PlantNebraska Podcast

Summer gardens are putting on a spectacular show, so we're taking a tour through what's blooming right now and what's just around the corner. In this episode, Hanna and Sarah share the plants bringing color to their own landscapes and offer ideas for extending color into late summer. From native prairie favorites to reliable garden classics, this plant list is full of ideas to keep your garden in...

Container gardening isn't just for annual flowers and tomatoes! In this episode, Sarah and Hanna are joined by conservation scientist Jeremie Fant from the Chicago Botanic Garden to explore growing native plants, perennials, shrubs, and even small trees in containers. Whether you're gardening on a balcony, patio, driveway, or in a small yard, you'll learn how container gardening can expand your gr...

In this episode of the Plant Nebraska Podcast, Hanna and Sarah explore the challenges and opportunities of designing around your home's foundation. From overgrown shrubs and river rock regrets to favorite plant choices and fire-wise landscaping tips, they share real-life examples from their own yards and practical advice for creating beautiful, functional spaces around your home. Don't forget to c...

What happens after your garden is established? In this episode of the Plant Nebraska Podcast, Hanna and Sarah walk through the full lifecycle of a landscape—from establishment watering and weeding to long-term management, tree care, and eventually refreshing aging gardens. They discuss how maintenance styles differ depending on your goals, why some plants earn extra attention, and how landscapes n...

Gardening season is in full swing, and with it comes a lot of questions—especially when you're talking to nursery staff, educators, or fellow gardeners. In this episode, Hanna and Sarah break down common gardening terms so you can better understand advice, ask questions, and feel more confident in your garden decisions. This is Part 2 so be sure to check out Part 1 (episode 12 in June, 2022). Help...

In this episode of the Plant Nebraska Podcast, Hanna and Sarah learn more about commercial composting. Audrey and Sasha from Hillside Solutions discuss efforts to turn food waste into a resource and make composting more accessible through curbside programs and partnerships with local farms. Melissa from Uribe Refuse Services shares how commercial composting works and its environmental benefits. Tu...

Ever show up at a plant sale with the perfect list… only to find your must-have plant is already gone? Hanna and Sarah are preparing for Spring Affair by helping you plan ahead for when the plant you carefully researched is sold out. Learn how to plan smart substitutions, ask the right questions at the nursery, and still leave with plants that will thrive in your garden. For full show notes, inclu...

In this episode, Hanna and Sarah revisit one of the very first topics ever covered on the podcast: preparing a new perennial garden bed. With a few more years of experience under their belts—working in their own yards and on public projects—they’re bringing back the original advice along with some new tricks, lessons learned, and a little extra nuance. The big takeaway? Use the cool days of early...

In this episode, Hanna and Sarah welcome Jason “the Bird Nerd” to talk about how gardeners can make their yards more welcoming to birds. From native plants and insect habitat to brush piles, feeders, and even light pollution, the conversation explores how a healthy garden ecosystem naturally supports birds. Jason St. Sauver joins us from the Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center . For full show note...

In this reprisal of one of our very early episodes, we revisit spring cleanup with the added tricks and nuance we’ve learned along the way. It’s all about pacing yourself instead of rushing into full cleanup just because of a warm day. Early spring is the perfect time to tackle the less pleasant jobs (hello, mushy leaves and grass cutting) while the weather is still cool and the bugs aren’t out ye...

Snow may not be the first thing you think about when designing a garden—but maybe it should be. In this episode, Hanna and Sarah dig into the often-overlooked topic of designing landscapes for winter functionality, especially when snow, ice, and de-icers come into play. For full show notes, including a list of all the plants we mentioned in this episode, visit: https://plantnebraska.org/podcast Fo...

Bob Henrickson is back for our annual Great Plants of the Great Plains episode! Every year he uses this program to highlight plants that are overlooked and underutilized by the nursery and landscape industry. Nominated by and voted on by industry members, these are trees, shrubs, and perennials that deserve a consideration when looking for something to plant this spring. For full show notes, inclu...

