Let's Argue About Plants

Turn up the garden heat with a dose of bold, confident color  Red flowers—love ‘em or hate ‘em — add an undeniable fiery look to gardens. The hue stands out brilliantly against the predominant greens of most landscapes, which makes red flowers an instant focal point. For many gardeners, red blooms are the heartbeats of their beds and borders, radiating passion, energy, and a timeless charm. Perhaps it's no surprise that the familiar line “Roses are red…” from the popular nursery rhyme comes so readily to mind; those four words have etched red flowers into the cultural imagination as symbols of love and beauty. Whether it's the velvety petals of a crimson peony or the fiery spikes of hummingbird favorite, these blooms offer not just color, but drama. If you think you're not a fan of red-flowered plants, give this episode a listen because we offer up some options for every imaginable shade of this controversial color, from magenta pinkish red to dark and moody burgundy.    Expert: Erin Schanen creator of the Impatient Gardener blog and YouTube channel and Fine Gardening author.   See the full plant list from this episode online: https://www.finegardening.com/article/episode-182-favorite-plants-with-red-flowers

It's worth finding a few stalwarts that will survive almost anything  When plants are done in by pests, diseases, or bad weather, it is hard not to take it personally. But on the positive side, each plant that shuffles off this mortal coil does offer an opportunity to add something newer and better to our garden. In this episode, Danielle, Carol, and expert guest Kielian DeWitt talk about some of the most reliable cultivars that have stood the test of time under tough conditions. Perhaps one of these choices will be just right for filling a gap that has recently opened up in your garden. Expert: Kielian DeWitt lives and gardens in Montana's Bitterroot Valley. Check out an article about her garden here: https://www.finegardening.com/article/garden-design-that-doesnt-limit-your-color-palette

In this episode, we're turning up the drama—garden drama, that is! We're talking all about plants with big, bold foliage that steal the show and bring serious texture and presence to your landscape. Whether you're designing a tropical-feel patio or adding contrast to a woodland border, these leafy giants know how to make a statement. We'll cover our favorite varieties, tips for placement and care, and how to use them effectively in garden design. If you're ready to go big and leafy, this episode is for you! P.S. We promised not to sing...we'll leave that to Sir Mixalot.  Expert: Dr. Andy Pulte is a plant sciences faculty member at University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He is also a contributing editor.    

If your pulse quickens at the sight of a dogwood or peony in full bloom, this is the episode for you. Although a restrained, foliage-focused design is always a safe bet, fabulous floral textures and colors offer a level of excitement that leaves alone can't provide. For many of us, a love of flowers was the gateway that brought us to gardening. Follow along as Danielle, Carol, and expert guest Wambui Ippolito discuss some of the beautiful blooms that make their hearts sing.  Expert: Wambui Ippolito is an award-winning landscape designer, horticulturist, and author based in New York City.  Danielle's Plants  ‘Bowl of Beauty' peony  (Paeonia lactiflora Bowl of Beauty', Zones 4-9)  Japanese stewartia (Stewartia pseudocamellia, Zones 5-8)  ‘Mistral Bordeaux' poppy anemone (Anemone coronaria ‘Mistral Bordeaux', Zones 8-10)  Pink flowering dogwood (Cornus florida f. rubra, Zones 5-8)    Carol's Plants   ‘Storm Cloud' blue star (Amsonia tabernaemontana ‘Storm Cloud', Zones 4-9)  ‘Orange Wonder' snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus, Zones 7-10)  Walk in Beauty™ Watermelon Man prickly pear (Opuntia ‘OP099', Zones 4-9)  ‘Fascination' and ‘Adoration' Culver's root (Veronicastrum virginicum cvs., Zones 3-8)    Expert's Plants   Wild mullein (Vebascum roripifolium, Zones 5-8)  Threadleaf bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii, Zones 5-8)   ‘Soft Caress' mahonia (Mahonia ‘Soft Caress', Zones 7-9) 

While the Fine Gardening team is busy exploring the Philadelphia Flower Show, we're taking a moment to look back at some of the most insightful and inspiring conversations we've had on Let's Argue About Plants over the past year. In this special episode, we're revisiting standout moments from interviews with horticulturists, garden designers, and educators who have shaped the way we garden. You'll hear from Stacie Crooks, a self-taught garden designer from Seattle, as she shares how she got her start in horticulture. Jay Sifford, a North Carolina-based designer, discusses his artistic influences and how pop culture can inspire transcendent garden spaces. Irvin Etienne, a public horticulturist at Newfields in Indianapolis, reflects on his farm upbringing and how it shaped his passion for plants. And Dr. Jared Barnes, an associate professor at Stephen F. Austin State University, talks about his journey into horticultural education and the creation of a unique campus botanical garden called The Plantery. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just getting started, these expert insights are sure to inspire your next project. Tune in to hear some of our favorite moments.

As we recorded this episode, snow was gently falling outside our windows here in New England. But that isn't depressing for us—it simply means it's time to start our seeds! Today we are joined by digital editor Christine, and we are talking all about which seeds we're starting this year and why. There's an assortment of edibles and flowers on our lists, and we discuss the best practices for getting them to germinate. Do all seeds need a heat mat? Or is it a good idea to pop your packets of seeds in the freezer before sowing them into a soil block? Get the answers to these pressing questions (and find out which zinnia had Danielle and Carol screaming with delight) in this pre-spring conversation.   Expert: Christine Alexander is the digital content editor at Fine Gardening. 

