 3-8) Fingerleaf rodgersia (Rodgersia aesculifolia, Zones 5-7) 'Halcyon' hosta (Hosta 'Halcyon', Zones 5-9) ‘Nelly Moser’ clematis (Clematis ‘Nelly Moser’, Zones 4-9)   Carol’s Combos Combo 1: Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia, Zones 3–8) Interrupted fern (Osmunda claytoniana, Zones 3–8) ‘Toffee Tart' heuchera (Heuchera 'Toffee Tart', Zones 4–9) ‘Palace Purple’ heuchera (Heuchera 'Palace Purple', Zones 4–9) Japanese painted fern (Athyrium niponicum, Zones 5–8) ‘October Moon’ Japanese shrub mint (Leucosceptrum stellipilum ‘October Moon’, Zones 5–8)   Combo 2 ‘May breeze’ woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata ‘May Breeze’, Zones 4–8) ‘Wanda’ primrose (Primula ‘Wanda’, Zones 3–9) Creeping mazus (Mazus reptans, Zones 5–8) ‘Ogon’ grassy-leaved sweet flag (Acorus gramineus ‘Ogon’, Zones 5–9) Siberian cranesbill (Geranium wlassovianum, Zones 5–8)   Expert’s Combos Melancholy toadflax or fairy lights (Linaria tristis, Zones 4-8) ‘Café au lait’painted tongue (Salpiglossis ‘Café au lait’, annual) Poached egg plant (Limnanthes douglasii, annual) ‘Penny Black’ baby blue eyes (Nemophila menziesii  ‘Penny Black’, annual) ‘Jelly Bean Fiesta Marigold’ monkey flower (Mimulus ‘Jelly Bean Fiesta Marigold’, annual) Assorted pansies in browns, reds, rusts (Viola × wittrockiana and cvs., Zones 5-9) Desert bells (Phacelia campanularia, Zones 5-10)  Belarina® Series primroses (Primula cv., Zones 4-8)

To gardeners, spring is the signal of something big to come. It kicks off our season. For the next several months we will primp and preen our beds to maximize their beauty and relish in their good looks. But as all our plants start waking up in April and early May, it can be hard to really focus on the “design” elements. Many of us are often just happy to see any signs of life, never mind if those newly emerging plants look good together. That’s why today we’re focusing on plant combinations (of two, three, or perhaps even four) that look incredible in spring when grouped together. There’s a mix of annuals, perennials, and even a few shrubs in this array. But, when massed in close proximity, the effect is just as stunning as your peak season pairings. Many of you listeners asked us to broach planting design in an episode, so here we are, answering your call! Expert guest: Matt Mattus is a <a href="https://www.finegardening.com/region/northeast" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">regional reporter for FineGardening.com</a>. The author of two gardening books, he gardens in Worcester, Massachusetts. Danielle’s Combos Combo 1: ‘Mango Charm’ tulip (Tulipa 'Mango Charm', Zones 3-7) 'Peach Flambe' heuchera (Heuchera 'Peach Flambe', Zones 4-9) ‘Peach Melba’ horned violet (Viola cornuta ‘Peach Melba’, Zones 6-9) Combo 2: Lady's mantle (Alchemilla mollis, Zones 3-8) Fingerleaf rodgersia (Rodgersia aesculifolia, Zones 5-7) 'Halcyon' hosta (Hosta 'Halcyon', Zones 5-9) ‘Nelly Moser’ clematis (Clematis ‘Nelly Moser’, Zones 4-9) Carol’s Combos Combo 1: Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia, Zones 3–8) Interrupted fern (Osmunda claytoniana, Zones 3–8) ‘Toffee Tart' heuchera (Heuchera 'Toffee Tart', Zones 4–9) ‘Palace Purple’ heuchera (Heuchera 'Palace Purple', Zones 4–9) Japanese painted fern (Athyrium niponicum, Zones 5–8) ‘October Moon’ Japanese shrub mint (Leucosceptrum stellipilum ‘October Moon’, Zones 5–8) Combo 2 ‘May breeze’ woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata ‘May Breeze’, Zones 4–8) ‘Wanda’ primrose (Primula ‘Wanda’, Zones 3–9) Creeping mazus (Mazus reptans, Zones 5–8) ‘Ogon’ grassy-leaved sweet flag (Acorus gramineus ‘Ogon’, Zones 5–9) Siberian cranesbill (Geranium wlassovianum, Zones 5–8) Expert’s Combos Melancholy toadflax or fairy lights (Linaria tristis, Zones 4-8) ‘Café au lait’painted tongue (Salpiglossis ‘Café au lait’, annual) Poached egg plant (Limnanthes douglasii, annual) ‘Penny Black’ baby blue eyes (Nemophila menziesii  ‘Penny Black’, annual) ‘Jelly Bean Fiesta Marigold’ monkey flower (Mimulus ‘Jelly Bean Fiesta Marigold’, annual) Assorted pansies in browns, reds, rusts (Viola × wittrockiana and cvs., Zones 5-9) Desert bells (Phacelia campanularia, Zones 5-10) Belarina® Series primroses (Primula cv., Zones 4-8)

Episode 133: Spring Combos

Tulips are a lavish spring gift that any gardener can give to themself and to their neighborhood with just a little advance planning. Whether your tulip bulbs are pre-ordered as early as possible in summer through your favorite supplier, or purchased last-minute from the garden center just before the ground freezes, getting them into the ground this fall will pay big dividends next spring. Listen in as Danielle, Carol, and our experts talk about some tulip varieties that would be surefire choices for a spectacular spring display .  Expert guests: Nick &amp; Olivia Heltzel are the owners of Inch by Inch Permaculture in Wheelock, Vermont, where they grow tulips as a sustainable cut flower alternative for regional markets and events.   Danielle’s Plants ‘Claudia’ tulip (Tulipa 'Claudia', Zones 3-7) 'Alba Coerulea Oculata' species tulip (Tulipa humilus 'Alba Coerulea Oculata', Zones 4-8) ‘Spring Green’ tulip (Tulipa ‘Spring Green’, Zones 3-7) ‘Red Riding Hood’ Greig's tulip (Tulipa greigii ‘Red Riding Hood’, Zones 4-8)   Carol’s Plants ‘Princess Irene’ tulip (Tulipa ‘Princess Irene’, Zones 3–8) Link to Irvin Etienne’s article,  Bright Ideas for Spring Containers ‘Pretty Princess’ tulip (Tulipa ‘Pretty Princess’, Zones 3–8) ‘Lady Jane’ lady tulip (Tulipa clusiana ‘Lady Jane’, Zones 3–7) ‘Tangerine Beauty’ species tulip (Tulipa vvedenskyi ‘Tangerine Beauty’, Zones 3–7)   Expert’s Plants ‘Dreamer’ tulip (Tulipa ‘Dreamer’, Zones 3–8) ‘Pink Star’ tulip (Tulipa ‘Pink Star’, Zones 3–8) ‘Apricot Parrot’ tulip (Tulipa ‘Apricot Parrot’, Zones 3–7) ‘Verona’ tulip (Tulipa ‘Verona’, Zones 3–7)

