Super Cool Plants - Formerly Known as Let's Argue About Plants

Plants We Covet The heart wants what it wants, but when it comes to which plants we can grow Mother Nature sometimes gets the final say. On this episode, our expert guests dive into the plants that have eluded them, why they can't grow them, and what makes these plants so hard to resist. Whether you are a northern gardener who loves frost-sensitive species, a Pacific Northwesterner who longs for s...

In this episode of  Super Cool Plants , we explore the power of plants to calm, comfort, and restore. From soft, touchable foliage to gentle fragrances and soothing color palettes, our panel of horticultural experts shares their favorite selections for creating a more sensory-friendly garden .   Looking to design a peaceful retreat, engage more deeply with your outdoor space, or simply take the ed...

North American native species  have captured  the imaginations of gardeners all over the world, but  only a few species have broken through to become  horticultural  staples. On this premiere episode of Fine Gardening's newly redesigned podcast,  our expert guests join us from two  widely acclaimed   botanical gardens specializing in native  plants .   Listen in as they  reveal  some of their  fav...

One of our favorite things to do on the podcast is to hear from you, our loyal listeners. We recently scrolled through our emails and social media messages to see what kinds of questions you all had from the past season. We love hearing about what's happening in your gardens—especially the challenges—and sharing advice drawn from our decades of horticultural experience. And when we don't have the...

Those furry freeloaders can look elsewhere for a treat ! A public service  announcement  prior to getting this  episode  started: There is no such thing as a deer- proof  plant. If deer are  hungry   enough,  they will  even  eat things that are  supposedly toxic  to them .  But there   are such things as deer- resistant  plants.  So, on this recording of Let's Argue About Plants,  Danielle and Ca...

Episode 18 9: Our 2026 Garden Plans   Hear what we have in store for upgrading (or overhauling) our beds and borders this year   What's that old adage ? "The road to hell is paved with good intentions." Well, call us eternal optimists, but every January we like to make a list of our goals and aspirations for our gar dens in the coming year. After all, a new gardening season is the perfect time for...

Sow something unexpected n next year's garden! The wonder of sowing seeds and watching tiny new plants emerging from the soil never gets old. In this episode, Danielle, Carol, and their guest compare notes on some of their favorite plants that can be grown easily (or not-so-easily) from seed. Whether you are an experienced seed propagator or a nervous newbie, you'll be sure to find something in th...

Find out which new varieties stood out for us in 2025 ! When the flurry of fall cleanup is done, it's fun to reflect on the triumphs of the growing season before winter sets in . For this episode Danielle, Carol, and their guest dish the dirt on plants with cool new colors, outstanding vigor, and other features worthy of noting in their garden journals this year. Which of their favorites might fin...

Keeping an open mind is a great way to find new favorites! Of course we are entitled to have strong opinions about plants, but it doesn't hurt to have our minds changed once in a while. In this episode Danielle, Carol, and their expert guest will discuss the redeeming qualities of plants that have won them over after some initial resistance. If there are particular plants you have ruled out for on...

Now is the time to invest in a spectacular spring show!   Bulbs of all kinds are easy-care solutions for bringing extra color and an element of surprise to containers, beds, and even lawns. In this episode, Danielle and Carol are joined by bulb aficionado Joseph Tychonievich to discuss the most exciting varieties that they'll be adding to their shopping carts this fall and winter.    Expert: Josep...

In this episode, we're digging into our all-time favorite vegetable varieties—the ones we can't imagine our gardens (or dinner plates) being without. From not one, but two improved 'Brandywine'-type heirloom tomatoes to a cucumber that never fails to impress at the summer picnic. Carol even shares her must-have green bean variety (and tries to convince Danielle that it doesn't taste like wood). We...

Roses may be the most controversial plant out there. In this episode, we're discussing the most reliable, low-maintenance, and high-performing rose varieties for those of us who crave beauty without the fuss. These standout selections offer impressive disease resistance, long bloom periods, and lush fragrance—without demanding constant care. From classic hybrid teas to bombproof species roses, thi...