Amanda Thomsen is a landscape designer, project manager, and garden writer. Recently, she opened Aster Gardens in Lemont, Illinois. This neighborhood boutique offers plants, home décor, classes, and events. Amanda brings an irreverent, punk-rock spirit to her horticultural work, so she is the perfect person to help adventurous gardeners to explore some plants with personality. Unusual herbs, hardy cacti, and a foxglove that is not your usual cottage garden suspect all make appearances in this fun episode.  Here's Amanda's personality-packed plant list:   1. Lovage (Levisticum officinale, Zones 4–8)  2. Rozanne geranium (Geranium ‘Gerwat', Zones 5–8)  3. Rattlesnake master (Eryngium yuccifolium, Zones 3–8)  4. Fernleaf peony (Paeonia tenuifolia, Zones 4–8)  5. Eastern prickly pear (Opuntia humifusa, Zones 4–9)   6. Rusty foxglove (Digitalis ferruginea, Zones 4–8)  7. ‘Forelock' ornamental onion (Allium ‘Forelock', Zones 4–8)  8. Bear's breeches (Acanthus spinosus, Zones 5–9) 

Potted plants will bring life and positive energy into any room, and studies have shown that having them nearby can relieve stress, boost creativity, and improve focus. In winter, when the weather is not good for outdoor gardening, it is particularly satisfying when we can help the living gems on our windowsills to thrive and look their best. In this episode Danielle and Carol chat with their friend and colleague, Christine Alexander, about the houseplants they consider to be truly worthy of a spot indoors.  Expert: Christine Alexander is the digital content editor at Fine Gardening. 

Catalogue descriptions for new plants may grab our attention, but usually provide little useful information about how these up-and-coming cultivars will perform in your garden. Fortunately, comparative trials like those conducted at Chicago Botanic Garden and Mt. Cuba Center put plants to the test, side-by-side, under typical garden conditions. In this episode, Richard Hawke and Sam Hoadley delve into a few of the similarities and differences between their trial programs. They compare notes, trade stories, and dispel a few misconceptions as they prepare for the talk they will give on Thurday, March 6th, 2025 as part of the Know to Grow lecture series at the Philadelphia Flower Show.    See more by going to the show notes at https://www.finegardening.com/podcast  

This week we might rename the show Pollinator Haven, the podcast where we dig into the vibrant world of pollinators and the plants that sustain them! Well, probably not, but we will be diving into the essential role host plants play in supporting bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. These are species that are critical in providing places for insects to lay their eggs and food for hungry larvae. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, you'll discover how choosing the right plants can turn your yard, balcony, or community space into a thriving ecosystem.  Expert: Cheyenne Wine works to promote biodiversity and ecological resilience with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more of Cheyenne's plant picks, check out this recent Southeast regional page. 

Susan Morrison, owner and principal designer at Creative Exteriors Landscape Design, has created hundreds of gardens in California's East Bay area. Her designs incorporate comfortable outdoor rooms into landscapes of all sizes, from hillside estates to postage-stamp front yards. Susan's home garden features thoughtfully arranged spaces for relaxing and entertaining enfolded in an artful, water-wise plant palette. Focal point plants in key locations draw the eye through the landscape, inviting visitors to explore. In this episode, Susan describes her thought process for siting focal point plants, and shares some of the eye-catching cultivars she uses most often.

One deer can do major landscape damage overnight, and if a herd regularly visits your garden you may feel like giving up. Although almost no plant is completely safe if the herbivores are hungry enough, gardeners facing extreme deer pressure aren't powerless. Incorporating plants with “nasty” characteristics like strong smells, prickly textures, or even toxicity is one easy way to encourage those hooved hordes to browse elsewhere. In this episode, Danielle and Carol share some of the plants that have remained unscathed in their backyards, and expert Bonni Engelhardt weighs in with some of her own go-to selections.  Expert: Bonni Engelhardt is a landscape designer and consultant based in southwestern Oregon. You can read about more of her deer-resistant plant recommendations in this article. 

Ulrich Lorimer is the director of the Native Plant Tust in Framingham, MA, a conservation organization that manages Garden in the Woods. He has been a longtime advocate for cultivating native plants in both public and private gardens to help offset habitat loss. In this episode, he talks about some outstanding native species that have an outsized impact when planted in a garden setting. He also digs into the nitty-gritty of designing with regionally adapted plants, gardening in a changing climate, and integrating native plants into our backyard ecosystems.  

When we say “foundation plants” you might think we're talking about plants that are the backbones of our beds and borders. But that's not what we mean in this instance. Today we're discussing plants that are perfect for planting around your home's foundation. These selections need to adhere to a certain set of requirements: they can't get too big; they can't be too small; they can't have aggressive root systems; they must have multiple seasons of interest. If that sounds like the holy grail of plants, it is! But luck for you we've culled together a dynamic assortment of options for all areas of the country. So, if you're sick of looking at that ugly 2-foot expanse of concrete at the foot of your home listen up, because we're going to help you cover it up in style.    Expert: Lifelong horticulturist Tony Fulmer is the retired chief horticulture officer for Chalet, a specialty nursery in Wilmette, Illinois. 

Seattle-based garden designer Stacie Crooks creates beautiful, ecologically friendly, low-maintenance gardens throughout the Pacific Northwest. Her most recent article in the December 2024 issue of Fine Gardening magazine tackles the challenges of integrating a vibrant, plant-focused garden into a cookie-cutter neighborhood developed during the post-World War II building boom. To coincide with the publication of the article, we're revisiting this engaging interview where Stacie covers some of the most valuable insights she has gained through years of experience. Anyone can use Stacie's rules of thumb to make their own outdoor spaces more welcoming and easier to maintain.

  Great options for welcoming winged visitors to your garden    Hardly an episode goes by where we don't mention a pollinator plant. But we have never dedicated an entire episode to the topic, which in our minds is bananas! So today we're fixing that track record and discussing 11 of our favorite pollinator plants. Native plant expert Cheyenne Wine joins us from Rare Roots Nursery in Virginia to add her top picks to the conversation, as well. Listen now to find trees, shrubs, perennials, and even some bulbs to plant if you're interested in turning your garden into an insect party buzzing with activity!   Expert: Cheyenne Wine is a writer and photographer for Rare Roots nursery in Mechanicsville, Virginia. 