Tulips are a lavish spring gift that any gardener can give to themself and to their neighborhood with just a little advance planning. Whether your tulip bulbs are pre-ordered as early as possible in summer through your favorite supplier, or purchased last-minute from the garden center just before the ground freezes, getting them into the ground this fall will pay big dividends next spring. Listen in as Danielle, Carol, and our experts talk about some tulip varieties that would be surefire choices for a spectacular spring display .  Expert guests: Nick &amp; Olivia Heltzel are the owners of Inch by Inch Permaculture in Wheelock, Vermont, where they grow tulips as a sustainable cut flower alternative for regional markets and events. Danielle’s Plants ‘Claudia’ tulip (Tulipa 'Claudia', Zones 3-7) 'Alba Coerulea Oculata' species tulip (Tulipa humilus 'Alba Coerulea Oculata', Zones 4-8) ‘Spring Green’ tulip (Tulipa ‘Spring Green’, Zones 3-7) ‘Red Riding Hood’ Greig's tulip (Tulipa greigii ‘Red Riding Hood’, Zones 4-8) Carol’s Plants ‘Princess Irene’ tulip (Tulipa ‘Princess Irene’, Zones 3–8) Link to Irvin Etienne’s article, <a href="https://www.finegardening.com/article/a-bright-idea-for-spring-containers" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Bright Ideas for Spring Containers</a> ‘Pretty Princess’ tulip (Tulipa ‘Pretty Princess’, Zones 3–8) ‘Lady Jane’ lady tulip (Tulipa clusiana ‘Lady Jane’, Zones 3–7) ‘Tangerine Beauty’ species tulip (Tulipa vvedenskyi ‘Tangerine Beauty’, Zones 3–7) Expert’s Plants ‘Dreamer’ tulip (Tulipa ‘Dreamer’, Zones 3–8) ‘Pink Star’ tulip (Tulipa ‘Pink Star’, Zones 3–8) ‘Apricot Parrot’ tulip (Tulipa ‘Apricot Parrot’, Zones 3–7) ‘Verona’ tulip (Tulipa ‘Verona’, Zones 3–7)

Episode 132: A Tribute to Tulips

Green plants? Well of course! What else would our topic be for a St. Patrick’s Day episode? Today we’re talking about plants that are stunners despite being “just green.” Turns out that these selections of perennials, annuals, trees, and shrubs are some of the most textural and eye-catching plants you can grow. And, we’ll remind listeners right at the top of the show—green comes in tons of different shades. So make way for some chartreuse, emerald, and lime colored options that are just what your garden needs. We can’t guarantee planting these gems will attract leprechauns but having them in your beds will make you feel like you’ve scored a pot of gold. Expert guest: Mark Dwyer is garden manager for the Edgerton Hospital Healing Garden and operates Landscape Prescriptions by MD in Wisconsin. Danielle’s Plants Irish moss (Sagina subulata, Zones 4-8) Beesia (Beesia deltophylla,Zones 6-9) ‘Soft Caress’ mahonia (Mahonia eurybracteata 'Soft Caress', Zones 6-11) Hacquetia (Hacquetia epipactis syn. Sanicula epipactis, Zones 5-7)   Carol’s Plants Langsdorff's tobacco (Nicotiana langsdorffii, annual) Maidenhair fern (Adiantum pedatum, Zones 3-8) Lady’s mantle (Alchemilla mollis, Zones 3-8) 'Cupressina’ Norway spruce (Picea abies 'Cupressina’, Zones 3-8)   Expert’s Plants ‘Virdis’ and ‘Green Tails’ love-lies-bleeding (Amaranthus caudatus 'Green Tails' and 'Viridis', annual) 'Act Green' and 'Spring Green' cockscomb (Celosia cristata 'Act Green' and 'Spring Green', annual) 'Sunday Green' and 'Sylphid' plume celosia (Celosia plumosa 'Sunday Green' and 'Sylphid', annual) 'Green Ball' dianthus (Dianthus 'Green Ball', annual)  Bells-of-Ireland (Moluccella laevis, annual) 'Queen Lime' zinnia (Zinnia elegans 'Queen Lime', annual) 'August Forest' gloriosa daisy (Rudbeckia hirta 'August Forest', annual) ‘Green Jewel’ coneflower (Echinacea purpurea 'Green Jewel', Zones 4-9) ‘Green Envy’ coneflower (Echinacea purpurea 'Green Envy', Zones 4-9) ‘Limelight’ panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight', Zones 3-9) Little Lime ™ panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata 'Bulk', Zones 3-9) Little Lime Punch ™ panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata 'SMNHPH', Zones 3-9)

Green plants? Well of course! What else would our topic be for a St. Patrick’s Day episode? Today we’re talking about plants that are stunners despite being “just green.” Turns out that these selections of perennials, annuals, trees, and shrubs are some of the most textural and eye-catching plants you can grow. And, we’ll remind listeners right at the top of the show—green comes in tons of different shades. So make way for some chartreuse, emerald, and lime colored options that are just what your garden needs. We can’t guarantee planting these gems will attract leprechauns but having them in your beds will make you feel like you’ve scored a pot of gold. Expert guest: Mark Dwyer is garden manager for the Edgerton Hospital Healing Garden and operates Landscape Prescriptions by MD in Wisconsin. Danielle’s Plants Irish moss (Sagina subulata, Zones 4-8) Beesia (Beesia deltophylla,Zones 6-9) ‘Soft Caress’ mahonia (Mahonia eurybracteata 'Soft Caress', Zones 6-11) Hacquetia (Hacquetia epipactis syn. Sanicula epipactis, Zones 5-7) Carol’s Plants Langsdorff's tobacco (Nicotiana langsdorffii, annual) Maidenhair fern (Adiantum pedatum, Zones 3-8) Lady’s mantle (Alchemilla mollis, Zones 3-8) 'Cupressina’ Norway spruce (Picea abies 'Cupressina’, Zones 3-8) Expert’s Plants ‘Virdis’ and ‘Green Tails’ love-lies-bleeding (Amaranthus caudatus 'Green Tails' and 'Viridis', annual) 'Act Green' and 'Spring Green' cockscomb (Celosia cristata 'Act Green' and 'Spring Green', annual) 'Sunday Green' and 'Sylphid' plume celosia (Celosia plumosa 'Sunday Green' and 'Sylphid', annual) 'Green Ball' dianthus (Dianthus 'Green Ball', annual)  Bells-of-Ireland (Moluccella laevis, annual) 'Queen Lime' zinnia (Zinnia elegans 'Queen Lime', annual) 'August Forest' gloriosa daisy (Rudbeckia hirta 'August Forest', annual) ‘Green Jewel’ coneflower (Echinacea purpurea 'Green Jewel', Zones 4-9) ‘Green Envy’ coneflower (Echinacea purpurea 'Green Envy', Zones 4-9) ‘Limelight’ panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight', Zones 3-9) Little Lime ™ panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata 'Bulk', Zones 3-9) Little Lime Punch ™ panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata 'SMNHPH', Zones 3-9)

