Let’s Argue About Plants

Chances are, you’ve got mixed conditions in your garden. One area might be in full sun, while another spot a bit farther away is in full shade. Even beds that have the same exposure on paper may have larger plants that shade out the ground below. This presents a challenge for developing a cohesive look within a landscape. As gardeners, we’ve been taught that repetition is one of the tenets of good garden design. But how can one repeat groupings of a plant throughout a border that stretches from bright light to dappled shade? The answer is by utilizing plants that are highly adaptable and will thrive in both sun and shade. In today’s episode we’re singing the praises of these flexible species. They are invaluable assets to the landscape and, as a bonus, will hold their own when the light conditions of a garden inevitably change over time.   

Amy Galloway is a horticulturist at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas. 

Irvin Etienne is the curator of herbaceous plants and seasonal garden design at Newfields, a 152-acre campus with art galleries, performance spaces, world-class public gardens, and a nature park in Indianapolis. Irvin has been a frequent contributor to Fine Gardening, sharing his horticultural expertise through informative articles like A Bright Idea for Spring Containers, Big and Bold Plants for the Back of the Border, and Bring It In!, a primer on overwintering all kinds of tropical plants. In this episode he delves into the path that brought him to horticulture, the lessons learned from decades of gardening in public, and some of the (many, many) plants that earn their keep in his home garden.

Due to their size and expense, gardeners tend to put a lot more thought into the trees they ultimately buy for their landscape. While a perennial might only live for 6 or 7 years, a tree might grace your garden for 50 years or more—outliving the person who so carefully selected it, in fact. Here at Fine Gardening, we feel strongly that trees should look good in more than one season (for all of the reasons above AND because they take up a lot of real estate). Therefore, on today’s episode, we may be highlighting our favorite flowering trees for every season, but these choices have more going for them than just some fleeting blooms. Listen to hear about which trees we’re willing to sacrifice a chunk of our paycheck on and why.   

Amanda Bennett is vice president of horticulture and collections at Atlanta Botanical Gardens in Georgia. 

Jay Sifford is an award-winning landscape designer based in North Carolina. Several of his garden designs have been featured in Fine Gardening, including a one-of-a-kind modern meadow garden and a series of beautiful, functional dry creek beds.

Jay’s immersive, naturalistic landscape designs are based around four cornerstones: art, magic, story, and horticulture. In this episode, Jay offers insights into the ways that these elements can be incorporated into a truly personal garden space.

Jay sees this modern meadow garden as a stylized version of nature where fantasy and reality collide. 

Grasses and perennials planted in large masses and punctuated with unique conifers give the meadow garden its unique appeal. 

In winter, evergreens and grasses add structure and interest to the snowy landcape.

Another view of the meadow garden at the peak of summer. 

A dry streambed designed to manage stormwater doubles as a dynamic visual element. 

Gravel pathways were the perfect solution for this pet-friendly landscape. 

Every garden design that Jay creates includes a little bit of magic. 

One of the worst sights you can ever see in the garden is a plant that has been browsed by deer. (Sidenote: we don't love the gentle word “browsed” in this instance. A more appropriate term might be “obliterated.”) If the munching is particularly bad, that perennial, tree, or shrub becomes unrecognizable. And in many cases, this can mean instant death to your prized specimen. With deer pressure increasing from coast-to-coast, we decided it’s time to highlight some of our favorite deer-resistant plants. Yes, we’re from deer-ridden New England, but rest assured that we’ve included plants in this episode that will thrive from Texas to Michigan, and everywhere in between.

Guest: Karen Chapman is a landscape designer in Duvall, Washington, and the author of Deer-Resistant Design: Fence Free Gardens that Thrive Despite the Deer.

'Childhood Sweetheart' hellebore (Helleborus 'Childhood Sweetheart', Zones 4-9)

Winter daphne (Daphne odora, Zones 7-9)

'Bonfire' euphorbia (Euphorbia polychroma 'Bonfire', Zones 5-9)

Sunshine Blue® blue mist shrub (Caryopteris incana 'Jason', 5-9)

Hiba arborvitae (Thujopsis dolobrata 'Variegata’, Zones 5-8)

‘Victoria Blue’ mealycup sage (Salvia farinacea 'Victoria Blue', Zones 8-10)

Eastern sweetshrub, syn. Carolina allspice (Calycanthus floridus, Zones 4-9)

‘Gerald Darby’ iris (Iris × robusta 'Gerald Darby', Zones 4-9)

Magical® Fantasy weigela (Weigela florida 'Kolsunn', Zones 4-8)

Threadleaf bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii, Zones 5-8)

'Whirling Butterflies' gaura (Gaura lindheimeri 'Whirling Butterflies', Zones 5-9)

'Goldsturm' black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Goldsturm', Zones 3-9)

Richard Hawke is the Director of Ornamental Plant Research at Chicago Botanic Garden, where he oversees comparative evaluations of ornamental plants. The CBG Plant Evaluation Program has included 117 distinct trials over the past four decades, with 26 comparative trials currently underway in three evaluation areas. In 2011, Richard began reporting trial results in Fine Gardening magazine, and has since written dozens of feature articles that can be found by visiting his author page.

In this entertaining episode, Richard Hawke discusses his earliest memories of plants and gardening, the education and internships that laid the foundation for his career, and the joys and challenges of developing a world-class plant trial program. He also digs into the day-to-day details of plant evaluation and talks about some trials that yielded surprising results and some that were particular favorites, including evaluations of clematis, baptisias, butterfly bushes, and tender salvias.

Richard joined the staff of the Chicago Botanic Garden in the mid-1980s.

CBG’s trial of tender salvias identified many vigorous cultivars that do well when grown as annuals.

The Chicago Botanic Garden has trialed 198 heucheras since 1995. Find out which cultivars performed better than the classics here.

The Chicago Botanic garden was built on a series of islands, and soil conditions are not ideal. The original trial beds were atop a substrate of clay soil compacted by heavy equipment; the water table is very high, and drainage can be problematic. Richard talks about these soil woes, and the solutions that have improved soil structure and drainage in the newest plant evaluation area.

The Chicago Botanic Garden was built on a series of islands with heavy clay soil.

Field evaluation is a core component of plant trials at Chicago Botanic Garden.

The Green Roof Gardens built atop the Plant Conservation Science Center are used to evaluate the suitability of plants for use in green roof assemblies.

With 26 trials currently underway, the evaluation areas at the Chicago Botanic Garden are a hub of research activity.

Richard now spends much of his time behind a desk, which makes him relish his time in the field even more.

The Plant Evaluation Program at Chicago Botanic Garden is one of the largest and most diverse in the nation.

Every gardener wishes they had 25 acres to garden on, right? Well maybe not, but most of us do dream of a healthy amount of ground to build beds and borders to our hearts’ desire. The reality of homeowners today, however, is that land is expensive and typical suburban lots have decreased in size steadily since the 1970s. And smaller lots mean smaller gardens. That isn’t an issue though, if you select plants that are polite and “stay in their lane” as the kids say. On this episode Danielle and Carol talk about compact plants that are prefect for tighter spaces. We’ve got several perennials, one annual, and even a few well-behaved shrubs that made the list. Filling your tiny plot with these beauties will enable you to have a wide variety of colors and textures without sacrificing an enormous amount of precious square footage.    

Julie Lane Gay lives and gardens in Vancouver, British Columbia, where she previously owned a nursery specializing in climbers and perennials.  

Danielle's Plants 

Creeping variegated gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides 'Radicans Variegata', Zones 8-11) 

'Prairie Moon' rattlesnake master (Eryngium yuccifolium 'Prairie Moon', Zones 3-8) 

Spicy Devil ® ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius  'ZLENATALIE', Zones 3-7) 

'Jack of Diamonds' brunnera (Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack of Diamonds', Zones 3-8) 

Carol's Plants  

Ivory Halo® dogwood (Cornus alba 'Bailhalo’, Zones 3-7) 

‘Rainbow Bouquet’ dwarf strawflower (Helichrysum bracteatus ‘Rainbow Bouquet’, annual) 

Let's Dance Sky View® hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla × serrata 'SMNHSME', Zones 4-9) 

‘Summer Beauty' allium (Allium tanguticum 'Summer Beauty', Zones 4-9) 

Expert’s Plants  

'Brunette' baneberry (Actaea simplex 'Brunette', Zones 3-8) 

'Firepower' heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica 'Firepower', Zones 6-9) 

‘Adirondack’ crabapple (Malus 'Adirondack', Zones 4-8) 

Solitary clematis (Clematis integrifolia, Zones 4-7) 

One of our favorite things to do here on the pod is dig through emails and social media shout outs from our listeners. It is always nice to hear about what problems you may be having in your gardens and to be able to offer advice from our decades of horticultural experience. And we’re lucky to have scores of experts at our fingers tips if we don’t have an answer for a plant suggestion or design fix. These Q&A episodes are some of our favorites, so we decided to revisit an array of your best questions from the past few years in this new Best Of LAAP. The inquiries included advice on planting under trees, attracting hummingbirds, and info about what garden tasks we hate tackling. Tune in to see if one of our favorite questions was yours, or to hear about some solutions to problems that tend to plague us all. 

Links to all our Q&A episodes: 

Episode 140 

Episode 123 

Episode 79 

Episode 56 

During the winter months many plants reveal subtle patterns, fine details, and a new range of colors that help us to see familiar beds and borders with fresh eyes. This is an excellent time to get outside, evaluate your garden’s bones, and make some plans for spring planting. In this episode Danielle, Carol, and their guest will explore some of the plants that fly a bit under the radar in winter months, but certainly deserve more attention. Do you have any of these underappreciated wonders in your landscape?  If not, you may want to start digging holes as soon as the ground thaws to ensure that some of these unsung heroes get some well-deserved garden real estate. Will any of these winter beauties make it onto your wish list this year? 

Jay Sifford is the owner and principal designer at Jay Sifford Garden Design in Charolette, North Carolina.  

Danielle's Plants 

Spotted wintergreen (Chimaphila maculata, Zones 4-8) 

‘Peppermint Patty’ bergenia (Bergenia 'Peppermint Patty', Zones 4-8) 

Moosewood (Acer pensylvanicum, Zones 3-7) 

‘ReJoyce’ drooping laurel (Leucothoe axillaris 'ReJoyce', Zones 6-9) 

Carol's Plants  

Golden Duke Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis ‘Monjers’, Zones 4–8) 

American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana, Zones 3b–9) 

'Little Heath' pieris (Pieris japonica 'Little Heath’, Zones 5–9) 

‘St. Mary’s Broom’ blue spruce (Picea pungens ‘St. Mary’s Broom’, Zones 2-7)   

Expert’s Plants  

American witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana, Zones 3-8) 

'Shades of Pink' laurustinus (Viburnum tinus 'Shades of Pink', Zones 7b-10)  

Blue conifers with assorted ornamental grasses 

'Louie’ white pine (Pinus strobus 'Louie’, Zones 4-9) 

Stacie Crooks is a Seattle-based garden designer who has created beautiful, ecologically friendly, low-maintenance gardens throughout the Pacific Northwest. She is also a contributing editor for Fine Gardening magazine and has shared her insights with our readers through 10 feature articles and several departments over the past 17 years. In this episode, Carol interviews Stacie about the lessons that she has gained from her years of garden design experience. 

Stacie Crooks’s Garden Design Rules of Thumb 

1. Identify your project. Ask yourself "What do I want to achieve?" and “Why do I want to do this?" Having a clear goal in mind- be it lower maintenance, better curb appeal, or more wildlife in the garden- will help you make the right design, style, and plant choices. 

2. Know your site. Before you can make any changes, you need to know your limitations. Determine the garden's light exposure and angles, soil types, drainage, topography, and size. Consider irrigation (if you need water, where will it come from?) and access (how will you get into the garden and move through it?) Bearing all this in mind, set a budget. 

3. Get inspired. With your goals and guidelines clear, It's time for a solid plan. People always ask, “Where do I start?" Engage in activities that foster learning and friendships. Read books and magazines and go to lectures. Join a garden club. Volunteer at a public garden. Look in the newspapers and on the internet for opportunities. Take notes, make lists and make sketches. Take photos of gardens you visit and copy them.  