Andrew Bunting is vice president of horticulture at Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), where he promotes gardening for the greater good. PHS supports healthier neighborhoods through horticulture by cleaning and greening vacant lots, planting and maintaining street trees, partnering with community gardeners to share resources and conserve productive open space, and demonstrating ecologically sound gardening practices in public gardens throughout the greater Philadelphia area. Andrew's extensive public gardening career includes time spent at Chicago Botanic Garden, Chanticleer, and 27 years at the Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College. His Fine Gardening articles have covered topics like autumn-flowering trees, shrubs for shade, and selecting trees for structure. In this episode, he discusses the evolution of his home garden, the lessons learned from the many gardens his hands have touched, and the potential for making our shared landscapes more sustainable and inclusive. 

The best ground covers are multi-purpose workhorses, suppressing weeds, preventing soil erosion, and adding another level of interest to garden beds. Naturally, we'd prefer them not to be invasive, and to look good over a long season. But why do so many gardeners seem to fall back on the same few choices? In this episode, Danielle, Carol, and expert guest Amanda Thomsen cover new ground in their quest to expand the definition of what a ground cover can be. Whether it's a tough but underused North American native, a cheeky little annual, or an unusual self-seeding edible, we hope you will find something unexpected but garden-worthy in this episode.  Expert: Amanda Thomsen is the author of Kiss My Aster: A Graphic Guide to Creating a Fantastic Yard Totally Tailored to You and owner of the Aster Gardens plant shop in Lemont, Illinois. 

Mark Weathington is the director of the JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University in Raleigh, North Carolina and author of Gardening in the South: The Complete Homeowner's Guide. Mark is a frequent FG contributor, covering a wide range of topics including magnolias, redbuds, compact shrubs, and unexpected replacements for overused plants.  Some of Mark's most fascinating work at the arboretum has involved his extensive travel to collect, preserve, and distribute plants from around the world. In this episode he discusses the unexpected path that led to a career in horticulture and the international collaborations that are helping to conserve endangered species and bring diversity to American landscapes.

It's late-July and we're officially HOT. And so are our gardens. Now is the time that we start to truly sit up and take notice of the plants that seem to be gliding through summer's worst without skipping a beat. Today's episode pays tribute to all those perennials and shrubs that take a lickin' and keep on tickin'. We found some stars that thrive in heat, lean soil, and even some selections for the most dreaded of conditions: dry shade. If these plants do well in awful situations, think how much better they might do in slightly better ones?     Expert: Kim Toscano is a horticulturalist, entomologist, garden designer, writer, and graphic designer. She previously hosted Oklahoma Gardening, a weekly PBS television program produced by the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. 

Jared Barnes is an associate professor of horticulture at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas, where he and his students cultivate The Plantery, a botanic garden complete with a native plant trial garden. Jared shares his love of plants with a wider audience through his gardening newsletter and The Plantastic Podcast, and he is also a frequent contributor to Fine Gardening. Recent topics that he has covered for the magazine include plant survival strategies, evaluating how much sunlight or shade a garden bed gets, and propagating plants from cuttings. Listen along as we learn more about what it takes to become a horticulture professor, and how to build an engaged community around a shared love of plants.

There's nothing nicer than being outside on a beautiful late spring day, especially if it means you get a whole day away from your desk. Danielle, Carol, and digital editor Christine Alexander recently played hooky from their editorial duties and went on a horticultural adventure at one of New England's great public gardens. Located in Boylston, Massachusetts, Tower Hill is filled with fun places to explore, including formal gardens, woodland trails lined with native plantings, and two conservatories. After exploring the grounds and chatting about some of the great plants they came across, Danielle and Carol sat down for a chat with Tower Hill's director of horticulture, Mark Richardson. We hope this episode inspires you to get out and enjoy a field trip to a public garden near you! 

Did you ever wonder what it would be like to get exclusive access to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show? Well, your dreams have come true because in this exclusive interview we got an all-access pass to THE horticultural event of the year thanks to Annie Guilfoyle, a 2024 judge. Annie is co-founder of Garden Masterclass in the UK and an award wining garden designer who earned a Silver Medal at Cheslea years ago for her innovative landscape design. Annie is just back from the show this year and shares details from her favorite gardens, interesting new plants that caught her attention, and even some celebrity gossip from those stars that were in attendance at the show. (Spoiler alert: she did not  see Lady Whistledown at the Bridgerton -themed garden). We discussed how native plants and sustainable practices played a role in this year's event and talk about themes of water conservation and hardscape upcycling.   Looking to attend the show next year? Then you're in luck because Annie shares some tip sand tricks for navigating the show grounds and insights on how to make the most of your visit. Who needs Monty Don when you've got Annie Guilfoyle? Not us! 

  Chances are, you've got mixed conditions in your garden. One area might be in full sun, while another spot a bit farther away is in full shade. Even beds that have the same exposure on paper may have larger plants that shade out the ground below. This presents a challenge for developing a cohesive look within a landscape. As gardeners, we've been taught that repetition is one of the tenets of good garden design. But how can one repeat groupings of a plant throughout a border that stretches from bright light to dappled shade? The answer is by utilizing plants that are highly adaptable and will thrive in both sun and shade. In today's episode we're singing the praises of these flexible species. They are invaluable assets to the landscape and, as a bonus, will hold their own when the light conditions of a garden inevitably change over time.    Amy Galloway is a horticulturist at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas. 

Irvin Etienne is the curator of herbaceous plants and seasonal garden design at Newfields, a 152-acre campus with art galleries, performance spaces, world-class public gardens, and a nature park in Indianapolis. Irvin has been a frequent contributor to Fine Gardening, sharing his horticultural expertise through informative articles like A Bright Idea for Spring Containers, Big and Bold Plants for the Back of the Border, and Bring It In!, a primer on overwintering all kinds of tropical plants. In this episode he delves into the path that brought him to horticulture, the lessons learned from decades of gardening in public, and some of the (many, many) plants that earn their keep in his home garden.