Episode 131: Green Plants

Growing spring greens is an easy, satisfying project that takes very little time and very little garden space—you can even grow greens in containers! Homegrown spring greens will be fresher than any you can find at the grocery store or farmer’s market, and you can try varieties that aren’t commonly available, like ‘Red Streaked’ arugula, or ‘Tokyo Bekana’ Chinese cabbage. If this episode inspires you to start some seedlings of your own, check out this article from Ira Wallace about options that will extend your options  beyond the basic greens, and this article on  growing your own salad mix. Expert guest: Lucas Holman is director and lead horticulturist at the University of Tennessee’s Wilson County Agriculture Extension office in Lebanon, Tennessee.   Danielle’s Plants 'Danyelle' red oakleaf lettuce Pea shoots 'Red Streaked' arugula  'Catalonian' chicory   Carol’s Plants ‘Tokyo Bekana’ Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa var. chinensis ‘Tokyo Bekana’) Link to Ira Wallace’s article on greens: Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris ‘Ruby Red’, ‘Bright Yellow’, ‘Peppermint’, and ‘Oriole’) Spinach Tatsoi   Expert’s Plants Green onions Lettuce Turnips

Growing spring greens is an easy, satisfying project that takes very little time and very little garden space—you can even grow greens in containers! Homegrown spring greens will be fresher than any you can find at the grocery store or farmer’s market, and you can try varieties that aren’t commonly available, like ‘Red Streaked’ arugula, or ‘Tokyo Bekana’ Chinese cabbage. If this episode inspires you to start some seedlings of your own, check out this article from Ira Wallace about options that will extend your options <a href="https://www.finegardening.com/project-guides/fruits-and-vegetables/beyond-the-basic-greens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> beyond the basic greens</a>, and this article on <a href="https://www.finegardening.com/project-guides/fruits-and-vegetables/preview-grow-salad-mix" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> growing your own salad mix</a>. Expert guest: Lucas Holman is director and lead horticulturist at the University of Tennessee’s Wilson County Agriculture Extension office in Lebanon, Tennessee. Danielle’s Plants 'Danyelle' red oakleaf lettuce Pea shoots 'Red Streaked' arugula  'Catalonian' chicory Carol’s Plants ‘Tokyo Bekana’ Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa var. chinensis ‘Tokyo Bekana’) Link to Ira Wallace’s article on greens: Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris ‘Ruby Red’, ‘Bright Yellow’, ‘Peppermint’, and ‘Oriole’) Spinach Tatsoi Expert’s Plants Green onions Lettuce Turnips

Episode 130: Favorite Spring Greens

The podcast for people who love plants—but not always the same ones.Brought to you by the editors of Fine Gardening, this fun, informative podcast tackles all things topical in gardening. You’ll listen to the insights (and arguments) of Editor-in-Chief Steve Aitken and Senior Editor Danielle Sherry as they discuss various horticultural subjects on a deeper level. You will also hear from today’s leading horticultural minds who will offer their wisdom and opinions about what you might want to grow in your garden. We guarantee you’ll be entertained and feel like a better gardener.

Raise your hand if seasonal affective disorder has set in for you. Yep, us too. Because the skies are grey and the landscape is mostly brown in many areas of the country, we decided that today’s episode would be geared towards offering a glimmer of hope. We’re talking about plants that put on a show in the last gasps of winter and first few weeks of spring. Just when you think that the garden is never going to look good again, these unsung heroes show up to give us all a little cheer. We have trees, spring ephemerals and even a few lesser-known North American natives that not only make us happy, but help support the earliest pollinators. Those living in more Southern locales will delight in our expert chiming in from Texas to talk about what gardeners in warmer climes have to look forward to in just a few short days. Expert guest: Jared Barnes, Ph.D., is an associate professor of horticulture at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas.   Danielle’s Plants  Red trillium (Trillium erectum, Zones 4-7)    Wood anemone (Anemone quinquefolia, 3-8)    Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum, Zones 5-8)     Pink flowering dogwood (Cornus florida f. rubra, Zones 5-9)   Carol’s Plants ‘Berry Swirl’ hellebore (Helleborus x hybridus ‘Berry Swirl’, Zones 4–8) Trout lily (Erythronium americanum, Zones 3–8) False spirea (Sorbaria sorbifolia, Zones 2–8) Shadblow serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis, Zones 4–8)   Expert’s Plants Yellow wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox ‘Luteus’, Zones 7-9) Paperbush (Edgeworthia chrysantha, Zones 7-10) Virginia springbeauty (Claytonia virginica, Zones 3-8) ‘Bonita’ Japanese apricot ( Prunus mume ‘Bonita’, Zones 6-9) ‘Tojibai’ Japanese apricot (Prunus mume ‘Tojibai’, Zones 6-9)

Raise your hand if seasonal affective disorder has set in for you. Yep, us too. Because the skies are grey and the landscape is mostly brown in many areas of the country, we decided that today’s episode would be geared towards offering a glimmer of hope. We’re talking about plants that put on a show in the last gasps of winter and first few weeks of spring. Just when you think that the garden is never going to look good again, these unsung heroes show up to give us all a little cheer. We have trees, spring ephemerals and even a few lesser-known North American natives that not only make us happy, but help support the earliest pollinators. Those living in more Southern locales will delight in our expert chiming in from Texas to talk about what gardeners in warmer climes have to look forward to in just a few short days. Expert guest: Jared Barnes, Ph.D., is an associate professor of horticulture at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Danielle’s Plants Red trillium (Trillium erectum, Zones 4-7)  Wood anemone (Anemone quinquefolia, 3-8) Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum, Zones 5-8) Pink flowering dogwood (Cornus florida f. rubra, Zones 5-9) Carol’s Plants ‘Berry Swirl’ hellebore (Helleborus x hybridus ‘Berry Swirl’, Zones 4–8) Trout lily (Erythronium americanum, Zones 3–8) False spirea (Sorbaria sorbifolia, Zones 2–8) Shadblow serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis, Zones 4–8) Expert’s Plants Yellow wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox ‘Luteus’, Zones 7-9) Paperbush (Edgeworthia chrysantha, Zones 7-10) Virginia springbeauty (Claytonia virginica, Zones 3-8) ‘Bonita’ Japanese apricot ( Prunus mume ‘Bonita’, Zones 6-9) ‘Tojibai’ Japanese apricot (Prunus mume ‘Tojibai’, Zones 6-9)

