Bloom Box: Growing Deeper

We love grasses, native, ornamental, even annual! It's hard to imagine gardening in the Great Plains without them. They create the base and backdrop for native flowers while creating a sense of place in a prairie state. Grasses are also critical habitat for butterflies, moths, and other pollinating insects.Learn more about becoming a member of the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum.For more in-depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Find us on Patreon for early episode releases and extra photosFollow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Need help planning a summer vacation or family trip? Justin Evertson (Green Infrastructure Coordinator) and John Woodworth (Community Forester) join us to talk about our favorite trips to public gardens across the state.Through the American Horticultural Society's reciprocal admissions program, NSA members can receive perks like free admission, free parking, entrance to special exhibits, and other discounts at over 380 public gardens across North America!Learn more about becoming a member of the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum.For more in-depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Need help planning a summer vacation or family trip? Justin Evertson (Green Infrastructure Coordinator) and John Woodworth (Community Forester) join us to talk about our favorite trips to public gardens across the state. Through the American Horticultural Society's reciprocal admissions program, NSA members can receive perks like free admission, free parking, entrance to special exhibits, and other discounts at over 380 public gardens across North America!Learn more about becoming a member of the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum.For more in-depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

This information and scripts for emails and phone calls are available here: https://plantnebraska.org/how-to-help/advocacy.html The President's proposed Fiscal Year 2026 “Skinny Budget” threatens to eliminate the U.S. Forest Service's State, Private, and Tribal Forestry (SPTF) programs—a move that would have devastating consequences for communities, volunteer fire departments, landowners, and forests across Nebraska. These programs directly support wildfire prevention, volunteer fire departments, reforestation, community forestry, forest health, and rural economic resilience. Their elimination would leave Nebraska communities without the resources, tools, and partnerships needed to protect lives, property, and the environment.  These programs provide funding for various community forestry activities, including: NFS technical assistance to help communities make informed decisions, such as tree inventories, inventory software access, evaluation of at-risk trees, arborist training, municipal staff training, tree board assistance, ordinance drafting, forest management support, and much more.   Support for programs like Tree City USA, Tree Care workshops, and events.  Arborist support includes low-cost or free CEU trainings and arborist prep. Forest health diagnostics and monitoring.  Pass-through funding for initiatives like the Free Tree for Fall Tree Planting program and the IRA.  In addition, federal funding provides: Equipment and training for volunteer fire districts Wildfire mitigation funding Forest management activities.  You can take immediate action to help preserve these essential programs by:  1. Contact Nebraska's Congressional Delegation Reach out to your Representative and U.S. Senators by phone, email, or letter and urge them to protect funding for SPTF programs in the FY 2026 budget. You can find contact information for Nebraska's federal delegation here:  Senator Deb Fischer: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/?p=email-deb Washington, D.C. office (202) 224-6551 Senator Pete Ricketts: https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/contact/share-your-opinion/  Washington, D.C. office (202) 224-4224  Find your U.S. House Representative: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative  District 1: Congressman Mike Flood: https://flood.house.gov/contact  Washington, D.C. office  (202) 225-4806  District 2: Congressman Don Bacon: https://bacon.house.gov/contact/  Washington, D.C. office (202) 225-4155  District 3:  Congressman Adrian, Smith: https://adriansmith.house.gov/address_authentication?form=/contact  Washington, D.C. office (202) 225-6435  2. Share Your Story When you reach out,  please be specific and personal. Share how these forestry programs have made a difference in your life, community, or work. Whether you are a fire chief, city leader, landowner, or citizen advocate, your voice and your experience are powerful. Please consider including: How your community has benefited from SPTF-supported projects or funding. How these programs have helped prevent wildfire or improve forest health. What the consequences would be if this funding is lost. 