Due to their size and expense, gardeners tend to put a lot more thought into the trees they ultimately buy for their landscape. While a perennial might only live for 6 or 7 years, a tree might grace your garden for 50 years or more—outliving the person who so carefully selected it, in fact. Here at Fine Gardening, we feel strongly that trees should look good in more than one season (for all of the reasons above AND because they take up a lot of real estate). Therefore, on today's episode, we may be highlighting our favorite flowering trees for every season, but these choices have more going for them than just some fleeting blooms. Listen to hear about which trees we're willing to sacrifice a chunk of our paycheck on and why.    Amanda Bennett is vice president of horticulture and collections at Atlanta Botanical Gardens in Georgia. 

Jay Sifford is an award-winning landscape designer based in North Carolina. Several of his garden designs have been featured in Fine Gardening, including a one-of-a-kind modern meadow garden and a series of beautiful, functional dry creek beds. Jay's immersive, naturalistic landscape designs are based around four cornerstones: art, magic, story, and horticulture. In this episode, Jay offers insights into the ways that these elements can be incorporated into a truly personal garden space. Jay sees this modern meadow garden as a stylized version of nature where fantasy and reality collide.  Grasses and perennials planted in large masses and punctuated with unique conifers give the meadow garden its unique appeal.  In winter, evergreens and grasses add structure and interest to the snowy landcape. Another view of the meadow garden at the peak of summer.  A dry streambed designed to manage stormwater doubles as a dynamic visual element.  Gravel pathways were the perfect solution for this pet-friendly landscape.  Every garden design that Jay creates includes a little bit of magic. 

One of the worst sights you can ever see in the garden is a plant that has been browsed by deer. (Sidenote: we don't love the gentle word “browsed” in this instance. A more appropriate term might be “obliterated.”) If the munching is particularly bad, that perennial, tree, or shrub becomes unrecognizable. And in many cases, this can mean instant death to your prized specimen. With deer pressure increasing from coast-to-coast, we decided it's time to highlight some of our favorite deer-resistant plants. Yes, we're from deer-ridden New England, but rest assured that we've included plants in this episode that will thrive from Texas to Michigan, and everywhere in between. Guest: Karen Chapman is a landscape designer in Duvall, Washington, and the author of Deer-Resistant Design: Fence Free Gardens that Thrive Despite the Deer.   Danielle's Plants 'Childhood Sweetheart' hellebore (Helleborus 'Childhood Sweetheart', Zones 4-9) Winter daphne (Daphne odora, Zones 7-9) 'Bonfire' euphorbia (Euphorbia polychroma 'Bonfire', Zones 5-9) Sunshine Blue® blue mist shrub (Caryopteris incana 'Jason', 5-9)   Carol's Plants Hiba arborvitae (Thujopsis dolobrata 'Variegata', Zones 5-8) ‘Victoria Blue' mealycup sage (Salvia farinacea 'Victoria Blue', Zones 8-10) Eastern sweetshrub, syn. Carolina allspice (Calycanthus floridus, Zones 4-9) ‘Gerald Darby' iris (Iris × robusta 'Gerald Darby', Zones 4-9)   Expert's Plants Magical® Fantasy weigela (Weigela florida 'Kolsunn', Zones 4-8) Threadleaf bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii, Zones 5-8) 'Whirling Butterflies' gaura (Gaura lindheimeri 'Whirling Butterflies', Zones 5-9) 'Goldsturm' black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Goldsturm', Zones 3-9)

Richard Hawke is the Director of Ornamental Plant Research at Chicago Botanic Garden, where he oversees comparative evaluations of ornamental plants. The CBG Plant Evaluation Program has included 117 distinct trials over the past four decades, with 26 comparative trials currently underway in three evaluation areas. In 2011, Richard began reporting trial results in Fine Gardening magazine, and has since written dozens of feature articles that can be found by visiting his author page. In this entertaining episode, Richard Hawke discusses his earliest memories of plants and gardening, the education and internships that laid the foundation for his career, and the joys and challenges of developing a world-class plant trial program. He also digs into the day-to-day details of plant evaluation and talks about some trials that yielded surprising results and some that were particular favorites, including evaluations of clematis, baptisias, butterfly bushes, and tender salvias.   Richard joined the staff of the Chicago Botanic Garden in the mid-1980s. CBG's trial of tender salvias identified many vigorous cultivars that do well when grown as annuals. The Chicago Botanic Garden has trialed 198 heucheras since 1995. Find out which cultivars performed better than the classics here. The Chicago Botanic garden was built on a series of islands, and soil conditions are not ideal. The original trial beds were atop a substrate of clay soil compacted by heavy equipment; the water table is very high, and drainage can be problematic. Richard talks about these soil woes, and the solutions that have improved soil structure and drainage in the newest plant evaluation area. The Chicago Botanic Garden was built on a series of islands with heavy clay soil. Field evaluation is a core component of plant trials at Chicago Botanic Garden. The Green Roof Gardens built atop the Plant Conservation Science Center are used to evaluate the suitability of plants for use in green roof assemblies. With 26 trials currently underway, the evaluation areas at the Chicago Botanic Garden are a hub of research activity. Richard now spends much of his time behind a desk, which makes him relish his time in the field even more. The Plant Evaluation Program at Chicago Botanic Garden is one of the largest and most diverse in the nation.

