Today we're digging into the power of community orchards to tackle some of our most pressing challenges—growing food and developing ecosystems.

In this Episode 193, we're joined by Sarah Sikich and Ryan Watson to explore The Giving Grove – a remarkable national network that's changing lives and building communities through urban orchards.

Welcome to The Garden Question Podcast, where we're all about designing, building, and growing smarter gardens that work. From the beginner to the expert, you'll always be inspired. I'm your host, Craig McManus.

What started in Kansas City has blossomed into a movement, spreading to 15 U.S. cities with over 620 orchards that provide millions of free, nutritious food servings each year.

These orchards aren't just feeding communities—they're building healthier ecosystems by improving soil health, supporting pollinators, and creating green spaces where people connect.

Sarah Sikich, The Giving Grove’s Director of Marketing and Communications, brings a unique blend of professional expertise and personal passion for growing food.

After a decade of running her own design and communications business, Sarah found her calling in urban gardening—inspired by volunteering at the very first Giving Grove orchard.

With her Master's degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Drury University, Sarah is dedicated to amplifying the impact of these life-giving orchards across the country.

Ryan's journey into urban agriculture is equally inspiring. After graduating from UCLA with degrees in Political Science and History, he left the legal field behind to pursue a greener calling.

Ryan co-founded North Brooklyn Farms, transforming a piece of New York history into a thriving urban farm and green space.

He’s also been a community garden advocate, playing a founding role at the 61 Franklin Street Garden.

 Today, Ryan and his wife run Wild Russet Farm in the Catskill Mountains, caring for an heirloom apple orchard and producing cider and vinegar—continuing his legacy of growing food for good.

Together, Sarah and Ryan take us behind the scenes of The Giving Grove, sharing powerful stories of how urban orchards foster food security, ecological health, and community ownership. You’ll hear about the critical role of sustainability, the joy of growing food in urban spaces, and the lasting social impacts of these green havens.

00:00 Introduction to the Garden Question Podcast

01:03 Meet the Guests: Sarah Sickich and Ryan Watson

03:08 The Giving Grove: A National Movement

04:06 Understanding Food Insecurity and Equity

06:08 Community Impact and Success Stories

07:31 Orchard Planning and Community Involvement

10:13 Ecological Benefits of Urban Orchards

15:02 Community Ownership and Engagement

17:24 Expansion and Future of The Giving Grove

22:35 Harvesting and Sharing the Bounty

23:46 Community Harvest Initiatives

24:25 Challenges and Strategies for Sustainable Programs

25:42 Supporting Orchard Caretakers and Volunteers

26:30 Long-Term Orchard Management

28:00 Wildlife and Human Interactions with Orchards

29:54 Debunking Orchard Myths

31:11 Understanding Mycorrhizae and Soil Health

36:58 Pollination and Beneficial Insects

44:11 Nutritional Decline in Modern Agriculture

45:31 Personal Stories and Community Impact

50:02 Conclusion and Contact Information

Welcome to The Garden Question Podcast! I’m your host Craig McManus

Trees—they’re majestic, essential, and sometimes misunderstood. In this episode, Edward Morrow is here to dispel the myths that often lead to improper tree care and even unwarranted fear of these gentle giants. Edward dives into the nuances of tree maintenance, from mindful pruning to soil management, and explains why protecting the critical root zone is key to tree health. He also sheds light on the vital role trees play in urban environments and how human activities can affect their longevity.

Edward’s journey from accountant to arborist is nothing short of inspiring. He shares personal anecdotes about his career transition, weaving them into his mission to educate others about trees. His passion for engaging the next generation shines through his children’s books and educational programs, including TREE S.T.A.R.S., an outdoor adventure series that nurtures young arborists and outdoor enthusiasts.

Edward is also the creative mind behind DOMINION and HAVEN, two fictional books that bring tree care to life, and CLIMB: 5 Supercharged Lessons to Elevate Your Arborist Career & Enhance the Urban Forest, a practical guide for aspiring professionals.

Beyond writing, Edward is deeply involved with organizations like the Tree Care Industry Association, International Society of Arboriculture, and the Atlanta Tree Conservation Commission. He’s an advocate for community engagement and offers tips on organizing local tree walks to foster awareness and appreciation.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned expert, you’re sure to be inspired by Edward’s insights, energy, and expertise. So, grab your notebook—or your climbing gear—and let’s learn how to design, build, and grow smarter gardens that work!

