Welcome to the Helpful Gardeners, a weekly podcast diving into the home and garden topics you want to learn more about. We hope to inform, inspire, and bring the fun as two friends who work together and go wild over gardening. Colin is a certified horticulturist with decades of experience working in landscaping, gardening and houseplants in various climactic zones. Brandi is a beginner with a passion to ask questions. Subscribe to catch new episodes every Sunday!
Have you ever seen a Firefly? Colin has! They're rare but love specific conditions to thrive...one of them being a dark habitat at night. This is becoming rare with urban development and light pollutions impacts not only the pollinators but also the natural cycles in our plants. Let's explore 5 ways to clean up your light and create a sanctuary for pollinators.
Ever feel like your grocery bill is personally attacking you? It turns out the secret to beating food inflation might actually be buried in 1929. This week, we're exploring a living history project in Ontario. We're talking about massive cabbages, root veggies that taste like candy, and why "hard to kill" is our new favorite plant description. What can we learn from planting a garden rooted in the Great Depression?CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
Let's be real: you're scrolling through a seed catalog on a Tuesday night, and suddenly you've ordered fifteen varieties of heirloom tomatoes and enough peppers to start your own hot sauce empire. But now that the packets have arrived, the itch to get them in the dirt is real. Is it too early to start those babies indoors, or are you just being an overachiever that'll get in way over your head? Let's talk timing and equipment so you can bring confidence into the garden this year. CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
Get ready to gallop into an auspicious 2026, the Year of the Fire Horse! This year, we're shining a spotlight on a plant that's synonymous with good fortune, resilience, and beauty: Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana).Beyond its elegant appearance, Lucky Bamboo is steeped in rich symbolism, especially when it comes to gifting. The number of stalks you choose isn't just arbitrary – each configuration carries a unique blessing and intention.CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
You know the "5 Love Languages," right? Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time, and Physical Touch. Well, we've gone ahead and given them a green thumb makeover! Here are some ways you can shower your partner with love this Valentines Day.CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
Winter gardening can feel a bit like looking at a black-and-white photo—lots of texture, but the obvious clues are gone. If you've ever walked past a bare tree in the winter and wondered if it's an Elm or an Ash, you're in the right place. Today, we are stripping it all back and diving into the language of bark, tree silhouettes, and leaf scars so you can feel a little more confident on those winter walks. City of Calgary Tree EpisodeJean-Mathieu Daoust EpisodeCONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
When we think of the Winter Olympics, we usually picture ice, powder, and the adrenaline of the downhill. But for the 2026 Milano Cortina Games, Italy is bringing something a bit more delicate—and a lot more meaningful—to the podium. Italy is world-renowned for its floral artistry, and this year, they're blending that heritage with a deep commitment to sustainability and resilience.From the bouquets handed to world-class athletes to the tiny mascots cheering from the sidelines, flowers are taking center stage. Here is a look at the floral connection that is making these games truly bloom.CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
While our gardens might be tucked under a blanket of snow, our backyards are still buzzing with life (and tiny, hungry tummies!). This week, we're dedicating our episode to the birds, featuring one of Canada's most charming and brilliant residents: the Black-capped Chickadee. How do they remember where they've hidden all their food?! Get ready to have your mind blown by their incredible intelligence and learn how you can be the best host for your feathered neighbours this winter!CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
If you own a Golden Retriever, a Husky, or basically any creature that sheds its weight in fluff every week, you've probably looked at that mountain of fur in your vacuum and thought: “There has to be a better use for this than just clogging my Dyson.” Well, good news! Your dog's fur may actually have some potential in the garden. But before you go carpet-bombing your lawn with Fido's winter coat, let's talk about the reality of using hair as a garden amendment.CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
Is Mother Nature a little... chaotic this year? While some of us are literally digging our way out of front doors, others are wondering if spring decided to show up three months early. This week on the podcast, we're breaking down the wild weather divide across the country and what it means for your plant babies. Whether you're under two feet of snow or dealing with weirdly dry grass, we've got your back!CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDEN Golden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB. www.goldenacre.ca CREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
Take a wild guess at what vegetable is trending in 2026. If you're in the planning stage of your garden, you won't believe which leafy green is taking centre stage and the trendy ways you can use it. Even Burberry is utilizing it! It's the CABBAGE. Say what?! Will you use it, or are you like Colin and stay away? Brandi will attempt to sway you in todays episode!CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDENGolden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB.www.goldenacre.caCREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