Every gardener wishes they had 25 acres to garden on, right? Well maybe not, but most of us do dream of a healthy amount of ground to build beds and borders to our hearts' desire. The reality of homeowners today, however, is that land is expensive and typical suburban lots have decreased in size steadily since the 1970s. And smaller lots mean smaller gardens. That isn't an issue though, if you select plants that are polite and “stay in their lane” as the kids say. On this episode Danielle and Carol talk about compact plants that are prefect for tighter spaces. We've got several perennials, one annual, and even a few well-behaved shrubs that made the list. Filling your tiny plot with these beauties will enable you to have a wide variety of colors and textures without sacrificing an enormous amount of precious square footage.     Julie Lane Gay lives and gardens in Vancouver, British Columbia, where she previously owned a nursery specializing in climbers and perennials.     Danielle's Plants  Creeping variegated gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides 'Radicans Variegata', Zones 8-11)  'Prairie Moon' rattlesnake master (Eryngium yuccifolium 'Prairie Moon', Zones 3-8)  Spicy Devil ® ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius  'ZLENATALIE', Zones 3-7)  'Jack of Diamonds' brunnera (Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack of Diamonds', Zones 3-8)    Carol's Plants   Ivory Halo® dogwood (Cornus alba 'Bailhalo', Zones 3-7)  ‘Rainbow Bouquet' dwarf strawflower (Helichrysum bracteatus ‘Rainbow Bouquet', annual)  Let's Dance Sky View® hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla × serrata 'SMNHSME', Zones 4-9)  ‘Summer Beauty' allium (Allium tanguticum 'Summer Beauty', Zones 4-9)    Expert's Plants   'Brunette' baneberry (Actaea simplex 'Brunette', Zones 3-8)  'Firepower' heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica 'Firepower', Zones 6-9)  ‘Adirondack' crabapple (Malus 'Adirondack', Zones 4-8)  Solitary clematis (Clematis integrifolia, Zones 4-7)   

One of our favorite things to do here on the pod is dig through emails and social media shout outs from our listeners. It is always nice to hear about what problems you may be having in your gardens and to be able to offer advice from our decades of horticultural experience. And we're lucky to have scores of experts at our fingers tips if we don't have an answer for a plant suggestion or design fix. These Q&A episodes are some of our favorites, so we decided to revisit an array of your best questions from the past few years in this new Best Of LAAP. The inquiries included advice on planting under trees, attracting hummingbirds, and info about what garden tasks we hate tackling. Tune in to see if one of our favorite questions was yours, or to hear about some solutions to problems that tend to plague us all.    Links to all our Q&A episodes:  Episode 140  Episode 123  Episode 79  Episode 56 

During the winter months many plants reveal subtle patterns, fine details, and a new range of colors that help us to see familiar beds and borders with fresh eyes. This is an excellent time to get outside, evaluate your garden's bones, and make some plans for spring planting. In this episode Danielle, Carol, and their guest will explore some of the plants that fly a bit under the radar in winter months, but certainly deserve more attention. Do you have any of these underappreciated wonders in your landscape?  If not, you may want to start digging holes as soon as the ground thaws to ensure that some of these unsung heroes get some well-deserved garden real estate. Will any of these winter beauties make it onto your wish list this year?  Jay Sifford is the owner and principal designer at Jay Sifford Garden Design in Charolette, North Carolina.   Danielle's Plants  Spotted wintergreen (Chimaphila maculata, Zones 4-8)  ‘Peppermint Patty' bergenia (Bergenia 'Peppermint Patty', Zones 4-8)  Moosewood (Acer pensylvanicum, Zones 3-7)  ‘ReJoyce' drooping laurel (Leucothoe axillaris 'ReJoyce', Zones 6-9)    Carol's Plants   Golden Duke Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis ‘Monjers', Zones 4–8)  American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana, Zones 3b–9)  'Little Heath' pieris (Pieris japonica 'Little Heath', Zones 5–9)  ‘St. Mary's Broom' blue spruce (Picea pungens ‘St. Mary's Broom', Zones 2-7)      Expert's Plants   American witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana, Zones 3-8)  'Shades of Pink' laurustinus (Viburnum tinus 'Shades of Pink', Zones 7b-10)   Blue conifers with assorted ornamental grasses  'Louie' white pine (Pinus strobus 'Louie', Zones 4-9) 

Stacie Crooks is a Seattle-based garden designer who has created beautiful, ecologically friendly, low-maintenance gardens throughout the Pacific Northwest. She is also a contributing editor for Fine Gardening magazine and has shared her insights with our readers through 10 feature articles and several departments over the past 17 years. In this episode, Carol interviews Stacie about the lessons that she has gained from her years of garden design experience.  Stacie Crooks's Garden Design Rules of Thumb  1. Identify your project. Ask yourself "What do I want to achieve?" and “Why do I want to do this?" Having a clear goal in mind- be it lower maintenance, better curb appeal, or more wildlife in the garden- will help you make the right design, style, and plant choices.  2. Know your site. Before you can make any changes, you need to know your limitations. Determine the garden's light exposure and angles, soil types, drainage, topography, and size. Consider irrigation (if you need water, where will it come from?) and access (how will you get into the garden and move through it?) Bearing all this in mind, set a budget.  3. Get inspired. With your goals and guidelines clear, It's time for a solid plan. People always ask, “Where do I start?" Engage in activities that foster learning and friendships. Read books and magazines and go to lectures. Join a garden club. Volunteer at a public garden. Look in the newspapers and on the internet for opportunities. Take notes, make lists and make sketches. Take photos of gardens you visit and copy them.   4. No zone denial. When you go to buy your plants at your local nursery, read the tags carefully. Choose only that which is suited for your site and to your lifestyle. If it is not clear, ask a nursery person. Be sure that the amount of care that plant needs match the time and energy you can afford.   5. Finish one garden before you start another. Resist buying plants that are not for your current project- they'll just die waiting for you to plant them. Stick to the list.  6. Be responsible environmentally. Always aim to use less water, less fertilizer, and no chemicals. The better you know your site, the easier it is to achieve success naturally. There's an importance to NOT gardening, using fewer resources and less labor and just enjoying your space more. 