EdwardTheArborist.com

00:00 Introduction to the Garden Question Podcast

00:45 Meet Edward Morrow: From Accountant to Arborist

01:30 The Vital Role of Trees in Urban Environments

02:21 Common Misconceptions About Trees

04:28 Impact of Human Activities on Tree Health

05:25 Understanding Tree Pruning and Maintenance

15:18 Tree Risk Assessment and Management

28:31 Designing and Growing Trees Around Your Home

30:52 Edward Morrow's Children's Books and Career Insights

32:28 Meet Orin Ogden: The Legacy of Professional Tree Care

32:45 The Importance of Trees and Ancient Wisdom

33:35 Tree Stars: Books and Lessons for Arborists

34:08 Debunking Tree Myths: Root Causes and Misconceptions

36:18 Earliest Tree Memories and Childhood Adventures

38:19 From Accounting to Arboriculture: A Career Shift

40:58 Humorous Tree Stories and Influences

44:51 Valuable Tree Mistakes and Lessons Learned

46:32 Understanding Tree Air Spading

48:12 Recent Learnings About Soil and Tree Communication

50:14 Favorite Trees and Tree Walks

58:18 Connecting with Edward the Arborist

Dr. Jim Faust tells interesting true poinsettia stories from their discovery to your own enjoyment at Christmas.

 One story involves searching out wild poinsettias in the middle of two drug cartel controlled territories. Jim is a professor of Floriculture Physiology at Clemson University in South Carolina. He does research on greenhouse production of various flowering crops, teaches hydroponics, and greenhouse production courses.

 He grew his first poinsettia crop in 1986.  This is Episode 191 - The Remarkable Journey of Poinsettias: From Mexican Forests to Christmas Icons" -  with Dr. Jim Faust and Encore Remix presentation on the Garden Question podcast.

00:00 Introduction to The Garden Question Podcast

00:38 The Fascinating History of Poinsettias

01:15 Jim Faust's Poinsettia Stories

02:19 Joel Poinsett and the Early Days of Poinsettias

05:18 The Journey of Poinsettias to Europe

07:26 Shipping Plants in the 1800s

10:06 Poinsettias in the Late 1800s

12:14 The Evolution of Poinsettias in the 1900s

13:48 The Rise of Poinsettias as a Christmas Flower

15:28 Challenges and Innovations in Poinsettia Cultivation

22:31 Expanding the Poinsettia Market Beyond Christmas

24:57 The Science Behind Poinsettia Flowering

28:06 Home Care Tips for Poinsettias

30:21 The Development of Modern Poinsettia Varieties

34:38 Horticulturists' Excitement: Stealing Pollen

35:23 The Mystery of Free Branching Poinsettias

36:22 The Secret Grafting Technique

39:06 Scientific Discoveries and Phytoplasma

42:36 The Poinsettia Propagation Process

47:38 Challenges in Poinsettia Cultivation

49:57 Exploring Poinsettias in Their Native Habitat

55:13 Modern Breeding and Bio-Piracy Concerns

59:26 Consumer Tips for Selecting Poinsettias

01:02:04 Debunking Poinsettia Myths

01:03:23 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this special Thanksgiving episode of the Garden Question Podcast, host Craig McManus gathers a heartwarming array of guests from previous episodes to share their gratitude for the beauty, growth, and joys that gardening brings to their lives.

Notable guests including Diane Blazek, Nathan Wilson, Heather Andrews, Erin Alladen, Carol Michel, Bill Strock, Kirk Brown, Brent Heath, Dan Benarcik, Kathy Jentz, Russell Camp, Mike Cunningham, David Roberts, and Shelly Cramm express their thanks for the horticultural community, the people in their gardens, and the personal and environmental benefits that gardening bestows. The episode emphasizes the importance of gratitude, the interconnectedness of nature, and the timeless tradition of Thanksgiving.

As Thanksgiving season unfolds, my heart swells with gratitude as a sentiment woven into the fabric of the Garden Question podcast. This humble endeavor, rooted in the soil of appreciation, owes its growth to you, the dedicated listener, who consistently finds value in our weekly explorations of the green world.