4. No zone denial. When you go to buy your plants at your local nursery, read the tags carefully. Choose only that which is suited for your site and to your lifestyle. If it is not clear, ask a nursery person. Be sure that the amount of care that plant needs match the time and energy you can afford.  

5. Finish one garden before you start another. Resist buying plants that are not for your current project- they'll just die waiting for you to plant them. Stick to the list. 

6. Be responsible environmentally. Always aim to use less water, less fertilizer, and no chemicals. The better you know your site, the easier it is to achieve success naturally. There's an importance to NOT gardening, using fewer resources and less labor and just enjoying your space more. 

Plants with a silvery sheen stand out beautifully against the sea of green that fills most garden beds. In this episode, Danielle, Carol, and their guest will highlight some shimmering shrubs, drought-tolerant perennials, a tiny dwarf conifer, and even an unusual silvery vine with a bit of a back story. Perhaps one of these lovely, luminous plants could be the silver bullet solution to one of your own garden design dilemmas.  

Chloë Bowers, a garden designer based in southwestern Connecticut, is the moderator for Fine Gardening’s Northeast Gardening Answers forum. Join the conversation here: https://www.finegardening.com/discussion-forum/northeast-gardening 

Danielle's Plants 

'Quicksilver' hebe (Hebe pimelioides 'Quicksilver', Zones 7b-9) 

Woolly thyme (Thymus pseudolanuginosus, Zones 5-9) 

Silver sage (Salvia argentea, Zones 5-8) 

'Angel Wings' sea cabbage (Senecio candicans 'Angel Wings', Zones 8–10) 

Carol's Plants  

‘Pimoko’ Serbian spruce (Picea omorika ‘Pimoko’, Zones 4-9) 

Sea kale (Crambe maritima, Zones, Zones 5-9) 

'Elijah Blue' fescue (Festuca glauca 'Elijah Blue', Zones 4-8) 

‘Kintzley’s Ghost’ honeysuckle vine (Lonicera ‘Kintzley’s Ghost’, Zones 4-8)   

Expert’s Plants  

Pussytoes (Antennaria plantaginifolia, Zones 3-8) 

Blunt mountain mint (Pycnanthemum muticum, Zones 4-8) 

Pearly everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea, Zones 3-8) 

Prairie sage (Artemisia ludoviciana, Zones 3-7) 

Oh, dear listeners...it’s the most glorious time of the year! No, not because it’s time to hang the stockings or trim the tree—because it’s time to make the 2024 gardening wish lists. This year Carol and Danielle have selected the 8 plants they are pining over most. You will hear about a brand-new perennial that few, if any, have seen before. And there’s also a new hydrangea with...brace yourselves...BLACK foliage!  The list also includes plants that our contributors have written extensively about, and we’ve just now sat up and paid attention. Listen now to hear about the plants we’ll be dreaming about as the flakes fly this winter.

Expert guest: Jennifer Benner is content editor for Fine Gardening. She has a bachelor’s degree in horticulture from The Ohio State University.

Danielle's Plants

'Blue Bunchkin' baptisia (Baptisia 'Blue Bunchkin', Zones 4-9)

‘Nichirin’ false nettle (Boehmeria nipononivea ‘Nichirin’, Zones 6-9)

Eclipse® bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Bailmacseven’, Zones 5–9)

'Fusion of Fire' oredenia (Oredenia 'Fusion of Fire', Zones 5-8)

Carol's Plants

'Humilis' red buckeye (Aesculus pavia 'Humilis', Zones 4-8)

Blackberry lily (Iris domestica, Zones 5-10)

‘Hillside Sheffield Pink’ garden mum (Chrysanthemum ‘Hillside Sheffield Pink’, Zones 4-9)

Tropicanna canna Lily (Canna ‘Phasion’, Zones 7b to 10)

Expert’s Plants

‘The Blues’ little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium ‘The Blues’, Zones 3-9)

Acapulco® Salmon and Pink agastache  (Agastache ‘Salmon and Pink’, Zones 5-9)

‘Orange’

‘Jelena’ witch hazel (Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Jelena, Zones 5-8)

If you like the beauty and impact that ornamental grasses bring to a garden design, you will love the many shapes, forms and colors that North American native species offer. Whether you need a practical groundcover, a dramatic focal point, or an airy filler to knit a matrix planting together, Danielle, Carol, and guest Paula Gross have some options that will inspire you to start your spring shopping list now.

Expert guest:Paula Gross is a horticulture educator at Central Piedmont Community College and co-author of The Southeast Native Plant Primer with Larry Mellichamp and Will Stuart.

Danielle's Plants

Blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium, Zones 4-9)

‘Carousel’ little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium ‘Carousel’, Zones 3-9)

‘Northwind’ switchgrass (Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’, Zones 4-9)

‘River Mist’ Northern sea oats (Chasmanthium latifolium 'River Mist', Zones 5-8)

Carol's Plants

Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica, Zones 4–8)

Rose muhly (Muhlenbergia reverchonii, Zones 5–9)

Purpletop (Tridens flavus, Zones 4–9)

‘Blonde Ambition’ gramma grass (Bouteloua gracilis ‘Blonde Ambition’, Zones 3–10)

Expert’s Plants

Pink muhly (Muhlenbergia capillaris, Zones 5-9)

Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium, Zones 3-9)

Splitbeard bluestem (Andropogon ternarius, Zones 6-10)

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum, Zones 4-9)

Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans, Zones 4-9)

While searching through our archive of episodes we discovered something: There are a few specific plants we just can’t stop talking about. As the years have progressed here at Let’s Argue About Plants, we find ourselves experimenting with more and more varieties, so we have something new to report back to you on. But frankly, there are a core of plants that we could talk about every episode because they are just that good. We try to mix it up, but these stars have made it into more than a couple recordings—and rightly so. With that, we decided not to fight nature and give these stars their spotlight. In today’s compilation episode you’ll hear about Carol and Danielle’s top four plants...again...but for good reason. They are selections that no garden should be without, in our humble opinions.

Danielle’s Plants

Perry's Gold' Norway spruce (Picea abies 'Perry's Gold', Zones 3–9)

‘Crested Surf’ painted fern (Athyrium niponicum 'Crested Surf', Zones 3-8)

‘Snow Fairy’ blue mist shrub (Caryopteris divaricata 'Snow Fairy', Zones 6-9)

Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia, Zones 4-9)

Carol’s Plants

Maidenhair fern (Adiantum pedatum, Zones 3-8)

New Jersey tea (Ceanothus americanus, Zones 4–8)

Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa, Zones 3-9)

Pink Icing® blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum ‘ZF06-079’, Zones 5–10)

Isn’t every plant great in a group? Well, the answer is no. Some plants are too vigorous in their growth habits to share the stage, while others are better if put on a pedestal all their own (i.e. the focal point plants of the landscape). Today’s episode we talk about plants that are great in masses—that is to say—in groups of three or more. We have options for shade, choices for sun, and selections for those in-between exposures situations. We’ll also feature some great plants that we’ve seen grouped to perfection in gardens featured in Fine Gardening. And you don’t have to be a millionaire to group plants. Many of our suggestions are easily divided after just a year or two, providing you with multiple plants for the price of just one.

Expert guest:  Daniel Robarts is a horticulturist at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, Maine.

Danielle's Plants

'Kitten Around' catmint (Nepeta faassenii 'Kitten Around', Zones 3-8)

‘All Gold’ Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra 'All Gold', Zones 5-9)

'Kobold' liatris (Liatris spicata 'Kobold', Zones 3-8)

Smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens and cvs., Zones 3-9)

Carol's Plants

‘Galaxy Blue’ agapanthus (Agapanthus ‘Galaxy Blue’, Zones 6-10)

Feather Falls™ sedge (Carex 'ET CRX01', Zones 5-9)

Firefinch™ coneflower (Echinacea purpurea 'G0052Y’, Zones 4-8)

Flowering tobacco (Nicotiana sylvestris, Zones 10-11)

Expert’s Plants

‘Millenium’ allium (Allium ‘Millenium’, Zones 5-8)

'Brunette' bugbane (Actaea simplex 'Brunette', Zones 3-8)

'Starry Starry Night' hibiscus (Hibiscus 'Starry Starry Night', Zones 4-9)

Danielle combo #1

'Limelight' panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight', Zones 3-9)

'Sun King' aralia (Aralia cordata 'Sun King', Zones 3-9)

Danielle combo #2

'Worcester Gold' blue mist shrub (Caryopteris × clandonensis 'Worcester Gold', Zones 5-9)

'Goldsturm' black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Goldsturm', Zones 3-9)

Carol combo # 1

White Drift® rose (Rosa 'Meizorland', Zones 4-11)

Tall garden phlox (Phlox paniculata cvs., Zones 4-8)

Carol combo # 2

'Sun King' aralia (Aralia cordata 'Sun King', Zones 3-9)

‘Blackhawks’ big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii ‘Blackhawks’, Zones 3–9)

'Dark Knight' blue mist shrub (Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Dark Knight', Zones 5-9)

Expert combo #1

‘Zwartkop’ aeonium (Aeonium ‘Zwartkop’, Zones 9-11)

Ghost plant (Graptopetalum paraguayense, Zones 7-11)

Expert combo #2

Tropicanna® canna (Canna indica 'Phasion’, Zones 7-11)

‘Color Guard’ yucca (Yucca filamentosa ‘Color Guard’, Zones 4-10)

Clarity Blue™ dianella (Dianella ‘DP401’, Zones 8-10)

Blue rose hens and chicks (Echeveria imbricata, Zones 9-11)

We’re nearing our 150th episode mark and for us, that has meant a lot of plants discussed. But it’s also meant a lot of great guest appearances. As you know, each episode we ask an expert from the field of horticulture to lend us their brains and weigh-in on some great plant choices for the topic at hand. We’ve had guests who made us laugh, think twice about a much-maligned perennial, or even come to realize that there are far better options out there for our gardens. Who was our funniest guest? The one that made us seriously reconsider our planting choices? Or the one who made us grip the steering wheel with white knuckles (yes—that did actually happen)? Tune in now to find out and listen to our favorite guest segments.

Featured guests:

·       Riz Reyes, a horticulturist and floral designer based in Seattle.

·       Richard Hawke is the director of ornamental plant research at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, Illinois.

·       Irvin Etienne is curator of herbaceous plants and seasonal garden design for The Garden at Newfields in Indianapolis.

