Whether you’re a casual gardener or a horticulture enthusiast, this episode will change how you look at mums — not as disposable decor, but as timeless treasures of autumn color. In this episode, Dr. A explores the often misunderstood world of mums—those bright, cheerful chrysanthemums that fill garden centers every fall. Are they simply “throwaway” plants, or can they be hardy perennials that return year after year?Join Dr. A as he reveals the myths and wonders behind these beloved flowers. You’ll learn how to identify which mums can truly endure, how to care for them after the fall season, and why these vibrant blooms deserve more respect in your garden.

In this episode, Dr. A digs into one of the most widely loved—and widely grown—ground covers in the garden world: Ajuga, also known as bugleweed. Found in gardens from north to south, ajuga is a true equal opportunist, spreading across landscapes with its striking foliage and beautiful lavender to blue flower spikes.

But where did the name bugleweed come from? And what exactly is a bugleweed, anyway?

Join Dr. A as he explores the history, beauty, and quirks of this versatile and colorful plant that’s just as fun to talk about as it is to grow.

• A favorite ground cover
• Rich foliage in many colors
• Lavender-blue blooms
  

In today’s episode, Dr. A shares the story of one of his favorite salvias—a showstopping variety that many gardeners overlook. While salvias are well-known for their vibrant reds and blues and their ability to attract pollinators, this particular salvia steals the show in fall with its forsythia-like yellow blooms.

Native to Mexico and found in gardens across the globe, this plant is more than just a pretty face. Commonly known as the Forsythia Sage, it flowers through the summer but truly shines in autumn. Tune in to learn why this underappreciated salvia deserves a spot in your garden—and maybe even your heart.

• Great for pollinators
• Spectacular fall color
• A plant with a story, just like every good garden should have.

In this episode of Stories from the Garden, renowned horticulturist Dr. Allan Armitage digs into the curious connection between dogs and dogwoods. Ever wonder how the beloved flowering tree got its name? Spoiler alert: it’s not because dogs love to nap under them! With his signature wit and storytelling charm, Dr. A unearths the myths, history, and botanical surprises behind the dogwood's name.

Whether you're a plant nerd, a casual gardener, or just someone who enjoys a good story, this episode is sure to make you see dogwoods—and maybe dogs—a little differently.

If you really want to spark conversation in the garden, or possibly run people off from the smell, plant a Voodoo Lily. One of the more interesting plants you can pop in the garden, and will only show up after a few years (this one takes patience) it is well worth the show, but maybe not the smell!

A wart, you say? No! A wort!

In this episode of Stories from the Garden, we step into the quiet hum of an ancient herb patch, where folklore and botany intertwine. Journey with us as we uncover the forgotten wisdom of the "worts"—old-world medicinal plants like St. John’s Wort, Lungwort, and Spiderwort—whose names and uses tell stories older than science.

Sages, often referred to as salvias, are abundant, and there are countless varieties. You’ll never be able to grow them all or learn every single one, so don’t stress about it. However, today I want to recommend a very common variety: pineapple sage.

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 ideas to the Doctrine of Signatures.

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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' .