Episode 129: Early Risers

For many gardeners, sharing a love of plants with family and friends adds another layer of enjoyment to a very fulfilling pastime. In this episode, Danielle, Carol, and expert guest Catharine Cooke explore plants that have special meaning or associations with their loved ones. Whether it is a dogwood that provides seedlings to share with others, a native orchid that is worth a long hike to see growing in the wild, a buttery colored rose, or “that gangly plant by the stone wall” that Danielle’s husband especially likes, these plants will surely get you thinking about the memories, stories, and connections that make some of the plants in your garden meaningful to you. Expert guest: Catharine Cooke is a landscape designer and co-owner of Spring Lake Garden Design in Sherman, Connecticut. You can read some of Catharine’s past articles here: https://www.finegardening.com/author/catharine-cooke.   Danielle’s Plants Kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa, Zones 5-8) Siberian iris (Iris sibirica, Zones 4–9) Koreanspice viburnum (Viburnum carlesii, Zones 4–8)  ‘Horstmann’s Recurved’ larch (Larix decidua ‘Horstmann’s Recurved’, Zones 2–7)   Carol’s Plants Lady’s slipper orchid (Cypripedium reginae, Zones 2a–7) Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana, Zones 2–9) Trailing arbutus (Epigaea repens, Zones 3–7) Strawberry rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum, Zones 3–8)   Expert’s Plants Julia Child™ rose (Rosa ‘Wekvossutono’, Zones 4–9) ‘Constance Spry’ rose (Rosa ‘Constance Spry’, Zones 5–10) ‘New Dawn’ rose (Rosa ‘New Dawn’, Zones 5–10)

For many gardeners, sharing a love of plants with family and friends adds another layer of enjoyment to a very fulfilling pastime. In this episode, Danielle, Carol, and expert guest Catharine Cooke explore plants that have special meaning or associations with their loved ones. Whether it is a dogwood that provides seedlings to share with others, a native orchid that is worth a long hike to see growing in the wild, a buttery colored rose, or “that gangly plant by the stone wall” that Danielle’s husband especially likes, these plants will surely get you thinking about the memories, stories, and connections that make some of the plants in your garden meaningful to you. Expert guest: Catharine Cooke is a landscape designer and co-owner of Spring Lake Garden Design in Sherman, Connecticut. You can read some of Catharine’s past articles here: <a href="https://www.finegardening.com/author/catharine-cooke" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.finegardening.com/author/catharine-cooke</a>. Danielle’s Plants Kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa, Zones 5-8) Siberian iris (Iris sibirica, Zones 4–9) Koreanspice viburnum (Viburnum carlesii, Zones 4–8) ‘Horstmann’s Recurved’ larch (Larix decidua ‘Horstmann’s Recurved’, Zones 2–7) Carol’s Plants Lady’s slipper orchid (Cypripedium reginae, Zones 2a–7) Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana, Zones 2–9) Trailing arbutus (Epigaea repens, Zones 3–7) Strawberry rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum, Zones 3–8) Expert’s Plants Julia Child™ rose (Rosa ‘Wekvossutono’, Zones 4–9) ‘Constance Spry’ rose (Rosa ‘Constance Spry’, Zones 5–10) ‘New Dawn’ rose (Rosa ‘New Dawn’, Zones 5–10)

Episode 128: Our Loved Ones’ Favorite Plants

Much like the United States Postal Service, these plants will not let rain, nor sleet, nor driving snow stop them from pulling through the worst winter weather imaginable.  It can be hard to find plants that will look two months of drying winds in the eyes and laugh—or sit in a frozen puddle for 4 months and not rot. We decided to sing the praises of those perennials and woodies that will take whatever January, February and March have to doll out and come out on the other side, unscathed.  Tune in to this epside to learn about plants that truly are up to the challenge of taking winter’s worst on the chin.   Expert guest: May Ann Newcomer is a native Idahoan who gardens, scouts gardens, and writes about gardening in the Intermountain West.   Danielle’s Plants 'Ninja Stars' epimedium (Epimedium 'Ninja Stars', Zones 4-9)   Leatherleaf viburnum (Viburnum rhytidophyllum, Zones 5-8)   'Blue Chip' juniper (Juniperus horizontalis 'Blue Chip’, Zones 3-9)   ‘Biokovo’ hardy geranium (Geranium cantabrigiense ‘Biokovo’, Zones 5-8)    Carol’s Plants Rosemary willow (Salix elaeagnos, Zones 4-8) Smooth blue aster (Symphyotrichum leave, Zones 3-8) Golden Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris ‘Aurea’, Zones 3-7) Siberian iris (Iris sibirica, Zones 3-9)   Expert’s Plants German bearded iris (Iris x germanica cvs., Zones 3-10) European snowball viburnum (Viburnum opulus ‘Roseum’, Zones 3-8) ‘Autumn Brilliance’ serviceberry (Amelanchier × grandiflora ‘Autumn Brilliance’, Zones 4-9) ‘Blue Shag’ Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus 'Blue Shag', Zones 3-8)

Much like the United States Postal Service, these plants will not let rain, nor sleet, nor driving snow stop them from pulling through the worst winter weather imaginable.  It can be hard to find plants that will look two months of drying winds in the eyes and laugh—or sit in a frozen puddle for 4 months and not rot. We decided to sing the praises of those perennials and woodies that will take whatever January, February and March have to doll out and come out on the other side, unscathed.  Tune in to this epside to learn about plants that truly are up to the challenge of taking winter’s worst on the chin.   Expert guest: May Ann Newcomer is a native Idahoan who gardens, scouts gardens, and writes about gardening in the Intermountain West. Danielle’s Plants 'Ninja Stars' epimedium (Epimedium 'Ninja Stars', Zones 4-9)  Leatherleaf viburnum (Viburnum rhytidophyllum, Zones 5-8)  'Blue Chip' juniper (Juniperus horizontalis 'Blue Chip’, Zones 3-9)  ‘Biokovo’ hardy geranium (Geranium cantabrigiense ‘Biokovo’, Zones 5-8)  Carol’s Plants Rosemary willow (Salix elaeagnos, Zones 4-8) Smooth blue aster (Symphyotrichum leave, Zones 3-8) Golden Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris ‘Aurea’, Zones 3-7) Siberian iris (Iris sibirica, Zones 3-9) Expert’s Plants German bearded iris (Iris x germanica cvs., Zones 3-10) European snowball viburnum (Viburnum opulus ‘Roseum’, Zones 3-8) ‘Autumn Brilliance’ serviceberry (Amelanchier × grandiflora ‘Autumn Brilliance’, Zones 4-9) ‘Blue Shag’ Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus 'Blue Shag', Zones 3-8)

