Stories from the Garden

Dr. A continues his common-sense gardening series with more tips for planting temperate bulbs. These are the bulbs that need a cold winter, such as daffodils, tulips, grape hyacinths, and crocuses. You don't need a special bulb digger or a hole for every bulb. Not everything needs to be complicated. In this episode of Stories from the Garden, Dr. Allan Armitage shares his common-sense approach...

Dr. A launches a new Common-Sense Gardening series with practical tips for getting the most out of your garden safely and simply. From plants that thrive as temperatures cool to salvias that bring a late-season payoff, discover how to keep your garden going through fall. In this episode: What’s happening in gardens in October Plants that shine in cooler weather Forsythia sage and Mexican bush sage...

In this episode, Dr. Allan Armitage discusses the anemone, a perennial plant that garners mixed feelings among gardeners. He highlights its adaptability to various climates, its beauty, and the challenges it presents, particularly with deer. Dr. Armitage emphasizes the importance of understanding the plant's growing conditions and shares tips for incorporating anemones into gardens effectively.

Dr. Allan Armitage is back in the garden to spotlight Muhlygrass (Muhlenbergia capillaris)—a spectacular ornamental grass that puts on an unforgettable show in late summer and fall. Think clouds of pink, movement in the breeze, and a garden that really comes alive in September. Why consider Muhlygrass? Stunning pink blooms Incredible late-summer and fall interest Deer- and rabbit-resistant Low-mai...

Discover the Resilient Beauty of Granvia Strawflowers! Looking for a garden plant that brings bold color, unique texture, and serious resilience? Meet Granvia straw flowers! In this episode, Dr. Allan Armitage shares why straw flowers remain a timeless garden favorite—and what makes Granvia stand out. With large, vibrant blooms and impressive tolerance to heat and humidity, Granvia is a great choi...

What Is a Culver? The Story Behind Culver’s RootDr. Allan Armitage shares the story behind the common name of Culver’s root, a native plant with a surprisingly rich medicinal history. This short episode explains how plant names often carry human stories, and why Veronicastrum virginicum ended up being associated with Dr. Culver rather than its appearance or habitat.

Dr. Allan Armitage shares the story of pokeweed, a fast-growing plant with striking red stems and berries, a complicated place in Southern food history, and a reputation for being both beautiful and dangerous. He also connects the plant to folk knowledge, political misunderstanding, and the song “Poke Salad Annie.”

Fall chrysanthemums get dismissed as “throwaway” plants, but Dr. Allan Armitage makes the case that pot mums are one of the easiest ways to get instant color on your deck, porch, or front door. If you want a plant that looks great fast, comes in a huge range of colors and container sizes, and basically performs the second you bring it home, this short episode is for you. Dr. A shares why he still...

Join Dr. Allan Armitage as he explores his favorite plant, the butterfly bush, highlighting its varieties, growth habits, care tips, and the impact on pollinators. Perfect for gardeners looking for an easy-to-grow, attractive plant for any landscape. Why butterfly bush is a gardener's favorite Varieties of butterfly bush: Cascade series, Pugster series, and dwarfer Buzz series Growing tips: pr...

Unlock a world of beauty, history, and inspiration with Dr. A’s favorite picks this month. From the delicate blooms of the annual Delphinium to a hidden gem like Edinburgh’s Botanical Gardens—discover how self-seeding plants can transform your garden into a cottage paradise. Plus, step into the fascinating story of Bella Costa Green, a Black librarian in the 1920s who defied societal limits to cur...

In this episode, Dr. Allan Armitage shares one of his favorite native perennials—the beautiful and dependable Blue Star Flower (Amsonia) . While its soft blue spring blooms are charming, the real magic of these plants comes from their graceful foliage and, for some varieties, spectacular fall color. Dr. A compares two outstanding species that deserve a place in more gardens: Arkansas Blue Star ( A...

Spring has been a whirlwind around here, but I’ll be back soon with more stories and legends from the garden. In the meantime, join me for a fascinating detour into the history of one of the garden’s brightest stars: Monarda. You may know it as Bee Balm and assume the name comes from its irresistible appeal to bees and butterflies—and while pollinators certainly love it, the real story behind the...

