Reading my favorite magazine, Northern Gardener, I came across an article titled ‘Nativars’ by the Editor, and a friend of mine, Mary Schier. These are plants which are cultivars of our native plants. The question is, how do they relate to our environmental concerns? What is the difference between Selections and Hybrids? A quick overview of what nativars are and how they impact our environment on today's Garden Bite. 

There's plenty of talk about microclimates but what are they and how do they relate in our own yards and landscapes? Can we change them? And how do we do that? It's on today's Garden Bite. 

The Perennial Plant Association announced their winner for Perennial of the Year 2022. It's Little Bluestem! A native with plenty of lovely cultivars. I share some beauties and one that was developed at the University of Minnesota Department of Horticulture and has become a standard! Listen up and take a look on Garden Bite. 

It's currently 9 degrees below zero (Fahrenheit) as I write this! Brrr. A great time to huddle indoors with those new plant catalogs and plan for the upcoming season. It's important for those of us in cold climates to really check out those catalog descriptions!  Learn more on today's GardenBite and also get a peek at Pantones Color of the Year for 2022.  

Today is Epiphany - the last day of the Christmas celebrations for Christians around the world. What is it and how is it celebrated? It has much to do with the Magi but the celebrations really vary! And it's time to take the Christmas tree down but there's much more life it can give. Learn all about it on today's GardenBite! 

I’m having fun looking at new plant introductions for the 2022 season! I chose a few colorful options! Sun ball, Lemon Squeeze, Cupcakes White and Back in Black... ooo, what could they be? Find out on today's GardenBite! 

Oh peperomia how I love your vast foliage options. I recently treated myself to a new plant and sassy pot. ‘Watermelon’ peperomia argyreia, is a sweet little beauty. There are more than a thousand varieties and they are great for small spaces! Check out today's GardenBite! 

I talked about how plants help to clear the air in our homes but they can struggle to do that if they're covered in dust or cooking residue or whatever! Tips on cleaning your houseplants and clearing the air on today's Garden Bite! 

There is an interesting history to Champagne. Fraught with intrigue and lawsuits on WHO can call their sparkling wine, Champagne! Was the bubbly always welcome? Find out on today's GardenBite. And toast to a new happy, healthy 2022... I think we can all say Amen to that! 

As gardening continues to grow (no pun intended!) I take a look at how it's grown! What plant breeders are doing to create vegetable and flower cultivars to fit urban landscapes as well as raise nutritional values. And also, what's a Duchene Smile?! That is on today's GardenBite.