The Dirty Gardener

In this session, we pull back the curtain on the harmful practices hiding in plain sight—many of them committed by the very people you've hired to care for your yard. From unnecessary trimming and toxic chemicals to soil-killing blowers and the myth of landscape fabric, Lisa breaks down exactly how your lawn service might be doing more harm than good. With over two decades of experience and a passion for sustainable, native landscaping, Lisa offers unfiltered advice, real-world examples, and practical steps homeowners can take to reclaim their landscape's health—and the planet's. Whether you're new to gardening or just tired of dead plants and wasted money, you'll learn how to make smarter choices, avoid common pitfalls, and ask the right questions before hiring help. Because a pretty yard shouldn't come at the cost of the environment—or your sanity.

In this soul-soothing episode of The Dirty Gardener, hosts Lisa LaPaso and W. Cavin Weber dig deep—literally and figuratively—into how gardening can do far more than beautify your backyard. From better sleep and physical wellness to emotional healing and mental clarity, this conversation explores how the simple act of tending to plants can transform your well-being. We get our hands dirty talking about horticultural therapy, a fascinating blend of science and soil that's helping people overcome cognitive challenges, emotional stress, and physical limitations. You'll hear personal reflections and stories on how gardening reduces anxiety, boosts mood, and even keeps your brain sharp...learn more

Garden tools have been around as long as man could hold a stick and a rock. Fortunately, we have come a long way since then. There are now many awesome products designed to make the gardeners life a whole lot easier and today I am going to discuss some of my favorites , and some that are just plain necessary...read more

In "Rethinking the Lawn," we dig deep into the myths and disadvantages of lawns. While lush green lawns are often seen as a symbol of home pride, they come with hidden costs. We explore how lawns take up valuable space that could be used for native and adaptive plants that support local wildlife and enrich nature. Discover why lawns, despite their common presence in subdivisions, demand high maintenance, water usage and give little back to nature. Join us as we rethink the role of lawns in our outdoor spaces and learn how to create more sustainable, wildlife-friendly yards.

In this episode, we dig deep into the benefits and best practices of fall tree planting. Discover why autumn is the ideal time to plant trees, how to choose the right species for your space, and the essential steps to ensure strong root growth and long-term health. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or new to tree planting, this episode provides expert tips and insights to help you cultivate a beautiful, resilient landscape for seasons to come....read more

Got a small space but big dreams for a garden? From vertical gardens to smart container setups, you'll learn how to pack a lot of life into a little space. If you've been thinking about adding some greenery to your space, this is the perfect place to start...read more  

In this session we discuss the mental and physical benefits of finding a "happy place" in the landscape. Creating even a small space for reflection can make a huge impact on our overall health and outlook on the world we live in...learn more

Join us as we dig into the world of mosquito-repelling plants! Discover what truly works and what falls short in the battle against these pesky pests, and learn how to prevent them from invading your garden sanctuary...read more

  In this episode of the "Dirty Gardener Podcast," we delve into the beautiful parallels between the diversity found in our gardens and the spirit of Pride Month. Join us as we explore how the vibrant mix of colors, shapes, and species in nature mirrors the rich tapestry of human identities and expressions read more...

  Discover the charm of patio gardening with us! Patio gardens transform small spaces into beautiful, year-round retreats filled with a variety of plants. With the flexibility of pots, you can easily rearrange your garden, create vibrant annual displays, grow mosquito-repellent plants, cultivate medicinal herbs, and even start a culinary garden. Join us as we explore the endless possibilities and joys of patio gardening...read more

Did you know that most chemical companies producing lawn and garden fertilizers operate without strict oversight? For decades, these companies have self-regulated with the EPA, assuming that ineffective chemicals wouldn't make it to market. This lack of checks and balances has persisted, potentially putting our health and environment at risk. It's time to challenge the status quo. Join us on "Unregulated Green" as we uncover the hidden truths behind the lawn and garden chemical industry, and take a stand for a safer, greener future for our children. The buck stops here...read more

Mulch madness!!!! In this episode, we explore the vital role of mulching in garden health, emphasizing its support for the ecosystem beneath, moisture retention, and soil depth enhancement. We'll also cover situations where mulching isn't advisable and common pitfalls to avoid, for the well being of your trees and plants.