Your weekly presence serves as a testament to the podcast's resonance and vitality. And for that, I am profoundly grateful. The Garden Question podcast thrives as a collaborative venture enriched by the generosity of fellow gardeners who willingly contribute their time and expertise during interviews.

In the spirit of the season, their readiness to share knowledge mirrors a communal ethos. The journey of learning to host and produce this podcast has been a pathway of gratitude in itself. The ability to acquire the new skills and adapt to the evolving landscape of content creation is a cherished gift.

However, amid the bounty of gratitude, there's a human tendency to complain and be upset, an inclination I recognize in myself and reflect upon it. Yet, in the face of life's inevitable curveballs, there's solace in the realization that each challenge presents an opportunity to learn anew. Gratitude emerges as a balm that soothes the wounds of complaint, offering a perspective that transcends momentary displeasures.

I think about wisdom and its potential to expedite the learning process. If only I were wiser. The lessons drawn from life's twists and turns wouldn't linger in the realm of prolonged comprehension. Yet, in the acknowledgement of this fact is a step toward that elusive wisdom. A nod to the perpetual journey of growth.

The soil, a silent hero in the garden's narrative, becomes a symbol of profound gratitude. In its embrace, life sprouts and thrives. I am grateful for the soil and the intricate ecosystem it supports. Each root and leaf is a testament to the interconnected dance of existence. This interdependence extends to everything relying on the things that grow in the soil.

Amid the thriving garden of imperfection, there's a quiet acceptance that perfection is not a prerequisite for growth. The metaphor extends beyond the garden bed to the human experience. I don't have to be perfect to grow. It's a liberating thought. A reminder that amidst our flaws and shortcomings, there lies the potential for continuous, beautiful growth.

In the grand tapestry of imperfection, I found solace in living in a country of imperfect people. Those who voice complaints, like myself, are imperfect beings navigating life's complexities. This acknowledgment leaves room for grace to grow. A grace that can bridge gaps, fostering understanding, and weave the diverse threads of imperfection into a rich fabric of collective experiences.

As we metaphorically gather around this season's table of Thanksgiving, I would like to express these sentiments. A gratitude for the podcast. For the shared wisdom of fellow gardeners, for the journey of learning and growth, for the soil that sustains life, and for the imperfect, grace filled landscape of humanity.

Thank you, God, for your blessings and for the abilities to overcome the challenges.

00:00 Introduction to the Thanksgiving Special

01:05 Diane Blazek: Gratitude for the Horticulture Industry

01:27 Nathan Wilson: Thankful for People in the Garden

02:27 Heather Andrews: Appreciating Pollinators

02:42 Erin Alladen: Healing Power of the Garden

03:30 Carol Michel: Grateful for Gardening Community

04:34 Bill Strock: Preserving Longleaf Pine Habitats

05:30 Kirk R. Brown: Legacy Trees and Historical Gratitude

09:05 Brent Heath: Blessings of Gardening and Community

10:42 Dan Benarcik: Horticulture Community and Mentorship

12:09 Kathy Jentz: Thanksgiving and Harvest Origins

14:38 Russell Camp: Supportive Beginnings in Horticulture

15:51 Mike Cunningham: Faith, Family, and Farming

16:46 David Roberts: Return to Normalcy Post-Pandemic

18:10 Shelly Cramm: The Sanctuary of the Garden

19:36 Craig McManus: Reflections and Closing Thoughts

Welcome to The Garden Question Podcast—where we’re all about designing, building, and growing a smarter garden that works!

I’m your host, Craig McManus, and today we’re diving into a timeless holiday tradition: the Christmas tree. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’re sure to be inspired by the fascinating insights of today’s guest.

Joining me is Dr. Mel Koelling, a nationally recognized authority in the Christmas tree industry.

Dr. Mel, alongside his wife Lori, owns and operates Tannenbaum Farms in central Michigan, where they’ve been growing thousands of stunning Christmas trees every year since 1977.

What started as a way to connect his professional forestry expertise to the family goal of funding their children’s college education. Tannenbaum Farms has flourished into a sprawling 100-acre operation, rooted in tradition and excellence.