·       Sabrena Schweyer and her husband, Samuel Salsbury, own and manage Salsbury-Schweyer Inc., a sustainable landscape design and development group based in Akron, Ohio. Read her latest article here: https://www.finegardening.com/article/replace-a-front-lawn-with-a-beautiful-eco-friendly-garden

Irvin Etienne’s Upgraded Classics

Classic: ‘Flamenco’ red-hot poker (Kniphofia uvaria ‘Flamenco’, Zones 5–9) Photo: David J. Stang, via Wikimedia Commons

Upgrade: ‘Mango Popsicle’ red-hot poker (Kniphofia ‘Mango Popsicle’, Zones 6–9) Photo: Irvin Etienne

Classic: ‘Fireball’ hardy hibiscus (Hibiscus ‘Fireball’, Zones 5–9) Photo: courtesy of David J. Stang, via Wikimedia Commons

Upgrade: ‘Holy Grail’ hardy hibiscus (Hibiscus ‘Holy Grail’, Zones 4–9)

Classic: ‘Storm Cloud’ lily of the Nile (Agapanthus ‘Storm Cloud’, Zones 7b–10) Photo: ©Armitage/Hip Labels, LLC

Upgrade: ‘Galaxy Blue’ lily of the Nile (Agapanthus ‘Galaxy Blue’, Zones 6–10) Photo: Irvin Etienne

Classic: ‘Black Knight’ butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii ‘Black Knight’, Zones 5–9)

Upgrade: ‘Grand Cascade’ butterfly bush (Buddleia ‘Grand Cascade’, Zones 5–10) Photo: Irvin Etienne

Classic: Mimosa (Albizia julibrissin, Zones 6–9) Photo: Simon Garbutt, via Wikimedia Commons

Upgrade: ‘Summer Chocolate’ mimosa (Albizia julibrissin ‘Summer Chocolate’, Zones 6–9)

Richard Hawke’s Favorite Vines (original episode #37)

'Guernsey Cream' clematis (Clematis 'Guernsey Cream', Zones 4-9)

Rüütel™ clematis (Clematis 'Kiviruut', Zones 4-9)

'Madame Julia Correvon' clematis (Clematis 'Madame Julia Correvon', Zones 4-9)

'Princess Diana' clematis (Clematis 'Princess Diana', Zones 4-8)

‘Prince Charles’ clematis (Clematis ‘Prince Charles’, Zones 4-8)

Variegated kiwi vine (Actinidia kolomikta, Zones 4-8)

Climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala petiolaris, Zones 4-8)

Japanese hydrangea vine (Schizophragma hydrangeoides, Zones 6-9)

Chinese Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus henryana, Zones 7-9) credit: Doreen Wynja

American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens, Zones 5-8)

Sabrena Schweyer’s Problem-Solving Perennials

Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica, Zones 3–8)

‘Eastern Star’ white wood aster (Eurybia divaricata ‘Eastern Star’, Zones 3–8)

Obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana, Zones 3–9)

Short-toothed mountain mint (Pycnanthemum muticum, Zones 4–8)

Riz Reyes’ Favorite Container Plants (original episode # 86)

'Kiwi Fern' coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides ‘Kiwi Fern’, Zones 10-11)

Aeonium (Aeonium spp. and cvs., Zones 9-11)

Shearer's felt fern (Pyrrosia sheareri, Zones 7-10)

‘Dancing Queen’ hosta (Hosta 'Dancing Queen', Zones 3-8)

It’s time to grab that sweatshirt and dig out those heavier socks—fall has arrived! Although it’s sad to see summer go, we’re getting super excited for the new season around here. The native plants in New England (where our podcast is based) are starting to look especially lovely so we’ve dedicated this show to them. We’ve got an array of native woodies that bloom or color up in autumn (Danielle) and a few perennials that save their best for September (Carol). Don’t worry—we’re not just featuring plants native to the eastern seaboard either, we’ve got some Midwest wonders and even some Southern charmers in the mix as well. Looking for some native plants that please the local ecology and look beautiful doing it? We’ve got you covered on this latest episode.   

Expert guest: Brent Horvath is the owner of and head plant breeder/developer at Intrinsic Perennial Gardens, a wholesale nursery in Hebron, Illinois.

Danielle’s Plants

Northern spicebush (Lindera benzoin, Zones 4-9)

Lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium, Zones 2-8)

Sassafras (Sassafras albidum, Zones 4-9)

Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia, Zones 3-9)

Carol’s Plants

Joe Pye weed (Eutrochium purpureum, Zones 4-9)

Pearly everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea, Zones 3-8)

Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia, Zones 5-9)

‘Iron Butterfly’ ironweed (Vernonia lettermannii 'Iron Butterfly', Zones 4-9)

Expert’s Plants

 Eastern bluestar (Amsonia tabernaemontana  and cvs., Zones 3-9)

Threadleaf bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii and cvs., Zones 5-8)

Ozark bluestar (Amsonia illustris and cvs., Zones 5-9)

Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium and cvs., Zones 3-10)

Around here we’re not fans of the f-word. No, not that f-word. We’re talking about FALL. In our minds that cooler weather is still a long way off, so we’ve decided to celebrate the dog days of summer by talking about plants that really put on a show in August. When much of the garden is looking tired and bedraggled, these plants add a colorful punch to the scene. Some unexpected perennials and shrubs dominate our lists and for those who have been demanding it—Peter is back with his take on the end of summer. In true Peter fashion though, he’ll be discussing ice cream and…the solar system? Well, his segment will be entertaining, that’s for sure.

Expert guest: Cheyenne Wine is a writer and photographer at Rare Roots Nursery in Virginia, and a regular contributor to Fine Gardening’s Southeast regional reports.

Danielle’s Plants

Sombrero® Granada Gold coneflower (Echinacea 'Balsomold', Zones 4-9)

Scarlet rose mallow (Hibiscus coccineus, Zones 6-9)

Coral Crème Drop™ garden phlox (Phlox paniculata 'Ditomdre', Zones 3-8)

Quick Fire® panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata 'Bulk', Zones 4-8)

Carol’s Plants

‘Dark Knight’ blue mist shrub (Caryopteris x clandonensis ‘Dark Knight’, Zones 5-9)

Mexican sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia, annual)

Small yellow baptisia (Baptisia tinctoria, Zones 3-9)

‘Purple Supreme’ smoke bush (Cotinus ‘Purple Supreme’, Zones 5-8)

Expert’s Plants

'Cherry Choco Latte' rose mallow (Hibiscus x moscheutos 'Cherry Choco Latte', Zones 4-9)

Blue cardinal flower (Lobelia siphilitica, Zones 4-9)

'Ham and Eggs' lantana (Lantana camara 'Ham and Eggs', Zones 7b-11)

Vanilla Strawberry panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata 'Renhy', Zones 3-8)

It’s that time of year again! The much-anticipated listener question and answer episode. Carol and Danielle look forward to this special episode (sometimes TWO episodes) because it allows them to offer real-life advice for the plant and garden design issues that are troubling all of you out there in the podcast universe. This time, we got a slew of great questions via email and social media and we’re going to do our best to get through as many as possible. The inquiries included advice on planting under trees, attracting hummingbirds, and info about what garden tasks we’re tackling during the dog days of summer. Tune in to see if we fielded your question, or if someone else’s problem spot is something you can relate to.

Photos for Danielle’s Questions

Cardinal climber (Ipomoea × sloteri, annual)

Earlybird™ Red White columbine (Aquilegia 'PAS1258484', Zones 4-9)

Gatsby Gal® oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Brenhill', Zones 5-9)

‘Perry’s Gold’ Norway spruce (Picea abies ‘Perry’s Gold’, Zones 3–9)

'Stoplights' epimedium (Epimedium 'Stoplights', Zones 4-9)

'Spanish Flare' hellebore (Helleborus 'Spanish Flare', Zones 4-9)

Photos for Carol’s Questions

Forest planting in India using the Miyawaki method

Miyawaki forest 9 months after planting

Northern red oak (Quercis rubra, Zones 4-8)

Reminiscent® Pink rose (Rosa x 'BOZFRA021', Zones 4-8)

Deadheaded flowers in Kielian DeWitt’s Montana garden

Recently mulched section of Carol’s garden

Quirky, collectible, and water-wise, succulents will add eye-catching texture to any garden bed or container display. There are some succulents that are cold hardy, while others will need to be brought indoors for the winter in colder regions. Join Danielle, Carol and guest Amanda Thomsen as they share some of their favorite succulents, including a few unforgettable “oddballs”.

Expert guest: Amanda Thomsen is a garden designer, garden shop owner, and author based in suburban Chicago.

Danielle’s Plants

Variegated fox tail agave (Agave attenuata 'Variegata', Zones 9-12)

Spiral aloe (Aloe polyphylla, Zones 9-12)

Red mistletoe cactus (Pseudorhipsalis ramulosa, Zones 9-11)

‘Frosted Fire’ sedum (Sedum ‘Frosted Fire’, Zones 3-9)

Carol’s Plants

'Red Velvet’ plush plant (Echeveria pulvinata 'Red Velvet', Zones 9-11)

‘Christmas Carol’ aloe (Aloe ‘Christmas Carol’, Zones 9-11)

Gold moss sedum (Sedum acre, Zones 3-8)

‘Matrona’ sedum (Hylotelephium telephium 'Matrona', Zones 3-9)

Expert’s Plants

Pencil cactus (Euphorbia tirucali, Zones 10-12)

Bundle of sticks plant (Cynanchum marnierianum, Zones 10-11)

‘Frizzle Sizzle’ albuca (Albuca spiralis ‘Frizzle Sizzle’, Zones 8-10)

‘Nerds’ sedum (Sedum album ‘Nerds’, Zones 3-8)

Drought has become synonymous with gardening in the past several years. It seems like regardless of where you live, you will experience some sort of dry conditions in summer. This has led many of us to reevaluate our plant choices. Perennials we once relied on to fill our beds and borders may flag in July and August—or shrivel up and die altogether. In anticipation of drier conditions in the future, we’re talking about plants that thrive in drought. These selections have built in traits that allow them to sail through long periods of no rain, and/or soils that have little-to-no moisture retentive properties. And we’re not just talking about succulents and cacti here! Listen now to hear about an array of lush, floriferous perennials that thrive in desert-like environments.

Expert guest: Ed Lyon is Director of the Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa.

Danielle’s Plants

'Drops of Jupiter' oregano (Origanum 'Drops of Jupiter', Zone 4-9)

Sandpaper bush (Mortonia scabrella, Zones 8b-11)

'Pink Champagne' epimedium (Epimedium 'Pink Champagne', Zones 5-8)

'Blue Paradise' little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium 'Blue Paradise', Zones 3-9)

Carol’s Plants

‘Pink Diamonds’ alpine bleeding heart (Dicentra ‘Pink Diamonds’, Zones 3-9)

‘Caradonna’ meadow sage (Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna', Zones 4-8)

Bearded iris (Iris germanica cvs., Zones 3-9)

Undaunted® ruby muhly grass (Muhlenbergia reverchonii ‘PUND01S’, Zones 5-9)

Expert’s Plants

Epimedium (Epimedium  spp. and cvs., Zones 4-9)

Baptisia (Baptisia spp. and cvs., Zones 4-9)

‘Blackhawks’ big blue stem (Andropogon gerardii 'Blackhawks', Zones 3-9)

Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa and cvs., Zones 3-9)

Purple prairie clover (Dalea purpurea, Zones 3-8)

Visiting a great nursery is inspirational. Colors and textures draw you in, and wish-list plants beckon to you from the benches and displays. You may even encounter a plant that you can’t live without, even though you’ve never seen it or heard about it before. Join Danielle and Carol as they stroll the aisles of a favorite Rhode Island nursery and chat about their favorite finds.

Expert guest: Sarah Partyka is the owner of The Farmer’s Daughter, a garden center in South Kingstown, Rhode Island.

Danielle’s Plants

'Copper Harbor' juniper (Juniperus horizontalis 'Copper Harbor')

Sensational!™ lavender (Lavandula x intermedia 'Tesseract', Zones 5-9)

‘Nickel Silver’ dyckia (Dyckia ‘Nickel Silver’, Zones 8-11)

‘Shiloh Splash’ river birch (Betula nigra 'Shiloh Splash', Zones 4-9)

Carol’s Plants

‘Venusta’ queen of the prairie (Filipendula rubra ‘Venusta’, Zones 3-8)

Agave-leaf sea holly (Eryngium agavifolium, Zones 6-9)

‘Eastern Star’ white wood aster (Eurybia divaricata ‘Eastern Star’, Zones 3-8)

‘Purpleleaf Bailey Select’ American hazelnut (Corylus americana ‘Purpleleaf Bailey Select’, Zones 4-9)

Expert’s Plants

‘Purple Knight’ calico plant (Alternanthera dentata ‘Purple Knight’, annual)

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus*, Zones 7–10)

‘Limelight’ licorice plant (Helichrysum petiolare ‘Limelight’, Zones 9–11)

‘Kudos Mandarin’ agastache (Agastache ‘Kudos Mandarin’, Zones 5–9)

‘Xanthos’ cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Xanthos’, annual)

‘Profusion Double Deep Salmon’ zinnia (Zinnia ‘Profusion Double Deep Salmon’, annual)

Balloon plant (Gomphocarpus physocarpus, Zones 8–10)

‘Black and Blue’ anise-scented sage (Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’, Zones 7–10)

‘Kudos Yellow’ agastache (Agastache ‘Kudos Yellow’, Zones 5–9)

‘Aromatto’ basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Aromatto’, annual)

‘Emerald Falls’ dichondra (Dichondra repens ‘Emerald Falls’, Zones 7–11)

Expert’s plants:

Container 1

1.     ‘Purple Knight’ calico plant

2.     Cardoon

3.     ‘Limelight’ licorice plant

4.     ‘Kudos Mandarin’ Agastache

5.     ‘Xanthos’ cosmos

6.     ‘Profusion Double Deep Salmon’ zinnia

Container 2

1.     Balloon plant

2.     ‘Black and Blue’ anise-scented sage

3.     ‘Kudos Yellow’ agastache

4.     ‘Aromatto’ basil

5.     ‘Emerald Falls’ dichondra

To see more of Sarah Partyka’s beautiful pollinator-friendly containers, check out her article from Fine Gardening issue 206: https://www.finegardening.com/project-guides/container-gardening/6-beautiful-pollinator-container-garden-designs .

