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The Helpful Gardeners

The Helpful Gardeners
Author: Golden Acre Home and Garden
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© Golden Acre Home and Garden
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Welcome to the Helpful Gardeners, a weekly podcast diving into the home and garden topics you want to learn more about. Colin is a certified horticulturist with decades of experience working in landscaping, gardening and houseplants in various climactic zones. Brandi is a beginner with a passion to ask questions.
Subscribe to catch new episodes every Sunday!
Subscribe to catch new episodes every Sunday!
121 Episodes
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We're sitting down with our friend, Nathan Gill, of Ecologic Horticulture to talk native plants! We've been sitting on this episode for a while just due to baby and life over the summer so it's extra polished and full of all sorts of goodies. Dig in to learn about the benefits of native plants, how to incorporate them in your garden, and the various projects they work on including one that the Helpful Gardeners even got to be a part of in Calgary, AB!-------------------See more about Ecologic Horticulture on their websitewww.ecologichorticulture.com----------------------CONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week! Golden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!Instagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodLeave us a Voice Note: www.goldenacre.ca/podcast
We're back! After a hiatus for family and rest, the gardeners are picking up their gloves and teasing some new episodes of the podcast this fall!***********************CONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week!Subscribe on Spotify, Apple, and GoogleHave a question or comment for Colin or Brandi?Leave a Voice Note: LINKInstagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodSHOW NOTES | CLICK HEREGolden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 days a year for all your home and garden needs!
The Canada Strong Pass is available now until September 2!The Canada Strong Pass is breaking down barriers for Summer 2026 to encourage more visits to some of Canadas most iconic places. There is so much diversity in the foral found around Alberta and the rest of the country from trees to grasses, and especially wildflowers. What can see out your back door? Are you making a trip to take in more of Canada's natural beauty this summer?Chapters00:00 Exploring Canada's Natural Beauty05:30 The Canada Strong Pass: Access to National Parks08:04 Understanding Alberta's Flora: Trees and Grasses10:47 Wildflowers and Their Importance in Alberta13:24 The Role of Fireweed and Other Native Plants16:04 The Beauty of Blue Flowers and Unique Flora18:48 Conservation and Enjoyment of Nature***********************CONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week!Subscribe on Spotify, Apple, and GoogleHave a question or comment for Colin or Brandi?Leave a Voice Note: LINKInstagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodSHOW NOTES | CLICK HEREGolden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!
"It's part of a cycle of nature"Today, we're exploring the increase in wildfire activity in our community and how it impacts our gardens. We're talking the life cycle of forests, the causes of wildfires, and the effects of smoke on plants. We even dive into the nutritional implications of smoke on vegetables! Let's better understand the environmental changes and adapting gardening practices during wildfire events. Chapters03:12 Understanding Wildfire Trends and Causes06:03 The Life Cycle of Forests and Soil Health09:03 Human Contributions to Wildfires11:59 Global Wildfire Statistics and Comparisons15:01 Effects of Smoke on Gardening21:02 Nutritional Impact of Smoke on Vegetables24:03 Fertilizing and Plant Care Strategies***********************CONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week!Subscribe on Spotify, Apple, and GoogleHave a question or comment for Colin or Brandi?Leave a Voice Note: LINKInstagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodSHOW NOTES | CLICK HEREGolden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!
We're talking summer lawn care with our friend Shelley Vance from Scotts Canada! Find out what she thinks about 'No Mow May', and how she tackles cutting the lawn including optimal mowing techniques, proactive maintenance strategies, effective watering methods, and how to manage lawn diseases and pests. Maintain a healthy lawn throughout the summer months with proactive strategies!Chapters02:22 Introduction to Summer Lawn Care with Shelley Vance04:52 No Mo May09:42 Proactive Lawn Maintenance Strategies12:33 Watering Techniques for Summer Droughts17:01 Managing Lawn Diseases and Pests25:23 Effective Weed Control Methods***********************CONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week!Subscribe on Spotify, Apple, and GoogleHave a question or comment for Colin or Brandi?Leave a Voice Note: LINKInstagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodSHOW NOTES | CLICK HEREGolden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!
Welcome back to courthouse!This week, we're diving into "No Mow May", a concept that was popularized during the pandemic encouraging people to refrain from mowing their lawns in May to support pollinators and biodiversity. We'll talk the pros and cons of this initiative, including its impact on lawn health, the ecological implications of traditional lawns, and alternative practices for deeper impact. Episodes Featured:How to Mow a LawnChapters:00:00 Introduction to No Mo May02:01 Understanding No Mo May05:07 Pros and Cons of No Mo May11:23 The Impact of Lawn Care Practices20:28 Long-Term Effects of No Mo May27:48 Ecological Considerations and Alternatives33:49 Conclusion and Future Discussions***********************CONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week!Subscribe on Spotify, Apple, and GoogleHave a question or comment for Colin or Brandi?Leave a Voice Note: LINKInstagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodSHOW NOTES | CLICK HEREGolden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!
In Canada, the Victoria Day long weekend is typically our green light for planting in the garden! We're talking about different annual plants you can get right now, tips for creating the perfect planter, and a conversation about growing veggies! Weather is still a consideration as we may still see some frosty nights. We'll explore ways to be proactive rather than reactive in the garden this spring. ***********************CONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week!Subscribe on Spotify, Apple, and GoogleHave a question or comment for Colin or Brandi?Leave a Voice Note: LINKInstagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodSHOW NOTES | CLICK HEREGolden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!