Did you know it can take over eight years to grow the perfect Christmas tree? As Dr. Mel will tell you, there’s no off-season on a Christmas tree farm!

Dr. Mel spent over 35 years teaching forestry at Michigan State University, shaping the next generation of experts in his field. His depth of knowledge and passion for evergreens is unmatched.

In this episode, we’ll trace the fascinating history of Christmas trees, from ancient winter celebrations to the centerpiece of modern holiday cheer.

Dr. Mel shares the evolution of the industry, the challenges of growing premium trees, and insider tips on selecting and caring for a live tree to keep your holidays merry and bright.

Plus, we’ll explore the environmental benefits of natural trees and why preserving family traditions is more important than ever.

It’s almost time to deck the halls so start thinking about your Christmas tree. Dr. Mel brings decades of expertise straight from the farm to your holiday traditions.

From selecting the perfect tree to understanding the care it takes to grow one, you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for this beloved symbol of the season.

 “It’s Christmas keep it real” 

Win a Box of Salt Hay

How would you like to win a box of Salt Hay? It is simple to enter. We’ll randomly pull a name from all the new November 2024 subscribers to our “Good to Know Newsletter”.

Go to TheGardenQuestion.com and subscribe on any episode page. Be a new subscriber in the month of November 2024 and you could win a box of Salt Hay.

00:00 Introduction to the Garden Question Podcast

00:24 Meet Dr. Mel Kelling: Christmas Tree Expert

01:20 The History of Christmas Trees

06:30 The Christmas Tree Tradition in America

08:13 Personal Christmas Tree Stories

11:34 Starting a Christmas Tree Farm

14:34 Challenges in Christmas Tree Farming

17:43 Evolution of the Christmas Tree Industry

26:57 Choosing the Perfect Christmas Tree

30:27 Tree Care After Purchase

32:10 Watering Tips and Tools

32:55 Tree Placement and Maintenance

33:26 Disposing of Your Tree

35:16 Tree Shortage Reality

35:51 Heartwarming Tree Stories

40:33 Environmental Benefits of Real Trees

49:45 Challenges and Mistakes in Tree Growing

52:59 Future of Real Christmas Trees

54:42 Conclusion and Podcast Outro

In today's episode I have a fascinating conversation with John Bartram. America's First Botanist and a Legacy of Native Plant Explorer.

Well actually, it’s with Kirk R. Brown, a renowned garden speaker and historian who brings the legendary 18th-century botanist John Bartram to life.

Bartram, often called “America’s First Botanist,” was a trailblazer in exploring the wilds of colonial America, driven by his passion for nature and a mission to discover and catalog native plants.

With a love for gardening passed down from his grandmother and wisdom gained from Native American tribes, Bartram’s legacy lives on through his incredible contributions to American horticulture.

Kirk R. Brown, our guest, is no stranger to the art of garden storytelling. As past president of GardenComm and a Hall of Fame honoree, Kirk has captivated audiences coast-to-coast by stepping into the shoes of Bartram, Frederick Law Olmsted (episode 124 – Sculpting Nature: The Legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted), and other historical giants in horticulture.

With decades of experience in garden design and education, he’s earned awards for exceptional horticulture and garden achievements. From his work as Business Manager at Joanne Kostecky Garden Design, where he crafted award-winning landscapes, to his role as National Outreach Coordinator for Magnolia Plantation, Kirk’s expertise is nothing short of impressive.

So, get ready to delve into the world of 18th-century plant exploration, the origins of American botany, and the enduring importance of native plants. You’ll leave inspired to design, build, and grow a smarter garden that works. Just like Bartram and Kirk have done across the centuries.

Follow The Garden Question Podcast and join us for a journey through garden history that speaks to everyone, from the beginner to the seasoned expert.

This is episode 188 - A Conversation with John Bartram – (brought to life) by Kirk R. Brown.

This has been episode 188 - A Conversation with John Bartram - (brought to life) Kirk R. Brown. Thank you Kirk you’re awesome!

Win a Box of Salt Hay

How would you like to win a box of Salt Hay? It is simple to enter. We’ll randomly pull a name from all the new November 2024 subscribers to our “Good to Know Newsletter”.

Go to TheGardenQuestion.com and subscribe on any episode page. Be a new subscriber in the month of November 2024 and you could win a box of Salt Hay.