Episode 127: Plants for Winter’s Worst

The winter blues have certainly set in around here. But thankfully we have a few plants outside that seemed to have saved their best for last. Today Carol and Danielle are talking about Winter Stunners—trees, shrubs, and even a subshrub that look so gorgeous in January and February, you’ll forget that technically it’s the “off-season.”  Whether your winter is mild and wet, cold and dry, or you live where it snows seemingly every day, we’ve got some options that will help make the landscape seem vibrant. Expert guest: Michelle Provaznik is the chief executive officer of American Public Gardens Association. She lives and gardens in Fort Collins, Colorado.  Danielle’s Plants 'Wintergold' white fir (Abies concolor 'Wintergold', Zones 3-8)  'Goldilocks’ Japanese white pine (Pinus parviflora 'Goldilocks’, Zones 5-7)  Blue deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara cv., Zones 6b-9)  ‘Divinely Blue’ or ‘Feelin’ Blue’  Coral bark maple (Acer palmatum 'Sango Kaku', Zones 5-9)   Carol’s Plants American beech (Fagus grandifolia, Zones 3-9) Red osier dogwood (Cornus sericea, Zones 3-7) Japanese stewartia (Stewartia pseudocamillia, Zones 5-8) Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata, Zones 4-8)   Expert’s Plants ‘Panchito’ manzanita (Arctostaphylos × coloradensis ‘Panchito’, Zones 4b–8) Rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus spp. and cvs., Zones 4-9) Red osier/ red twig dogwood (Cornus sericea, Zones 3-7) Kentucky coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus, Zones 3-8)

The winter blues have certainly set in around here. But thankfully we have a few plants outside that seemed to have saved their best for last. Today Carol and Danielle are talking about Winter Stunners—trees, shrubs, and even a subshrub that look so gorgeous in January and February, you’ll forget that technically it’s the “off-season.”  Whether your winter is mild and wet, cold and dry, or you live where it snows seemingly every day, we’ve got some options that will help make the landscape seem vibrant. Expert guest: Michelle Provaznik is the chief executive officer of American Public Gardens Association. She lives and gardens in Fort Collins, Colorado.  Danielle’s Plants 'Wintergold' white fir (Abies concolor 'Wintergold', Zones 3-8)  'Goldilocks’ Japanese white pine (Pinus parviflora 'Goldilocks’, Zones 5-7)  Blue deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara cv., Zones 6b-9)  ‘Divinely Blue’ or ‘Feelin’ Blue’  Coral bark maple (Acer palmatum 'Sango Kaku', Zones 5-9) Carol’s Plants American beech (Fagus grandifolia, Zones 3-9) Red osier dogwood (Cornus sericea, Zones 3-7) Japanese stewartia (Stewartia pseudocamillia, Zones 5-8) Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata, Zones 4-8) Expert’s Plants ‘Panchito’ manzanita (Arctostaphylos × coloradensis ‘Panchito’, Zones 4b–8) Rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus spp. and cvs., Zones 4-9) Red osier/ red twig dogwood (Cornus sericea, Zones 3-7) Kentucky coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus, Zones 3-8)

Episode 126: Winter Stunners 

Flowers and foliage get most of the fanfare, but a plant with eye-catching seed heads will add interest for weeks or even months after its bloom time is over. The textures and shapes of these seed-bearing structures are delightfully diverse, ranging from alliums’ showy starbursts to plump peony pods and the feathery tassels of clematis. Our hosts and expert guest will share some favorite selections that look great after they go to seed. Expert guest: Amanda Thomsen is a horticulturist, garden designer, and author based in suburban Chicago.   Danielle’s Plants 'Purple Sensation' allium (Allium 'Purple Sensation', Zones 3-9)  'Kopper Kettle' Itoh peony (Paeonia 'Kopper Kettle', Zones 3-8)  'Goldsturm' black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Goldsturm', Zones 3-9)  Baptisia (Baptisia australis, Zones 3-9)    Carol’s Plants ‘Strawberry Fields’ gomphrena (Gomphrena haageana ‘Strawberry Fields’, Zones 9-11) Tibetan clematis (Clematis tibetana, Zones 6-9) Kamchatka sedum (Sedum kamptschaticum, Zones 3-8) ‘Blue Glow’ globe thistle (Echinops bannaticus, Zones 3-8)   Expert’s Plants Angel’s trumpet (Datura innoxia, Zones 9-10) Love-in-a-mist (Nigella damascena, annual) Love lies bleeding (Amaranthus caudatus, annual)

Flowers and foliage get most of the fanfare, but a plant with eye-catching seed heads will add interest for weeks or even months after its bloom time is over. The textures and shapes of these seed-bearing structures are delightfully diverse, ranging from alliums’ showy starbursts to plump peony pods and the feathery tassels of clematis. Our hosts and expert guest will share some favorite selections that look great after they go to seed. Expert guest: Amanda Thomsen is a horticulturist, garden designer, and author based in suburban Chicago. Danielle’s Plants 'Purple Sensation' allium (Allium 'Purple Sensation', Zones 3-9)  'Kopper Kettle' Itoh peony (Paeonia 'Kopper Kettle', Zones 3-8)  'Goldsturm' black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Goldsturm', Zones 3-9)  Baptisia (Baptisia australis, Zones 3-9)  Carol’s Plants ‘Strawberry Fields’ gomphrena (Gomphrena haageana ‘Strawberry Fields’, Zones 9-11) Tibetan clematis (Clematis tibetana, Zones 6-9) Kamchatka sedum (Sedum kamptschaticum, Zones 3-8) ‘Blue Glow’ globe thistle (Echinops bannaticus, Zones 3-8) Expert’s Plants Angel’s trumpet (Datura innoxia, Zones 9-10) Love-in-a-mist (Nigella damascena, annual) Love lies bleeding (Amaranthus caudatus, annual)