We know our listeners enjoy learning about plants they should consider or try each year and we like to make those lists based on a theme. We've done pollinator habitat, we've done other wildlife, we've done shrubs, etc. This year we're going through our team (at the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum and Nebraska Forest Service) and sharing everyone's signature, or favorite plants.Anyone who regularly designs landscapes, helps people select plants, or influences what is planted in public spaces eventually ends up with a toolbox of their favorite species. These are our tried and true, dependable problem solving plants- or just our favorites to see growing.For more in-depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Plants are often used to screen visually, for protection from wind, and to limit sound pollution from roadways. One of the most common questions we get is how to select trees, shrubs, grasses (and even perennials) for use in a screen or ‘Living Fence'. Today we're discussing some of our go-to plants as well as the framework for designing a living fence or creating a visual screen.For more in-depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastFor early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/NebraskaStatewideArboretumSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NebraskaStatewideArboretum on Facebook and InstagramLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/NebraskaStatewideArboretumSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NebraskaStatewideArboretum on Facebook and InstagramLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Thanks to the Lied Center, we had the opportunity to meet Dr. Tyson over Zoom and ask him two questions related to his Cosmic Perspective talk! He will be at the Lied Center tonight for a sold-out show. This week we're partnering with the Lied Center to celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day, check out the show notes for our tips and events.We hope to see you at Spring Affair this weekend!For more in-depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: ttps://plantnebraska.org/podcastFor early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/NebraskaStatewideArboretumSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NebraskaStatewideArboretum on Facebook and InstagramLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

This week, we're Growing Deeper into a topic introduced in an episode of our Plant Talk webinar series (watch here). Keystone species, an idea discussed by entomologist Doug Tallamy in several of his books, are a foundation of healthy, functioning habitat. Today we're discussing some of the keystone species of the Great Plains and how understanding this theory impacts the way we design urban greenspaces.You don't want to miss the full show notes this week, they are packed full of great (and a few funny) links! https://plantnebraska.org/podcastSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

This was by far been one of the most popular episodes we have recorded. It's practical, it's helpful, and it brings us hope of spring and new projects. Whether you are a new or longtime listener, we hope you enjoy this look back at how to prepare a new garden bed or get ready to replant an old one. An insider tip: as gardeners we're always in a hurry to get outside so we often shorten well used phrases like "preparing a new bed" to "bed prep".We talk about everything from killing and removing turf to improving your soil and composting. We also share our favorite garden tools and how to maintain them, so they work for you and not against you.For more in-depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

There are so many things to keep in mind when trying to garden sustainably and it would be tempting to think they are all black and white issues, “choose this not that and you'll have the perfect, ecologically friendly garden”. In this episode we're sharing specific choices we've had to make in our own gardens based on available time, physical ability, budget, and problems we've needed to solve.For more in-depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Thank you Hannah for your question about planting near buried utilities! We though your question was common enough to answer on it's own instead of during another episode. This is a complicated topic since every neighborhood is designed a little different. Always call 811 and refer to your local ordinances (rules) for planting near utilities. For more in-depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

The 2025 issue of The Seed (our largest annual publication) is out and we're giving you practical tips and steps to advocating for tree planting and greenspaces in your community! Whether you see yourself as a hands on volunteer, a vocal advocate, or a future member of a committee or tree board, we hope to inspire you to take the first step to guiding your own community to plant for the future.Read The Seed (current and past issues)For more in-depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

This week we are replaying one of our most popular early episodes. All about soil; what it is, what it isn't, what lives in it, why it's so important, and what we can do to improve and protect it.It may be a little cold to go outside but we'll offer you a hint of spring and walk you through learning what kind of soil you have and what that means for your plant choices and your garden. Understanding your soil is a key starting place, so if you're planning to create a new garden bed this spring, you'll be prepared to get a 'feel' for things once the ground thaws.How to ID your soil type.More info on Epsom Salt.Watch Bob "chunk" his garden soil. Chunking is a great way to loosen soil for planting without breaking down the soil structure.For more in-depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

