Introducing Gardening Simplified, a radio show and podcast from Proven Winners ColorChoice Shrubs.
Hosted by life-long gardeners Rick Vuyst and Stacey Hirvela, the Gardening Simplified show is designed to share our love of plants and gardening. Whatever your skill or experience level, you’ll find something interesting, useful, and just plain fascinating in every episode.
Got gardening questions? We’d love to help! Click on “contact us” above to send us a message. We answer listener questions on every episode.
Listen to Gardening Simplified on Wood Radio in Grand Rapids, 1300AM or 106.9FM, Saturdays at 9am. You can also watch the show on YouTube, or listen on your favorite podcast platform:

Latest Show Recordings

Episode 54 – Rocking the Establishment: what it means to get a plant “established”
“Once it’s established” is oft repeated about plants but seldom explained. In today’s episode, we change that and cover what it actually means. Plus, Japanese beetle resistance and garden trends. Featured plant: Kodiak Orange diervilla.

Bonus episode: it’s an all mailbag edition
We love answering your garden questions, but it’s hard to get through them when we only have time for three per show. So we did a bonus episode just answering listener questions to try and get caught up. Listen on your favorite podcast platform or join us on YouTube.

Episode 53 – Fall-ing into place – celebrating our second year!
As we head into our second year, we look back at all that we’ve discussed on and look forward towards what’s to come. Our Plant on Trial is one the Fonz would approve of – Perfecto Mundo® Double Pink reblooming azalea. Learn about hydrophobic soil and whether or not you should protect your panicle hydrangea in winter.

Episode 52 – Reach out and touch somebody’s plants
So many plants have an inviting, touchable texture – we share our favorites, as well as those you should definitely avoid touching. Plus, a beautiful, bouncy hydrangea, pruning boxwood, and printing photos on foliage. Featured plant: Little Lime Punch hydrangea.

Episode 51 – Getting edgy: the pain and necessity of your garden’s edges
Edging your garden beds is a crucial part of maintaining a landscape, but a good edge? That’s easier said than done. Find out why, plus we talk favorite vines, deterring dogs, and Stinky the Owl.

Episode 50 – Better relationships with your neighbors through plants
Do you know your neighbors? If not, plants can change that! Plant something that sparks conversation and make connections within your community. Plus, dealing with powdery mildew, cleaning pruners, and another bear story. Featured plant: Sweet Summer Love clematis.