Stories from the Garden

The common names of plants often seem to have no rhyme or reason. While some of these common names come from folklore, often with little basis in today's reality, others are the result of theological and herbal studies. There are numerous books on how plants produce great herbs and how herbs can treat various diseases. But where does this come from? Dating back to 40 AD, we can trace these ide...

Discover the beauty and charm of Deutzia, the perfect shrub for enhancing larger gardens. Let's explore its unique features and benefits together today!

Today, I'd like to introduce you to some of my favorite plants that are often overlooked. This group of plants, the sedges, is botanically known as Carex. My favorite being 'Feather Falls' .

This week in Stories from the Garden, I'm excited to dive into my absolute favorite plant, so special that I even wrote a book about it! Grab a cup of coffee and put on your favorite gardening gloves as I explore the incredible reasons why Lycoris deserves a special spot in your garden. Trust me, you’ll find it truly enchanting!

Today, I want to share a story about a common plant known as Dame's Rocket. Some of you may love it, while others might have grown to dislike it. Dames Rocket can be found abundantly in certain areas, particularly in the Midwest, Northeast, and parts of Southern Canada. It seems to be everywhere. This plant is known for its spectacular evening fragrance, and its botanical name is Hesperis.

To celebrate Canada Day, I have taken just a few minutes to discuss a brief history of Canadian independence and more! Raise a flag for all the Canucks in your life!

Today, we're going to discuss a plant that I'm not sure you'd want in your garden. Its common name makes it obvious why you may not want to include it, as it is a pretty native woodland plant, albeit a common one. This is a plant • called Bainberry. • And as soon as you hear the term ~ bane, it probably means that you don't want to be eating a whole lot of this stuff.

Today, I want to discuss a common garden plant called Lamb’s Ears (Stachys). It’s an effective edging plant that allows other colors to shine. Its soft foliage makes it a cozy and pleasant plant to talk about or share with friends. The name “Lamb’s Ears” is quite obvious, as it resembles the soft texture of a lamb’s ear. Early horticulturists and botanists likely felt the plant’s softness and name...

I highly recommend these to anyone willing to listen. If you're looking for one more reason to shop around for a Japanese Maple or need to persuade someone else, enjoy today's episode and feel free to share it with a friend.

Sharing a successful plant with others is truly rewarding. A beautiful plant not only enhances the aesthetics of your garden but also attracts pollinators and is native to the area. This morning, I want to highlight the yellow or golden coneflower, commonly known as Rudbeckia. Rudbeckia is native to a significant portion of the American landscape. Interestingly, Linnaeus named it during the develo...

I'm not exactly sure how enjoyable it is to listen to why a plant is called pleurisy weed. But stick with me to learn where it got its name and how that name has changed over time.

Today, I want to share my enthusiasm for a specific plant that I've fallen in love with: the Spirea. I have always had a fondness for Spireas. They often feature white or pink flowers and make excellent landscape plants for the front of the house. One of my favorites is the Gold Mound Spirea.

Although this may seem somewhat scandalous, we will have a great time discovering why Vitex is commonly referred to as the Chaste tree and whether it truly lives up to its name.

You might assume that a native plant named Bee Balm would attract bees and butterflies, but that assumption could be misleading. The true story behind the common name Bee Balm is somewhat different.

This shade-loving perennial has been gaining popularity lately, and I can’t get enough of it. In your grandmother’s garden, it would reseed and function almost like a ground cover. However, today’s new hybrids are introducing us to some truly spectacular Hellebores.

Are you a young chap looking for a date? Look no further! Grab one of these lovely blue flowers off the side of the road and pop it into your lapel. Or at least that's what we would do in early Colonial America or Victorian England.

If you have ever been to my garden or heard me speak, you will know how much I love Clematis. Join me this week as we discuss why this is such a great garden plant.

Who are Harriet and Amy Kirkpatrick, and what do they have to do with hydrangeas? Dig into where our native hydrangea Annabelle got her name.

In this episode, Dr. Allan Armitage takes us on a plant-packed journey, sharing his all-time favorite plants that are as tough as they are gorgeous! Whether you're a gardening pro or just getting started, Dr. Armitage reveals the secret to choosing plants that thrive in just about any garden. From sun-loving beauties to shade-dwelling champs, he’s got recommendations that will bring your garden to...

​In this episode of "Stories from the Garden," Dr. Allan Armitage delves into the world of Baptisia, commonly known as false indigo. He shares insights into its rich history, diverse species, and the unique characteristics that make it a standout in gardens. Listeners will learn about Baptisia's resilience, appeal to pollinators, and significance in American horticulture. Tune in to...

This is one of my all-time favorites and one of the greatest plants for children and adults alike.

Does anyone know Susan? Well, today, I am a bit flummoxed...Black Eyed Susan happens to have a very interesting story.

Was Joe Pye a real person? And where did it get its name? In a quick story I will tell you the tale of Joe Pye, the man and how this roadside perennial got its name.