We all love plants that have some personality. These are the ones that stand out and make us take notice, and when we see them at a nursery, public garden, or in a fellow gardener’s collection, they go straight onto the wish list or into the shopping cart. Which unforgettable treasures will jump to mind as you listen to Danielle, Carol, and their guest musing about some of their favorite plants with presence?

Expert guest: Karl Gercens is the East Conservatory Manager at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.

Danielle’s Plants

Rose Sensation™ false hydrangea vine (Schizophragma hydrangeoides 'Minsens', Zones 5-9)

 Double Take Scarlet ™flowering quince (Chaenomeles speciosa 'Scarlet Storm', Zones 5-9)

 'Wu-La-La' hosta (Hosta ‘Wu-La-La’, Zones 3-9)

‘Little Honey’ oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Little Honey’, Zones 4b-9)

Carol’s Plants

‘Storm Cloud’ bluestar (Amsonia tabernaemontana ‘Storm Cloud’, Zones 4-9)

Kodiak® Orange bush honeysuckle (Diervilla x 'G2X88544', Zones 4-7)

Marine heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens, Zones 10-11)

‘Straw’ Colorado spruce (Picea pungens ‘Straw’, Zones 4-8)

Expert’s Plants

Titan arum (Amorphophallus titanium, Zones 11-12)

Tower of jewels (Echium wildpretii, Zones 9-10)

Madeira Island geranium (Geranium maderense, Zones 9-11)

Wood’s cycad (Encephalartos woodii, Zones 10-11)

Mule’s foot fern (Angiopteris evecta, Zones 10-11)

If you’re looking to add some heft to the spring garden, but don’t want to overwhelm genteel bulbs or ephemeral perennials then dwarf, spring-flowering shrubs are the answer. These little powerhouses are quick to put on new growth in the early part of the season and often sport blossoms in soft hues which will compliment the pastel colors that dominate May and June. Today’s requirements are simple: the shrubs mentioned must stay under 3 to 4 feet tall and wide and they must flower before the summer solstice. You might think this is a tall order for any plant to fill (Peter certainly thinks so) but there are a surprising number of candidates that are up to challenge.   

Expert guest: Julie Lane Gay is a garden designer and horticultural writer in British Columbia, Canada.

Danielle’s Plants

Yuki Cherry Blossom ® deutzia (Deutzia 'NCDX2', Zones 5-8)

Baby Kim® lilac (Syringa 'SMNSDTP', Zones 3-8)

‘Cora Louise’ Itoh peony (Paeonia 'Cora Louise', Zones 4-9)

‘Jim’s Pride’ daphne (Daphne × transatlantica ‘Jim's Pride’, Zones 5-9)

Carol’s Plants

Perpetua® blueberry (Vaccinium 'ORUS-61-1', Zones 4-8)

Dwarf red-leaved sand cherry (Prunus x cistena, Zones 2-8)

Sugar Baby® forsythia (Forsythia x intermedia 'NIMBUS', Zones 5-8)

Double Play® Candy Corn® Spirea (Spiraea japonica 'NCSX1’, Zones 4-8)

Expert’s Plants

Dwarf sweet box (Sarcococca hookeriana var. humilis, Zones 6-9)

Eternal Fragrance ® daphne (Daphne × transatlantica 'Blafra', Zones 5-9)

‘Wabi-Sabi' dwarf viburnum (Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum 'Wabi-Sabi', Zones 5-8)

A link to expert Julie Lane Gay’s article on dwarf shrubs:

https://www.finegardening.com/project-guides/gardening-basics/surprising-shrubs-for-small-spaces

Every garden has gaps that need to be filled from time to time. Whether you are looking for a short-term stand-in while a bed is being reworked or a quick fix after another plant dies, it is nice to have a list of pinch-hitters that can step in and fill space quickly. Listen in as Danielle, Carol, and expert guest Lisa Bauer share some of their favorite choices for gracefully filling the vacancies that are a natural part of a garden’s evolution.

Expert guest: Lisa Bauer is the owner of Chartreuse Garden Design in Seattle.

Danielle’s Plants

Spider flower/Cleome (Cleome hassleriana and cvs., annual)

Appalachian sedge (Carex appalachica, Zones 3-7)

Creeping petunia (Petunia  spp. and cvs., annual)

Caladium (Caladium  spp. and cvs., Zones 9-11)

Carol’s Plants

Prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis, Zones 3-9)

Snow on the mountain (Euphorbia marginata, annual)

‘Strawberry Fields’ gomphrena (Gomphrena ‘Strawberry Fields, annual)

‘Pink Cotton Candy’ betony (Stachys officinalis ‘Pink Cotton Candy’, Zones 4-8)

Expert’s Plants

Black Lace® elderberry (Sambucus nigra ‘Eva’, Zones 5-7)

‘Cavatine’ pieris (Pieris japonica ‘Cavatine’, Zones 5-8)

‘Blue Star’ juniper (Juniperus squamata ‘Blue Star’, Zones 4-8)

‘Bressingham White’ bergenia (Bergenia ‘Bressingham White’, Zones 3-8)

Liverleaf (Hepatica nobilis, Zones 5-8)

To gardeners, spring is the signal of something big to come. It kicks off our season. For the next several months we will primp and preen our beds to maximize their beauty and relish in their good looks. But as all our plants start waking up in April and early May, it can be hard to really focus on the “design” elements. Many of us are often just happy to see any signs of life, never mind if those newly emerging plants look good together. That’s why today we’re focusing on plant combinations (of two, three, or perhaps even four) that look incredible in spring when grouped together. There’s a mix of annuals, perennials, and even a few shrubs in this array. But, when massed in close proximity, the effect is just as stunning as your peak season pairings. Many of you listeners asked us to broach planting design in an episode, so here we are, answering your call!

Expert guest:

Matt Mattus is a regional reporter for FineGardening.com. The author of two gardening books, he gardens in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Danielle’s Combos

Combo 1:

‘Mango Charm’ tulip (Tulipa 'Mango Charm', Zones 3-7)

'Peach Flambe' heuchera (Heuchera 'Peach Flambe', Zones 4-9)

‘Peach Melba’ horned violet (Viola cornuta ‘Peach Melba’, Zones 6-9)

Combo 2:

Lady's mantle (Alchemilla mollis, Zones 3-8)

Fingerleaf rodgersia (Rodgersia aesculifolia, Zones 5-7)

'Halcyon' hosta (Hosta 'Halcyon', Zones 5-9)

‘Nelly Moser’ clematis (Clematis ‘Nelly Moser’, Zones 4-9)

Carol’s Combos

Combo 1:

Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia, Zones 3–8)

Interrupted fern (Osmunda claytoniana, Zones 3–8)

‘Toffee Tart' heuchera (Heuchera 'Toffee Tart', Zones 4–9)

‘Palace Purple’ heuchera (Heuchera 'Palace Purple', Zones 4–9)

Japanese painted fern (Athyrium niponicum, Zones 5–8)

‘October Moon’ Japanese shrub mint (Leucosceptrum stellipilum ‘October Moon’, Zones 5–8)

Combo 2

‘May breeze’ woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata ‘May Breeze’, Zones 4–8)

‘Wanda’ primrose (Primula ‘Wanda’, Zones 3–9)

Creeping mazus (Mazus reptans, Zones 5–8)

‘Ogon’ grassy-leaved sweet flag (Acorus gramineus ‘Ogon’, Zones 5–9)

Siberian cranesbill (Geranium wlassovianum, Zones 5–8)

Expert’s Combos

Melancholy toadflax or fairy lights (Linaria tristis, Zones 4-8)

‘Café au lait’painted tongue (Salpiglossis ‘Café au lait’, annual)

Poached egg plant (Limnanthes douglasii, annual)

‘Penny Black’ baby blue eyes (Nemophila menziesii  ‘Penny Black’, annual)

‘Jelly Bean Fiesta Marigold’ monkey flower (Mimulus ‘Jelly Bean Fiesta Marigold’, annual)

Assorted pansies in browns, reds, rusts (Viola × wittrockiana and cvs., Zones 5-9)

Desert bells (Phacelia campanularia, Zones 5-10)

Belarina® Series primroses (Primula cv., Zones 4-8)

Tulips are a lavish spring gift that any gardener can give to themself and to their neighborhood with just a little advance planning. Whether your tulip bulbs are pre-ordered as early as possible in summer through your favorite supplier, or purchased last-minute from the garden center just before the ground freezes, getting them into the ground this fall will pay big dividends next spring. Listen in as Danielle, Carol, and our experts talk about some tulip varieties that would be surefire choices for a spectacular spring display . 

Expert guests: Nick & Olivia Heltzel are the owners of Inch by Inch Permaculture in Wheelock, Vermont, where they grow tulips as a sustainable cut flower alternative for regional markets and events.

Danielle’s Plants

‘Claudia’ tulip (Tulipa 'Claudia', Zones 3-7)

'Alba Coerulea Oculata' species tulip (Tulipa humilus 'Alba Coerulea Oculata', Zones 4-8)

‘Spring Green’ tulip (Tulipa ‘Spring Green’, Zones 3-7)

‘Red Riding Hood’ Greig's tulip (Tulipa greigii ‘Red Riding Hood’, Zones 4-8)

Carol’s Plants

‘Princess Irene’ tulip (Tulipa ‘Princess Irene’, Zones 3–8)

Link to Irvin Etienne’s article, Bright Ideas for Spring Containers

‘Pretty Princess’ tulip (Tulipa ‘Pretty Princess’, Zones 3–8)

‘Lady Jane’ lady tulip (Tulipa clusiana ‘Lady Jane’, Zones 3–7)

‘Tangerine Beauty’ species tulip (Tulipa vvedenskyi ‘Tangerine Beauty’, Zones 3–7)

Expert’s Plants

‘Dreamer’ tulip (Tulipa ‘Dreamer’, Zones 3–8)

‘Pink Star’ tulip (Tulipa ‘Pink Star’, Zones 3–8)

‘Apricot Parrot’ tulip (Tulipa ‘Apricot Parrot’, Zones 3–7)

‘Verona’ tulip (Tulipa ‘Verona’, Zones 3–7)

Green plants? Well of course! What else would our topic be for a St. Patrick’s Day episode? Today we’re talking about plants that are stunners despite being “just green.” Turns out that these selections of perennials, annuals, trees, and shrubs are some of the most textural and eye-catching plants you can grow. And, we’ll remind listeners right at the top of the show—green comes in tons of different shades. So make way for some chartreuse, emerald, and lime colored options that are just what your garden needs. We can’t guarantee planting these gems will attract leprechauns but having them in your beds will make you feel like you’ve scored a pot of gold.

Expert guest: Mark Dwyer is garden manager for the Edgerton Hospital Healing Garden and operates Landscape Prescriptions by MD in Wisconsin.