Do you have a Monstera deliciosa that's living up to its name - monstrous? We recently got a listener question from Jodi, who wrote in saying her beloved Monstera is basically taking over her living room. We've all watched our houseplants grow from cute little babies to magnificent giants, but what do you do when "magnificent" starts feeling a bit like "menace"?CONNECT WITH US Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod Leave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast SPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDENGolden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB.www.goldenacre.caCREDITS Hosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin Hayles Voiceover by: Kaelan Shimp Music by: Forestmusic
While 'bloom scrolling' through our favorite garden inspo, we stumbled upon the most fun trending DIY ever: growing spider plant babies inside pinecones! It's a great, low-cost rustic project to keep your hands busy and your home green while it's freezing outside. Catch the latest episode to see how we do this!CONNECT WITH USShow Notes: www.goldenacre./podcastInstagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave a Voicemail: www.goldenacre.ca/podcastSPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDENGolden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB.www.goldenacre.caCREDITSHosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin HaylesVoiceover by: Kaelan ShimpMusic by: Forestmusic
If your outdoor garden is currently under a blanket of snow and you're itching to grow something, we have the perfect indoor project for you. This week on the podcast, we're diving into indoor mushroom kits. They're low-maintenance, surprisingly fast-growing, and so unique. If you're a little nervous, like Brandi was, then watch as we try them first!https://happycaps.ca/CONNECT WITH USShow Notes: www.goldenacre./podcastInstagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave a Voicemail: www.goldenacre.ca/podcastSPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDENGolden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online or visit us in store in Calgary, AB.www.goldenacre.caCREDITSHosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin HaylesVoiceover by: Kaelan ShimpMusic by: Forestmusic
Staring at 45 different packets of tomato seeds is enough to make anyone want to throw in the trowel. You've got "Spicy Slice Peppers", "Mortgage Lifters," and things that look more like tie-dyed art projects than vegetables. So, is it all just clever marketing? Thanks to Tina for her question this week! The short answer: Mostly no, but a little bit yes. While the photos are definitely "filtered" to look their best, the diversity in tomatoes is real—and picking the wrong one is the fastest way to a garden tantrum. Let's break down how to cut through the noiseCONNECT WITH USShow Notes: www.goldenacre./podcastInstagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave a Voicemail: www.goldenacre.ca/podcastSPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDENGolden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs. Head online to www.goldenacre.ca Or visit us in store in Calgary, AB.CREDITSHosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin HaylesVoiceover by: Kaelan ShimpMusic by: Forestmusic
We are officially stepping into 2026, and if we're being honest, the world feels a little… loud lately. Between the 24-hour news cycle and the pressure to have a "perfect" life, our gardens shouldn't be another chore on the to-do list. This year, we're ditching the "shoulds" and leaning into intentions. We're talking about finding your deep "why," building a sensory sanctuary to escape the chaos, and finally letting go of that "Instagram vs. Reality" garden guilt.Gardening Intentions for 2025Lawn Mowing EpisodeCONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place.Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcastSPONSORED BY GOLDEN ACRE HOME & GARDENGolden Acre Home & Garden is open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs.Head online to www.goldenacre.ca Or visit us in store in Calgary, AB.CREDITSHosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin HaylesVoiceover by: Kaelan ShimpMusic by: Forestmusic
What if your favorite hike through the woods could be bottled up and served over ice? We're adding Balsam Fir Syrup to our holiday menu, and honestly, it's a total game-changer. From "Alpine Dr. Pepper dirty soda" to citrusy spritzes that taste like a mountain morning, we're showing you how to turn those piney needles into liquid gold. Your kitchen is about to smell like a high-end spa, and your tastebuds are going to thank you.CONNECT WITH USGolden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcastCREDITSHosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin HaylesVoiceover by: Kaelan ShimpMusic by: Forestmusic
We're diving deep into the world of the Zygocactus—the ultimate "holiday" houseplant. If you've ever wondered why your "Christmas" cactus is blooming in October, what a 200 year old Christmas cactus looks like, or how the heck to tell them all apart, we're sharing everything you need to keep these festive favorites thriving. Thanks to listener Jane for this week's question!CONNECT WITH USGolden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcastCREDITSHosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin HaylesVoiceover by: Kaelan ShimpMusic by: Forestmusic
The holiday season is all about spreading joy. Forget boring gift tags and plain cards; we're talking about creating beautiful, plantable paper masterpieces using recycled materials, festive cookie cutters, and a sprinkle of nature's magic - seeds!CONNECT WITH USGolden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcastCREDITSHosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin HaylesVoiceover by: Kaelan ShimpMusic by: Forestmusic
People are thinking outside the box when it comes to gardening and biodiversity. We recently heard about a smart idea out of Norway: they're actually combining snow with wildflower seeds and spreading it over hillsides. Imagine, literally planting flowers with snow! We're buzzing about how this cool concept could transform dormant ski hills into vibrant pollinator highways in the summer, and why you might not want to turn your entire yard into a wildflower free-for-all just yet.CONNECT WITH USGolden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcastCREDITSHosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin HaylesVoiceover by: Kaelan ShimpMusic by: Forestmusic