It's Mother's Day and while there are lots of ways to celebrate the motherly figures in our lives, afternoon tea is a popular outing this holiday. We dive into the tradition of afternoon tea, its origins, and how it has evolved over time. What country produces the most tea? What are tea connections in Brazil? Can we grow tea in Canada? Does it taste different in other regions? Plus, the discussion takes a personal turn as one speaker shares a heartwarming story about how tea played a role in their relationship. Finally, we enter the world of divination with an attempt at reading tea leaves!***********************CONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week!Subscribe on Spotify, Apple, and GoogleHave a question or comment for Colin or Brandi?Leave a Voice Note: LINKInstagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodSHOW NOTES | CLICK HEREGolden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!
Have you seen mystery items pop up in your garden? A shell? A peanut? A new plant? Let us know!Leave a Voice Note: LINK
What's the deal with curb appeal? We delve into the subjective nature of curb appeal, the balance between personal expression and neighborhood harmony, and the local regulations that govern property aesthetics. What are the benefits of curb appeal and what factors might influence poor curb appeal? Is it your place to judge? Is it your place to reach out? ***********************CONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week!Subscribe on Spotify, Apple, and GoogleHave a question or comment for Colin or Brandi?Leave a Voice Note: LINKInstagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodSHOW NOTES | CLICK HEREGolden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!
Colin found another sign of spring in his garden this week! What are you seeing in your community?
Google is a common tool for gardeners to diagnose plant issues which can be helpful especially for those weird questions you feel dumb for uttering out loud, but it can also problematic as some scenarios require a fuller picture to diagnose. Today, we explore common gardening questions and concerns that gardeners often Google. We're talking about plant odors, noises, and health issues. Is your plant making sounds? Do you have mushrooms? Did your garden hose stop working? Is your garden flooding? What plants resemble animals? Plants that start with the letter 'N'? Have a question or comment for Colin? Send it our way and we'll talk about it on the podcast!Leave a Voice Note: LINKEmail us: social@goldenacre.caInstagram | thehelpfulgardenerspod*************************CONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week!Subscribe on Spotify, Apple, and GoogleLeave a Voice Note: LINKInstagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodSHOW NOTES | CLICK HEREGolden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!
I think it's time to get back in the garden... Brandi has been deep in the reality TV and it's gone too far...
The gardeners are on the road this week in downtown Calgary for Earth Week at the Core Shopping Centre! Exploring a fun craft for the kiddos, some fun Earth Day activities across Canada, and 11 low effect ways to celebrate Earth Day at home!Chapters00:00 Celebrating Earth Week in Calgary05:08 Fun Kids Activity09:59 Community Events for Earth Day15:00 Creative Earth Day Activities20:01 Practical Tips for Environmental Awareness24:56 Engaging with Nature and Local Flora*************************CONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week!Subscribe on Spotify, Apple, and GoogleInstagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodSHOW NOTES | CLICK HEREGolden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!
What is your first signal that spring is here? Find out what Colin and Brandi consider to be theirs!
As the spring growing season gets underway, what can you find growing at your local greenhouse? The gardeners explore iconic spring flowers, the benefits of buying some of your annuals early, climatizing or hardening off, home greenhouses, and effective shopping strategies. Chapters02:56 Exploring Iconic Spring Plants09:00 The Benefits of Early Planting14:49 Maximizing Growth Potential17:43 Tips for Plant Care and Maintenance26:07 The Importance of Climatizing Plants31:40 Shopping Strategies for Garden Centers*************************CONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week!Subscribe on Spotify, Apple, and GoogleInstagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodSHOW NOTES | CLICK HEREGolden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!
Someone was lurking in Brandi's garden this week...We're explore some of the common critters you may find in your backyard at any time of the day and what they may be interested in. What kind of natural deterrents and preventative measures can you use to creating a balanced ecosystem?*************************CONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week!Subscribe on Spotify, Apple, and GoogleInstagram | thehelpfulgardenerspodSHOW NOTES | CLICK HEREGolden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!
Brandi and Colin BOTH attended their first seed swap a little while ago! Find out what their experiences were like!Check out our episode on Seed Swaps!
We're talking Homeowners Associations (HOAs), exploring their benefits and drawbacks. In this episode we'll touch on some of the common rules imposed by HOAs, the tension between maintaining property values and allowing personal expression, conflict resolution within HOAs, the complexities of neighborhood dynamics, the pros and cons of HOAs, and more.If you're part of an HOA, we talking about how to engage with your communities and challenge outdated or restrictive rules, fostering a more harmonious living environment.Chapters00:00 The Importance of Individuality in Communities01:08 Understanding Homeowners Associations (HOAs)04:39 Common HOA Rules and Regulations05:49 Public Perception of HOAs07:23 The Balance Between Uniformity and Individuality09:19 Personal Experiences with HOAs11:26 The Role of Community in HOA Dynamics14:27 The Conflict Between Rules and Personal Freedom19:27 Conflict Resolution in HOAs22:00 The Impact of Rules on Community Relationships27:20 Navigating Neighborhood Dynamics30:15 The Impact of Aesthetic Rules33:35 Understanding Common Areas and Shared Spaces38:53 The Pros and Cons of HOAs43:10 Challenging HOA Rules and Community Engagement*************************CONNECT WITH USThank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week!Subscribe on Spotify, Apple, and GoogleInstagram |thehelpfulgardenerspodGolden Acre Home & Garden is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and open 362 a year for all your home and garden needs!
Can you guess what Brandi saw in the garden the other day?