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Allan Armitage and Lis Friemoth of The Garden Hoe explore the joys and challenges of gardening. They discuss the importance of patience in horticulture, the emotional benefits of gardening, and the camaraderie that comes from sharing gardening experiences. The conversation emphasizes that gardening should be fun rather than overly serious, encouraging listeners t...

Join beloved horticulturist, storyteller, and garden sage Dr. Allan Armitage for an exclusive first listen to his upcoming book The Common-Sense Gardener . In this special episode, Dr. A reads the opening chapters himself—infusing every anecdote, bit of wit, and piece of hard-earned wisdom with the warmth and humor only he can deliver. Pull up a chair, pour a cup of something warm, and settle in f...

Discover how to successfully grow asters in your garden with expert tips and insights. Ideal for gardeners of all levels looking to enhance their floral displays. Asters are beloved for their vibrant colors and late-season blooms, but many gardeners have mixed feelings about these perennial plants. In this post, we’ll explore the ins and outs of growing asters, including their limitations, care ti...

In this episode, we dive into the vibrant world of Spirea, specifically the standout variety known as 'Double Play Candy Corn.' Join us as we explore why this stunning plant is a must-have for any garden enthusiast. From its eye-catching foliage to its effortless adaptability, we’ll discuss how 'Double Play Candy Corn' brings a splash of color and charm to your outdoor space. Tune...

In this episode of Stories from the Garden, Dr. A reviews some of his favorite things. We have bounced back to February of 2023, and I wish I more space for all the wonderful Baptisia; I'm often recommending books, shows and gardens to visit. Find the full list of all my favorites  and follow along with me on Stories from the garden for a little more deep dives into the best of the best. https...

In this fascinating episode, we explore the surprising ways plants quietly shape human history. Horticulturist and storyteller Allan Armitage shares one of his favorite examples—how a simple tree became the unlikely backdrop for a moment that would change global finance. In 1792, twenty-four brokers gathered outside 68 Wall Street to bring order to the chaotic world of securities trading. Beneath...

We have discussed where it got its name, but now let’s talk about why it’s one of my top picks for the garden, especially for areas of dry shade. You look puzzled…dry shade, you wonder? Well, have a listen and learn a little more about where Epimediums will thrive.

Got a broken bone or a bone-breaking fever? Learn how Boneset got its common name, and maybe a little more!

In this episode of Stories from the Garden, Dr. A reviews some of his favorite things. We have bounced back to July 2023, and I still love my Helenium; I'm often recommending Chanticleer to visit if you haven’t been. Find the full list of all my favorites here and follow along with me on Stories from the garden for a little more deep dives into the best of the best.

In this episode of Stories from the Garden , Dr. A explores one of nature’s most hopeful plants: fireweed . If you’ve ever traveled through areas that have experienced wildfire, you may have noticed something remarkable. Not long after the smoke clears, tall spikes of vibrant pink-purple flowers begin rising from the blackened earth. That plant is fireweed—and its name tells the story. Fireweed ea...

In this episode, Dr. A turns our attention to impatiens —plants often found in moist areas, especially along streams, and growing naturally in many parts of the world. While familiar garden impatiens may seem ordinary at first glance, Dr. A reminds us that these plants, like so many others, have fascinating stories to tell. One of the most memorable features of impatiens is the seed pods that matu...

Fragrance in the garden isn’t limited to blooms alone. Dr. Allan Armitage reminds us that many plants offer scent through foliage as well as flowers. Fennel is a perfect example—simply brushing against the plant releases its unmistakable aroma. And you’re not the only one who enjoys fennel. It also serves as a host plant for the swallowtail butterfly. Don’t be surprised if you notice swallowtail c...

This podcast explores the fascinating world of plants, gardens, and the unexpected lessons they teach us. Dr. Allan Armitage shares stories from his gardening experiences, delving into the origins of plant names and the intriguing history behind them. The episode highlights the story of Epimedium, also known as horny goatsweed, and its historical significance in fertility treatments.