Native Plants, Healthy Planet

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. Let's talk about Ireland and Iowa - and how much cheese is too much? Tom goes to PPA. “That’s Hot” is home and away. “This or That” deals with making a difference and needing more.  Did we give you a shoutout this week? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. That’s Hot –  Fran’s Plant  /  Tom’s Plant R...

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Todd Bittner (Director of Natural Areas, Cornell Botanic Gardens) to talk about Native Lawns. Topics include the history of Native Lawn 1.0 and its advantages, New York Times coverage, surprise performers and workhorses in native lawn settings, what comes next, and of course, favorite native plants.  Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Da...

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. The burning question is are there more voices???  Listen to find out. Tom and Fran go to Cultivate “That’s Hot” brings The Chop! “This or That” gives Muskrat Love in a tiny forest, while “Take it of Leaf it” has unlimited growth potential. Can we talk ferns? Did we give you a shoutout this week? Intro music by RJ Com...

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Ben Goldfarb (Author of Crossings, Eager ) to talk about road ecology. Topics include the history of road ecology, how our highway systems impact wildlife, how have wildlife crossings improves, what type of wildlife is impacted most, and of course, favorite native plants.  Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow Ben Goldf...

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. Find out what it is like to record the same episode twice.  Tom wins a prestigious award!!! “That’s Hot” discusses dye and drugs. “This or That” discusses evolution and ethnobotany, while “Take it of Leaf it” talks about the housing situation. Let me stand next to your fire! Did we give you a shoutout this week? Intr...

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Paula Whyman (Author of Bad Naturalist ) to talk about creating change and finding ecological peace. Topics include collecting professional advice, figuring out the best place to start a project, understanding the historical context of your ecological restoration, and of course, favorite native plants.  Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by...

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. We have a little Reddit Follow Up this week. “That’s Hot” discusses spines and spikes, “This or That” debates lists and sizes, and “Take it of Leaf it” is a rare treat.  Did we give you a shoutout this week? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. That’s Hot –  Fran’s Plant  /  Tom’s Plant Read  Fran’s...

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Edwina von Gal (Founder at Edwina von Gal + Co. and Founder at Perfect Earth Projec t) to talk about making real ecological change in our gardens. Topics include global ground rules, changes in the landscape design world, embracing being an expert, the creation of the Perfect Earth Project, and of course, favorite native plants.  Music by Egocentric...

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. Our Facebook Group has the BEST content!  “That’s Hot” discusses yellow and blue.  “This or That” takes a look under the ground as well as the health of our forests.  Don't you dare call “Take it of Leaf it” lazy.  Did we give you a shoutout this week? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. That’s Hot...

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Claire Chambers of Meadow Lab and Sam Monaghan of Wildflower Turf UK to talk about an exciting new product that is making its way to the United States. Topics include the concept of wildflower sod, the benefits of wildflower sod compared to traditional restorations that are done by seeding, the journey of perfecting wildflower sod as well as the jour...

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. Let's talk about our Facebook Group!  “That’s Hot” highlights two plants we have never seen in the wild...that we know of.  “This or That” is good over here but not over there.  "Take it of Leaf it" gets called some bad names.  Did we give you a shoutout this week? Listen to the end of the episode for a sec...

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with award winning director and cinematographer Louie Schwartzberg ( Fantastic Fungi , Wings of Life , Moving Art ) to talk about finding a connection with nature. Topics include being thankful for the little things, the art of storytelling, rooting for the underdog, and the healing properties of nature.  Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Da...

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. “That’s Hot” highlights some favorites that we don't give enough love to.  “This or That” dives deep into some heavy topics.  "Tom's Petty" rises up to defend our friends.  Fran and Tom zoom out and see a larger picture.  Did we give you a shoutout this week? Listen to the end of the episode for a secret. ...

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Kelly Norris (Author and Founder/Curator of The Public Horticulture Company , to talk about ecological ethics. Topics include the ecological gardening movement, inspirations for his books New Naturalism and Your Natural Garden, Kelly's favorite gardening trends, and finding your love for native plants.  Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by...

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. There is fire abound!  “That’s Hot” highlights what was found in a cemetery and a hunting field.  “This or That” focuses on what is not there and what could be there.  “Take it of Leaf it” might not contribute.  A listener shares a great website resource.  Did we give you a shoutout this week? Listen to the end of th...

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Patrick Cullina (Owner, Patrick Cullina Horticultural Design and Consulting) to talk about ecological gardening in public spaces. Topics include finding horticulture as a career, incorporating function and systems in urban and public spaces, the beginnings of the High Line in NYC, and Pat's favorite underused native tree.  Music by Egocentric Plastic...

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. Why are Tom and Fran NOT in the same room?  “That’s Hot” recalls a harmless prank.  “This or That” builds roadways to new worlds.  “Take it of Leaf it” has a funny take.  Did we give you a shoutout this week? Listen to the end of the episode for a secret.  Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. That’s...

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Kelly Wilson (Horticulturalist) and Greg Huse (Urban Forester) of Arlington National Cemetery to discuss the heritage of horticulture at the cemetery. Topics include honoring those who gave their lives for this country through horticulture, the challenges of maintaining excellence, implementing ecological strategies into current and future projects,...

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  “That’s Hot” picks a page.  “This or That” is a little more uplifting this week.  “Take it of Leaf it” leads to a very interesting discussion about university funding.  Did we give you a shoutout this week? Listen to the end of the episode for a secret.  Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. That’s H...

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Dr. Jared Barnes (Associate Professor of Horticulture at Stephen F. Austin State University) to talk about inspiring people to garden. Topics include the power of knowledge and education, the rise of ecological gardening, current gardening trends, and Jared's journey into horticulture.  Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Fo...

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  “That’s Hot” picks an edible and a botanical.  “This or That” has Tom and Fran realizing how much they do not know.  “Take it of Leaf it” puts a round object in a square hole..  Did we give you a shoutout this week?  There are secrets galore this episode as well as some pettiness!  Listen to the end of the episode f...

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Ken Parker (Owner – Native Plant Guy Consulting) to talk about human interaction with native plants. Topics include reconnecting Indigenous Tribes with traditional foods and healthier eating, interesting medicinal uses for native plants, and inspirations in ecology. Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow Ken Parker Here...

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  “That’s Hot” picks a number and takes and interesting turn.  “This or That” has Tom and Fran trying not to press the panic button and find some good and make some sense.  “Take it of Leaf it” asks what kind of steward you are.  Did we give you a shoutout this week?  Grow Read a Book takes to the mountains!  Listen t...

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Ethan Tapper (Owner - Bear Island Consulting and Author of How to Love a Forest ) to talk about his book How to Love a Forest . Topics include Ethan's journey into forestry, the challenges of stewardship, signs of a healthy forest, being a steward of wildlife, and learning to write a book. Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett....

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back to celebrate five years, 250 episodes, and over a half a million downloads of The Native Plants Healthy Planet Podcast.  That celebration does not come without technical difficulties.  Thank you to all of our listeners who have made the journey with us and took the time to call in to our show.  “That’s Hot” asks, "What is your favorite native plant?...