Show Notes

We share a lot of information and ideas on Gardening Simplified – here, you’ll find a digest of each show where you can explore the topics we discuss further.
Several pink sail-shaped sterile florets of Rose Sensation Japanese hydrangea vine.

Episode 29 – March 25, 2023

It’s finally, officially spring, and the weather’s vine! We dedicate much of today’s show to climbers and twiners, and spotlight a woody vine in the midst of an identity crisis. Stay to the end for a fascinating interview with birdman Bill Stovall, where we talk loons, cranes, bluebirds, and orioles.

Read More »
Five large specimens of Spring Grove Western arborvitae, a pyramidal evergreen, against a blue sky.

Episode 28 – March 18, 2023

Let’s talk hedges! Whether they’re evergreen or deciduous, used to screen off an ugly view or to add structure to your landscape, they’re incredibly useful. Plus, learn about a fast-growing arborvitae for hedges, growing ferns indoors, and an interview from a professional composter.

Read More »
Estrellita Little Star bouvardia has pink orange flowers with four petals, resembling little stars.

Episode 27 – March 11, 2023

Hummingbird season will soon be returning to many us in the US – learn how to welcome them with plants and feeders. We talk a hot-climate shrub that brings in hummingbirds by the score, answer questions about eco-friendly lawns. Plus, snowdrop theft and a weasel that made its way indoors.

Read More »
Shrub Madness logo in yellow and pink

Episode 26 – March 4, 2023

Spring is in the air and in the studio! Today we talk all about tomatoes, including best practices for selecting and growing. Instead of putting just one plant on trial today, we’re putting 64 plants on trial in our Shrub Madness competition. Learn what Shrub Madness is all about, how you can participate, and hear about the awesome plant prizes. We’ve talked about eating in bed, but today we talk about what people are eating in their showers.

Read More »
Yellow, red, pink and green spring foliage on Mr. Mustard sorbaria.

Episode 25 – February 25, 2023

Specimen plants are those that transform your landscape from one that merely exists to one that grabs everyone’s attention. We discuss our favorites, those that have been little more than fads, and those that have truly stood the test of time, like the oak tree that Olympic champion Cornelius Johnson planted outside his Los Angeles home. Plus, we talk spring emergence of bulbs and Mr. Mustard Ural false-spirea, answer listener questions on lilacs, and the latest on Central Park’s escaped owl, Flaco.

Read More »
A full, lush inflorescence of Scentara Double Blue lilac.

Episode 24 – February 18, 2023

It’s the fragrance show! Join us as we discuss the phenomenon of fragrance, our favorite fragrant plants (including today’s plant on trial, Scentara Double Blue lilac). Finally, we start “planning for canning” with The Canning Diva, Diane Devereaux.

Read More »