Plants with a silvery sheen stand out beautifully against the sea of green that fills most garden beds. In this episode, Danielle, Carol, and their guest will highlight some shimmering shrubs, drought-tolerant perennials, a tiny dwarf conifer, and even an unusual silvery vine with a bit of a back story. Perhaps one of these lovely, luminous plants could be the silver bullet solution to one of your own garden design dilemmas.   Chloë Bowers, a garden designer based in southwestern Connecticut, is the moderator for Fine Gardening's Northeast Gardening Answers forum. Join the conversation here: https://www.finegardening.com/discussion-forum/northeast-gardening    Danielle's Plants  'Quicksilver' hebe (Hebe pimelioides 'Quicksilver', Zones 7b-9)  Woolly thyme (Thymus pseudolanuginosus, Zones 5-9)  Silver sage (Salvia argentea, Zones 5-8)  'Angel Wings' sea cabbage (Senecio candicans 'Angel Wings', Zones 8–10)    Carol's Plants   ‘Pimoko' Serbian spruce (Picea omorika ‘Pimoko', Zones 4-9)  Sea kale (Crambe maritima, Zones, Zones 5-9)  'Elijah Blue' fescue (Festuca glauca 'Elijah Blue', Zones 4-8)  ‘Kintzley's Ghost' honeysuckle vine (Lonicera ‘Kintzley's Ghost', Zones 4-8)      Expert's Plants   Pussytoes (Antennaria plantaginifolia, Zones 3-8)  Blunt mountain mint (Pycnanthemum muticum, Zones 4-8)  Pearly everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea, Zones 3-8)  Prairie sage (Artemisia ludoviciana, Zones 3-7) 

Oh, dear listeners...it's the most glorious time of the year! No, not because it's time to hang the stockings or trim the tree—because it's time to make the 2024 gardening wish lists. This year Carol and Danielle have selected the 8 plants they are pining over most. You will hear about a brand-new perennial that few, if any, have seen before. And there's also a new hydrangea with...brace yourselves...BLACK foliage!  The list also includes plants that our contributors have written extensively about, and we've just now sat up and paid attention. Listen now to hear about the plants we'll be dreaming about as the flakes fly this winter. Expert guest: Jennifer Benner is content editor for Fine Gardening. She has a bachelor's degree in horticulture from The Ohio State University. Danielle's Plants 'Blue Bunchkin' baptisia (Baptisia 'Blue Bunchkin', Zones 4-9) ‘Nichirin' false nettle (Boehmeria nipononivea ‘Nichirin', Zones 6-9) Eclipse® bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Bailmacseven', Zones 5–9) 'Fusion of Fire' oredenia (Oredenia 'Fusion of Fire', Zones 5-8)   Carol's Plants 'Humilis' red buckeye (Aesculus pavia 'Humilis', Zones 4-8) Blackberry lily (Iris domestica, Zones 5-10) ‘Hillside Sheffield Pink' garden mum (Chrysanthemum ‘Hillside Sheffield Pink', Zones 4-9) Tropicanna canna Lily (Canna ‘Phasion', Zones 7b to 10)   Expert's Plants ‘The Blues' little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium ‘The Blues', Zones 3-9) Acapulco® Salmon and Pink agastache  (Agastache ‘Salmon and Pink', Zones 5-9) ‘Orange' ‘Jelena' witch hazel (Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Jelena, Zones 5-8)

If you like the beauty and impact that ornamental grasses bring to a garden design, you will love the many shapes, forms and colors that North American native species offer. Whether you need a practical groundcover, a dramatic focal point, or an airy filler to knit a matrix planting together, Danielle, Carol, and guest Paula Gross have some options that will inspire you to start your spring shopping list now. Expert guest:Paula Gross is a horticulture educator at Central Piedmont Community College and co-author of The Southeast Native Plant Primer with Larry Mellichamp and Will Stuart.   Danielle's Plants Blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium, Zones 4-9) ‘Carousel' little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium ‘Carousel', Zones 3-9) ‘Northwind' switchgrass (Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind', Zones 4-9) ‘River Mist' Northern sea oats (Chasmanthium latifolium 'River Mist', Zones 5-8)   Carol's Plants Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica, Zones 4–8) Rose muhly (Muhlenbergia reverchonii, Zones 5–9) Purpletop (Tridens flavus, Zones 4–9) ‘Blonde Ambition' gramma grass (Bouteloua gracilis ‘Blonde Ambition', Zones 3–10)   Expert's Plants Pink muhly (Muhlenbergia capillaris, Zones 5-9) Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium, Zones 3-9) Splitbeard bluestem (Andropogon ternarius, Zones 6-10) Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum, Zones 4-9) Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans, Zones 4-9)  

While searching through our archive of episodes we discovered something: There are a few specific plants we just can't stop talking about. As the years have progressed here at Let's Argue About Plants, we find ourselves experimenting with more and more varieties, so we have something new to report back to you on. But frankly, there are a core of plants that we could talk about every episode because they are just that good. We try to mix it up, but these stars have made it into more than a couple recordings—and rightly so. With that, we decided not to fight nature and give these stars their spotlight. In today's compilation episode you'll hear about Carol and Danielle's top four plants...again...but for good reason. They are selections that no garden should be without, in our humble opinions.   Danielle's Plants Perry's Gold' Norway spruce (Picea abies 'Perry's Gold', Zones 3–9) ‘Crested Surf' painted fern (Athyrium niponicum 'Crested Surf', Zones 3-8) ‘Snow Fairy' blue mist shrub (Caryopteris divaricata 'Snow Fairy', Zones 6-9) Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia, Zones 4-9)   Carol's Plants Maidenhair fern (Adiantum pedatum, Zones 3-8) New Jersey tea (Ceanothus americanus, Zones 4–8) Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa, Zones 3-9) Pink Icing® blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum ‘ZF06-079', Zones 5–10)