Danielle’s Plants

Irish moss (Sagina subulata, Zones 4-8)

Beesia (Beesia deltophylla,Zones 6-9)

‘Soft Caress’ mahonia (Mahonia eurybracteata 'Soft Caress', Zones 6-11)

Hacquetia (Hacquetia epipactis syn. Sanicula epipactis, Zones 5-7)

Carol’s Plants

Langsdorff's tobacco (Nicotiana langsdorffii, annual)

Maidenhair fern (Adiantum pedatum, Zones 3-8)

Lady’s mantle (Alchemilla mollis, Zones 3-8)

'Cupressina’ Norway spruce (Picea abies 'Cupressina’, Zones 3-8)

Expert’s Plants

‘Virdis’ and ‘Green Tails’ love-lies-bleeding (Amaranthus caudatus 'Green Tails' and 'Viridis', annual)

'Act Green' and 'Spring Green' cockscomb (Celosia cristata 'Act Green' and 'Spring Green', annual)

'Sunday Green' and 'Sylphid' plume celosia (Celosia plumosa 'Sunday Green' and 'Sylphid', annual)

'Green Ball' dianthus (Dianthus 'Green Ball', annual)

 Bells-of-Ireland (Moluccella laevis, annual)

'Queen Lime' zinnia (Zinnia elegans 'Queen Lime', annual)

'August Forest' gloriosa daisy (Rudbeckia hirta 'August Forest', annual)

‘Green Jewel’ coneflower (Echinacea purpurea 'Green Jewel', Zones 4-9)

‘Green Envy’ coneflower (Echinacea purpurea 'Green Envy', Zones 4-9)

‘Limelight’ panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight', Zones 3-9)

Little Lime ™ panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata 'Bulk', Zones 3-9)

Little Lime Punch ™ panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata 'SMNHPH', Zones 3-9)

Growing spring greens is an easy, satisfying project that takes very little time and very little garden space—you can even grow greens in containers! Homegrown spring greens will be fresher than any you can find at the grocery store or farmer’s market, and you can try varieties that aren’t commonly available, like ‘Red Streaked’ arugula, or ‘Tokyo Bekana’ Chinese cabbage. If this episode inspires you to start some seedlings of your own, check out this article from Ira Wallace about options that will extend your options beyond the basic greens, and this article on growing your own salad mix.

Expert guest: Lucas Holman is director and lead horticulturist at the University of Tennessee’s Wilson County Agriculture Extension office in Lebanon, Tennessee.

Danielle’s Plants

'Danyelle' red oakleaf lettuce

Pea shoots

'Red Streaked' arugula 

'Catalonian' chicory

Carol’s Plants

‘Tokyo Bekana’ Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa var. chinensis ‘Tokyo Bekana’)

Link to Ira Wallace’s article on greens:

Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris ‘Ruby Red’, ‘Bright Yellow’, ‘Peppermint’, and ‘Oriole’)

Spinach

Tatsoi

Expert’s Plants

Green onions

Lettuce

Turnips

Raise your hand if seasonal affective disorder has set in for you. Yep, us too. Because the skies are grey and the landscape is mostly brown in many areas of the country, we decided that today’s episode would be geared towards offering a glimmer of hope. We’re talking about plants that put on a show in the last gasps of winter and first few weeks of spring. Just when you think that the garden is never going to look good again, these unsung heroes show up to give us all a little cheer. We have trees, spring ephemerals and even a few lesser-known North American natives that not only make us happy, but help support the earliest pollinators. Those living in more Southern locales will delight in our expert chiming in from Texas to talk about what gardeners in warmer climes have to look forward to in just a few short days.

Expert guest: Jared Barnes, Ph.D., is an associate professor of horticulture at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas.

Danielle’s Plants

Red trillium (Trillium erectum, Zones 4-7) 

Wood anemone (Anemone quinquefolia, 3-8)

Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum, Zones 5-8)

Pink flowering dogwood (Cornus florida f. rubra, Zones 5-9)

Carol’s Plants

‘Berry Swirl’ hellebore (Helleborus x hybridus ‘Berry Swirl’, Zones 4–8)

Trout lily (Erythronium americanum, Zones 3–8)

False spirea (Sorbaria sorbifolia, Zones 2–8)

Shadblow serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis, Zones 4–8)

Expert’s Plants

Yellow wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox ‘Luteus’, Zones 7-9)

Paperbush (Edgeworthia chrysantha, Zones 7-10)

Virginia springbeauty (Claytonia virginica, Zones 3-8)

‘Bonita’ Japanese apricot (

Prunus mume ‘Bonita’, Zones 6-9)

‘Tojibai’ Japanese apricot (Prunus mume ‘Tojibai’, Zones 6-9)

For many gardeners, sharing a love of plants with family and friends adds another layer of enjoyment to a very fulfilling pastime. In this episode, Danielle, Carol, and expert guest Catharine Cooke explore plants that have special meaning or associations with their loved ones. Whether it is a dogwood that provides seedlings to share with others, a native orchid that is worth a long hike to see growing in the wild, a buttery colored rose, or “that gangly plant by the stone wall” that Danielle’s husband especially likes, these plants will surely get you thinking about the memories, stories, and connections that make some of the plants in your garden meaningful to you.

Expert guest: Catharine Cooke is a landscape designer and co-owner of Spring Lake Garden Design in Sherman, Connecticut. You can read some of Catharine’s past articles here: https://www.finegardening.com/author/catharine-cooke.

Danielle’s Plants

Kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa, Zones 5-8)

Siberian iris (Iris sibirica, Zones 4–9)

Koreanspice viburnum (Viburnum carlesii, Zones 4–8) ‘Horstmann’s Recurved’ larch (Larix decidua ‘Horstmann’s Recurved’, Zones 2–7)

Carol’s Plants

Lady’s slipper orchid (Cypripedium reginae, Zones 2a–7)

Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana, Zones 2–9)

Trailing arbutus (Epigaea repens, Zones 3–7)

Strawberry rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum, Zones 3–8)

Expert’s Plants

Julia Child™ rose (Rosa ‘Wekvossutono’, Zones 4–9)

‘Constance Spry’ rose (Rosa ‘Constance Spry’, Zones 5–10)

‘New Dawn’ rose (Rosa ‘New Dawn’, Zones 5–10)

Much like the United States Postal Service, these plants will not let rain, nor sleet, nor driving snow stop them from pulling through the worst winter weather imaginable.  It can be hard to find plants that will look two months of drying winds in the eyes and laugh—or sit in a frozen puddle for 4 months and not rot. We decided to sing the praises of those perennials and woodies that will take whatever January, February and March have to doll out and come out on the other side, unscathed.  Tune in to this epside to learn about plants that truly are up to the challenge of taking winter’s worst on the chin.  

Expert guest: May Ann Newcomer is a native Idahoan who gardens, scouts gardens, and writes about gardening in the Intermountain West.

Danielle’s Plants

'Ninja Stars' epimedium (Epimedium 'Ninja Stars', Zones 4-9)  Leatherleaf viburnum (Viburnum rhytidophyllum, Zones 5-8)  'Blue Chip' juniper (Juniperus horizontalis 'Blue Chip’, Zones 3-9)  ‘Biokovo’ hardy geranium (Geranium cantabrigiense ‘Biokovo’, Zones 5-8) 

Carol’s Plants

Rosemary willow (Salix elaeagnos, Zones 4-8)

Smooth blue aster (Symphyotrichum leave, Zones 3-8)

Golden Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris ‘Aurea’, Zones 3-7)

Siberian iris (Iris sibirica, Zones 3-9)

Expert’s Plants

German bearded iris (Iris x germanica cvs., Zones 3-10)

European snowball viburnum (Viburnum opulus ‘Roseum’, Zones 3-8)

‘Autumn Brilliance’ serviceberry (Amelanchier × grandiflora ‘Autumn Brilliance’, Zones 4-9)

‘Blue Shag’ Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus 'Blue Shag', Zones 3-8)

The winter blues have certainly set in around here. But thankfully we have a few plants outside that seemed to have saved their best for last. Today Carol and Danielle are talking about Winter Stunners—trees, shrubs, and even a subshrub that look so gorgeous in January and February, you’ll forget that technically it’s the “off-season.”  Whether your winter is mild and wet, cold and dry, or you live where it snows seemingly every day, we’ve got some options that will help make the landscape seem vibrant.

Expert guest: Michelle Provaznik is the chief executive officer of American Public Gardens Association. She lives and gardens in Fort Collins, Colorado.

 Danielle’s Plants

'Wintergold' white fir (Abies concolor 'Wintergold', Zones 3-8) 

'Goldilocks’ Japanese white pine (Pinus parviflora 'Goldilocks’, Zones 5-7) 

Blue deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara cv., Zones 6b-9) 

‘Divinely Blue’ or ‘Feelin’ Blue’ 

Coral bark maple (Acer palmatum 'Sango Kaku', Zones 5-9)

Carol’s Plants

American beech (Fagus grandifolia, Zones 3-9)

Red osier dogwood (Cornus sericea, Zones 3-7)

Japanese stewartia (Stewartia pseudocamillia, Zones 5-8)

Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata, Zones 4-8)

Expert’s Plants

‘Panchito’ manzanita (Arctostaphylos × coloradensis ‘Panchito’, Zones 4b–8)

Rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus spp. and cvs., Zones 4-9)

Red osier/ red twig dogwood (Cornus sericea, Zones 3-7)

Kentucky coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus, Zones 3-8)

Flowers and foliage get most of the fanfare, but a plant with eye-catching seed heads will add interest for weeks or even months after its bloom time is over. The textures and shapes of these seed-bearing structures are delightfully diverse, ranging from alliums’ showy starbursts to plump peony pods and the feathery tassels of clematis. Our hosts and expert guest will share some favorite selections that look great after they go to seed.

Expert guest: Amanda Thomsen is a horticulturist, garden designer, and author based in suburban Chicago.

Danielle’s Plants

'Purple Sensation' allium (Allium 'Purple Sensation', Zones 3-9) 

'Kopper Kettle' Itoh peony (Paeonia 'Kopper Kettle', Zones 3-8) 

'Goldsturm' black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Goldsturm', Zones 3-9) 

Baptisia (Baptisia australis, Zones 3-9) 

Carol’s Plants

‘Strawberry Fields’ gomphrena (Gomphrena haageana ‘Strawberry Fields’, Zones 9-11)

Tibetan clematis (Clematis tibetana, Zones 6-9)

Kamchatka sedum (Sedum kamptschaticum, Zones 3-8)

‘Blue Glow’ globe thistle (Echinops bannaticus, Zones 3-8)

Expert’s Plants

Angel’s trumpet (Datura innoxia, Zones 9-10)

Love-in-a-mist (Nigella damascena, annual)

Love lies bleeding (Amaranthus caudatus, annual)

It doesn’t matter whether we’ve been naughty (Danielle) or nice (Carol) this year—we’re still going ahead and adding plenty of plants to our wish lists. We’re talking about trees that we’ve had our eyes on for months and a perennial that shines in spring, summer, and light up electric yellow in fall. Many of these plants will be new to nurseries this coming spring, while others have been around a bit longer. If you’re wondering what plants the hosts of a podcast all about plants dream and drool over, tune in today. Because visions of sugarplums don’t dance through our heads…but visions of coneflowers do!

Expert guest: Laura Trowbridge is a garden designer based in Peterborough, New Hampshire. You can read her article from issue 177 here: https://www.finegardening.com/article/how-to-use-annuals-in-your-garden

Danielle’s Plants

‘Lady Sunshine’ dove tree (Davidia involucrata ‘Lady Sunshine’, Zones: 6–8) 

Magical® Moonlight button bush (Cephalanthus occidentalis 'Kolmoon', Zones 5-9) 

'Stained Glass' liverleaf (Hepatica nobilis 'Stained Glass', Zones 4-8) 

'Fiery Meadow Mama' coneflower (Echinacea 'Fiery Meadow Mama', Zones 5-9) 

Carol’s Plants

'Seventh Inning Stretch' bluestar (Amsonia x illustris 'Seventh Inning Stretch', Zones 5-9)

‘Giggles’ dahlia (Dahlia ‘Giggles’, Zones 8-10)

Owl’s claws (Hymenoxys hoopesii, Zones 5-9)

‘Golden Delicious’ salvia (Salvia elegans ‘Golden Delicious’, Zones 8-11)

Expert’s Plants

‘Burgundy Spice’ sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus var. purpureus ‘Burgundy Spice’, Zones 6-9)

Salsify (Tragopogon porrifolius, biennial, Zones 5-9)

‘Amistad’ salvia (Salvia ‘Amistad’, Zones 8b-11)

Lion’s ear (Leonotis leonurus, Zones 8-11)

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! No, not because it’s the holidays, because it’s the annual Q & A episode here on Let’s Argue About Plants. When we put a call out each year asking you, our faithful listeners, to send us your most pressing questions about plants and gardening, we never know what to expect. But boy did you deliver this time! We had so many questions roll in that we had to create a spreadsheet just to keep track. In today’s episode we’ll answer as many of those queries as possible, and in some cases, reach out to our colleagues in horticulture to respond (because let’s face it, we don’t know everything). Tune in to see if your question—or a question similar to yours—is answered and what we had to say about cottage gardens and whether or not you may need therapy because of a plant addiction.

