Hosts Jason Bonham and Dylan Wrubel welcome horticulture staff members Sachaly Rosario Rivera and Emma McGee to discuss ginseng, including its “all-healing” origins, slow life cycle, pollinators, cultivation methods, medicinal uses, high prices, and poaching that drives strict harvest regulations. They share folklore, history of U.S. export to

The group also debates most frustrating plants to work with, plus updates on conservatory bed renovations.

Host John Searby of the Daniel Stowe Conservancy interviews Blair Primis, Chief Growth Officer at OrthoCarolina, about community-focused partnerships and building brand relevance beyond traditional advertising, and to introduce OrthoCarolina as sponsor of Daniel Stowe’s race series, highlighted by a July 18 Summer Nights evening race through the gardens.

Hosts Jason Bonham and Dylan Ruble talk with horticulturists Chloe Linton and Karen Kottkamp on eucalyptus at Daniel Stowe, covering species diversity, leaf changes, bark, flowers, oils, and uses.

Host John Searby interviews Charlotte artist and illustrator Brett Blumenthal about collaborating on “The Guardian of Lost Hollow,” a children’s book inspired by the Adventure Trail’s secret-room dragon at Daniel Stowe Conservancy.

The book launches Memorial Day weekend at the garden's

Hosts Jason Bonham and Dylan Wrubel welcome

They cover viticulture basics, China’s grape production, wine

Host John Searby welcomes Dr. Roopen Patel of Carolina Asthma and Allergy Center to discuss enjoying Daniel Stowe Conservancy

Dr. Patel explains common Charlotte pollens, avoidance

Host John Searby interviews Ashton Lamb of the Carolina Thread Trail about the 1,600‑mile regional trail plan and how it’s built through partnerships, grants, and technical support.

They highlight trail benefits, including transportation, health, and economic returns.

The focus is Gaston County’s Matthews Belk South Fork River Corridor: a 23‑mile segment toward a 60‑mile route from Lake Wylie to Hickory, with paddling access, towns, and parks.

They review progress, gaps, Spencer Mountain, connections through McAdenville and Cramerton, and the Daniel Stowe Conservancy connector, plus ways to support, visit, donate, and celebrate National Trails Day.

Hosts Jason Bonham and Dylan Wrubel are joined by Janet Manuel and Cassy Hallman from Daniel Stowe Conservancy to discuss Trailhead’s tastings and then spotlight milkweed (Asclepias): its latex, toxins, specialized pollination, flowers, and silky seed pods, plus historical uses like WWII life-jacket stuffing.

They explain milkweed’s role as a keystone host plant for monarchs and highlight Carolina-native species and conservation through Stowe’s new regional seed bank and nursery.

They warn against tropical milkweed because it spreads OE parasite and disrupts monarch migration.

In this episode of 'Shovel and Spade,' Jason Bonham and Dylan

Host John Searby talks with Aaron and Annie Crites of Your

They discuss their journey from corporate life to starting an