The Nebraska Statewide Arboretum mission is to plant Nebraska for healthy people, vibrant communities, and a resilient environment. This week we're reflecting on what this means to us and why, when our jobs often involve more people and paperwork than plants, we continue to be inspired to keep planting. We truly have a wonderful team to work with and we were glad the whole NSA team and our community forestry partners at the Nebraska Forest Service we willing to share their stories!In this episode we hear from:Kendall Weyers, Sustainable Communities CoordinatorBrad Kindler, Sustainable Landscape SpecialistJustin Evertson, Green Infrastructure CoordinatorMichelle DeRusha, Communications and Events CoordinatorChrissy Land, Western Nebraska Community ForesterBob Henrickson, Horticulture Program CoordinatorToby Burnham, Member and Affiliate CoordinatorChristina Hoyt, Community Landscapes and Forest Health Bureau ChiefNSA Staff ListingFor more in-depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Sarah and Hanna review their resolutions from last year, plan their 2025 garden projects and share their predictions of what will be in and what will be out this year.For more in-depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Bob Henrickson joins us to announce the 2025 Great Plants for the Great Plains selections!For more in-depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Friluftsliv, translated as "free air life", is the Norwegian value of time spent in the outdoors. Michelle, whose family fully embraces friluftsliv, introduced us to the idea last episode during our book review. We've thought of several ways that we practice the free air life, intentionally or naturally, to share and have decided to join Norway in declaring 2025 the year of friluftsliv!For more in-depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

We're kicking off the holiday season with our annual book review and gift guide! Michelle DeRusha joins us again this year and we share some of the garden related books we read this year (or are looking forward to reading). We also share our list of gift ideas for the gardener in your life, or for your own wish list.For more in-depth show notes, including a full list of the books and gifts we listed, visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Dr. Dennis Ferraro, herpetologist, joins us to talk about the reptiles and amphibians that live in and around our gardens. Nebraska is home to many cool species, some can find habitat in our yards and some cannot.Learn more about his work on his website which includes an identification guide.For more in-depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Hanna and Sarah talk about their fall garden plans, cleanup and compost. Dr. Amy Schmidt, a livestock bioenvironmental engineer and professor at UNL, joins us for an interview about how manure can be used to improve our garden soil.For more in-depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Hanna and Justin talk about trees and shrubs as weeds. Which species are problematic and how to manage them. Justin has many years of experience working with towns, parks and larger conservation areas to manage invasive and weedy species and shares some of his best tips! For more in-depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Sarah is back! Hanna and Sarah are joined by Carina and Kim from the Nebraska Recycling Council to talk about recycling and other waste reduction practices. We learn about how recycling works broadly, how recycling and waste reduction help our communities and our environment, and what we can strive for as individuals. For more in-depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

In this episode, Hanna gets some late summer gardening advice from the all-knowledgeable Bob Henrickson. They talk about watering, weeding, prepping garden beds, planting trees, and more. Listen now and learn how you can set yourself up for success this fall for next year!For more in-depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Hanna is joined by Kim Slezak, Wood Utilization expert with the Nebraska Forest Service, to talk about how to use wood. There are so many ideas, from biochar to furniture to woodchips, we can give you a way to use your trees if they must come down.For more in-depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Christina Hoyt from the Nebraska Forest Service is back as promised to talk with Hanna about the history and trends in community forestry in Nebraska. Listen now to learn easy ways you can support community forestry right in your own neighborhood.For more in-depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Our song of the summer is the sound of cicadas. Jody Green from Douglas-Sarpy County Extension joins Hanna to talk about the essential Nebraska summer insects, cicadas and fireflies. Learn how to support these bastions of summer in your yard and garden by listening now.Update: Soil drenching can kill the eggs of cicadas, but it doesn't appear to impact nymphs. For more in-depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Christina Hoyt from the Nebraska Forest Service joins Hanna to talk about how their gardens are looking this summer, how to be a more relaxed gardener, and answer a listener question about community trees.CORRECTION:Christina mentions Solidago rigida as used in her patio pond, but the actual species is riddellii.For more in-depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Hanna is pleased to talk with Dan Moore from Kinghorn Gardens all about what it takes to manage the beautiful and environmentally friendly gardens on the Assurity Center campus in Lincoln near Union Plaza.