Isn't every plant great in a group? Well, the answer is no. Some plants are too vigorous in their growth habits to share the stage, while others are better if put on a pedestal all their own (i.e. the focal point plants of the landscape). Today's episode we talk about plants that are great in masses—that is to say—in groups of three or more. We have options for shade, choices for sun, and selections for those in-between exposures situations. We'll also feature some great plants that we've seen grouped to perfection in gardens featured in Fine Gardening. And you don't have to be a millionaire to group plants. Many of our suggestions are easily divided after just a year or two, providing you with multiple plants for the price of just one. Expert guest:  Daniel Robarts is a horticulturist at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, Maine. Danielle's Plants 'Kitten Around' catmint (Nepeta faassenii 'Kitten Around', Zones 3-8) ‘All Gold' Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra 'All Gold', Zones 5-9) 'Kobold' liatris (Liatris spicata 'Kobold', Zones 3-8) Smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens and cvs., Zones 3-9)   Carol's Plants ‘Galaxy Blue' agapanthus (Agapanthus ‘Galaxy Blue', Zones 6-10) Feather Falls™ sedge (Carex 'ET CRX01', Zones 5-9) Firefinch™ coneflower (Echinacea purpurea 'G0052Y', Zones 4-8) Flowering tobacco (Nicotiana sylvestris, Zones 10-11)   Expert's Plants ‘Millenium' allium (Allium ‘Millenium', Zones 5-8) 'Brunette' bugbane (Actaea simplex 'Brunette', Zones 3-8) 'Starry Starry Night' hibiscus (Hibiscus 'Starry Starry Night', Zones 4-9)

Danielle combo #1 'Limelight' panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight', Zones 3-9) 'Sun King' aralia (Aralia cordata 'Sun King', Zones 3-9)   Danielle combo #2 'Worcester Gold' blue mist shrub (Caryopteris × clandonensis 'Worcester Gold', Zones 5-9) 'Goldsturm' black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Goldsturm', Zones 3-9)   Carol combo # 1 White Drift® rose (Rosa 'Meizorland', Zones 4-11) Tall garden phlox (Phlox paniculata cvs., Zones 4-8)   Carol combo # 2 'Sun King' aralia (Aralia cordata 'Sun King', Zones 3-9) ‘Blackhawks' big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii ‘Blackhawks', Zones 3–9) 'Dark Knight' blue mist shrub (Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Dark Knight', Zones 5-9)   Expert combo #1 ‘Zwartkop' aeonium (Aeonium ‘Zwartkop', Zones 9-11) Ghost plant (Graptopetalum paraguayense, Zones 7-11)   Expert combo #2 Tropicanna® canna (Canna indica 'Phasion', Zones 7-11) ‘Color Guard' yucca (Yucca filamentosa ‘Color Guard', Zones 4-10) Clarity Blue™ dianella (Dianella ‘DP401', Zones 8-10) Blue rose hens and chicks (Echeveria imbricata, Zones 9-11)

We're nearing our 150th episode mark and for us, that has meant a lot of plants discussed. But it's also meant a lot of great guest appearances. As you know, each episode we ask an expert from the field of horticulture to lend us their brains and weigh-in on some great plant choices for the topic at hand. We've had guests who made us laugh, think twice about a much-maligned perennial, or even come to realize that there are far better options out there for our gardens. Who was our funniest guest? The one that made us seriously reconsider our planting choices? Or the one who made us grip the steering wheel with white knuckles (yes—that did actually happen)? Tune in now to find out and listen to our favorite guest segments. Featured guests: ·       Riz Reyes, a horticulturist and floral designer based in Seattle. ·       Richard Hawke is the director of ornamental plant research at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, Illinois. ·       Irvin Etienne is curator of herbaceous plants and seasonal garden design for The Garden at Newfields in Indianapolis. ·       Sabrena Schweyer and her husband, Samuel Salsbury, own and manage Salsbury-Schweyer Inc., a sustainable landscape design and development group based in Akron, Ohio. Read her latest article here: https://www.finegardening.com/article/replace-a-front-lawn-with-a-beautiful-eco-friendly-garden Irvin Etienne's Upgraded Classics Classic: ‘Flamenco' red-hot poker (Kniphofia uvaria ‘Flamenco', Zones 5–9) Photo: David J. Stang, via Wikimedia Commons Upgrade: ‘Mango Popsicle' red-hot poker (Kniphofia ‘Mango Popsicle', Zones 6–9) Photo: Irvin Etienne Classic: ‘Fireball' hardy hibiscus (Hibiscus ‘Fireball', Zones 5–9) Photo: courtesy of David J. Stang, via Wikimedia Commons Upgrade: ‘Holy Grail' hardy hibiscus (Hibiscus ‘Holy Grail', Zones 4–9) Classic: ‘Storm Cloud' lily of the Nile (Agapanthus ‘Storm Cloud', Zones 7b–10) Photo: ©Armitage/Hip Labels, LLC Upgrade: ‘Galaxy Blue' lily of the Nile (Agapanthus ‘Galaxy Blue', Zones 6–10) Photo: Irvin Etienne Classic: ‘Black Knight' butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii ‘Black Knight', Zones 5–9) Upgrade: ‘Grand Cascade' butterfly bush (Buddleia ‘Grand Cascade', Zones 5–10) Photo: Irvin Etienne Classic: Mimosa (Albizia julibrissin, Zones 6–9) Photo: Simon Garbutt, via Wikimedia Commons Upgrade: ‘Summer Chocolate' mimosa (Albizia julibrissin ‘Summer Chocolate', Zones 6–9)   Richard Hawke's Favorite Vines (original episode #37) 'Guernsey Cream' clematis (Clematis 'Guernsey Cream', Zones 4-9) Rüütel™ clematis (Clematis 'Kiviruut', Zones 4-9) 'Madame Julia Correvon' clematis (Clematis 'Madame Julia Correvon', Zones 4-9) 'Princess Diana' clematis (Clematis 'Princess Diana', Zones 4-8) ‘Prince Charles' clematis (Clematis ‘Prince Charles', Zones 4-8) Variegated kiwi vine (Actinidia kolomikta, Zones 4-8) Climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala petiolaris, Zones 4-8) Japanese hydrangea vine (Schizophragma hydrangeoides, Zones 6-9) Chinese Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus henryana, Zones 7-9) credit: Doreen Wynja American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens, Zones 5-8)   Sabrena Schweyer's Problem-Solving Perennials Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica, Zones 3–8) ‘Eastern Star' white wood aster (Eurybia divaricata ‘Eastern Star', Zones 3–8) Obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana, Zones 3–9) Short-toothed mountain mint (Pycnanthemum muticum, Zones 4–8)   Riz Reyes' Favorite Container Plants (original episode # 86) 'Kiwi Fern' coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides ‘Kiwi Fern', Zones 10-11) Aeonium (Aeonium spp. and cvs., Zones 9-11) Shearer's felt fern (Pyrrosia sheareri, Zones 7-10) ‘Dancing Queen' hosta (Hosta 'Dancing Queen', Zones 3-8)

