WJR Gardening Show

June 7, 2025 ~ Pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, are essential for increasing yields in gardens by transferring pollen between plants. Host Ann Thomas talks about how to create a pollinator-friendly habitat with nectar-rich plants, a water source, and a sunny location.

May 31, 2025 ~ Ann Thomas talks about how English Gardens can help diagnose plant issues, such as improper fertilization, pests, and underpollination.

May 24, 2025 ~ Host Ann Thomas talks about how to properly prune, fertilize, and identify the six main hydrangea types.

May 17, 2025 ~ Host Ann Thomas talks about how to grow a vegetable garden, including advice on picking the right location, vegetables suited for growing in Michigan, and how to tell if they are ripe.

May 10, 2025 ~ Host Ann Thomas talks about perennials, plants that return yearly, dying to the ground in winter and re-emerging in spring, needing proper selection based on sunlight and soil conditions. Successful perennial planting requires assessing sunlight exposure, understanding your soil type (clay, sand, loam), and amending the soil as necessary, like using raised beds for clay soil.

May 3, 2025 ~ Host Ann Thomas talks about annuals, plants that complete their life cycle in one year. They provide vibrant, continuous blooms, using significant energy to produce flowers. They are a popular choice for Michigan gardens, though unlike perennials, annuals do not survive the winter.

April 26, 2025 ~ Host Ann Thomas talks about planning a well-maintained garden, taking in consideration of site conditions, design principles, and Michigan's climate.

April 19, 2025 ~ Host Ann Thomas talks about common gardening issues such as pests, weeds, and critters. The show emphasizes the importance of Bonide Diagnostic Centers at English Gardens stores for identifying problems through microscope examinations.

April 12, 2025 ~ Host Ann Thomas talks about how to start your spring lawn care correctly, which involves an initial cleanup, raking, and assessment, followed by a four-step fertilizer plan.

Ann Thomas is live doing the Garden Show at English Gardens in Royal Oak talking about house plants.

June 9, 2024 ~ Gardening author Janet Macunovich talks to Ann Thomas about watching pollinators on your garden!

June 1, 2024 ~ Rick Vespa of English Gardens talks to host Ann Thomas all about plant maintenance, pruning, and insect and plant control.

May 25, 2024 ~ Annette Ferris of English Gardens talks to host Ann Thomas about how to care for hydrangeas.

May 18, 2024 ~ Host Ann Thomas talks to Meg Gallagher of English Gardens to discuss how people can create their own tropical oases on their front porches!

May 11, 2024 ~ Jessica DeGraaf of Proven Winners talks to host Ann Thomas about the fun new plants available at English Gardens

May 4, 2024 ~ Christy Cohen, a garden coach with English Gardens, joins the show to discuss the basics of how to perform DIY landscaping projects!

April 27, 2024 ~ Linda Hassell talks to host Ann Thomas about the basics of starting a garden from the ground up!

April 20, 2024 ~ Cindy Kern of Cardinal Farms talks to host Ann Thomas about how to properly cut flower stems and raise a vegetable garden.

April 13, 2024 ~ Host Ann Thomas talks to Darrin of English Gardens to discuss his top tips on caring for your lawn.

April 6, 2024 ~ Host Ann Thomas talks to professional horticulturist Stacey Hirvela live from the English Gardens' garden party in Royal Oak.

June 3, 2023 ~ English Gardens Landscape Company President Rick Vespa, along with English Gardens Graphic Designer Gracie Vespa, joins host Ann Thomas to talk about the history of English Gardens and to give gardening tips.

May 27, 2023 ~ English Gardens Landscape Company President Rick Vespa, and Tyler Vespa, garden pharmacist at English Gardens, talk about how to care for your garden in the summertime.

May 21, 2023 ~ Host Ann Thomas talks with English Gardens Operations Manager Mike Schomber about growing vegetables and his passion for growing tomatoes and hot peppers.

May 13, 2023 ~ 760 WJR's Ann Thomas speaks with English Gardens Nursery and Perennial Buyer Darrell Youngquest, who gives advice on buying plants for Mother's Day.

May 6, 2023 ~ Host Ann Thomas talks to Operations Manager at English Gardens Clinton Township Jim Miller about container gardening.

April 29, 2023 ~ Host Ann Thomas celebrates Arbor Day by chatting live with English Gardens Corporate Floral Coordinator Mark Baker and Master Gardener Jennifer Lau. The three also take calls and answer questions from listeners.

April 22, 2023 ~ On the Earth Day Edition of "The WJR Gardening Show," 760 WJR's Ann Thomas speaks with English Gardens Nursery and Perennial Buyer Darrell Youngquest about planting shrubs and other plants before the last risk of frost. Learn what can be planted right now and how to take proper care of these plants throughout the season.

April 15, 2023 ~ English Gardens Landscape Company President Rick Vespa and Manager Jim Morris join 760 WJR's Ann Thomas for a roundtable on landscaping. From a small backyard upgrade to a full plot overhaul, learn how easy it can be to conceptualize, plan, and install an outdoor space that beautifies your life and improves the value of your home.

April 8, 2023 ~ English Gardens Vice President of Retail Operations Dean Darrin offers the insight you need to grow a lush lawn that will make you the envy of your neighbors. Learn how to select the right fertilizers, gauge when and how much to water, combat pesky weeds, improve your soil, and control the insect population, creating a space that's safe for kids and pets while being beautiful to the eye.

April 3, 2023 ~ English Gardens Master Gardner Jennifer Lau offers advice on caring for your indoor houseplants, plus tips on starting your outdoor summer plants indoors, and the things you can do right now to prepare your yard for the breaking spring season.