Expert guest: Award-winning landscape designer Jay Sifford is the owner of a design firm located in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is an author for Fine Gardening magazine with a new feature out in December 2022, Designing a Stylized Meadow.

Depending on where you live in North America, fall in the garden can bring anything from a flood of vibrant color to just the slightest hint of a new hue. Here in New England, we’re pretty lucky to get an explosion of autumnal colors most years. But today we decided to talk about those plants (trees, shrubs, perennials, and yes—even an annual) that can be counted on to express THE most shocking color when the temps cool down, regardless of geographic location. We realize that some of you live in warmer climes, so we have included a few fall-bloomers that will put on a show into Zone 9, as well. If seasonal depression has started to set in, beat back those impending winter-blues by listening to this episode and then head to the nursery to pick up some fall stunners—it’s not too late!

Expert guest: John Forti is the executive director of Bedrock Gardens in Lee, New Hampshire and author of The Heirloom Gardener: Traditional Plants and Skills for the Modern World. He has previously directed gardens for Plimoth Plantation Museum, Strawbery Banke Museum, and Massachusetts Horticultural Society.

Danielle’s Plants

'Pocahontas' Japanese anemone (Anemone hupehensis 'Pocahontas', Zones 5-8)

Blue-stemmed goldenrod (Solidago caesia, Zones 4-8)

Japanese stewartia (Stewartia pseudocamellia, Zones 5-8)

White baneberry (Actaea pachypoda, Zones 3-8)

Carol’s Plants

‘Vibrant Dome’ New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Vibrant Dome', Zones 3-8)

Spicebush (Lindera benzoin, Zones 4-9)

‘Blackhawks’ big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii ‘Blackhawks’, Zones 3-9)

‘Rouge Vif D’Etampes’ pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima, annual)

Expert’s Plants

Pineapple sage (Salvia elegans, Zones 8-10)

Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboretum, Zones 5-9)

Poke (Phytolacca americana, Zones 4-8)

Plumbago (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides, Zones 5-9)

They're creepy and they're kooky. Mysterious and spooky. They're all together ooky. Nope, it’s not the Adam’s Family, it’s the array of wicked plants on today’s episode. It’s Halloween season so we’ll be talking about an assortment of plants that are spiky, darkly pigmented, stinky, or perhaps even the most wicked of all: invasive. But don’t think every perennial or tree on this episode is unworthy of a spot in your garden, some are actually quite lovely landscape specimens. Can a plant truly be frightening? Sure it can—just ask Seymour Krelborn.

For further reading on wicked plants, check out this book by Amy Stewart.

Expert guest: Christine Alexander is the digital content editor for FineGardening.com.

Danielle’s Plants

‘Sasaba’ holly tea olive (Osmanthus heterophyllus ‘Sasaba’, Zones 6b-10) 

Jack in the pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum, Zones 4-9) 

Wingthorn rose (Rosa sericea spp. pteracantha, Zones 5-9) 

Carol’s Plants

Common dogbane (Apocynum cannabinum, Zones 4-8)

'Barker's Variety' monk’s hood (Aconitum carmichaelii 'Barker's Variety', Zones 3-7)

‘Flying Dragon’ hardy orange (Citrus trifoliata 'Flying Dragon', Zones 5-9)

Christine’s Plants

‘Teton’ firethorn (Pyracantha ‘Teton’ Zones 6 to 9)

‘Zanzibarensis’ castor bean (Ricinus communis* ‘Zanzibarensis’ Zones 8–10)

Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis*, Zones 4 to 9)

*Indicates this plant may be considered invasive in certain parts of North America

We very pleased to bring you a special episode of Let’s Argue About Plants today, featuring an interview with Douglas Tallamy, PhD. Several months ago, Christine Alexander, digital content manager for FineGardening.com, sat down with the famed professor of entomology and wildlife ecology at the University of Delaware to discuss how plants can save our planet. Tallamy has spent his life’s work researching the impact of nonnative plant species on the environment with his fieldwork playing a critical role in solving the mystery of the plummeting insect and bird populations seen over the past 50 years. Despite the seemingly larger-than-life problems we face, Tallamy insists there are ways average gardeners can help save our ecosystems. Within the interview we get answers to the questions gardeners want to know like, “Should we be planting only native plants?” And “What are keystone species and why should I be filling my landscape with them?” Tallamy’s message is sometimes misconstrued, especially when it comes to a gardener’s role in the climate crisis. We hope this interview sheds some light and hope on actions steps we can all take to help nature. As Tallamy says, “we’re its last hope.”

This interview was edited for length and clarity. For further reading, check out Douglas Tallamy’s most recent books, The Nature of Oaks (2021) and Nature’s Best Hope (2020).

Keystone Plants:

1. Goldenrod (Solidago spp., Zones 3–9)
2. Aster (Aster spp., Eurybia spp., Symphyotrichum spp., Zones 4–9)
3. Sunflower (Helianthus spp., Zones 3–9)
4. Oak (Quercus spp., Zones 2–9)
5. Cherry (Prunus spp., Zones 3–8)
6. Birch (Betula spp., Zones 3–9)
7. Cottonwood (Populus spp., Zones 2–9)
8. Elm (Ulmus americana, Zones 3 to 9)
9. Willow (Salix spp., Zones 4-10)

What’s not to love about sedums? They’re drought-tolerant, they attract pollinators, and they flower later in the season when not much else is going on in the garden. But they also have their drawbacks—namely a proclivity to splay open (we’re looking at you Autumn Joy) and look rather awful in some cases. But rest assured that today we’re talking about sedums that maintain a compact habit (whether they’re an upright or ground cover type), still sport gorgeous flowers, and thrive in terrible conditions. If you have full sun, lean soil, and hate plants than need a lot of pampering, then this episode is for you. 

Expert testimony: Sandy McDougle is the founder and owner of Sandy’s Plants in in Mechanicsville, Virginia.

Danielle’s Plants

'Boogie Woogie' sedum (Sedum ‘Boogie Woogie’, Zones 3-9) 

'Night Light' sedum (Sedum 'Night Light', Zones 3-9) 

'Plum Dazzled' sedum (Sedum rupestre ‘Plum Dazzled’, Zones 4-9) 

‘Carl’ sedum (Hylotelephium telephium ‘Carl’, Zones 3-9) 

Carol’s Plants

‘Matrona’ sedum (Hylotelephium telephium 'Matrona', Zones 3-9)

‘Blue Spruce’ creeping sedum (Sedum reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’, Zones 4–9)

Dragon’s blood sedum (Sedum spurium 'Schorbuser Blut', Zones 4-9)

‘Angelina’ sedum (Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’, Zones 5–9)

Expert’s Plants

‘Dazzleberry’ sedum (Sedum ‘Dazzleberry’, Zones 4-9)

Goldmoss sedum (Sedum acre, Zones 4-9)

Chinese sedum (Sedum tetractinum, Zones 4-8)

‘Weihenstephaner’s Gold’ sedum (Sedum kamtschaticum var. floriferum ‘Weihenstephaner’s Gold’, Zones 3-8)

What gardener doesn’t like something a bit out-of-the ordinary, right? Especially when it’s a plant that puts on a serious show as the final curtain call is happening. Today we highlight some of our favorite unusual fall perennials, options that are interesting cultivars of a genus you may know, and weird oddballs you’ve likely never heard of. Just a heads up that we may have cheated a teeny, tiny bit and thrown in a shrub or even a tender perennial to keep you on your toes. Regardless the plants you’ll hear about on this episode are all exceptional autumnal stars that will stop garden visitors in the tracks to ask, “What on earth is that?”

Expert testimony: Matt Mattus is the author of two books: Mastering the Art of Flower Gardening and Mastering the Art of Vegetable Gardening. He gardens in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Danielle’s Plants

‘Snow Fairy’ blue mist shrub (Caryopteris divaricata 'Snow Fairy', Zones 6-9)

‘Lady in Black’ calico aster (Symphyotrichum lateriflorum ‘Lady in Black’, Zones 3-8)

‘Golden Angel’ Japanese shrub mint (Leucosceptrum japonicum 'Golden Angel', 5-8)

Sapphire berry (Symplocos paniculata, Zones 4-8)

Carol’s Plants

‘Chocolate’ Joe Pye weed (Eupatoriam rugosum ‘Chocolate’, Zones 4-8)

October daphne sedum (Sedum sieboldii, Zones 3-8)

'Black Negligee' bugbane (Actaea simplex 'Black Negligee', Zones 5-8)

‘Goldtau’ tufted hair grass (Deschampsia cespitosa 'Goldtau', Zones 4-9)

Expert’s Plants

 ‘True Blue’ gentian (Gentiana makinoi x scabra ‘True Blue’, Zones 4-8)

‘Milk Bottles’ bottle gentian  (G. andrewsii ‘Milk Bottles’, Zones 4-8)

Summer gentian (G. septemfida syn. G. septemfida var. lagodechian, Zones 4-7)

Tuberose (Agave amica syn. Poloanthes tuberosa, Zones 7-11)

The Pearl’, ‘Single’ (notable cultivars)

Weeping golden toad lily (Tricyrtis macrantha subsp. macranthopsis, Zones 4-9)

Ohsumi toad lily (T. ohsumensis, Zones 4-9)

Asian toad lily (T. formosana, Zones 4-9)

‘Samuri’, ‘Autumn Glow’, ‘Gilt Edge’ (notable cultivars)

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta, Zones 3-9)

Sonora’, Prairie Sun’, ‘Goldrush’, ‘Goldilocks’, ‘Cherokee Sunset’, ‘Autumn Colors’, ‘Chim Chiminee’ (notable cultivars)

Brown-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia triloba, Zones 4-8)

Nearly everyone can grow tropical plants outdoors during the summer months, but when the first frosts are forecasted gardeners in colder climates know there will be some tough decisions ahead. Which plants will be moved to those coveted spots by a south-facing window for winter? Is it worth the trouble to dig dahlia tubers and overwinter them, or should you just start over from scratch with newer, prettier varieties next year? Should you (once again) convince your significant other to don oven mitts, help you relocate your cherished collection of agaves indoors, and cohabitate with those dangerously spiky beauties until spring? OK, that last question might only be on Danielle’s mind, but tune in to this episode to learn about the many ways our hosts have found to get their favorite tender plants through the coldest months, and why it is worth the effort.

Expert testimony:

Chloë Bowers is a professional gardener and landscape designer based in Newtown, Connecticut.

