PlantNebraska Podcast

We made it to 100 episodes! We're sharing 10(ish) things we have learned over the last 3 years of podcasting and almost 10 years of helping new gardeners plant native plants through the Bloom Box program. For full show notes, including a list of all the plants we mentioned in this episode, visit: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastFor early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/cw/plantnebraskaSend us your questions at arboretum@unl.edu or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @PlantNebraska on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.Learn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

We're kicking off the holiday season with our annual book review and gift guide! Michelle DeRusha joins us and we share some of the garden related books we read this year (or are looking forward to reading). We also share our list of gift ideas for the gardener in your life, or for your own wish list.For full show notes, including a list of all the plants we mentioned in this episode, visit: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastFor early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/cw/plantnebraskaSend us your questions at arboretum@unl.edu or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @PlantNebraska on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.Learn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

In this special gratitude-themed episode of PlantNebraska, we hand the microphone over to you—our members, arboretum partners, volunteers, and community growers. We asked for stories about what you’re thankful for when it comes to trees, native plants, and the landscapes you steward. Join us as we highlight the shared work that makes our Nebraska communities stronger and more resilient.For full show notes, including a list of all the plants we mentioned in this episode, visit: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastFor early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/cw/plantnebraskaSend us your questions at arboretum@unl.edu or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @PlantNebraska on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.Learn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Welcome to the Plant Nebraska Podcast! (formerly known as Bloom Box: Growing Deeper) In this first official episode under our new name, hosts Hanna and Sarah are talking about plants they love—but whose common names make it hard to convince others to plant them. From “swamp milkweed” to “sneezeweed,” we’re rethinking names that don’t do justice to beautiful, beneficial native plants. Tune in for stories about language, plant history, and a few of our not-so-successful renaming attempts (looking at you, “purple puff plant”).For full show notes, including a list of all the plants we mentioned in this episode, visit: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastFor early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/cw/plantnebraskaSend us your questions at arboretum@unl.edu or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @PlantNebraska on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.Learn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

We’re thrilled to share some big news with you: the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum is now PlantNebraska!This new name reflects who we are today—rooted in Nebraska and growing for generations to come—and makes our mission clearer, more welcoming and easier for new people to discover.What’s staying the same:Your favorite programs, resources and eventsOur statewide network of arboretums and public gardensOur mission: we plant Nebraska for healthy people, vibrant communities and a resilient environmentWhat’s new:A name and look that better reflect who we are todayStronger visibility to grow our impact across the stateA name that inspires the next generation of tree planters, gardeners and environmental stewards We've updated our show notes template! Check it out at https://plantnebraska.org/podcastFor early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/cw/plantnebraskaSend us your questions at arboretum@unl.edu or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @PlantNebraska on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.Learn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Don’t forget your dragon hide gloves! Sarah and Hanna are heading to Hogwarts for a special herbology-themed episode featuring magical plants from the Harry Potter universe — and their real-life counterparts you can actually grow in your own garden. From calming hellebores to, they dig into the folklore, horticulture, and just a little bit of magic behind these spellbinding species. Whether you’re a wizarding world fan or just love a weird plant story, this episode is full of enchanting garden inspiration (and a few poison warnings).We've updated our show notes template! Check it out at https://plantnebraska.org/podcastFor early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/NebraskaStatewideArboretumSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NebraskaStatewideArboretum on Facebook and InstagramLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

For the annual  fall cleanup episode, Sarah and Hanna are joined by David Mizejewski, naturalist with the National Wildlife Federation, to talk about one of the simplest and most impactful garden actions: leaving the leaves. David shares the science behind this seasonal practice, the wildlife it supports, and how “messy” gardens are essential for biodiversity and climate health.We've updated our show notes template! Check it out at https://plantnebraska.org/podcastFor early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/NebraskaStatewideArboretumSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NebraskaStatewideArboretum on Facebook and InstagramLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

