Garden Dilemmas, Delights & Discoveries

Mushrooms are the fruit of valuable spores that decay organic material and recycle nutrients into the soil, which is good for plants. However, in volumes, they're unsightly in the garden.  In this episode, we review the icky fungi that can develop in mulch (you may wish to put down your sandwich while tuning in — Ha!) And, we discuss how to prevent and fix the plethora of Funky Fungi in Mulch...

This episode discusses Companion Plants for your Vegetable Garden to control pests, encourage beneficial insects and pollinators, and increase yields. We share an overview of Three Sisters Gardening, the origin of companion plantings from Native Americans. We wrap up with a reflection on when the podcast logo switched from Miss Ellie to now Jolee and how life changes like the seasons and endings b...

Have you ever considered Broadleaf Plantain, the flat-leaved weed that invades your lawn, a beneficial plant? It is, as are my favorite Dandelions. In this episode, we chat about the benefits of both and I share Koleen Garland's hilarious childhood memory of making dandelion wine sure to entertain.  I hope you enjoy the story. Related Stories and Helpful Links:   Benefits of Broadleaf Plantai...

Thomas Jefferson's birthdate recalls visiting Monticello, considered a Lab for Plants. We chat about the fascinating history of the plantation and Jefferson's Garden Book, which is filled with trials and tribulations. One is his remarkable Castor Bean Plants.  We chat about Castor Bean Plants overcoming the concern of toxicity in the garden and how I used them to "Hide Uglies."...

The episode starts with a fun little ditty about Bumbershoots (umbrellas) and a chat about Spacing Plants to avoid having to prune them. Plus, the reasons to prune are similar to those for caring for ourselves and our families.  We discuss Smokebush, with its splendid features (and cautions), and other shrubs you can rejuvenate-prune in spring. Then wrap up with inspiration on revitalizing and res...

I look forward to sharing a sequel to Early Spring Transplants with a story about Root Pruning that relates to our lives. But before that, I share a personal journey of recovery and growth.  Then we chat about the how-to of Root Pruning and the benefits. And wrap up with encouragement to assess our roots and perhaps make room for new feeder roots in our lives. I hope you enjoy the story. Related S...

Early spring is an ideal time to transplant most woody plants. In this episode, we feature large cherry trees a farmer transplanted five years ago and the outcomes with updates that hopefully inspire others to treat animals with respect and kindness.    We wrap up with hilarious early Spring Garden Honey-dos. I hope you enjoy the story.  Related Stories and Helpful Links:   Early Spring Transplant...

Being kind and relocating honeybees in an old olive tree right outside Linda's front door comes with twists and turns but a happy ending.  We chat about how to relocate honeybees and tips on how you can help protect our pollinators. I hope you enjoy the story. Related Stories and Helpful Links:    Relocating Honeybees – Being Kind - Blog Post Link to Beekeeping Associations In North America  ...

In this episode, we tour the makings of an Alpine Garden atop massive boulders in Sparta, NJ. You'll enjoy the lineup of highly deer-resistant perennials, creating movement cascading down the boulders.  We wrap up with a lineup of spring flowering bulbs, one with a skunk smell, leading to a lesson of acceptance of Canada Geese, not Canadian Geese as many call them.  I hope you enjoy the story...

In this episode, we learn about the fascinating history of St. Patrick and the Legend of Clover, also called Shamrocks, featured on St. Patrick’s Day. We wrap up with a story of the good luck lady, a kind gal who finds four-leaf clovers to share with others. I hope you enjoy the story. Related Stories and Helpful Links:     St. Patrick and the Legend of Clover - Blog Post   March Folklore of Hope...

In this episode, we talk about Straw Bale Gardening, used by Kearny Community Garden; an inexpensive way to grow vegetables in raised beds without tilling and weeding. We review other raised bed techniques. And the pros and cons of Community Gardens, how rules of conduct are sometimes broken, ending with a reflection on living by our "heart rules." I hope you enjoy the story.  Related St...

In this episode, we discuss the fascinating Anatomy and Array of Beautiful Bark, noting a selection of trees inspired by a talk given by Bruce Crawford, the Manager of Horticulture of the Morris County Park Commission (NJ). We wrap up with an analogy of our skin, which developed just as the bark of trees based on our areas of origin. And how metaphorically, we grow thicker skin with life challenge...

Do you recall Valentine's Day traditions as a kid having to bring cards to school? It was an assignment that felt awkward. As adults, we give roses; each color has a special meaning.  In this episode we also chat about an update on brother Rick's AC-Pallet Garden featured in Ep 145 . Special Sedum and Succulent Gardens. I hope you enjoy the story. Related Stories and Helpful Links:      ...