Danielle’s Plants

‘Escargot’ rex begonia (Begonia ‘Escargot', Zones 10-11)

‘Cream Spike’ agave (Agave 'Cream Spike', Zones 8-11)

'Snow Leopard' mangave (Mangave 'Snow Leopard', Zones 8-11)

Red Abyssinian banana (Ensete maurelii, Zones 8-10)

Carol’s Plants

‘Oxford Blue’ gentian sage (Salvia patens ‘Oxford Blue’, Zones 8-10)

Variegated peperomia (Peperomia obtusifolia ‘Variegata’, Zones 10-11)

‘Doodlebug’ dahlia (Dahlia ‘Doodlebug’, Zones 8-11)

‘Coffee Cups’ elephant's ear (Colocasia esculenta 'Coffee cups', Zones 8-11)

Expert’s Plants

West Indian lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus, Zones 9-13)

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus, Zones 7-10)

Malabar spinach (Basella alba, Zones 9b-11)

Mexican sour gherkin (Melothria scabra, Zones 9-11)

They’re tough, they’re hardy, they thrive in almost any location. So, why don’t we love them? Give this episode a listen to hear about plants that have a ton of good attributes, but just can’t bring ourselves to draw a heart around them. It’s easy to ask gardeners what plants they hate—we all have long lists of inferior perennials, trees, and shrubs that are weak or have unruly habits making them deserving of our ire. But, what about those plants that haven’t done anything to get themselves “do not buy list?” Turns out Carol and Danielle aren’t the only ones with these complicated feelings, today’s expert has similar thoughts.

Expert testimony:

Andy Pulte is a faculty member of the plant sciences department at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.

Danielle’s Plants

'Peachie's Pick' Stokes’ aster (Stokesia laevis 'Peachie's Pick', Zones 5-9)

‘Persian Ruby’ daylily (Hemerocallis 'Persian Ruby', Zones 3-9)

Veronica (Veronica spicata and cvs., Zones 3-8)

Blue rug juniper (Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii', Zones 3-9)

Carol’s Plants

‘Aurea’ catalpa (Catalpa bignonioides, Zones 5-9)

Hostas (Hosta spp. and cvs.,  Zones 3–8)

Rattlesnake master (Eryngium yuccifolium, Zones 3-9)

Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa, Zones 3-8)

Expert’s Plants

Daylily (Hemerocallis spp. and cvs., Zones 3-9)

Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus and cvs., Zones 5-8)

Shasta daisy (and cvs., Zones 5-8)

We all know and love parsley, sage rosemary, and thyme. And then there’s sweet basil which is perhaps the queen of all the herbs. But what about those herbs that are just as tasty—or attractive—but don’t get the same accolades? For those unsung heroes of the herb garden, we put together this episode. You’ll hear about a deliciously spicy lemon basil, an elegant edible flower with brilliant orange blooms, and a marigold that resembles a mint. There are a mix of herbs grown for ornamental and edible purposes and some that can be put firmly in both those categories. Looking to spice up your garden with something a bit out-of-the-ordinary? Then give this latest episode a listen.  

Expert testimony:

Sue Goetz, author of A Taste for Herbs and Complete Container Herb Gardening, is a garden designer and garden coach based in Washington state.

According to NASA Earth Observatory, one-third of the United States experienced some level of drought in 2020 and 2021 was much the same. This pattern of extended dry weather is sadly becoming more and more of the norm. We recently did a feature in Fine Gardening magazine highlighting a series of drought tolerant woody plants from around the country in our regional pages and that got Carol and Danielle thinking about which trees and shrubs are their favorite water-wise selections. Listen to today’s episode for ideas on these backbone plants that won’t require much, if any, intervention from the hose.

Special guest: Amy Galloway is a horticulturist at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas.

The original title of this episode was, Big and Bold Plants for the Back of the Border. But between the length and the tongue-twister alliteration, we shorted it a bit for promotional purposes. However, on today’s program you’ll hear all about plants that really stand out in the last row of the garden choir. These perennials and shrubs are tall, yes. But they have so much more going for them than simply their towering presence. The featured plants offer a grounding and bold backdrop for your garden beds, but don’t flop all over the place. Some have excellent texture, others bodacious blooms, and a few even provide that beefiness during all four seasons. If you’re looking for something to enhance—not just fill in—the back of the border, give this episode a listen.

Special guest: Courtney Olander, landscape designer from Seattle, Washington.

Special guest: Christine  Alexander, digital content editor for Fine Gardening.com

Is there anything ground covers can’t do? They are useful in problem areas like steep slopes, under trees and shrubs, and in spaces that need erosion control. They also reduce maintenance by enveloping areas that would ordinarily need a boatload of mulch to keep weeds at bay. Now, not all ground covers play nice. Some species will not only cover bare ground, but they will choke out neighboring plants. But that’s not the plants we’re talking about today. We’re focusing on ground covers that will spread out thickly, but politely, and smother out any potential weeds in the process. We discuss options for sun, shade, and even drought tolerant selections for those truly hellish spots. And in case you think we’re too East Coast centric, today’s expert calls in from California to offer up some plants that thrive in the Western half of the country.

Expert testimony: Fionuala Campion is the owner and manager of Cottage Gardens of Petaluma in Petaluma, California.

Always give a gift that you yourself would like to receive. That’s excellent advice when it comes to life-- and as gardeners, we can extend that sentiment to giving plants as gifts. Ask yourself: what plants would I like to get as a gift? We had a lot of fun on today’s episode, imagining the scenarios in which we’d give our friends, neighbors, or even strangers particular plants that would convey our feelings of happiness, sympathy, or just pure joy. Need a wedding present that’s truly unique this season? Well give a listen to our suggestion for a perfect small tree that will grow right along with the love that the couple has for one another. OK, we promise, the other suggestions aren’t nearly as sappy.  

Special guest: Scott Endres is a designer and horticulturist at Tangletown Gardens in Minneapolis.

Little kids have Christmas. Gardeners have spring. To us, this is the most wonderful time of the year. And with the start of the season, comes those inevitable trips to the nursery. In an effort to not max out their credit cards, this spring Carol and Danielle are making shopping lists of plants that they will be on the hunt for. These species are going to fill a particular need or want in their gardens, and they might do the same for you. Listen today to see what our hosts are dreaming of adding to their beds and borders.

Special guest: Kim Toscano is a horticulturalist based in Stillwater, Oklahoma. She previously hosted Oklahoma Gardening, a weekly PBS television program produced by the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service.

Yes, that’s right: plants can solve problems. Maybe not problems like those noisy neighbors next door or your husband failing to replace the toilet paper roll, time and time again. But plants can solve problems like a barren patch of garden under a shallow-rooted tree, or a lack of pollinators in your yard. Today’s array of fantastic perennials are plants that can address conditional or pest problems that you may be struggling with. Need a vole-proof, pollinator magnet? We’ve got one. Need a plant that will deter teenagers from driving on your lawn? We have that too. Listen now for more plants that you’ll need to add to your list of must-haves this year.

Special guest: Sabrena Schweyer and her husband, Samuel Salsbury, own and manage Salsbury-Schweyer Inc., a sustainable landscape design and development group based in Akron, Ohio.

They’re often called the “exclamation points” of the landscape, drawing attention in a not-so-subtle way. Of course, we’re talking about columnar (AKA fastigiate) plants and today we’re highlighting some of the best options. Skinny plants are invaluable for several reasons other than their ability to catch the eye. They also have a small footprint which makes them ideal for siting in narrow places including along the side of a house or in a tight spot between established plants in a border. Their habit is clear, concise, and always intriguing. Along with our guest, Richie Steffen from the Elizabeth C. Miller Botanical Garden, we’re discussing skinny trees, shrubs, and even a few perennials that will give your garden an instant focal point like no other.

Special guest: Richie Steffen is executive director for the Elisabeth C. Miller Botanical Garden in Seattle, Washington.

Special guest: Nancy J. Ondra is a garden photographer, author, freelance editor, and licensed seed seller who lives and gardens on four acres in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

There’s no reason to tell everyone how great ‘Brandywine’ tomatoes are because everyone already knows! And the same goes for ‘Blue Lake’ green beans or ‘Hot Wax’ peppers. We all know these names because they are great varieties that vegetable gardeners have relied on for decades. Yet, there are a bunch of lesser-known veggies that deserve the same praise, but their PR agents aren’t the best. On this episode Carol and Danielle are taking the time to call out some of the unsung heroes of their veggie gardens. These are varieties that have proven themselves over and over, but their names aren’t generally well-known in edible circles. We’re hoping to change that after today!

Special guest:

Steve Bellavia conducts vegetable research as a product manager for Johnny’s Selected Seeds in Winslow, Maine.

If you live in the Northeast, Mountain West, or Midwest your idea of winter interest is certainly different than say, a gardener living in the South. Those of us who live in cooler locales are often satisfied with calling any plant that sticks its head above a snowbank “a winter stunner.” But in today’s episode we’re holding the bar a bit higher and talking about plants that really do save their best for the months of December, January, and February. We discuss shrubs that flower in winter, perennials that are evergreen, and even a few trees that every garden (regardless of geographic location) would benefit from. Our special guest is from Montana, so if she can find plants for winter interest, you know that anyone can.

Special guest:

Kielian DeWitt lives and gardens on a horse ranch in the Bitterroot Valley in Montana.

Is there a better time of year than seed-ordering season? You may shop for seeds online, or perhaps you prefer the analog version (like us) of paper catalogs. Regardless, ordering and starting seeds is an act of defiance against the winter conditions outside. Starting seeds says, “Hey snow and ice--you don’t scare me! I know spring is right around the corner.” Today we’ll talk about the seeds that have made it into our virtual shopping carts this year and tell you a little bit about what a particular variety was deemed a must-have. Carol, being the resident seed-starting expert offers up some ornamental and edible options, while Danielle sticks to tried-and-true veggies. Joining the hosts on this episode is digital content manager for FG, Christine Alexander who has some extra insight to share after she started a slew of seeds last year to grow her own wedding flowers. What did well--and what didn’t? Tune in to find out.

Special guest:

Christine  Alexander, digital content manager for Fine Gardening.

What if you could have a garden that basically planted itself? The idea isn’t as far-fetched as you might think. Self-sowing plants are delightfully serendipitous plants that will happily disperse seed without any intervention from you. Yes, there are lots of plants out there that spread indiscriminately and obnoxiously--but those are not the ones we are discussing in this episode. Instead, we’re focusing on an array of perennials, annuals, and even edibles that will create offspring politely--filling in gaps and blank spots in your beds and borders. The English have embraced the idea of self-sowers more readily than gardeners stateside, but on today’s podcast we argue that opportunistic plants have a place in virtually every garden. Listen now to find out which self-sowers dance through our gardens (and driveways).

Expert testimony: Amanda Thomsen is a horticulturist, garden designer, and author based in suburban Chicago.

Perhaps it’s the winter season we’re in right now, or perhaps we’re just hungry, but regardless, we have berries on the mind. This episode highlights some plants that provide us with unexpected (but very appreciated) fruit. It could be a perennial that is grown for its foliage but puts on a late fall show with its berry-set. Or a shrub that is known for it’s berries--just not in a certain bubblegum color. We’ll give credit where credit is due for this topic: Andy Brand, who is our expert for this episode, pitched the idea of plants that have a secret talent of producing amazing berry displays. Did we surprise you with some of these plants? Our guess is yes. Spoiler alert: there is no such thing as a crunch berry tree, despite what Cap’n Crunch says.

Expert testimony: Andy Brand is the interim director of horticulture at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay.

Well loyal listeners, it’s hard to believe, but this is our 100th episode! We cannot thank everyone out there who has stuck with us from the early days of trying to figure out what a podcast about plants should sound like, and still downloads episodes to this day (when we’ve only figured out a bit more of what we’re doing). We’re not big on birthdays around here, but we did decide to kick off this anniversary episode with a question: If you could have 100 of any plant to give as gifts to friends and fellow gardeners, what would it be? Our answers may surprise you. Then we stick with the theme of gifts and launch into our annual holiday episode of plants that have made it onto our wish lists this year. Listen today and join the celebration.

Expert testimony:

Amanda Bennett is Vice President of horticulture and collections at Atlanta Botanical Garden.