This week's listener question is a timely one from Karen who is growing an iconic seasonal beauty - the Poinsettia! We totally get it—these plants are the quintessential holiday vibe, but they can be a little dramatic especially if you want to have one until next Christmas. We're sharing all the secrets to Poinsettia success, from watering tips to the timely process of getting them to re-bloom.CONNECT WITH USThank you for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review, and listen for new gardening discussions every week! Golden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcastCREDITSHosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin HaylesVoiceover by: Kaelan ShimpMusic by: Forestmusic
Ever walked into a space—like an office or a cozy community center—and just felt instantly better? Sure, the colour of the walls and orientation of the furniture influences the overall vibe, but chances are, plants are a big component too! We're on the road this week seeing how The Core in downtown Calgary to explore how plants inspire the holiday season in our shared spaces like malls, community centres, and more. CONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week! Golden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcastHosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin HaylesVoiceover by: Kaelan ShimpMusic by: ForestmusicCREDITS
If your home is filled with trailing Hoya vines? Well, researchers have just announced the discovery of an entirely new Hoya species—Hoya dawodiensis—hidden away in the remote corners of India. It's a powerful reminder that our planet still holds incredible secrets, and that every houseplant favourite has a wild origin story.CONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week! Golden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcastCREDITSHosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin HaylesVoiceover by: Kaelan ShimpMusic by: Forestmusic
It's Wednesday. That means we turn things over to you and this week, we received a beautiful question on the podcast this week from a listener whose daughter is getting married next summer (congrats!) and is planning on making 12 floral centrepieces for the event! What should she do?CONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week! Golden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcastCREDITSHosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin HaylesVoiceover by: Kaelan ShimpMusic by: Forestmusic
Ever feel like you're fighting for your patch of green? Imagine your city is doing an amazing thing by planting half a million trees but your already bountiful yard is chosen for one of these trees?! Should you have a say? We're digging into a wild story from Montreal where a resident is battling the city over their grand tree-planting plans. Is it green ambition or overreach?CONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week! Golden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcastCREDITSHosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin HaylesVoiceover by: Kaelan ShimpMusic by: Forestmusic
It's Diabetes Awareness Month and you may be asking, "Why are the Helpful Gardeners talking about this?" Sure, this might seem like a heavy topic, but there's a fascinating connection! A new study came out proving how a desert berry may hold secrets to improving metabolic health.CONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week! Golden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcastCREDITSHosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin HaylesVoiceover by: Kaelan ShimpMusic by: Forestmusic
The holiday season is officially upon us, and while we all love sparkling trees and twinkling lights, who says the festive cheer has to stop at your traditional fir? We're big fans of bringing nature indoors, and what better way to celebrate than by giving our beloved houseplants a little holiday glow-up? Forget just one tree – your entire plant family can join the festivities!
What if we could grow tomatoes in Death Valley? Your garden wilts in a heatwave, but this tiny plant thrives! We're diving into a desert survivor that actually grows faster when temperatures soar above 49°C. Could this plants genes unlock potential for previously harsh growing conditions?CONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week! Golden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcastCREDITSHosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin HaylesVoiceover by: Kaelan ShimpMusic by: Forestmusic
Did you know that goats are great weeders? If you've been to Calgary, AB, you may have seen Nose Hill Park host a herd of fluffy, four-legged lawnmowers tackle the weeds here annually. Plus, their digestive systems are champions at limiting the spread of harmful weeds in our natural areas! Let's dive in on today's episode....CONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week! Golden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcastCREDITSHosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin HaylesVoiceover by: Kaelan ShimpMusic by: Forestmusic
Ever watched one of those viral gardening videos and thought, "Huh, that's interesting... but also a little confusing?" We did too after seeing a popular video online of someone propagating basil in water. It developed beautiful roots, but then came the head-scratcher: why, oh why, do we then take those water-loving roots and plant them in soil that's designed to drain water away? Why do plants not like their roots sitting in water? We're diving deep into that very question in today's episode.CONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week! Golden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcastHosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin HaylesVoiceover by: Kaelan ShimpMusic by: ForestmusicCREDITS
So, you know how things go when you're tidying up the garden in the fall? Brandi's husband got really into his cleanup this year and ended up building something totally awesome: a bug hotel! It got us thinking about these cool little shelters and how they're basically VIP lounges for all the helpful insects that keep our gardens thriving. As the weather gets chilly, these tiny neighbors need a safe spot to crash, so let's get into the low-down on building a snug bug hotel in your own space!----------------------CONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week! Golden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcastCREDITSHosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin HaylesVoiceover by: Kaelan ShimpMusic by: Forestmusic
