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 WKBZ 106.9FM, Saturdays at 9am and Sundays at 7pm. You can also watch the show on YouTube:
Or listen on your favorite podcast platform:
Latest Show Recordings

Episode 206 – The Magic of Moon Gardens
Sitting in your yard or garden on a summer night isn’t just a romantic notion – for many of us, nighttime is the only time that we can comfortably spend in the garden due to high heat and humidity. And it’s a pretty well-understood fact that if you are the type to enjoy your garden in the evening and night that white flowers are a way to make plants stand out and make your garden more atmospheric. Learn about the history of moon gardening and plants that help illuminate the garden.

Episode 204 – What If You Could Only Use One Color in the Garden?
If you had to design a garden bed using only ONE flower color, which color would you choose to create your monochromatic masterpiece? Hear about the most popular colors, and plants that can be used to achieve unicolor design.

Episode 203 – How to Make a Meadow Garden
Meadow gardening has been gaining popularity, and rightfully so! They’re fantastic for wildlife, plant diversity, and not to mention, they’re beautiful! Learn about ways you can create your own meadow garden and plants that Stacey and Rick recommend for these types of landscapes.

Episode 202 – Gardens That Shaped the US | Part 4 | Middle of Summer Garden Check
We’re getting back to our usual routine, but before we do, we’re going to highlight Stacey’s number 1 bucket list garden to visit! On top of that we discuss a few other fantastic gardens along the west coast. In segments three and four, hear about things you may notice in your garden this time of year and how to help your plants get through the dog days of summer.

Episode 201 – Gardens That Shaped the US | Part 3 – Chicago to California
We’re breaking away from our usual routine to talk about notable gardens across the United States that were pivotal in shaping the country into what it is today. Learn about fascinating history, groundbreaking landscape design, and of course, plants! This is part three of this series where we talk about gardens from Chicago and make our way to California. Stay tuned for upcoming episodes to learn about more fantastic gardens!

Episode 200 – Gardens That Shaped the US | Part 2 – South & Midwest
We’re breaking away from our usual routine to talk about notable gardens across the United States that were pivotal in shaping the country into what it is today. Learn about fascinating history, groundbreaking landscape design, and of course, plants! This is part two of this series where the focus is on gardens throughout the South and some of the Midwest. Stay tuned for upcoming episodes to learn about more fantastic gardens!