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 favorite overlooked species that do not get enough love from the gardening world, and that more of us across the country could be growing.

Melissa Starkey is the marketing and communications manager and an instructor at Mt. Cuba Center in Hockessin, Delaware.

Amy Galloway Medley is lead horticulturist at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at the University of Texas at Austin.

Find the full plant list from this episode on our website: https://www.finegardening.com/article/super-cool-plants-podcast-episode-1-underappreciated-native-plants

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 answer, we're lucky to have a network of experts we can tap for plant recommendations or to help troubleshoot tricky garden situations.

These Q&A episodes are always a highlight for us, and your inquiries this time around did not disappoint. The topics range from disease-free hemlock options to deep thoughts on non-native plants. Tune in to see if one of your questions made the list—or to pick up solutions to a few common garden problems along the way.

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 Carol share some of the plants that have stood up to the herds that visit their backyards, and their colleague Diana Koehm offers some additional suggestions of plants that deer tend to ignore in her neck of the woods.

Diana Koehm is the content editor for Fine Gardening magazine. See the full plant list from this episode on our website: https://www.finegardening.com/article/episode-190-deer-resistant-plants

Episode 189: 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 gardens in the coming year. After all, a new gardening season is the perfect time for fresh ideas and bold decisions. In this episode, we dig into our plans for 2026, sharing what we're upgrading, what we're rethinking, and where we're ready to start from scratch. There are plans for refreshing tired beds to completely overhauling borders that no longer work (or perhaps cutting down an aged stewartia tree?). We'll also talk through the practical considerations shaping the season ahead. Join us for an honest, behind-the-scenes look at how our gardens are evolving—and how you might approach changes in your own landscape.

Expert: Susan Calhoun is the owner of Plantswoman Design in Bainbridge Island, Washington. She is also a regional reporter for FineGardening.com.

See more from this episode on our website: https://www.finegardening.com/article/episode-189-our-2026-garden-plans

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 this episode that catches your interest and makes you look forward to spring.

Expert Guest: Christine Alexander is the executive digital editor for Fine Gardening.

See the full list of plants from this episode on our website: https://www.finegardening.com/article/episode-188-the-best-seeds-weve-ever-started

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 find their way into your garden next year?

Expert: Kristin Beane Sullivan is the executive editor of Garden Gate, Fine Gardening, and Horticulture.

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 one reason or another, this might be the encouragement you needed to look at them in a new light.

Expert: Jason Reeves is the curator of the University of Tennessee Gardens, located at the West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center in Jackson.

Get the plant list for this episode at FineGardening.com: https://www.finegardening.com/article/episode-186-plants-we-have-learned-to-love

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: Joseph Tychonievich is an independent plant breeder and author who lives and gardens in South Bend, Indiana. Check out more of his bulb recommendations in his Spring Bulb Buying Guide (link article) in the Fall 2025 issue.

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 rounded out the hour with personal stories, growing tips, and a few surprising twists on how to combat a couple of dreaded veggie pests.

Expert: Fionuala Campion is the owner and manager of Cottage Gardens of Petaluma in Petaluma, California. She is also a regional reporter for FineGardening.com.

See the full plant list from this episode on our website!

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, this list proves that growing roses doesn't have to be an exercise in frustration.

If you've shied away from roses (or been burned by them in the past), find out about some tried-and-true choices that deliver season after season, making them a smart and satisfying addition to any garden.

Find the full plant list from this episode on the Fine Gardening Website: https://www.finegardening.com/article/episode-183-roses-you-wont-regret

Expert: Adam Glas is a garden supervisor and rosarian at the Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College. You can find his excellent Mid-Atlantic regional reports for FineGardening.com filed here: Adam Glas author page.