Stories from the Garden

In this episode, Dr. Allan Armitage shares one of his favorite native perennials—the beautiful and dependable Blue Star Flower (Amsonia) . While its soft blue spring blooms are charming, the real magic of these plants comes from their graceful foliage and, for some varieties, spectacular fall color. Dr. A compares two outstanding species that deserve a place in more gardens: Arkansas Blue Star ( A...

Spring has been a whirlwind around here, but I’ll be back soon with more stories and legends from the garden. In the meantime, join me for a fascinating detour into the history of one of the garden’s brightest stars: Monarda. You may know it as Bee Balm and assume the name comes from its irresistible appeal to bees and butterflies—and while pollinators certainly love it, the real story behind the...

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Allan Armitage and Lis Friemoth of The Garden Hoe explore the joys and challenges of gardening. They discuss the importance of patience in horticulture, the emotional benefits of gardening, and the camaraderie that comes from sharing gardening experiences. The conversation emphasizes that gardening should be fun rather than overly serious, encouraging listeners t...

Join beloved horticulturist, storyteller, and garden sage Dr. Allan Armitage for an exclusive first listen to his upcoming book The Common-Sense Gardener . In this special episode, Dr. A reads the opening chapters himself—infusing every anecdote, bit of wit, and piece of hard-earned wisdom with the warmth and humor only he can deliver. Pull up a chair, pour a cup of something warm, and settle in f...

Discover how to successfully grow asters in your garden with expert tips and insights. Ideal for gardeners of all levels looking to enhance their floral displays. Asters are beloved for their vibrant colors and late-season blooms, but many gardeners have mixed feelings about these perennial plants. In this post, we’ll explore the ins and outs of growing asters, including their limitations, care ti...

In this episode, we dive into the vibrant world of Spirea, specifically the standout variety known as 'Double Play Candy Corn.' Join us as we explore why this stunning plant is a must-have for any garden enthusiast. From its eye-catching foliage to its effortless adaptability, we’ll discuss how 'Double Play Candy Corn' brings a splash of color and charm to your outdoor space. Tune...

In this episode of Stories from the Garden, Dr. A reviews some of his favorite things. We have bounced back to February of 2023, and I wish I more space for all the wonderful Baptisia; I'm often recommending books, shows and gardens to visit. Find the full list of all my favorites  and follow along with me on Stories from the garden for a little more deep dives into the best of the best. https...

In this fascinating episode, we explore the surprising ways plants quietly shape human history. Horticulturist and storyteller Allan Armitage shares one of his favorite examples—how a simple tree became the unlikely backdrop for a moment that would change global finance. In 1792, twenty-four brokers gathered outside 68 Wall Street to bring order to the chaotic world of securities trading. Beneath...

We have discussed where it got its name, but now let’s talk about why it’s one of my top picks for the garden, especially for areas of dry shade. You look puzzled…dry shade, you wonder? Well, have a listen and learn a little more about where Epimediums will thrive.

Got a broken bone or a bone-breaking fever? Learn how Boneset got its common name, and maybe a little more!

In this episode of Stories from the Garden, Dr. A reviews some of his favorite things. We have bounced back to July 2023, and I still love my Helenium; I'm often recommending Chanticleer to visit if you haven’t been. Find the full list of all my favorites here and follow along with me on Stories from the garden for a little more deep dives into the best of the best.

In this episode of Stories from the Garden , Dr. A explores one of nature’s most hopeful plants: fireweed . If you’ve ever traveled through areas that have experienced wildfire, you may have noticed something remarkable. Not long after the smoke clears, tall spikes of vibrant pink-purple flowers begin rising from the blackened earth. That plant is fireweed—and its name tells the story. Fireweed ea...

In this episode, Dr. A turns our attention to impatiens —plants often found in moist areas, especially along streams, and growing naturally in many parts of the world. While familiar garden impatiens may seem ordinary at first glance, Dr. A reminds us that these plants, like so many others, have fascinating stories to tell. One of the most memorable features of impatiens is the seed pods that matu...