It's time to grab that sweatshirt and dig out those heavier socks—fall has arrived! Although it's sad to see summer go, we're getting super excited for the new season around here. The native plants in New England (where our podcast is based) are starting to look especially lovely so we've dedicated this show to them. We've got an array of native woodies that bloom or color up in autumn (Danielle) and a few perennials that save their best for September (Carol). Don't worry—we're not just featuring plants native to the eastern seaboard either, we've got some Midwest wonders and even some Southern charmers in the mix as well. Looking for some native plants that please the local ecology and look beautiful doing it? We've got you covered on this latest episode.    Expert guest: Brent Horvath is the owner of and head plant breeder/developer at Intrinsic Perennial Gardens, a wholesale nursery in Hebron, Illinois.   Danielle's Plants Northern spicebush (Lindera benzoin, Zones 4-9) Lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium, Zones 2-8) Sassafras (Sassafras albidum, Zones 4-9) Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia, Zones 3-9)   Carol's Plants Joe Pye weed (Eutrochium purpureum, Zones 4-9) Pearly everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea, Zones 3-8) Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia, Zones 5-9) ‘Iron Butterfly' ironweed (Vernonia lettermannii 'Iron Butterfly', Zones 4-9)   Expert's Plants  Eastern bluestar (Amsonia tabernaemontana  and cvs., Zones 3-9) Threadleaf bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii and cvs., Zones 5-8) Ozark bluestar (Amsonia illustris and cvs., Zones 5-9) Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium and cvs., Zones 3-10)

Around here we're not fans of the f-word. No, not that f-word. We're talking about FALL. In our minds that cooler weather is still a long way off, so we've decided to celebrate the dog days of summer by talking about plants that really put on a show in August. When much of the garden is looking tired and bedraggled, these plants add a colorful punch to the scene. Some unexpected perennials and shrubs dominate our lists and for those who have been demanding it—Peter is back with his take on the end of summer. In true Peter fashion though, he'll be discussing ice cream and…the solar system? Well, his segment will be entertaining, that's for sure.   Expert guest: Cheyenne Wine is a writer and photographer at Rare Roots Nursery in Virginia, and a regular contributor to Fine Gardening's Southeast regional reports.   Danielle's Plants Sombrero® Granada Gold coneflower (Echinacea 'Balsomold', Zones 4-9) Scarlet rose mallow (Hibiscus coccineus, Zones 6-9) Coral Crème Drop™ garden phlox (Phlox paniculata 'Ditomdre', Zones 3-8) Quick Fire® panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata 'Bulk', Zones 4-8)   Carol's Plants ‘Dark Knight' blue mist shrub (Caryopteris x clandonensis ‘Dark Knight', Zones 5-9) Mexican sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia, annual) Small yellow baptisia (Baptisia tinctoria, Zones 3-9) ‘Purple Supreme' smoke bush (Cotinus ‘Purple Supreme', Zones 5-8)   Expert's Plants 'Cherry Choco Latte' rose mallow (Hibiscus x moscheutos 'Cherry Choco Latte', Zones 4-9) Blue cardinal flower (Lobelia siphilitica, Zones 4-9) 'Ham and Eggs' lantana (Lantana camara 'Ham and Eggs', Zones 7b-11) Vanilla Strawberry panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata 'Renhy', Zones 3-8)

It's that time of year again! The much-anticipated listener question and answer episode. Carol and Danielle look forward to this special episode (sometimes TWO episodes) because it allows them to offer real-life advice for the plant and garden design issues that are troubling all of you out there in the podcast universe. This time, we got a slew of great questions via email and social media and we're going to do our best to get through as many as possible. The inquiries included advice on planting under trees, attracting hummingbirds, and info about what garden tasks we're tackling during the dog days of summer. Tune in to see if we fielded your question, or if someone else's problem spot is something you can relate to.   Photos for Danielle's Questions Cardinal climber (Ipomoea × sloteri, annual) Earlybird™ Red White columbine (Aquilegia 'PAS1258484', Zones 4-9) Gatsby Gal® oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Brenhill', Zones 5-9) ‘Perry's Gold' Norway spruce (Picea abies ‘Perry's Gold', Zones 3–9) 'Stoplights' epimedium (Epimedium 'Stoplights', Zones 4-9) 'Spanish Flare' hellebore (Helleborus 'Spanish Flare', Zones 4-9)   Photos for Carol's Questions Forest planting in India using the Miyawaki method Miyawaki forest 9 months after planting Northern red oak (Quercis rubra, Zones 4-8) Reminiscent® Pink rose (Rosa x 'BOZFRA021', Zones 4-8) Deadheaded flowers in Kielian DeWitt's Montana garden Recently mulched section of Carol's garden

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)

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)

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 .

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)

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

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)

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)  

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 & 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)