Shrubby Buddies

When the leaves drop, the garden’s structure steps into the spotlight! In this episode, we’re barking up the right tree to discover spectacular bark, colorful branches and two standout evergreens that bring texture, character and beauty to the winter landscape. From peeling and patchwork trunks to year-round foliage, these plants prove the garden can shine—even in the coldest months.

Who says gardens have to be all sunshine, rainbows, and pretty pink petunias? This Halloween, the Shrubby Buddies are embracing their dark side and digging into the wickedly wonderful world of Goth Gardens! We're talking moody foliage, hauntingly beautiful blooms, twisted branches, and plants so dark they look like they've got a little attitude. From nearly black perennials to eerie garden...

We’re heading up north! In this episode, we chat about our trip to Michigan, from wandering through botanical gardens and old-growth forests to botanizing at nature preserves. Join us for a laid-back recap of the places we explored, the plants that caught our eye, and the joy of slowing down to see what’s growing around us.

We’re stepping up to the plate with a lineup rooted in America’s pastime! In “Batters Up! Layin’ the Wood with Our Baseball Tree Lineup,” we reveal our starting lineup of trees—and make the case for why they’ve got what it takes to bring home a championship. Join us as we talk baseball and, of course, trees!

This week, we’re all about berries—specifically, the ornamental kind that light up the fall landscape. From bright reds and oranges to purples, blues, and everything in between, we’re talking about plants that bring serious color after the flowers are finished for the year. We’ll cover some of our favorite shrubs and trees for fall berries, what makes them stand out, and how they can add another w...

You asked. Then someone else asked. Then twelve more people asked. This week, we’re answering the short questions we get all the time in one handy episode. The recurring questions, the quick clarifications, and the things you’ve apparently been wondering about while we were busy talking about something else. We’re covering a little bit of everything, with a few detours and probably more backstory...

Summer separates the dawgs from the dogs. In this episode, we’re celebrating the plants absolutely crushing it—and calling out the crispy, floppy botanical disasters that have seen much better days. Who’s serving, who’s suffering, and who needs to be put out of their misery? Welcome to the slay and decay of summer.

This week, we’re taking a deep dive into the genus  Amsonia —the blue stars of the perennial world. From their soft blue spring flowers to their fine-textured foliage and standout golden fall color, these plants bring a lot more to the garden than most people realize. We’ll break down some of the best species and cultivars, talk about where they grow best, how they perform in the landscape, what m...

Rain gardens are more than just a pretty place to put plants that like getting their feet wet. In this episode, we're diving into the dirty details of what makes a rain garden actually work. In this episode we talk about to turn these unique areas into beautiful, functional landscapes. Of course, it wouldn’t be Shrubby Buddies without talking plants. We’ll get into choosing the right plants fo...

Tim went north! This week, we’re recapping Tim’s trip to Michigan for the  Perennial Plant Association Symposium , where he spent a few days surrounded by incredible plants, gardens, and some of the best plant people in the business. Tim shares the highlights, favorite stops, standout plants, and a few stories from his PPA adventure. Then we’re joined by Sam the Man for a special interview! We tal...

The dice are back, the plant knowledge is questionable, and once again, absolutely nothing is planned. In Part 2 of our plant-name showdown, we’re rolling the Scattergories die and letting the letters decide where the conversation goes. Whatever letter comes up, we rapid-fire plants that start with it—along with random facts, strong opinions, questionable memories, unexpected tangents, and plenty...

Not every plant deserves a spot in your landscape. In this episode, we're swiping left on some of the most overused, overrated, invasive, and downright disappointing plants we see every day. We'll explain why these garden staples no longer make the cut, what problems they create, and—more importantly—the beautiful, tougher, and more ecologically valuable plants we'd choose instead. If you're plann...

Some plants are more than just plants—they're memories rooted in the landscape of our lives. In this episode of  Shrubby Buddies , we're taking a walk down memory lane as we share the plants that instantly transport us back to a specific place, person, or moment in time. Maybe it's the lilacs that remind you of your grandparents' yard, the peonies that bloomed outside your childhoo...

Chartreuse perennials have a way of stealing the show—even when they're not in bloom. In this episode of the Shrubby Buddies Podcast, Matt and Tim dive into the world of chartreuse foliage perennials and explore why these bright, glowing plants deserve a spot in every garden. From sun-loving standouts to shade garden superstars, we'll discuss our favorite chartreuse perennials. So whether...

Sometimes the best horticulture conversations start with, “Hey, have you seen this plant?” In this episode, Matt and Tim toss the outline aside and dive into whatever green goodness has been capturing their attention lately. From standout perennials and underused landscape plants to new discoveries, old favorites, and plants they can't wait to get in the ground, this is a collection of horticultur...

Have you ever looked at a perfectly healthy perennial and thought, "You know what this plant needs? A haircut!" Well, you're not alone—and you're not crazy. In this episode of the  Shrubby Buddies Podcast , Matt and Tim dive into the world of the  Chelsea Chop , one of the most useful (and nerve-wracking) pruning techniques in the gardener's toolbox. Learn why cutting back yo...

Annual flowers are the rockstars of the gardening world — bringing instant color, bold textures, wild foliage, and nonstop blooms from spring until frost. This week the buddies dive headfirst into the wonderful world of annuals and break down how to actually use them successfully in the landscape, containers, hanging baskets, and beyond. We talk sun lovers, shade warriors, drought-tolerant champs,...

This week on the Shrubby Buddies Podcast, we’re getting a few horticultural pet peeves off our chests. From phrases we can’t stand hearing to common plant nonsense that just won’t die, we break down why some of these sayings miss the mark — and offer a better way to look at the bigger picture. Consider this your friendly intervention from two plant nerds from Zone 6b.

Cultivating a perennial border is a lot like building a football team — you need the right pieces, the right roles, and a lineup that actually works together. In the wake of the recent NFL Draft, join the Buddies as they build their dream perennial border by drafting top-tier plant prospects based on bold traits, dynamic attributes, and serious garden performance. From powerhouse bloomers to defen...

From natives to hybrids—and even a shrub—let’s dive into the wild world of the  Aesculus  genus. Buckeyes are some of our personal favorites, and we’re hoping to make you bonkers for conkers too.  Aesculus glabra , bro.

This week, we’re talking all things trees—the good, the bad, and the “why would you ever do that?” We’re diving into what you  should  be doing to keep your trees alive, thriving, and not silently judging you… and what you absolutely should NOT be doing (looking at you, mulch volcano people 👀). From planting way too deep, or pruning at the worst possible time, we’ve seen it all. And yeah… we’re c...

Join us this week as we discuss what you should be doing in your garden RIGHT NOW, and tune noodle casserole!

Season Three in Studio 6b, Say Whaaaaat?! We’ve transitioned from the Mercury Room to Studio 6b, where we’ll stimulate  your eyeholes; yes, The Shrubby Buddies are officially ‘stars’ of a vodcast! Join us as we show off the new digs, talk spring gardens, nosh meat sticks and much more! 

We've hammered our way back to The Motherland. Curl up with us, as we talk merch, winter, social lube and much, much more! Sweep! Hard! Yep! Have a question, comment, or concern? Send us a text right here!

It's been a fun season 2 with y'all!  In this episode we talk upcoming Shrubby Buddies news, holiday ideas, winter greens, and how we get through the winter blues.  We hope you enjoy this episode, and we look forward to hanging out again in season 3! Have a question, comment, or concern? Send us a text right here!