Episode 125: Sensational Seed Heads

It doesn’t matter whether we’ve been naughty (Danielle) or nice (Carol) this year—we’re still going ahead and adding plenty of plants to our wish lists. We’re talking about trees that we’ve had our eyes on for months and a perennial that shines in spring, summer, and light up electric yellow in fall. Many of these plants will be new to nurseries this coming spring, while others have been around a bit longer. If you’re wondering what plants the hosts of a podcast all about plants dream and drool over, tune in today. Because visions of sugarplums don’t dance through our heads…but visions of coneflowers do! Expert guest: Laura Trowbridge is a garden designer based in Peterborough, New Hampshire. You can read her article from issue 177 here:  https://www.finegardening.com/article/how-to-use-annuals-in-your-garden   Danielle’s Plants ‘Lady Sunshine’ dove tree (Davidia involucrata ‘Lady Sunshine’, Zones: 6–8)  Magical® Moonlight button bush (Cephalanthus occidentalis 'Kolmoon', Zones 5-9)  'Stained Glass' liverleaf (Hepatica nobilis 'Stained Glass', Zones 4-8)  'Fiery Meadow Mama' coneflower (Echinacea 'Fiery Meadow Mama', Zones 5-9)    Carol’s Plants 'Seventh Inning Stretch' bluestar (Amsonia x illustris 'Seventh Inning Stretch', Zones 5-9) ‘Giggles’ dahlia (Dahlia ‘Giggles’, Zones 8-10) Owl’s claws (Hymenoxys hoopesii, Zones 5-9) ‘Golden Delicious’ salvia (Salvia elegans ‘Golden Delicious’, Zones 8-11)   Expert’s Plants ‘Burgundy Spice’ sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus var. purpureus ‘Burgundy Spice’, Zones 6-9) Salsify (Tragopogon porrifolius, biennial, Zones 5-9) ‘Amistad’ salvia (Salvia ‘Amistad’, Zones 8b-11) Lion’s ear (Leonotis leonurus, Zones 8-11)

It doesn’t matter whether we’ve been naughty (Danielle) or nice (Carol) this year—we’re still going ahead and adding plenty of plants to our wish lists. We’re talking about trees that we’ve had our eyes on for months and a perennial that shines in spring, summer, and light up electric yellow in fall. Many of these plants will be new to nurseries this coming spring, while others have been around a bit longer. If you’re wondering what plants the hosts of a podcast all about plants dream and drool over, tune in today. Because visions of sugarplums don’t dance through our heads…but visions of coneflowers do! Expert guest: Laura Trowbridge is a garden designer based in Peterborough, New Hampshire. You can read her article from issue 177 here: <a href="https://www.finegardening.com/article/how-to-use-annuals-in-your-garden" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.finegardening.com/article/how-to-use-annuals-in-your-garden</a> Danielle’s Plants ‘Lady Sunshine’ dove tree (Davidia involucrata ‘Lady Sunshine’, Zones: 6–8)  Magical® Moonlight button bush (Cephalanthus occidentalis 'Kolmoon', Zones 5-9)  'Stained Glass' liverleaf (Hepatica nobilis 'Stained Glass', Zones 4-8)  'Fiery Meadow Mama' coneflower (Echinacea 'Fiery Meadow Mama', Zones 5-9)  Carol’s Plants 'Seventh Inning Stretch' bluestar (Amsonia x illustris 'Seventh Inning Stretch', Zones 5-9) ‘Giggles’ dahlia (Dahlia ‘Giggles’, Zones 8-10) Owl’s claws (Hymenoxys hoopesii, Zones 5-9) ‘Golden Delicious’ salvia (Salvia elegans ‘Golden Delicious’, Zones 8-11) Expert’s Plants ‘Burgundy Spice’ sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus var. purpureus ‘Burgundy Spice’, Zones 6-9) Salsify (Tragopogon porrifolius, biennial, Zones 5-9) ‘Amistad’ salvia (Salvia ‘Amistad’, Zones 8b-11) Lion’s ear (Leonotis leonurus, Zones 8-11)

Episode 124: Wish List Plants   

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! No, not because it’s the holidays, because it’s the annual Q &amp; A episode here on Let’s Argue About Plants. When we put a call out each year asking you, our faithful listeners, to send us your most pressing questions about plants and gardening, we never know what to expect. But boy did you deliver this time! We had so many questions roll in that we had to create a spreadsheet just to keep track. In today’s episode we’ll answer as many of those queries as possible, and in some cases, reach out to our colleagues in horticulture to respond (because let’s face it, we don’t know everything). Tune in to see if your question—or a question similar to yours—is answered and what we had to say about cottage gardens and whether or not you may need therapy because of a plant addiction. Expert guest: Award-winning landscape designer Jay Sifford is the owner of a design firm located in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is an author for Fine Gardening magazine with a new feature out in December 2022, Designing a Stylized Meadow.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! No, not because it’s the holidays, because it’s the annual Q &amp; A episode here on Let’s Argue About Plants. When we put a call out each year asking you, our faithful listeners, to send us your most pressing questions about plants and gardening, we never know what to expect. But boy did you deliver this time! We had so many questions roll in that we had to create a spreadsheet just to keep track. In today’s episode we’ll answer as many of those queries as possible, and in some cases, reach out to our colleagues in horticulture to respond (because let’s face it, we don’t know everything). Tune in to see if your question—or a question similar to yours—is answered and what we had to say about cottage gardens and whether or not you may need therapy because of a plant addiction. Expert guest: Award-winning landscape designer Jay Sifford is the owner of a design firm located in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is an author for Fine Gardening magazine with a new feature out in December 2022, Designing a Stylized Meadow.

Episode 123: Listener Q & A  

Depending on where you live in North America, fall in the garden can bring anything from a flood of vibrant color to just the slightest hint of a new hue. Here in New England, we’re pretty lucky to get an explosion of autumnal colors most years. But today we decided to talk about those plants (trees, shrubs, perennials, and yes—even an annual) that can be counted on to express THE most shocking color when the temps cool down, regardless of geographic location. We realize that some of you live in warmer climes, so we have included a few fall-bloomers that will put on a show into Zone 9, as well. If seasonal depression has started to set in, beat back those impending winter-blues by listening to this episode and then head to the nursery to pick up some fall stunners—it’s not too late! Expert guest: John Forti is the executive director of Bedrock Gardens in Lee, New Hampshire and author of The Heirloom Gardener: Traditional Plants and Skills for the Modern World. He has previously directed gardens for Plimoth Plantation Museum, Strawbery Banke Museum, and Massachusetts Horticultural Society.   Danielle’s Plants 'Pocahontas' Japanese anemone (Anemone hupehensis 'Pocahontas', Zones 5-8) Blue-stemmed goldenrod (Solidago caesia, Zones 4-8) Japanese stewartia (Stewartia pseudocamellia, Zones 5-8) White baneberry (Actaea pachypoda, Zones 3-8)   Carol’s Plants ‘Vibrant Dome’ New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Vibrant Dome', Zones 3-8) Spicebush (Lindera benzoin, Zones 4-9) ‘Blackhawks’ big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii ‘Blackhawks’, Zones 3-9) ‘Rouge Vif D’Etampes’ pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima, annual)   Expert’s Plants Pineapple sage (Salvia elegans, Zones 8-10) Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboretum, Zones 5-9) Poke (Phytolacca americana, Zones 4-8) Plumbago (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides, Zones 5-9)