An intro conversation to the water cycle and how water gets to our homes and gardens. Hanna interviews her sister Dr. Lundon Pinneo, professor of education at the University of Arkansas Little Rock.For more in depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Jennifer Morris, Forest Health Specialist for the Nebraska Forest Service, joins us this week to help us recognize tree problems. She walks us through deciding if this is a 'wait and see', 'I can fix it', or 'call an arborist' issue.For more in depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

In this episode, we talk about the struggles and fun of gardening with pets. Toby joins us to talk about his experience and Sarah and Hanna share their tips.For more in depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Tired of having a yard full of grass? Whether you are trying to create habitat, save water, be more sustainable, or are just plain tired of mowing we have some ideas for you! From small changes you can make today to be more environmentally friendly to full lawn replacements, and a few wild ideas just for fun.For more in depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Let us help you learn how to design your own pollinator garden! Our online subscription provides everything you need to be your own landscape designer; Hanna and Sarah walk through how to use the Build-Your-Own Bloom Box program and offer suggestions on how to design without the materials or if you are outside the Great Plains. Learn more about Build-Your-Own Bloom Box at plantnebraska.org/bloom-box For more in depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Spring Affair 2024 is right around the corner! Hanna and Sarah highlight a few plants that you should know about. They also share a few tips for shopping and making the most of the event. Spring Affair dates are:Thursday April 25th (Preview Party, visit website for tickets)Friday April 26th, 2-6 PM (open sale)Saturday April 27th, 9-noon (open sale). For more information on sale dates and to view the full plant list visit: https://plantnebraska.org/resources-events/events/spring-affair.html For more tips on making the most of your visit, listen to episodes: Bonus Spring Affair 2024 (4/24/2023) Live from Lincoln, It's Spring Affair (4/24/2023) For more in depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

This week we are switching things up and talking about our favorite annuals for pots or temporary garden beds!For more in depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Thinking about adding fruit trees or shrubs to your landscape this year? Bob Henrickson and Brad Kindler join us to talk about native fruits and more traditional fruits we can grow in our home landscapes, acreages or farms. We also talk about what to consider when deciding what to plant and how to choose fruits that will fit your gardening style and your family.For more in depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Kyle Martens, friend of the podcast and garden enthusiast, joins us to talk about how he starts vegetable seeds at home. He has some great tips on timing, supplies, and realistic expectations for beginners.He credits Community Crops, a local nonprofit based in Lincoln, NE with much of what he has learned but there is no doubt he has expanded on what they taught him!For more in depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Hanna and Sarah are joined by Justin Evertson and Kendall Weyers to hear what advice they would give someone who wanted to start a project in their town. Justin, Kendall, Brad Kindler and Sarah make up what we call the Green Infrastructure team; we manage the project funding programs that the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum offers, consult on projects and offer landscape design services (among many other things of course). If you have ever daydreamed about planting trees or creating a native landscape in your town then this episode is for you!Read Sarah's blog post with more thoughts on community projects on our blog, The Canopy.Send us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Bloom Box: Growing Deeper: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastFollow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Ron Poe from the Nebraska Department of Transportation joins us to talk about NDOT's goals for creating a "Nebraska" landscape along our state highways. He answers our questions about pollinator habitat, erosion control, tree planting, mowing practices and more.A little light reading for those who are interested: NDOT's Vegetation Manual.Send us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Bloom Box: Growing Deeper: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastFollow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

It feels like a second New Year after 2 winter storms and 4 snow days which makes for a good day to talk about resolutions! Sarah and Hanna review their resolutions, goals and plans for their 2024 gardens and share their predictions of what will be in and what will be out this year.Send us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Bloom Box: Growing Deeper: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastFollow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Happy New Year!Sarah, Hanna and Bob review the Great Plants selections for this year. The Great Plants program is a collaboration between the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum and the Nebraska Nursery and Landscape Association to promote underutilized plants that are favorites of industry professionals in Nebraska. Each year a tree, conifer, shrub, perennial, and grass are selected to be highlighted and promoted for the year.Find the Great Plants Gardener publication here.Send us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Bloom Box: Growing Deeper: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastFollow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

An update but unfortunately not a definitive answer on the palm tree debate.We'll be taking a little break since our next scheduled episode would land on Christmas Day; our next episode will be coming January 8th with the 2024 Great Plants selections!