00:00 Introduction to the Garden Question Podcast

00:56 Meet Kirk R. Brown: Bringing John Bartram to Life

01:44 Exploring the Legacy of John Bartram

02:27 Subscriber Giveaway Announcement

02:55 John Bartram's Early Inspirations

03:12 The Wisdom of Age and Gardening

04:24 The Influence of Native American Knowledge

06:35 The Importance of Observing Nature

08:45 The Role of Libraries in Botanical Education

10:12 Medicinal Uses of American Plants

10:36 Trading Knowledge with Indigenous Tribes

12:01 The British Pharmacopoeia and American Plants

12:52 The Versatility of Elderberry

15:55 Exploring and Documenting New Plants

19:04 Impact on English Garden Design

23:35 The Influence of Philadelphia in Botanical Trade

25:04 The American Philosophical Society

26:56 Carl Linnaeus and the Binomial Nomenclature

28:56 The Humorous Story of Bartremia

30:19 Moss and Correspondence with Carl

31:30 The Significance of Oaks

34:28 Bartram's Garden and Historical Meetings

36:39 Friendship with Benjamin Franklin

40:24 Discovery of the Franklinia Tree

51:11 The Bartram Box: Transporting Plants Across Oceans

55:28 Legacy and Contributions of the Bartram Family

59:34 Connecting with John Bartram Today

01:00:55 Conclusion and Podcast Information

This is The Garden Question Podcast where you’ll learn to “Design, build, and grow a smarter garden that works.”

In today’s episode, we’re diving into an emerging trend in sustainable mulching that’s capturing gardeners’ attention far and wide: salt hay and pine straw.

Here to unpack it all with us is our guest, Bill Strock.

Bill has a fascinating background and a hands-on approach to sustainable garden solutions. He holds a B.A. in Liberal Arts with a minor in Agricultural Business from Penn State University and an M.B.A. from West Chester University of PA.

With an entrepreneurial spirit, Bill has previously owned Green Valley Lawn Care and currently leads a family of companies that provide sustainable mulching options across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions—including Mid-Atlantic Pine Straw Mulch, New England Pine Straw Mulch, and SaltHay.com.

In today’s conversation, Bill and I explore the unique benefits of salt hay and pine straw, from salt hay’s weed-free, rot-resistant nature to the versatility and sustainability of longleaf pine straw.

We’ll dive into why these options are thriving in gardens, from helping control weeds in vegetable beds to naturally thriving on slopes and in kennel settings.

Bill also shares his journey of bringing these traditional, region-specific products to new markets, educating gardeners on their many advantages.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned expert, you’re bound to be inspired.

Win a Box of Salt Hay

How would you like to win a box of Salt Hay? It is simple to enter. We’ll randomly pull a name from all the new November 2024 subscribers to our “Good to Know Newsletter”.

Go to TheGardenQuestion.com and subscribe on any episode page. Be a new subscriber in the month of November 2024 and you could win a box of Salt Hay.

00:00 Introduction to the Garden Question Podcast

00:24 Meet Our Guest: Bill Strock

01:05 Exploring Salt Hay: Benefits and Uses

02:20 The Unique Properties of Salt Hay

03:41 Harvesting and Availability of Salt Hay

04:32 Salt Hay in History and Modern Use

09:15 Introduction to Longleaf Pine Straw

10:36 Benefits and Applications of Pine Straw

14:39 Pine Straw in Various Settings

19:37 Bill's Journey and Insights

26:03 Conclusion and Contact Information

Hello, you’re dialed in to The Garden Question Podcast where we discover designing, building and growing “Smarter Gardens that Work”. I’m your host Craig McManus.

In this episode, we’re exploring a corner of garden history with our special guest who uncovers stories from the past—Carol J. Michel.

Carol takes us on a fascinating journey into the world of historic garden writing. Shining a light on some lesser-known female authors she lovingly calls the ‘Lost Ladies of Garden Writing’.

We’ll explore how these forgotten authors blended gardening, life philosophy, and emotional insight, along with the surprising ways their work remains relevant today.

From tracking down rare lost ladies to uncovering the stories of remarkable women like Ida D. Bennett and Anna Bartlett Warner, Carol’s passion for preserving these voices offers a captivating window into the roots of gardening wisdom. 