We made it to 100 episodes! We're sharing 10(ish) things we have learned over the last 3 years of podcasting and almost 10 years of helping new gardeners plant native plants through the Bloom Box program. For full show notes, including a list of all the plants we mentioned in this episode, visit: https://plantnebraska.org/podcast For early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scene...

We're kicking off the holiday season with our annual book review and gift guide! Michelle DeRusha joins us and we share some of the garden related books we read this year (or are looking forward to reading). We also share our list of gift ideas for the gardener in your life, or for your own wish list. For full show notes, including a list of all the plants we mentioned in this episode, visit: http...

In this special gratitude-themed episode of PlantNebraska, we hand the microphone over to you—our members, arboretum partners, volunteers, and community growers. We asked for stories about what you’re thankful for when it comes to trees, native plants, and the landscapes you steward. Join us as we highlight the shared work that makes our Nebraska communities stronger and more resilient. For full s...

Welcome to the Plant Nebraska Podcast! (formerly known as Bloom Box: Growing Deeper) In this first official episode under our new name, hosts Hanna and Sarah are talking about plants they love—but whose common names make it hard to convince others to plant them. From “swamp milkweed” to “sneezeweed,” we’re rethinking names that don’t do justice to beautiful, beneficial native plants. Tune in for s...

We’re thrilled to share some big news with you: the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum is now PlantNebraska! This new name reflects who we are today—rooted in Nebraska and growing for generations to come—and makes our mission clearer, more welcoming and easier for new people to discover. What’s staying the same: Your favorite programs, resources and events Our statewide network of arboretums and public...

Don’t forget your dragon hide gloves! Sarah and Hanna are heading to Hogwarts for a special herbology-themed episode featuring magical plants from the Harry Potter universe — and their real-life counterparts you can actually grow in your own garden. From calming hellebores to, they dig into the folklore, horticulture, and just a little bit of magic behind these spellbinding species. Whether you’re...

For the annual  fall cleanup episode, Sarah and Hanna are joined by David Mizejewski, naturalist with the National Wildlife Federation, to talk about one of the simplest and most impactful garden actions: leaving the leaves. David shares the science behind this seasonal practice, the wildlife it supports, and how “messy” gardens are essential for biodiversity and climate health.  We've updated ou...

In this fall-themed episode, Sarah and Hanna are joined by Community Forester Sarah Browning to talk about the insects (and a few not-quite-insects) that become more noticeable this time of year. From spiders in the basement to mosquitoes that won’t quit, the conversation covers who these critters are, what they’re doing in the fall, and how to live with—or without—them. Learn why wolf spiders see...

In this Q&A episode, Hanna and Sarah tackle common questions about pollinators—what counts as one, why their populations are declining, which crops depend on them, and how gardeners can support them with the right plants and practices. They also discuss the crime of beehivery and whether or not you need to worry about someone stealing your beehive. We've updated our show notes template! Check...

As summer winds down, Sarah and Hanna take a breather to reflect on the wild weather, what’s thriving (and what’s struggling) in their gardens, and projects big and small. We're talking soggy lawns, giant sunflowers, raspberries, raised beds, and storm cleanup—this episode covers the full range of gardening successes and struggles.  They also answer a listener question about what to do with a shad...

In this lively episode, Sarah and Hanna are joined by Chrissy Land from the Nebraska Forest Service to debate their favorite (and least favorite) landscape plants. From drought-tolerant natives to misunderstood troublemakers, they make their case for which plants deserve a spot in public spaces—and which are better for the home landscape. The discussion covers climate adaptability, maintenance con...

This week on Growing Deeper, Sarah and Hannah welcome Dana Freeman, Urban Agriculture and Local Food Systems Extension Educator, to tackle a problem many gardeners face: Why do vegetables thrive one year and fail the next? Learn why soil quality matters, how to water your containers correctly, and what to do when the weather doesn't cooperate. Dana shares practical solutions and fall gardening tip...

Sarah Browning joins us for the first time to discuss our favorite mid-summer blooms. These are some of our go-to plants to keep color in the garden all summer long. Not every summer is as rainy as this one, in dry years full summer color can be a challenge, but these dependable species have become favorites for their drought and heat tolerance. For more in-depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growin...