Turn up the garden heat with a dose of bold, confident color   Red flowers—love 'em or hate 'em — add an undeniable fiery look to gardens. The hue stands out brilliantly against the predominant greens of most landscapes, which makes red flowers an instant focal point. For many gardeners, red blooms are the heartbeats of their beds and borders, radiating passion, energy, and a timeless charm. Perha...

It's worth finding a few stalwarts that will survive almost anything  When plants are done in by pests, diseases, or bad weather, it is hard not to take it personally. But on the positive side, each plant that shuffles off this mortal coil does offer an opportunity to add something newer and better to our garden. In this episode, Danielle, Carol, and expert guest Kielian DeWitt talk about some of...

In this episode, we're turning up the drama—garden drama, that is! We're talking all about plants with big, bold foliage that steal the show and bring serious texture and presence to your landscape. Whether you're designing a tropical-feel patio or adding contrast to a woodland border, these leafy giants know how to make a statement. We'll cover our favorite varieties, tips for placement and care,...

If your pulse quickens at the sight of a dogwood or peony in full bloom, this is the episode for you. Although a restrained, foliage-focused design is always a safe bet, fabulous floral textures and colors offer a level of excitement that leaves alone can't provide. For many of us, a love of flowers was the gateway that brought us to gardening. Follow along as Danielle, Carol, and expert guest Wam...

While the  Fine Gardening  team is busy exploring the Philadelphia Flower Show ,  we're taking a moment to look back at some of the most insightful and inspiring conversations we've had on  Let's Argue About Plants  over the past year. In this special episode, we're revisiting standout moments from interviews with horticulturists, garden designers, and educators who have shaped the way we garden....

As we recorded this episode, snow was gently falling outside our windows here in New England. But that isn't depressing for us—it simply means it's time to start our seeds! Today we are joined by digital editor Christine, and we are talking all about which seeds we're starting this year and why. There's an assortment of edibles and flowers on our lists, and we discuss the best practices for gettin...

Amanda Thomsen is a landscape designer , project manage r, and garden writer . Recently , she opened Aster Gardens in Lemont, Illinois . This neighborhood boutique offer s plants, home décor, classes, and events . Amanda brings an irreverent, punk-rock spirit to her horticultural work, so she is the perfect person to help adventurous gardeners to explore some plants with personality. Unusual herbs...

Potted p lants will bring life and positive energy in to any room , and s tudies have shown that having them nearby can relieve stress, boost creativity, and improve focus. I n winter, when the weather is not good for outdoor gardening, it is particularly satisfying when we can help the living gems on our windowsill s to thrive and look their best. In this episode Danielle and Carol chat with thei...

Catalogue descriptions for new plants may grab our attention, but usually provide little useful information about how these up-and-coming cultivars will perform in your garden. Fortunately, comparative trials like those conducted at Chicago Botanic Garden and Mt. Cuba Center put plants to the test, side-by-side, under typical garden conditions. In this episode, Richard Hawke and Sam Hoadley delve...

This week we might rename the show Pollinator Haven , the podcast where we dig into the vibrant world of pollinators and the plants that sustain them! Well, probably not, but we will be diving into the essential role host plants play in supporting bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. These are species that are critical in providing places for insects to lay their eggs and food f...

Susan Morrison , owner and principal designer at Creative Exteriors Landscape Design , has created hundreds of gardens in California's East Bay area. Her designs incorporate comfortable outdoor rooms into landscapes of all sizes, from hillside estates to postage-stamp front yards. Susan's home garden features thoughtfully arranged spaces for relaxing and entertaining enfolded in an artful, water-w...

One deer can do major landscape damage overnight, and if a herd regularly visits your garden you may feel like giving up. Although almost no plant is completely safe if the herbivores are hungry enough, gardeners facing extreme deer pressure aren't powerless. Incorporating plants with "nasty" characteristics like strong smells, prickly textures, or even toxicity is one easy way to encourage those...

Ulrich Lorimer is the director of the Native Plant Tust in Framingham, MA, a conservation organization that manages Garden in the Woods . He has been a longtime advocate for cultivating native plants in both public and private gardens to help offset habitat loss. In this episode, he talks about some outstanding native species that have an outsized impact when planted in a garden setting. He also d...