Have you ever stood in the nursery aisle feeling totally overwhelmed by choices? Do you have a Pinterest board full of inspiration but not sure how to narrow it down? Well, the National Garden Bureau (NGB) just gave us the ultimate planting list for a little inspiration. They recently announced their official "Year Of" selections for 2026, and it's a super helpful list covering everything from shade lovers to spicy edibles.The NGB picks a handful of plants each year across six major categories—annuals, edibles, bulbs, perennials, shrubs, and houseplants—to shine a spotlight on, giving us all permission to become experts on these specific beauties. I don't know about you, but it's nice to find these lists for a little nudge to get the ball rolling on a planning sesh.----------------------CONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week! Golden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcastCREDITSHosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin HaylesVoiceover by: Kaelan ShimpMusic by: Forestmusic
It's one of the greatest feelings: walking out of the nursery with a new houseplant baby. But, if you've ever had a plant instantly start dropping leaves or, worse, introduce an unwelcome pest to your collection, you know that the journey from the store shelf to your living room is the most crucial part of its life! We got a great question from Nicole this week that we're answering on the podcast.----------------------CONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week! Golden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcastCREDITSHosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin HaylesVoiceover by: Kaelan ShimpMusic by: Forestmusic
If you've been following the news about Monarch Butterflies, you know that life for these delicate travelers has been looking pretty rough. However, there's a ray of hope we need to talk about in this episode.----------------------CONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week! Golden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcastCREDITSHosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin HaylesVoiceover by: Kaelan ShimpMusic by: Forestmusic
Has your backyard (and pretty much every park path) been turned into an obstacle course of crunchy, rolling acorns lately? This week, we dive into "mast years"—nature's boom-and-bust cycle that oak trees go through with nut production. Learn why your local squirrels are having the feast of their lives, where the word "acorn" actually comes from, and a childhood favourite, and not so favourite, of Colin's.----------------------CONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week! Golden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcastCREDITSHosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin HaylesVoiceover by: Kaelan ShimpMusic by: Forestmusic
Learning how to save the seeds is the ultimate trick to scoring a guaranteed bumper crop of all your favorite garden goodies. Plus, Colin brings another treasure from his garden to try and it's cuca-amazing!----------------------CONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week! Golden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcastCREDITSHosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin HaylesVoiceover by: Kaelan ShimpMusic by: Forestmusic
This week, Brandi found a random Nerf dart stuck in her perennial border, and that sparked a serious (and slightly hilarious) question: What would happen if you found actual space junk in your yard? While we were laughing about toy foam, farmers across the Prairies are seriously being asked to keep an eye out for debris from satellites!----------------------CONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week! Golden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcastCREDITSHosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin HaylesVoiceover by: Kaelan ShimpMusic by: Forestmusic----------------------CONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week! Golden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcastCREDITSHosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin HaylesVoiceover by: Kaelan ShimpMusic by: Forestmusic
Happy Halloween, plant friends! This week, we're getting into the spooky spirit by dressing up as ghosts! We're diving into the creepiest plants and fungi that carry the word 'Ghost' (or something equally spooky!) right in their name. Plus, Colin brought either a trick or a treat from his garden and things get heated...---------------------CONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week! Golden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcastCREDITSHosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin HaylesVoiceover by: Kaelan ShimpMusic by: Forestmusic
We took a journey to the sky, exploring a gardening method that's been guiding humans for centuries: Moon Gardening. It turns out the moon doesn't just control the tides; for gardeners, it might also control what you plant and when! Shout out to Jennifer for sending us this question:"This was my first year gardening and I've got the bug! I've started planning my garden for next year and read some things about planting by moon cycles. I was wondering if you could give some info on this topic - is it total bunk or actually useful?"----------------------CONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week! Golden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcastCREDITSHosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin HaylesVoiceover by: Kaelan ShimpMusic by: Forestmusic
October is here, and while we love the changing leaves and pumpkin spice everything, it's also Mental Health Awareness Month. For ages, we've felt better just being around our plants, whether we're weeding the garden or admiring a thriving Pothos in the kitchen. But is it real, or is it just wishful thinking from a bunch of plant-obsessed people? We dove into a fascinating article from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) that scientifically backs up what we already suspected: Your plants are legitimately good for your brain!----------------------CONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week! Golden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcastCREDITSHosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin HaylesVoiceover by: Kaelan ShimpMusic by: Forestmusic
