Gardening Simplified

We're celebrating our 100th episode with the concept of "gardentopia" - creating a dreamy place to escape the world, right in your own backyard. Featured shrub: Cedar Rapids false cypress.

Growing food doesn't necessarily mean turning your yard into a farm: there are many ways to mix edible plants in with your garden and landscape. We share ours and provide new ideas. Featured shrub: Paraplu Pink Ink rose of Sharon.

Hydrangea season is in full swing, so we take the opportunity to clear up the mystery surrounding summer's favorite flowering shrub. Featured shrub: Invincibelle Lace smooth hydrangea.

Yes, you can have a pup and a garden too! We share listeners’ advice, as well as our very own Adriana Robinson, on how they make it work. Featured shrub: Funshine abelia.

Regrets? We've had a few, and maybe you have too, which is why we're dedicating this episode to the things we wish we had - and hadn't - done in the garden. Featured shrub: Let's Dance Arriba reblooming hydrangea.

Don't like spiders and snakes? You're not alone! They are beneficial for gardens, though, so we're sharing advice on coexistence and safe, simple management. Featured shrub: Gatsby Moon oakleaf hydrangea.

Some plants play starring roles in the landscape, while others play supporting ones. Meet these valuable plants and learn to use them in the landscape. Featured shrub: Happy Face White potentilla.

Plants are naturally dynamic, but some undergo dramatic natural changes in flower color and leaf color through the season. Learn what they are and why they're so amazing. Featured shrub: Simply Scentsational calycanthus.

Ah, weeds - maybe the #1 thing that discourages people from gardening. But weeds are interesting and become a lot easier to manage when you apply some basic IPM principles. Featured shrub: Sugar Tip rose of Sharon.

Join us for a celebration of all things hummingbird! Three outstanding guests share their expertise on hummingbirds and welcoming them to your garden. Featured shrub: Snippet Dark Pink weigela.

What makes a plant easy to grow? Planting it in the right place, for one. We'll elaborate on that and share other tips for selecting and growing plants to simplify gardening! Featured shrub: Little Quick Fire panicle hydrangea.

Decorators take a unique approach to plant shopping: they know what they want, they get it, they plant it. We discuss how you can use this approach to make plant shopping easier and more fun. Featured shrub: Anna's Magic Ball arborvitae.

The month of May and lilacs seem to go hand in hand, so we're devoting this episode to everything that makes them special. Featured shrub: Bloomerang Purpink lilac.

Rick and Stacey share the stories of those who have influenced their horticultural perspective in life. We'd love to hear about yours!

A listener recently commented, "Shade is hard," and we agree. So in this episode, we simplify it and provide plant-based solutions. Plus, learn when it might be time to replace a plant in your landscape. Featured shrub: Sweet & Lo Sweet Box.

Ultimately, a garden is just combinations of plants - but how to put them together? We share tips and ideas on building a beautiful border. Plus, hydrangeas oozing sap and maple helicopters. Featured shrub: Flavorette Honey Apricot rose.

The term "beneficial insects" gets thrown around a lot but what does it really mean? We explore the concept and share which ones you're likely to find in your backyard, and how to best support them. Featured plant: Lo & Behold 'Blue Chip Jr.' butterfly bush.

There's lots growing on in the garden now, so join us for timely tips on lawn care, weed management, soil testing, and more. Mike Connor is our guest, sharing his expertise on trees and bees. Featured shrub: Yuki Snowflake deutzia.

The internet is teeming with fake AI-generated plants and digitally manipulated photos - we give tips on how to spot them. Plus, pruning dogwoods and Birdman is back! Featured shrub: Invincibelle Mini Mauvette smooth hydrangea.

Wondering how to spend your garden budget this season? We've got you covered with our can't-miss plant lists! Plus, helpful tips on pruning and transplanting. Featured shrub: El Niño desert orchid.

The right tools for the task are just as important in the garden as they are in the shop. Learn our must-haves and favorites. Plus, pruning whorled hydrangeas and Supertunias. Featured plant: 'Aphrodite' sweetshrub.

From bugs to bunnies, pests are part and parcel of gardening. And IPM - integrated pest management - gives us the tools to resolve issues using smarts and strategy. Learn what IPM is and how it can help you problem-solve, indoors and out. Featured plant: Ginger Wine ninebark.

Whether it's from poor drainage or a high water table, wet soils can be hard to deal with. But there are lots of beautiful plants that will thrive in them! Learn what they are and other tips for dealing with soggy situations. Featured plant: Sugar Shack buttonbush.

Should you be pruning now? Today we talk about what you should prune in spring and what you should not. Hear how this unusual spring is affecting honey bees and tapping maple trees for maple syrup with beekeeper and expert, Don Snoeyink. Featured plant: Rise Up Lilac Days climbing rose.

When spring fever hits, the temptation to start seeds becomes irresistible. But when is the right time? What's the right equipment? We'll tell you! Featured plant: Still Waters clematis.