In this fall-themed episode, Sarah and Hanna are joined by Community Forester Sarah Browning to talk about the insects (and a few not-quite-insects) that become more noticeable this time of year. From spiders in the basement to mosquitoes that won’t quit, the conversation covers who these critters are, what they’re doing in the fall, and how to live with—or without—them.Learn why wolf spiders seem extra big in autumn, what oak itch mites are really up to in your red oaks, and why minute pirate bugs have such a misleadingly cute name. The team also shares practical advice for dealing with fruit flies, fungus gnats, whiteflies on houseplants, and nuisance insects like Asian lady beetles and boxelder bugs. And of course, they wrap up with their Plants of the Week.We've updated our show notes template! Check it out at https://plantnebraska.org/podcastFor early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/NebraskaStatewideArboretumSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NebraskaStatewideArboretum on Facebook and InstagramLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

In this Q&A episode, Hanna and Sarah tackle common questions about pollinators—what counts as one, why their populations are declining, which crops depend on them, and how gardeners can support them with the right plants and practices. They also discuss the crime of beehivery and whether or not you need to worry about someone stealing your beehive.We've updated our show notes template! Check it out at https://plantnebraska.org/podcastFor early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/NebraskaStatewideArboretumSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NebraskaStatewideArboretum on Facebook and InstagramLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

As summer winds down, Sarah and Hanna take a breather to reflect on the wild weather, what’s thriving (and what’s struggling) in their gardens, and projects big and small. We're talking soggy lawns, giant sunflowers, raspberries, raised beds, and storm cleanup—this episode covers the full range of gardening successes and struggles. They also answer a listener question about what to do with a shady yard (spoiler: mulch is your friend) and share what’s blooming right now in Nebraska gardens. We've updated our show notes template! Check it out at https://plantnebraska.org/podcastFor early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/NebraskaStatewideArboretumSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NebraskaStatewideArboretum on Facebook and InstagramLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

In this lively episode, Sarah and Hanna are joined by Chrissy Land from the Nebraska Forest Service to debate their favorite (and least favorite) landscape plants. From drought-tolerant natives to misunderstood troublemakers, they make their case for which plants deserve a spot in public spaces—and which are better for the home landscape. The discussion covers climate adaptability, maintenance concerns, personal bias, and the importance of matching plants to place.For more in-depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastFor early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/NebraskaStatewideArboretumSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NebraskaStatewideArboretum on Facebook and InstagramLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

This week on Growing Deeper, Sarah and Hannah welcome Dana Freeman, Urban Agriculture and Local Food Systems Extension Educator, to tackle a problem many gardeners face: Why do vegetables thrive one year and fail the next?Learn why soil quality matters, how to water your containers correctly, and what to do when the weather doesn't cooperate. Dana shares practical solutions and fall gardening tips that will help beginners and experienced growers alike. Whether you're struggling with cucumbers or wondering if your lettuce can handle the heat, this is a can't-miss episode for home gardeners.For more in-depth show notes, including a full list of plant mentions and links to resources, visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastFor early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/NebraskaStatewideArboretumSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NebraskaStatewideArboretum on Facebook and InstagramLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Sarah Browning joins us for the first time to discuss our favorite mid-summer blooms. These are some of our go-to plants to keep color in the garden all summer long. Not every summer is as rainy as this one, in dry years full summer color can be a challenge, but these dependable species have become favorites for their drought and heat tolerance.For more in-depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastFor early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/NebraskaStatewideArboretumSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NebraskaStatewideArboretum on Facebook and InstagramLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Every gardener has “that spot” that they aren’t happy with but aren’t sure what to do about it. This week we’re reviewing our problem areas, some success stories, and some ongoing struggles. We would love to hear your stories as well! Share a success story and give us all hope or share an area you aren’t sure how to approach and maybe someone will have a suggestion (or at least commiseration).For more in-depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastFor early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/NebraskaStatewideArboretumSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NebraskaStatewideArboretum on Facebook and InstagramLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

We talk about them all the time, but what exactly is a sedge? Why can’t we call them grasses? Why do we love them so much? Bob Henrickson joins us this week to answer all our sedge questions!For more in-depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastFor early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/NebraskaStatewideArboretumSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NebraskaStatewideArboretum on Facebook and InstagramLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