Fragrance in the garden isn’t limited to blooms alone. Dr. Allan Armitage reminds us that many plants offer scent through foliage as well as flowers. Fennel is a perfect example—simply brushing against the plant releases its unmistakable aroma. And you’re not the only one who enjoys fennel. It also serves as a host plant for the swallowtail butterfly. Don’t be surprised if you notice swallowtail c...

This podcast explores the fascinating world of plants, gardens, and the unexpected lessons they teach us. Dr. Allan Armitage shares stories from his gardening experiences, delving into the origins of plant names and the intriguing history behind them. The episode highlights the story of Epimedium, also known as horny goatsweed, and its historical significance in fertility treatments.

Join beloved horticulturist, storyteller, and garden sage Dr. Allan Armitage for an exclusive first listen to his upcoming book The Common-Sense Gardener . In this special episode, Dr. A reads the opening chapters himself—infusing every anecdote, bit of wit, and piece of hard-earned wisdom with the warmth and humor only he can deliver. Pull up a chair, pour a cup of something warm, and settle in f...

Everybody loves dahlias — in the garden, in a vase, or as a gift to a friend. But as Dr. Allan Armitage reminds us, these showstoppers aren’t always the easiest plants to please. In this colorful episode, Dr. A dives into the world of dahlias: how to start them from tubers, the best ways to get an early bloom, and what to do when winter rolls around. From the big, bold “show dahlias” that knock yo...

In this charming episode of Stories from the Garden , Dr. Allan Armitage takes us back to medieval Europe to uncover the fascinating history of soapwort —or Saponaria , as botanists know it. Ever wondered where early soaps came from, or how barmaids in old English inns kept their bottles sparkling clean? You’ll learn how this humble flowering plant became an essential part of daily life long befor...

Whether you’re a casual gardener or a horticulture enthusiast, this episode will change how you look at mums — not as disposable decor, but as timeless treasures of autumn color. In this episode, Dr. A explores the often misunderstood world of mums—those bright, cheerful chrysanthemums that fill garden centers every fall. Are they simply “throwaway” plants, or can they be hardy perennials that ret...

In this episode, Dr. A digs into one of the most widely loved—and widely grown—ground covers in the garden world: Ajuga , also known as bugleweed . Found in gardens from north to south, ajuga is a true equal opportunist, spreading across landscapes with its striking foliage and beautiful lavender to blue flower spikes. But where did the name bugleweed come from? And what exactly is a bugleweed , a...

In today’s episode, Dr. A shares the story of one of his favorite salvias—a showstopping variety that many gardeners overlook. While salvias are well-known for their vibrant reds and blues and their ability to attract pollinators, this particular salvia steals the show in fall with its forsythia-like yellow blooms. Native to Mexico and found in gardens across the globe, this plant is more than jus...

In this episode of Stories from the Garden , renowned horticulturist Dr. Allan Armitage digs into the curious connection between dogs and dogwoods. Ever wonder how the beloved flowering tree got its name? Spoiler alert: it’s not because dogs love to nap under them! With his signature wit and storytelling charm, Dr. A unearths the myths, history, and botanical surprises behind the dogwood's nam...

If you really want to spark conversation in the garden, or possibly run people off from the smell, plant a Voodoo Lily. One of the more interesting plants you can pop in the garden, and will only show up after a few years (this one takes patience) it is well worth the show, but maybe not the smell!

A wart, you say? No! A wort! In this episode of Stories from the Garden, we step into the quiet hum of an ancient herb patch, where folklore and botany intertwine. Journey with us as we uncover the forgotten wisdom of the "worts"—old-world medicinal plants like St. John’s Wort, Lungwort, and Spiderwort—whose names and uses tell stories older than science.

Sages, often referred to as salvias, are abundant, and there are countless varieties. You’ll never be able to grow them all or learn every single one, so don’t stress about it. However, today I want to recommend a very common variety: pineapple sage.