Let's Argue About Plants

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.   Danielle's Plants '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)   Carol's Plants 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)   Expert’s Plants 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 .