We love grasses, native, ornamental, even annual! It's hard to imagine gardening in the Great Plains without them. They create the base and backdrop for native flowers while creating a sense of place in a prairie state. Grasses are also critical habitat for butterflies, moths, and other pollinating insects.Learn more about becoming a member of the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum.For more in-depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Find us on Patreon for early episode releases and extra photosFollow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Need help planning a summer vacation or family trip? Justin Evertson (Green Infrastructure Coordinator) and John Woodworth (Community Forester) join us to talk about our favorite trips to public gardens across the state.Through the American Horticultural Society's reciprocal admissions program, NSA members can receive perks like free admission, free parking, entrance to special exhibits, and other discounts at over 380 public gardens across North America!Learn more about becoming a member of the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum.For more in-depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

This information and scripts for emails and phone calls are available here: https://plantnebraska.org/how-to-help/advocacy.html The President’s proposed Fiscal Year 2026 “Skinny Budget” threatens to eliminate the U.S. Forest Service’s State, Private, and Tribal Forestry (SPTF) programs—a move that would have devastating consequences for communities, volunteer fire departments, landowners, and forests across Nebraska. These programs directly support wildfire prevention, volunteer fire departments, reforestation, community forestry, forest health, and rural economic resilience. Their elimination would leave Nebraska communities without the resources, tools, and partnerships needed to protect lives, property, and the environment.  These programs provide funding for various community forestry activities, including: NFS technical assistance to help communities make informed decisions, such as tree inventories, inventory software access, evaluation of at-risk trees, arborist training, municipal staff training, tree board assistance, ordinance drafting, forest management support, and much more.   Support for programs like Tree City USA, Tree Care workshops, and events.  Arborist support includes low-cost or free CEU trainings and arborist prep. Forest health diagnostics and monitoring.  Pass-through funding for initiatives like the Free Tree for Fall Tree Planting program and the IRA.  In addition, federal funding provides: Equipment and training for volunteer fire districts Wildfire mitigation funding Forest management activities.  You can take immediate action to help preserve these essential programs by:  1. Contact Nebraska's Congressional Delegation Reach out to your Representative and U.S. Senators by phone, email, or letter and urge them to protect funding for SPTF programs in the FY 2026 budget. You can find contact information for Nebraska’s federal delegation here:  Senator Deb Fischer: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/?p=email-deb Washington, D.C. office (202) 224-6551 Senator Pete Ricketts: https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/contact/share-your-opinion/  Washington, D.C. office (202) 224-4224  Find your U.S. House Representative: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative  District 1: Congressman Mike Flood: https://flood.house.gov/contact  Washington, D.C. office  (202) 225-4806  District 2: Congressman Don Bacon: https://bacon.house.gov/contact/  Washington, D.C. office (202) 225-4155  District 3:  Congressman Adrian, Smith: https://adriansmith.house.gov/address_authentication?form=/contact  Washington, D.C. office (202) 225-6435  2. Share Your Story When you reach out,  please be specific and personal. Share how these forestry programs have made a difference in your life, community, or work. Whether you are a fire chief, city leader, landowner, or citizen advocate, your voice and your experience are powerful. Please consider including: How your community has benefited from SPTF-supported projects or funding. How these programs have helped prevent wildfire or improve forest health. What the consequences would be if this funding is lost. 

We know our listeners enjoy learning about plants they should consider or try each year and we like to make those lists based on a theme. We've done pollinator habitat, we've done other wildlife, we've done shrubs, etc. This year we're going through our team (at the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum and Nebraska Forest Service) and sharing everyone's signature, or favorite plants.Anyone who regularly designs landscapes, helps people select plants, or influences what is planted in public spaces eventually ends up with a toolbox of their favorite species. These are our tried and true, dependable problem solving plants- or just our favorites to see growing.For more in-depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Plants are often used to screen visually, for protection from wind, and to limit sound pollution from roadways. One of the most common questions we get is how to select trees, shrubs, grasses (and even perennials) for use in a screen or ‘Living Fence’. Today we’re discussing some of our go-to plants as well as the framework for designing a living fence or creating a visual screen.For more in-depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastFor early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/NebraskaStatewideArboretumSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NebraskaStatewideArboretum on Facebook and InstagramLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/NebraskaStatewideArboretumSend us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Follow us @NebraskaStatewideArboretum on Facebook and InstagramLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org