Seeing Ruth and Jim's Money Tree reminds me of a Money Tree I met long ago, along with its Plant Parent, which turned out to be life-changing.  Then we chat about houseplants in duress due to drying heat and tired soil and how to make them happier. Some plants like to be tight in their pots, much like tight-fitting jeans.     Related Stories and Helpful Links:       A Money Tree brings Abunda...

After the last episode, Festive Partridge Berry – Terrarium Basics, Jamie asked if the sedums used in the terrarium are succulents, reminding me of a special sedum and succulent garden.  Plus, a family story about a pallet garden featuring sedums and other things not so ideal is sure to bring a chuckle.    Related Stories and Helpful Links:      Sedum & Succulent Garden   Pallet Garden & A...

Seeking beauty amongst the muddy dreariness, I came upon Festive Partridge Berry amid a tapestry of moss, making me feel like a troll in a miniature forest lurking amongst a carpet of fur. The charming trailing plant decorates terrariums, leading to a story of an event at A & J Messina Greenhouses in Blairstown, NJ, where guests enjoyed building a Terrarium - a Mini Gardening Warmup. Related S...

In this episode, Mary Stone shares the treasures encountered during her overdue fall cleanup in early winter, including dozens of Bottlebrush Buckeye seeds. We learn how to plant them and the benefits of the native beauty.  Then, we end with reflections on early Winter Treasures in Nature and ideas of clearing spaces at home by giving a few treasures to those we cherish.    Related Stories (and Ep...

In this episode, I share the story of a garden design client, Jacquie of Byram, NJ, and how we shared life stories that often happen in the garden and amongst nature.  We chat about Beautyberry, her newest favorite plant. Then there's the Winter Beauty of Winterberry, which wildlife also loves.  We wrap up with the Legend of Winterberry and what makes some berries good and some berries bad.  ...

While opening a gifted box of green pencils, I noticed they were limited editon Gardening Pencils by Blackwing, leading to learning about the Essential Nutrients for Gardens and Life. The episode includes inspirational gardening quotes and an invitation to share your favorite nature or garden quotes.    Related Stories (and Episodes) and Helpful Links:       Essential Nutrients for Gardens and Lif...

In this episode, we reflect on the reason for the holiday season and have fun sharing the hilarity of the mad rush -- much like the rush of wrapping up the gardening season with a few late-season tips. Then comes the Long Winter's Nap from gardening we enjoy. We wrap up by contemplating the Gift of Contentment.  Related Stories (and Episodes) and Helpful Links:     A Long Winter's Nap   ...

In this episode, I share the Legend of Holly and Christmas Trees. Then we chat about The Twelve Days of Christmas ending on January 6th,-- So keep your tree standing until after Little Christmas, and there are ways it repurpose it to extend the Joy.  Related Stories (and Episodes) and Helpful Links:     Legend of Holly & Christmas Trees   Ellie’s Living Christmas Tree   Repurposing Christmas T...

The defense mechanisms of Honey Locust trees are similar to porcupines. We chat about fascinating trees, their benefits, and thornless varieties.  Plus, how the docile porcupine can be a nuisance in the garden, and ways to move them along.   Related Stories (and Episodes) and Helpful Links:     Honey Locust – the Porcupine of Trees   Three Sisters Gardening & Jolee’s Emergency  Also featured i...

In this episode, we chat about garden ghosts, which I rarely have anymore—leading to how to overwinter garden pots, especially those filled with perennials and woody plants.  Then, I share the story of Filling Naked Pots late in the season and the glorious assortment of shade-loving deer-resistant plants that decorate my adored Mother Earth Face Pot.    Related Stories (and Episodes) and Helpful L...

Giving Thanks for the Gifts of Nature and our Gardens as we delve into the holiday season teaches us not to rush things. We reflect on the beauty of the dormant landscape and treasures you can gather for winter decorating while leaving plenty for our feathered friends and other wildlife.   Related Stories (and Episodes) and Helpful Links:     Giving Thanks for Nature's Gifts  Winter Decoratin...

It was confusing the day before Veterans Day this year; folks were off, and schools closed. It's usually observed on the actual day of November 11th. And there's a reason for that - a significance to 11-11-11. And why poppies are on the lapels on Veterans Day and in our gardens.  We chat about the rich history of Veterans Day and the Significance of Poppies on lapels and in our gardens....