Super Cool Plants - Formerly Known as Let's Argue About Plants

Evergreens are great. They have a year-round presence, hide unsightly foundations, and provide clippings for holiday decorations. But many are, well, a boring green. This episode explores the world of shrubs that sport interesting or unique foliage. Whether they have intense variegation, a hue that is as fiery as a sunset, or simply just a fine texture that makes them alluring, these shrubs are standouts. Why plant a green meatball when you can plant a hydrangea that has tricolor leaves?

We also got one of the East Coast’s premier shrub experts, Andy Brand of the Coastal Maine Botanic garden, to share some of his favorite unique shrubs. Have you ever heard of ‘Pucker Up’ dogwood? We hadn’t either!

Perhaps many of us are scarred from a childhood spent staring at the houses in our neighborhoods that were all landscaped the same way: A few boring shrubs chucked against the front foundation. In this episode we challenge the notion that foundation plants have to be ugly—or have to be traditional evergreens (we’re talking about you Mr. Alberta Spruce). Find out which plants have found a home against the foundations of Steve and Danielle’s houses, and which ones they’re considering adding into the diverse mix. Then we ask designer Susan Morrison to weigh in on the dos and don’ts of a proper foundation planting.

Expert testimony: Susan Morrison, owner and principle at Creative Exteriors Landscape Design in Northern California.

So let’s just be honest: Steve and Danielle don’t overwinter a lot of plants. Since they are, admittedly, two of the lazy gardeners on the planet, the prospect of digging, hauling, and storing plants from one year to the next is not their idea of fun. But, certain pricier tropicals and a few choice annuals are definitely worth the extra effort. Find out which plants make the cut and learn some tips and tricks to make overwintering easier in this latest episode.

Expert testimony: Irvin Etienne the horticultural display coordinator for the Garden at Newfields in Indianapolis.

The bones of any successful garden are its woody plants. And, the key to any successful four-season garden is evergreens. Conifers are great, but they can be pricey and slow to bulk up. But broadleaf evergreens, on the other hand, bulk up quickly and are generally affordable. The only drawback is they can be boring. In fact, most gardeners think only of rhodies and hollies when it comes to this classification of plants. The options in this episode prove that this category of plants is anything but boring.

Expert testimony: Richie Steffen the director/curator for the Elisabeth C. Miller Botanical Garden in Seattle, Washington.

Red. It’s a color oft debated in gardening. While some describe this hot hue as “bold” and “alluring”, others consider it “off-putting” and “difficult to work with.” In this latest episode, Steve and Danielle discuss some of their favorite red plants. Whether it is fire-engine colored blooms or flaming foliage, you’re sure to find an option with a hue that’s right for you.

Expert: David Perry, horticultural photographer and avid gardener from Seattle, Washington.

Steve and Danielle sit down to discuss plants that really got them fired up from the recent FG Plant Sale. Some are little-known cultivars, some are brand new varieties. There were several interesting shade plants that captured the attention of the podcast hosts, some interesting new ornamental grasses, and some plants that sold out so quickly, they’ll forever be known as “the ones that got away.” Find out what plants were worth spending an entire paycheck on in this new episode. (And sorry for the delay in new episodes guys! We’ve been really busy with the sale and photographing gardens around the U.S. and Canada for next year’s magazine issues. Thanks for the patience!).  

Expert Gary Lewis, owner of Phoenix Perennials in Richmond, British Columbia.

When we say “little gems” we’re basically talking about perennials that stay under two feet tall. These can be ground covers or, mounded plants that hide the bare legs of their taller companions or soften the edges of the border. Generally these supporting actors don’t draw much attention, but their role is vital to a well-rounded design. And don’t worry if you’re looking for sun or shade options because we suggest a variety of little gems for both conditions.

Expert: Kirsten Smith, a manager at Smith’s Acres garden center and nursery in Niantic, Connecticut. 

Many gardeners roll their eyes when they hear the word “hosta”, and with good reason. This ubiquitous group of plants shows up more often than not in gardens—heck, we‘ve even seen them growing in Arizona! But there is a reason that they’re so well-known and loved: They’re easy to grow, easy to care for, and have a texture that’s undeniable. Aside from their proclivity to be deer food, the only other knock on hostas is that there are SO MANY varieties, many of which look the same. In this episode we shed light on some of the best varieties for size, color, and texture. Hopefully you’ll find one or two you haven’t heard of and will be excited to add to your collection. 

Expert: Daniel Robarts, horticulturist, propagator, and plant breeder at the Coastal Maine Botanic Gardens in Boothbay.

A hellstrip, more often than not, is a patch of garden located by the roadside. It generally has crappy soil, gets hammered by sun, and has to deal with the occasional dose of road salt or even getting run over by bad drivers. This could be the most challenging spot to garden, but the plants in this episode rise to the occasion. Find out which perennials and shrubs laugh in the face of these hellish conditions and look good while doing it.

Expert: Kelly Norris, the director of horticulture and education at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden in Iowa.

If you’re looking for information on boring, basic tulips this is not the podcast episode for you. If the idea of tulips with red striped leaves and grape hyacinths that sparkle like diamonds are more your speed, this is definitely an episode worth listening to. Steve and Danielle start the season off right with suggestions on spring-flowering bulbs that are fragrant, eye-catching or, options that are almost as odd-looking as they are alluring.

Expert: Joseph Tychonievich is a horticulturist, plant breeder, and former nursery manager at Arrowhead Alpines who currently gardens in Virginia.