This week we will review the recent USDA Zone Map update and what it means for Nebraska. We also talk about the limitations of the map and the other factors we consider when predicting plant hardiness.USDA Plant Hardiness Zone MapA couple of sources we used to get a better understanding of the USDA map:https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/pages/map-creation https://today.oregonstate.edu/news/new-plant-hardiness-map-used-gardeners-nationwide-and-based-osu-climate-data-unveiled Show NotesSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Bloom Box: Growing Deeper: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastFollow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Our top gifts for gardeners!Each year we round up some of our favorite gardening/outdoor products that we think would make good gifts, many we have enjoyed receiving ourselves. This year we created categories:NSA Merch at plantnebraskashop.orgKidslittle shovelBird EnthusiastsChefs/CooksUline JarsNew GardenerExperienced GardenersAll the books we mentioned can be found on our Bookshop.org profile.We hope this gives you some ideas for gifts to give the gardeners in your life (or to add to your own wish list)!Show NotesSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Bloom Box: Growing Deeper: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastFollow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Dave Zahn is back to finish our conversation about harvesting and storing nuts so they can be enjoyed through the winter.Also joining us is Sam Creal who makes syrup from the walnut trees on his property.Check out Creal Baking to learn more about how to purchase. They don't currently ship syrup but can be found at farmers' markets and craft shows in eastern Nebraska.Show NotesSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Bloom Box: Growing Deeper: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastFollow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Dave Zahn, a long time member of the Nebraska Nut Growers Association, joins us this week to talk about nut trees that are native to Nebraska as well as introduced species that grow well here. We talk planting, growing and a little about harvesting nuts both for personal use and as a crop. To be continued with part 2 focused more on harvest and processing!Learn more about the Nebraska Nut Growers AssociationShow NotesSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Bloom Box: Growing Deeper: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastFollow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

It may be fall but gardening season isn't over! This week we are talking all about fall planting bulbs: how, what, when and how to protect them from critters.We had a lot of fun recording this episode and out ‘end of planting season' caught up with us; check out the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum on Patreon for an uncut version featuring bears and shrews.Show NotesSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Bloom Box: Growing Deeper: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastFollow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Heather Beyers, founder of Great Plains Nursery, joins us this week to talk about trees to plant in your landscape or community. Great Plains works hard to promote native trees that increase the biodiversity of our landscapes while meeting the needs of humans and thriving in urban settings (not an easy task!). That mission makes Heather a good source of ideas for trees to plant, not just for their beauty and hardiness, but also for wildlife and insects. Learn more about Great Plains NurseryShow NotesSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Bloom Box: Growing Deeper: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastFollow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

An interview with Jenny Hopwood from the Xerces Society all about the life cycle of stem nesting bees and how we can create habitat for them. Often known for their work with pollinator habitat, the Xerces Society works with any invertebrate species.Their mission: The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation is an international nonprofit organization that protects the natural world through the conservation of invertebrates and their habitats. As a science-based organization, we both conduct our own research and rely upon the most up-to-date information to guide our conservation work. Our key program areas are: pollinator conservation, endangered species conservation, and reducing pesticide use and impacts.This is our first interview over Zoom so the audio does sound a little different at times but it was worth it to bring you this fantastic interview!Show NotesSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Bloom Box: Growing Deeper: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastFollow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Listen in to today's episode where Sarah and Hanna share and discuss their favorite nature and gardening related apps. From iNaturalist to SkyView to Planter there are a lot of tools to help you learn about and enjoy they great outdoors. There is also a “deleted scene” from this episode available on our Patreon!Show NotesSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Bloom Box: Growing Deeper: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastFollow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Did you know Nebraska has over 200 species of butterfly? Hanna and Sarah compare which species they see the most in their urban vs rural yards and how to create nesting habitat. They also take a look at the species that migrate including Monarchs.Join our iNaturalist bioblitz and see how many butterflies we can photograph through September 1st!Mail in dead butterflies and moths to USGSMonarch Watch Tagging KitNebraska Game & Parks Butterfly guideShow NotesSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Bloom Box: Growing Deeper: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastFollow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org