Depending on where you live in North America, fall in the garden can bring anything from a flood of vibrant color to just the slightest hint of a new hue. Here in New England, we’re pretty lucky to get an explosion of autumnal colors most years. But today we decided to talk about those plants (trees, shrubs, perennials, and yes—even an annual) that can be counted on to express THE most shocking color when the temps cool down, regardless of geographic location. We realize that some of you live in warmer climes, so we have included a few fall-bloomers that will put on a show into Zone 9, as well. If seasonal depression has started to set in, beat back those impending winter-blues by listening to this episode and then head to the nursery to pick up some fall stunners—it’s not too late! Expert guest: John Forti is the executive director of Bedrock Gardens in Lee, New Hampshire and author of The Heirloom Gardener: Traditional Plants and Skills for the Modern World. He has previously directed gardens for Plimoth Plantation Museum, Strawbery Banke Museum, and Massachusetts Horticultural Society. Danielle’s Plants 'Pocahontas' Japanese anemone (Anemone hupehensis 'Pocahontas', Zones 5-8) Blue-stemmed goldenrod (Solidago caesia, Zones 4-8) Japanese stewartia (Stewartia pseudocamellia, Zones 5-8) White baneberry (Actaea pachypoda, Zones 3-8) Carol’s Plants ‘Vibrant Dome’ New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Vibrant Dome', Zones 3-8) Spicebush (Lindera benzoin, Zones 4-9) ‘Blackhawks’ big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii ‘Blackhawks’, Zones 3-9) ‘Rouge Vif D’Etampes’ pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima, annual) Expert’s Plants Pineapple sage (Salvia elegans, Zones 8-10) Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboretum, Zones 5-9) Poke (Phytolacca americana, Zones 4-8) Plumbago (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides, Zones 5-9)

Episode 122: The Most Colorful Fall Plants 

They're creepy and they're kooky. Mysterious and spooky. They're all together ooky. Nope, it’s not the Adam’s Family, it’s the array of wicked plants on today’s episode. It’s Halloween season so we’ll be talking about an assortment of plants that are spiky, darkly pigmented, stinky, or perhaps even the most wicked of all: invasive. But don’t think every perennial or tree on this episode is unworthy of a spot in your garden, some are actually quite lovely landscape specimens. Can a plant truly be frightening? Sure it can—just ask Seymour Krelborn. For further reading on wicked plants, check out this book by Amy Stewart. Expert guest: Christine Alexander is the digital content editor for FineGardening.com.   Danielle’s Plants ‘Sasaba’ holly tea olive (Osmanthus heterophyllus ‘Sasaba’, Zones 6b-10)  Jack in the pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum, Zones 4-9)  Wingthorn rose (Rosa sericea spp. pteracantha, Zones 5-9)    Carol’s Plants Common dogbane (Apocynum cannabinum, Zones 4-8) 'Barker's Variety' monk’s hood (Aconitum carmichaelii 'Barker's Variety', Zones 3-7) ‘Flying Dragon’ hardy orange (Citrus trifoliata 'Flying Dragon', Zones 5-9)   Christine’s Plants ‘Teton’ firethorn (Pyracantha ‘Teton’ Zones 6 to 9) ‘Zanzibarensis’ castor bean (Ricinus communis* ‘Zanzibarensis’ Zones 8–10) Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis*, Zones 4 to 9)   *Indicates this plant may be considered invasive in certain parts of North America

They're creepy and they're kooky. Mysterious and spooky. They're all together ooky. Nope, it’s not the Adam’s Family, it’s the array of wicked plants on today’s episode. It’s Halloween season so we’ll be talking about an assortment of plants that are spiky, darkly pigmented, stinky, or perhaps even the most wicked of all: invasive. But don’t think every perennial or tree on this episode is unworthy of a spot in your garden, some are actually quite lovely landscape specimens. Can a plant truly be frightening? Sure it can—just ask Seymour Krelborn. For further reading on wicked plants, check out this <a href="https://www.amystewart.com/books/wicked-plants/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">book</a> by Amy Stewart. Expert guest: Christine Alexander is the digital content editor for <a href="http://FineGardening.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">FineGardening.com</a>. Danielle’s Plants ‘Sasaba’ holly tea olive (Osmanthus heterophyllus ‘Sasaba’, Zones 6b-10)  Jack in the pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum, Zones 4-9)  Wingthorn rose (Rosa sericea spp. pteracantha, Zones 5-9)  Carol’s Plants Common dogbane (Apocynum cannabinum, Zones 4-8) 'Barker's Variety' monk’s hood (Aconitum carmichaelii 'Barker's Variety', Zones 3-7) ‘Flying Dragon’ hardy orange (Citrus trifoliata 'Flying Dragon', Zones 5-9) Christine’s Plants ‘Teton’ firethorn (Pyracantha ‘Teton’ Zones 6 to 9) ‘Zanzibarensis’ castor bean (Ricinus communis* ‘Zanzibarensis’ Zones 8–10) Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis*, Zones 4 to 9) *Indicates this plant may be considered invasive in certain parts of North America

Episode 121: Wicked Plants  

Doug Tallamy

We very pleased to bring you a special episode of Let’s Argue About Plants today, featuring an interview with Douglas Tallamy, PhD. Several months ago, Christine Alexander, digital content manager for FineGardening.com, sat down with the famed professor of entomology and wildlife ecology at the University of Delaware to discuss how plants can save our planet. Tallamy has spent his life’s work researching the impact of nonnative plant species on the environment with his fieldwork playing a critical role in solving the mystery of the plummeting insect and bird populations seen over the past 50 years. Despite the seemingly larger-than-life problems we face, Tallamy insists there are ways average gardeners can help save our ecosystems. Within the interview we get answers to the questions gardeners want to know like, “Should we be planting only native plants?” And “What are keystone species and why should I be filling my landscape with them?” Tallamy’s message is sometimes misconstrued, especially when it comes to a gardener’s role in the climate crisis. We hope this interview sheds some light and hope on actions steps we can all take to help nature. As Tallamy says, “we’re its last hope.” This interview was edited for length and clarity. For further reading, check out Douglas Tallamy’s most recent books, The Nature of Oaks (2021) and Nature’s Best Hope (2020). Keystone Plants:  Goldenrod (Solidago spp., Zones 3–9) Aster (Aster spp., Eurybia spp., Symphyotrichum spp., Zones 4–9) Sunflower (Helianthus spp., Zones 3–9) Oak (Quercus spp., Zones 2–9) Cherry (Prunus spp., Zones 3–8) Birch (Betula spp., Zones 3–9) Cottonwood (Populus spp., Zones 2–9) Elm (Ulmus americana, Zones 3 to 9) Willow (Salix spp., Zones 4-10) 