Today, we're diving into the world of patio design and installation. With so many choices out there, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But don't worry, The Dirty Gardener has got your back! We'll break it all down, from picking the right materials to figuring out if you want to tackle it yourself or hire a pro. Because let's face it, a patio can be a game-changer for your home, but getting it right is key. Join us as we dig into practical advice and insider tips to help you create the outdoor oasis of your dreams!"

In this session, we chat about the building blocks of sidewalks and how the price range can vary wildly depending on the materials and details we add. We cover multiple options from the least to the most expensive and talk about the ease or complexities of DYI...read more Please like, subscribe and share our podcast. Subscribe and like Lisa's YouTube channel @lisalapaso Follow Lisa on Instagram at @lisalapaso, Facebook @lisaslandscape  https://www.facebook.com/lisaslandscape and like and subscribe to my website/blog lisalapaso.com where I'm working each day to "Save the Planet One Yard at a Time"!

In this episode we chat about the structural interest of pergolas, arbors, and trellis in the landscape and how the function and feature of each piece adds value to the landscape design. By using architectural interest we can set the tone for a garden adventure that transforms a typical yard into a memorable landscape...read more Please like, subscribe and share our podcast. Subscribe and like Lisa's YouTube channel @lisalapaso Follow Lisa on Instagram at @lisalapaso, Facebook @lisaslandscape  https://www.facebook.com/lisaslandscape and like and subscribe to my website/blog lisalapaso.com where I'm working each day to "Save the Planet One Yard at a Time  

In this podcast, we talk about design principles and do-it-yourself options for any homeowner to implement. With simple steps, anyone can apply the concept provided by a Landscape Consultation or completed Landscape Design. With the right information, you can design and install for yourself or manage a contractor crew by knowing where to start and how to complete the task. Design is evolving and we are now more interested in low maintenance, low water, native and adapted plants and trees to create a loving relationship with nature and the world around us...learn more   Please like, subscribe and share our podcast. Subscribe and like Lisa's YouTube channel @lisalapaso Follow Lisa on Instagram at @lisalapaso, Facebook @lisaslandscape  https://www.facebook.com/lisaslandscape and like and subscribe to my website/blog lisalapaso.com where I'm working each day to "Save the Planet One Yard at a Time  

This chat is about the value of stonework and the common mistakes people make when introducing stone and rock to the landscape...read more Please like, subscribe and share our podcast. Subscribe and like Lisa's YouTube channel @lisalapaso Follow Lisa on Instagram at @lisalapaso, Facebook @lisaslandscape  https://www.facebook.com/lisaslandscape and like and subscribe to my website/blog lisalapaso.com where I'm working each day to "Save the Planet One Yard at a Time  

Water Features are...water...that....is...featured! Ponds, fountains, and disappearing water features. Bring the sound of water into your space for maximum impact and the least maintenance. We chat about the options and maintenance to expect with each choice and the purpose they serve in the space...read more Please like, subscribe and share our podcast. Subscribe and like Lisa's YouTube channel @lisalapaso Follow Lisa on Instagram at @lisalapaso, Facebook @lisaslandscape  https://www.facebook.com/lisaslandscape and like and subscribe to my website/blog lisalapaso.com where I'm working each day to "Save the Planet One Yard at a Time

In this podcast, we celebrate neurodiversity with the journey of our Autistic son with sensory issues and his introduction to tastes, sounds, smells, and touch in the landscape. We explore the need for acceptance, patience, understanding, and inclusion. We also talk about the absolute urgency for opportunities in the workforce, life, love, and landscaping..learn more  Please like, subscribe and share our podcast. Subscribe and like Lisa's YouTube channel @lisalapaso Follow Lisa on Instagram at @lisalapaso, Facebook @lisaslandscape  https://www.facebook.com/lisaslandscape and like and subscribe to my website/blog lisalapaso.com where I'm working each day to "Save the Planet One Yard at a Time  

Let's talk "neighbor hiders". In this episode we talk about how we can make the most of our privacy with landscape solutions and clever design...learn more Please like, subscribe and share our podcast. Subscribe and like Lisa's YouTube channel @lisalapaso Follow Lisa on Instagram at @lisalapaso, Facebook @lisaslandscape  https://www.facebook.com/lisaslandscape and like and subscribe to my website/blog lisalapaso.com where I'm working each day to "Save the Planet One Yard at a Time