In this special "summer-sode," we're joined by Dr. Wayne Hobbs, Environmental Horticulture Agent with UF/IFAS Extension Clay County, to explore the whimsical world of escapism through landscape design. From turning his backyard into a tiki-themed retreat to mixing Florida-friendly mocktails with homegrown ingredients, Wayne shares how landscapes can transport us—emotionally, sensorially, and even spiritually. Tune in as we talk about creating immersive garden experiences, edible plants for your kitchen recipes, and how a lobster trap started Wayne's hobby. Whether you're a home gardener, designer, or just dreaming of your backyard escape, this episode offers inspiration to grow with intention and a little imagination.

Cultivating Curiosity Webpage⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Resources

• ⁠The Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program Webpage⁠
• ⁠The Nine Principles⁠
• ⁠The Plant Selection App⁠
• ⁠Find your county extension office!

From sandy beaches to stormwater solutions, TV host Chad Crawford joins Cultivating Curiosity to talk about his hit series Flip My Florida Yard. A third-generation Floridian and creator of How to Do Florida, Chad shares how a single episode about landscaping evolved into a statewide movement for water conservation and environmental stewardship.

In this heartfelt and humorous conversation, Chad opens up about his journey and why flipping yards is about more than plants. Hosts Alyssa Vinson and Taylor Clem dive into how the show uses entertainment to spark curiosity and environmental action, explore the mental health and cultural impacts of outdoor spaces, and discuss what’s new in Season 4, including a homeowner-led format focused on relatable, DIY landscape makeovers.

Tune in to discover why Florida’s future may depend on a buffer zone—and how a yard show is quietly creating a state full of water-conscious, nature-connected citizens.

• Flip My Florida Yard
• FFL Flip Tips
• Discover Florida Channel

Spring has sprung, and the Florida landscape is buzzing! Join hosts Alyssa and Taylor as they chat with Michelle Atkinson—stormwater pond whisperer, irrigation detective, and all-around green industry guru. From algae explosions to irrigation implosions, Michelle dishes on how tiny tweaks in your yard can make big waves for Florida’s water. Whether you’re a pro landscaper or a curious plant lover, this episode is packed with tips, laughs, and surprising "aha!" moments. 🌱💧Resources

• Michelle's Publications: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/experts/a-atkinsonm
• Michelle's Blogs: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/manateeco/author/matkinson/

Ever wondered how landscapes shape our world—and our impact on them? This episode dives into the fascinating world of landscape ecology, where science meets sustainability. We explore how patterns in nature influence biodiversity, climate resilience, and even urban planning. Whether you're a nature lover, an eco-conscious gardener, or just curious about the hidden connections in our environment, this conversation will change how you see the world around you. Tune in for expert insights, real-world applications, and a fresh perspective on the landscapes we live in!

Resources

• Basil Iannone Faculty Page
• Residential Landscape Ecology Lab
• Publication: Divergence in diversity-area relationships between lawn and non-lawn plants in residential landscapes

Nurturing the growth and reach of horticulture across Florida are the dedicated Master Gardener Volunteers. Through their unwavering commitment to community education, school gardens, demonstration projects, and beyond, these volunteers leave a profound mark on the state. In this inspiring episode of Cultivating Curiosity, we dive into the heartfelt, untold stories of these volunteers—celebrating not only the transformative impact of their work on the community but also how the experience has deeply enriched their own lives.

Resources

• The Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Webpage
• Find Your Master Gardener Volunteer Office

Ever wonder what's smoldering beneath Florida's pines? It's not just the heat—it's the crucial role of prescribed burns in keeping our ecosystems thriving! From wildfires to controlled burns, Florida’s landscapes are shaped by fire more than you might think. Join Alyssa and Taylor as they ignite a fiery conversation with Dr. Raelene Crandall, a fire ecology expert from the University of Florida, to explore why fire is the unsung hero of Florida’s wild world.

Resources:

Intro/Outro Music:

Track Title: Nature and Nurture

Composers: Steven Thomason [PRS] 100%

Publishers: Freshworx Music Limited [PRS] 100%

Album: Forest Folk

Catalog Number: FRX020

Track Number: FRX020-1

Labels: Freshworx

German label code: LC 78182

ISRC: UK-QUJ-19-02001

Everything starts with seeds—whether it’s the food we eat, the air we breathe, the way ecosystems thrive, or the simple joy of seeing blooming flowers. Seeds are life! Join Alyssa and Taylor as they dive into the fascinating world of seeds and seed conservation with Dr. Hector Pérez. By the end of this lively conversation, you might just find yourself becoming a proud seed geek too!

Resources:

Special Outro Music:

Track Title: I am a Seed

Artist: Loyal Revival

Album: I am a Seed

Bandcamp: https://loyalrevival.bandcamp.com/music

Intro/Outro Music:

Track Title: Nature and Nurture

Composers: Steven Thomason [PRS] 100%

Publishers: Freshworx Music Limited [PRS] 100%

Album: Forest Folk

Catalog Number: FRX020

Track Number: FRX020-1

Labels: Freshworx

German label code: LC 78182

ISRC: UK-QUJ-19-02001

Palms are distinctly different from other trees we choose to plant in our landscapes. They are emblematic and iconic in Florida and have unique care requirements. Join us as we dive into the world of palms with Dr. Mica McMillan, Assistant Professor at the Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center. We cover the basics of what makes a palm, a palm, and discuss various challenges and opportunities for palms in landscapes. 

Resources

Farming with nature - that is the foundation of Agroecology, "a field of study motivated to understand ecological, evolutionary, and socioeconomic principles and use them in an improvement process that sustains food production, conserves resources, and maintains social equality." Join us this month as Alyssa and Taylor discuss agroecology with Dr. Zachary Brym, an Associate Professor in Agroecology. His research and extension program explores how production systems can remain profitable while conserving natural resources.

⁠⁠Cultivating Curiosity Webpage⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Resources

Florida is a tapestry of diverse environments and built landscapes, all intricately woven together by our most vital resource: water. The Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program represents our statewide best management practices for landscaping, aimed at protecting both water quality and quantity. Join Alyssa Vinson and Taylor Clem as they discuss the Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program with the new director and our friend, Claire Lewis.

⁠⁠Cultivating Curiosity Webpage⁠⁠⁠⁠

Resources