We very pleased to bring you a special episode of Let’s Argue About Plants today, featuring an interview with Douglas Tallamy, PhD. Several months ago, Christine Alexander, digital content manager for <a href="http://FineGardening.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">FineGardening.com</a>, sat down with the famed professor of entomology and wildlife ecology at the University of Delaware to discuss how plants can save our planet. Tallamy has spent his life’s work researching the impact of nonnative plant species on the environment with his fieldwork playing a critical role in solving the mystery of the plummeting insect and bird populations seen over the past 50 years. Despite the seemingly larger-than-life problems we face, Tallamy insists there are ways average gardeners can help save our ecosystems. Within the interview we get answers to the questions gardeners want to know like, “Should we be planting only native plants?” And “What are keystone species and why should I be filling my landscape with them?” Tallamy’s message is sometimes misconstrued, especially when it comes to a gardener’s role in the climate crisis. We hope this interview sheds some light and hope on actions steps we can all take to help nature. As Tallamy says, “we’re its last hope.” This interview was edited for length and clarity. For further reading, check out Douglas Tallamy’s most recent books, The Nature of Oaks (2021) and Nature’s Best Hope (2020). Keystone Plants: <ol> <li>Goldenrod (Solidago spp., Zones 3–9)</li> <li>Aster (Aster spp., Eurybia spp., Symphyotrichum spp., Zones 4–9)</li> <li>Sunflower (Helianthus spp., Zones 3–9)</li> <li>Oak (Quercus spp., Zones 2–9)</li> <li>Cherry (Prunus spp., Zones 3–8)</li> <li>Birch (Betula spp., Zones 3–9)</li> <li>Cottonwood (Populus spp., Zones 2–9)</li> <li>Elm (Ulmus americana, Zones 3 to 9)</li> <li>Willow (Salix spp., Zones 4-10)</li> </ol>

Episode 120: An Interview with Doug Tallamy

What a refreshing set of voices on plants. I’m telling friends this is “like Click and Clack, but they (usually) know the Latin names of plants.” Both hosts are terrific and funny and I learn something every episode. And super high quality content — these folks are editors at the gorgeous, authoritative magazine, Fine Gardening.

Smart, engaging, funny

Ugh!  Her voice is impossible to listen to.

Can the girl.

The podcast for people who love plants—but not always the same ones. Brought to you by the editors of Fine Gardening, this fun, informative podcast tackles all things topical in gardening. You’ll listen to the insights (and arguments) of Editor-in-Chief Steve Aitken and Senior Editor Danielle Sherry as they discuss various horticultural subjects on a deeper level. You will also hear from today’s leading horticultural minds who will offer their wisdom and opinions about what you might want to grow in your garden. We guarantee you’ll be entertained and feel like a better gardener.

Let's Argue About Plants

Wow! We done 50 episodes so far of Let’s Argue About Plants and to celebrate that achievement we decided to do two things. First, we’ll drink lots of champagne (well, at least Danielle will). Second, we’re going to give you guys a breakdown of our favorite 50 plants of all-time. These are tried-and-true varieties that never seem to let us down. They’re attractive, have multiple seasons of interest, and are low-care (after all, we’re talking about Steve here—self-proclaimed as the laziest garden on earth). This is the list that we wished we’d had when first starting out in gardening. Do you have some of these star plants in your landscape? Listen now to find out.   Expert testimony: Jared Barnes  assistant professor of horticulture in the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture at Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas.

Wow! We done 50 episodes so far of Let’s Argue About Plants and to celebrate that achievement we decided to do two things. First, we’ll drink lots of champagne (well, at least Danielle will). Second, we’re going to give you guys a breakdown of our favorite 50 plants of all-time. These are tried-and-true varieties that never seem to let us down. They’re attractive, have multiple seasons of interest, and are low-care (after all, we’re talking about Steve here—self-proclaimed as the laziest garden on earth). This is the list that we wished we’d had when first starting out in gardening. Do you have some of these star plants in your landscape? Listen now to find out. Expert testimony: Jared Barnes  assistant professor of horticulture in the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture at Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas.

Episode 50: Top 50 Plants

In a perfect world, every plant we purchase would be well-behaved, pest-free, and a show-stopper 12 months a year. This is not a perfect world.  Despite our best intentions, sometimes we buy or inherit plants that are mistakes…big mistakes (we’re talking to you miscanthus). In this cathartic episode, Steve and Danielle lament and vent about all the plants that brought them nothing but headaches. Some may look pretty, but aren’t worth the troubles they bring with them. All we can say after listening is, “You’ve been warned.”   Expert testimony: Jeff Epping, director of horticulture at the Olbrich Botanical Garden in Madison, Wisconsin.

In a perfect world, every plant we purchase would be well-behaved, pest-free, and a show-stopper 12 months a year. This is not a perfect world.  Despite our best intentions, sometimes we buy or inherit plants that are mistakes…big mistakes (we’re talking to you miscanthus). In this cathartic episode, Steve and Danielle lament and vent about all the plants that brought them nothing but headaches. Some may look pretty, but aren’t worth the troubles they bring with them. All we can say after listening is, “You’ve been warned.” Expert testimony: Jeff Epping, director of horticulture at the Olbrich Botanical Garden in Madison, Wisconsin.

Episode 42: Plants We Wish We’d Never Planted

As gardeners, we love ornamental grasses for a plethora of reasons: They have great texture, they attract wildlife, many are native to North America. But, there are several options out there that give ornamental grasses a bad name. These noxious weeds spread aggressively, become invasive, and/or are just plain beasts that swallow up any garden neighbors. In this episode we discuss the stars of this category of plants—grasses that are stunning in three seasons (if not four) and don’t require a teenage back to divide. We even sing the praises of an airport authority that chose a truly wonderful grass to landscape their parking circles. Which one? You’ll have to listen to the episode to find out!   Expert testimony: Brent Horvath, owner and plant breeder at Intrinsic Perennials in Hebron, Illinois.

As gardeners, we love ornamental grasses for a plethora of reasons: They have great texture, they attract wildlife, many are native to North America. But, there are several options out there that give ornamental grasses a bad name. These noxious weeds spread aggressively, become invasive, and/or are just plain beasts that swallow up any garden neighbors. In this episode we discuss the stars of this category of plants—grasses that are stunning in three seasons (if not four) and don’t require a teenage back to divide. We even sing the praises of an airport authority that chose a truly wonderful grass to landscape their parking circles. Which one? You’ll have to listen to the episode to find out! Expert testimony: Brent Horvath, owner and plant breeder at Intrinsic Perennials in Hebron, Illinois.

Episode 51: Great Grasses 

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