Did you know that the City of Calgary has an Online Tree Map?! Seriously, this map is a game-changer for anyone who loves local greenery and is curious about what trees are in their neighbourhood. Whether you're planning your next walk or just curious about the billion-dollar canopy over your head, you absolutely have to check this out. Listen to the episode to hear our reactions. then go explore the map yourself! ----------------------CONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week! Golden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcastCREDITSHosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin HaylesVoiceover by: Kaelan ShimpMusic by: Forestmusic
On our latest episode, we dove into bringing those beloved outdoor plants indoors for the winter! And while it's exciting to extend the life of your greenery, especially those trendy Boston ferns that Brandi (and everyone else!) loved this growing season, there's a crucial step many overlook.----------------------CONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week! Golden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!Show Notes | www.goldenacre.ca/podcast Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcastCREDITSHosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin HaylesVoiceover by: Kaelan ShimpMusic by: Forestmusic
How would you truly live if money were no object? This week, we kick off with Brandi and Colin's rich life fantasies—a constant skill-share party and a botanical dream conservatory—before we dive into a bizarre reality: a new study suggesting that gold might literally be growing inside the needles of a certain tree! Get ready for a conversation that blends aspirational living with actual buried treasure.----------------------CONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week! Golden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcastCREDITSHosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin HaylesVoiceover by: Kaelan ShimpMusic by: Forestmusic
What is that distinct, earthy smell of wet leaves that we love so much this time of year? There's a word for that. Plus, we explore the real MVP in our house this time of year and how it can really work wonders on your air quality heading into winter. ----------------------CONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week! Golden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcastCREDITSHosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin HaylesVoiceover by: Kaelan ShimpMusic by: Forestmusic
Many gardeners purchase fall bulbs—garlic, tulips, daffodils—as soon as they hit the store shelves in early September. The problem is, the ideal planting time is not about the calendar; it's about the cold.Read more on the blog: https://www.goldenacre.ca/podcast/----------------------CONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week! Golden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcastCREDITSHosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin HaylesVoiceover by: Kaelan ShimpMusic by: Forestmusic
Happy Thanksgiving! We give thanks for the profound connections that bind us all, from the animal kingdom to the forest floor. We honor the legendary Dr. Jane Goodall and her revolutionary work with chimpanzees, and dive deep into the groundbreaking research of Dr. Suzanne Simard, the visionary behind the Mother Tree Project. Discover the "wood-wide web," a secret underground network where trees talk, share resources, and nurture their young. Join us for an inspiring conversation about community, kinship, and the hidden wisdom of the natural world.Read more on the blog: https://www.goldenacre.ca/podcast/----------------------CONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week! Golden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcastCREDITSHosted by: Brandi Warren & Colin HaylesVoiceover by: Kaelan ShimpMusic by: Forestmusic
On today's episode, we're bridging that annoying gap between you and your static green roommate. You know the struggle: Does it need water? Did I overwater it? Is it growing?That's why we're obsessed with the Tilt Planter, a clever design by Doris Xu. This isn't just a pretty pot; it's a dynamic little scale! The system is built with a curved aluminum base, a traditional terracotta pot, and some perfectly balanced weights.Read more on the blog: https://www.goldenacre.ca/podcast/----------------------CONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week! Golden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast
Diving into one of the most uniquely Minnesota traditions: the incredible Crop Art Exhibit at the State Fair. If you've never seen it, imagine meticulous mosaics made entirely of seeds—and it's a huge deal!----------------------CONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week! Golden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast
Are your snacks feeling a little... basic? This week, we're talking about food that's truly worth the wait, with one that's just delightfully weird.----------------------CONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week! Golden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast
We're sitting down with our friend, Nathan Gill, of Ecologic Horticulture to talk native plants! We've been sitting on this episode for a while just due to baby and life over the summer so it's extra polished and full of all sorts of goodies. Dig in to learn about the benefits of native plants, how to incorporate them in your garden, and the various projects they work on including one that the Helpful Gardeners even got to be a part of in Calgary, AB!-------------------See more about Ecologic Horticulture on their websitewww.ecologichorticulture.com----------------------CONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week! Golden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast
We're back! After a hiatus for family and rest, the gardeners are picking up their gloves and teasing some new episodes of the podcast this fall!***********************CONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week!Subscribe on Spotify, Apple, and GoogleHave a question or comment for Colin or Brandi?Leave a Voice Note: LINKInstagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodSHOW NOTES | CLICK HEREGolden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 days a year for all your home and garden needs!
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