Danielle’s Plants

• 100 Plant Choice: Redbud (Cercis and cvs., Zones 4-9)

'Lemon Squeeze' fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Lemon Squeeze', Zones 4-9)

'Ragin Cajun' Indian pink (Spigelia marilandica 'Ragin Cajun', Zones 5-9)

'Boom Chocolatta' geranium (Geranium pratense 'Boom Chocolatta', Zones 4-8)

Little Hottie® panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata 'Bailpanone', Zones 3-8)

Carol’s Plants

• 100 Plant Choice: ‘Raydon’s Favorite’ aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium ‘Radon’s Favorite’, Zones 3-8)

‘Gilt Edge’ toad lily (Tricyrtis formosana ‘Gilt Edge’, Zones 5-8)

Mexican sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia, annual)

‘Sango-kaku’ Japanese maple (Acer palmatum 'Sango-kaku', Zones 5-8)

Flowering spurge (Euphorbia corollata, Zones 5-8)

Expert’s Plants

'Gethsemane Moonlight' hardy chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum 'Gethsemane Moonlight', Zones 5-9)

Jelly palm (Butia capitata, Zones 9-11)

Bamboo muhly (Muhlenbergia dumosa, Zones 8-11)

'Fragrant Pink' camellia (Camellia 'Fragrant Pink', Zones 8-10)

'Florida King' peach (Prunus persica ‘Florida King’, Zones 6-9)

The thought of restricting most gardeners to only three of any plant might sound cruel. After all, what makes us happier than heading to the nursery to fill a shopping cart? But limiting your plant palette has many advantages. Less variety means less chaos, in many cases. And, when it comes to trees, limiting yourself to just three options may also be necessary since trees take up more space and are more expensive than a perennial. It’s for these reasons that we decided to imagine ourselves on a strict three-tree diet. In this episode we answer the question: If you could only have three trees, which ones would you choose? The answers might surprise you.

Expert testimony: Ed Gregan works for Bailey Nurseries in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Everyone likes an upgrade. Whether it’s a faster car or a more efficient cell phone, it’s hard to turn down a better version of something you already like. Plants are much the same. If you already love that gorgeous catmint that flowers all season long, what not try one that not only has all the same great attributes but also has an improved habit.  Today we’re talking about plants we have a great affinity for, but that plant breeders have made just that much better. Perhaps it’s a longer bloom time, or stronger winter hardiness, or even a different color to the foliage. Whatever the change may be, it’s an improvement that has made us fall even more in love with these classic plants.

Expert testimony: Irvin Etienne is Curator of Herbaceous Plants and Seasonal Garden Design for The Garden at Newfields in Indianapolis.

Here at Let’s Argue About Plants we’re big fans of native plants. Our gardens are filled with them and for good reason: native plants are essential to the preservation and health of the local ecology. Aside from their benefits to the environment, many native plants are built to thrive in the conditions where you live, too. Today, we’re talking about native alternatives to certain less-desirable plants. These undesirables might be invasive, or spread obnoxiously, or perhaps they are just prone to certain insects and diseases.  Instead, we’ll give you a native plant that is a far superior option.  And, don’t be fooled by our Connecticut location, we feature plants suitable for locales outside of the Northeast.

Expert testimony: Ulrich Lorimer is the director of horticulture for the Native Plant Trust in Framingham, MA.

Nothing says fall in the garden more than the sight of ornamental grasses pluming. It goes right along with all other things that signal the season change—the kids going back to school, pumpkin spice everything, and turning the heat on for the first time. Gardeners seem to have a love/hate relationship with ornamental grasses. They have great texture, they give life to the late-season landscape, and many are native to North America. But, some spread like noxious weeds, become invasive, or are maintenance nightmares that need frequent division. In this episode we discuss some of our favorites from this category of plants—grasses that are stunning in three seasons (if not four) and don’t require a plethora of care to look their best. We even talk about a few newbie grasses that you might not have heard of before!

Expert testimony: Paul Zammit lives and gardens in Toronto’s West End, and is a professor of horticulture at Niagara College in Southern Ontario.

Since the Let’s Argue About Plants podcast is based in New England, we know all about fall color. This time of year is a favorite for most of our staffers with the native sugar maples turning bright red and the birch trees shifting to brilliant yellow. But this episode is all about the unsung heroes of fall—plants that don’t immediately pop to mind when you think of vibrant autumnal color. And, we’re not just talking about trees. There are some select perennials (even some that bloom in fall) and a couple shrubs that no one ever seems to mention as late-season stars. Tune in to find out what underdogs made our lists.

Expert testimony: Jason Reeves is a horticulturist and curator of the University of Tennessee Gardens at the West Tennessee Research and Education Center in Jackson.

Fall is a wonderful time of year for gardeners for so many reasons. It finally cools down so you can actually weed and prune without breaking a sweat. Many of us get to experience the color change of many perennials and woodies as the temps start to drop. And, of course, this is the time of year that we get to start shopping for fall bulbs. If you are one of those people who always kicks yourself in spring for not planting enough—or any—fall bulbs, you’re not alone. This year we’re here to inspire you to get out those catalogs and computers and seek out some truly unique options. We’re celebrating a new season and the introduction of a new cohost on this episode, so join us to find out about a crocus that looks like a monarch butterfly and an iris that is bluer than any sapphire.

Expert testimony: Joseph Tychonievich, horticulturist, frequent Fine Gardening contributor, and author of, Rock Gardening:  Reimagining a Classic Style.

You know you’re a hardcore gardener when you dream about moving to the tropics--not for the beaches and tiki drinks--but because that would enable you to grow so many more cool plants. In this episode we discuss tropical plants we wish we could grow in our cooler climates, or even ones that we are looking forward to trying to grow in the future (and overwintering them like our agaves). There are some selections you’ll recognize, but there are also a couple plants we are 99% sure you’ve never heard of before. So, grab your grass skirt (and a glass of rum punch) and meet us South of the equator for this tropical themed chat.

Expert testimony: Jim Kincannon is a horticulturist who previously worked at the Indianapolis Museum of Art (now called Newfields) gardens.

Peas and carrots. Peanut butter and jelly. Batman and Robin. If this was Jeopardy  the correct answer would be, “What are perfect pairings.” On this episode we’re talking about two plants that just seem to belong together. It could be that they have complimentary textures, or they bloom in unison, or perhaps their habits fit together like puzzle pieces. String a few of these perfect plant pairs together and you’re sure to get a garden that is pleasing to the eye.

Expert testimony: Amy Galloway is a horticulturist at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, in Austin, Texas.

It pretty much seems like drought is the norm these days.  No matter where you live—East Coast, West Coast, or anywhere in between—periods of no rain are commonplace. Some gardeners out there have been dealing with droughty conditions for decades while others are just starting to learn what a “real” drought-tolerant plant is. After a record-breaking dry spell last summer (and it looks like we’re shaping up to have much of the same this year), Steve and Danielle decided to highlight some of their favorite plants for dry conditions. Some are East Coast favorites (after all, that’s where we garden) but others are West Coast stunners and there’s even a Colorado native plant that has proven itself useful in gardens around the country.

Expert testimony: Leslie Harris is the owner of LH Gardens, a firm in Charlottesville, Virginia, that designs, installs, and maintains gardens.

Right about now you might be asking yourself, “What exactly is a workhorse plant?” In our minds it is a plant that asks little from us but delivers a whole lot to the garden. These are tough plants, capable of fitting into an array of spots and producing multiple seasons of interest. They aren’t the stars (aka focal points), and they aren’t the supporting cast (aka reliable performers). They are more like stage managers, ensuring that the garden always looks decent. We thought it was high time that these unsung garden heroes got some praise, since rarely are awards given to plants that are simply defined as “solid.” Saddle up for a long list of perennials—and a few shrubs—you’ll be happy to have ride into your garden.

Do you ever find yourself recommending the same handful of plants to friends and neighbors? We do. These might not being the splashiest of plants, or even the ones that you’d base an entire design around. But, these are fantastic herbaceous perennials—the meat and potatoes of the garden. To make things even more interesting, we limited ourselves down to choosing just four of these go-to plants. Our choices have multiple seasons of interest, thrive under less-than-ideal conditions, and in our minds, are essential in any great garden.

Expert testimony: Susan Morrison is a garden designer in Concord, California.

For those who are a little confused by this episode’s theme let us try to explain. Yes, all garden beds are built with plants. But, there are certain plants that are such solid performers that they are the perfect jumping off point for building a bed. These are not the dramatic focal points that catch everyone’s attention, nor are they the stoic bones of the garden that just play a background role. These are the perfectly chicken tenders, around which the rest of the meal comes together. Steve would’ve preferred a baked goods analogy here, but you don’t always get what you want. Looking to start a new garden and need ideas of where to start? Or, need more solid performers to round out a bed that is lacking something, but you don’t know what? These plants could help. 

Expert testimony: Richie Steffen is executive director of the Elisabeth C. Miller Botanical Garden in Seattle.

Spring has long ago sprung and now that all the pruning, dividing, and mulching is done we’re ready to plant up our containers. Like many of you, we are tempted to try something new every year and sometimes end up with a plant that is worthwhile. But we always make sure to incorporate a few tried-and–true container plants. These are selections that never let us down, and if you were to show up on our doorstep tomorrow, you’d likely see them filling in our pots (just call ahead, we want to be sure to pick up a little bit before your arrival). We’ve got fillers, thrillers, and even some spillers on the list, so be sure to listen for some sure-fire options.

Expert testimony: Riz Reyes, a horticulturist and floral designer based in Seattle, Washington.

Alternate titles for this episode: Plants That Stink or Smell This Episode. Kidding aside, lovely smelling plants are a bonus that every garden deserves. We all spend so much time on making sure our gardens look good, we seldom think about how they smell. And we’re not just talking roses here people. On today’s episode we feature a plethora of perennials and even a couple of shrubs that make us think of root beer, vanilla, and all sorts of sugary confections. Steve got hungry halfway through, so please forgive the few minutes of dead air while he tracked down the nearest donut.

Expert testimony: Julie Lane Gay is a garden designer and former nursery owner in Vancouver, British Columbia.

It’s easy to get excited about the first tulip or even the first dandelion in the yard (OK—that might be a stretch). But what about those plants that don’t get all the love and attention, yet still brighten up those first few months of the gardening season? Today we’re honoring those unsung heroes of the spring garden—plants that need a better PR agent because they’re marvelous, but not very well-known. We’ve got a few native dark horses and even a shrub that Steve thought he’d never like. To get you really laughing we revisit some childhood memories of using spring plants in mischievous ways. Finally, we debut a new segment where we give a brief look into what’s going on (good, bad, and ugly) in our gardens right now.

Expert testimony: Bill Cullina is the executive director of the University of Pennsylvania’s Morris Arboretum.

Finding interesting plants for shade can be a struggle but when you add in the desire for that plant to be a woody shrub, the list narrows even more. But these structural wonders are essential in giving our shady beds and borders depth and real presence. In this episode we feature shrubs that will tolerant a range of low-light situations. Some flower beautifully in spring or winter, other save their best show for fall. Regardless, the list is robust, especially because associate editor Carol Collins joins us to highlight an impressive native plant she adores and a peony (yes, that’s right a woody tree peony counts as a shrub) that everyone will want to save their pennies to purchase.

Expert testimony: Andrew Bunting Vice President of Public Horticulture at the Pennsylvania Horticulture Society.

Despite there still being snow on the ground here in the Northeast, we’re thinking spring. Yes there are daffodils and tulips to look forward to, but perhaps even more impressive is the show of spring flowering trees. It’s an incredible sight to see a woody plant that was nothing but bare brown branches a few weeks earlier, explode into a flurry of pastel blooms. Our selections today are impressive, and most are moderately sized so they are easy to include in the smallest of properties. Are you suffering from the winter doldrums still? Then give this episode a listen and you’ll soon be dreaming of more colorful days to come.

Expert testimony:

Matt Lobdell is the curator at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois.

If that title doesn’t grab you, nothing will! We’re talking all things ferns including East Coast natives, West Coast natives, selections that are from prehistoric times, and even a climbing fern. Yep—that’s right, a climbing fern! And in case all of that excitement isn’t enough for you, the entire episode is filled with 70s soft rock and disco references. Have you always wondered if Steve could imitate Barry Gibbs falsetto? Well, tune in to find out the answer. 

Expert testimony: Sue Milliken and Kelly Dodson, owners of Far Reaches Farm in Port Townsend, WA.