It’s not all research and reflection—Carol’s wit and love for humor in horticulture come through as she shares personal anecdotes, experiences from her own garden, and exciting projects like her blog, ‘May Dreams Gardens’ and her Substack newsletters. Lost Ladies of Garden Writing Substack

Carol’s credentials are as deep as the roots she tends: she’s an award-winning author of five gardening humor books, two children’s books, and co-host of ‘The Gardenangelists’ podcast.

With degrees in horticulture and computer technology, Carol spent over 30 years working in healthcare IT while making a life in her garden. In 2021, she was honored as a GardenComm Fellow by Garden Communicators International. 

From beginner to expert, you’ll always find inspiration listening to The Garden Question Podcast. Grab your favorite garden trowel or just settle in with a cup of tea.

00:00 Introduction to the Garden Question Podcast

00:23 Meet Carol J. Michael: Historian of Garden Writing

02:38 Uncovering the Lost Ladies of Garden Writing

04:28 Fascinating Stories of Historic Garden Authors

18:26 The Relevance of Historic Garden Writing Today

23:19 Carol's Gardening Insights and Tips

26:58 Fall Gardening Tips and Oak Tree Care

27:19 The Garden Angelus Podcast: How It All Began

28:39 From Horticulture Degree to Healthcare IT

30:31 Battling Garden Pests: Rabbits and Deer

35:39 Gardening Inspirations and Influences

37:05 Learning from Gardening Mistakes

43:31 Unusual Plants and Winter Sowing

47:43 Connecting with Carol J. Michael

48:11 Conclusion and Podcast Information

Welcome to The Garden Question Podcast! I’m your host, Craig McManus.

Today we’ve got a fantastic episode lined up. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert seasoned pro, this conversation will inspire you to think deeper about gardening.

Our guest is Erin Alladin, creator of the concept gentle gardening—a unique approach designed for those working with chronic illness and disability.

Erin’s journey is all about making gardening accessible and enjoyable for every kind of gardener, no matter their challenges.

Throughout this episode, Erin shares practical strategies she’s developed using sustainable techniques and permaculture principles, such as observation and energy capture from her work at the Kimborne Community Permaculture Project to creative outlets like basket weaving with natural materials from her garden.

Erin proves there’s always a way to grow smarter gardens that work—even when life throws some curveballs.

We’ll also explore a range of soil-building techniques, including sheet mulching, Hügelkultur, the Ruth Stout method, and strawbale gardening.

Erin shares personal stories about her experiences balancing gardening with chronic illness, drawing from her book, Gentle Gardening: How to Approach Gardening with Uncooperative Bodies.

She gives us a sneak peek into her upcoming children’s book, Wait Like a Seed, along with a hint about her exciting new podcast, Plants Always Win, with co-host Sean Patchett.

You can find Erin online as "Earth Undaunted" at earthundaunted.com and follow her gardening adventures on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.

So, if you’ve ever wondered how to adapt your gardening practice to meet life’s challenges, this episode is for you! From beginners to experts, you’ll find something here to inspire you. Now, let’s dig in!

00:00 Introduction to the Garden Question Podcast

00:20 Meet Erin Alladin: Advocate for Gentle Gardening

01:07 Exploring Soil Building Techniques

01:18 Erin's Personal Journey with Chronic Illness

01:30 Sneak Peek into Erin's Upcoming Projects

02:33 Understanding Gentle Gardening

03:03 Erin's Health Challenges and Adaptations

04:15 The Genesis of Gentle Gardening

07:32 Permaculture Principles and Practices

10:59 Basket Weaving with Garden Materials

13:36 Self-Regulation and Feedback in Gardening

16:15 Renewable Resources in Gentle Gardening

19:20 Creative Soil Building Techniques

21:30 Healing Soil with Potatoes

22:01 Comparing Sheet Mulching and Hügelkultur

22:27 Integrating Gardening into Life and Work

23:34 Gentle Gardening: A Book for All

25:50 New Book: Wait Like a Seed

27:52 Permaculture and Garden Myths

29:30 Early Garden Memories and Funny Stories

30:43 Influences and Valuable Mistakes

32:48 Learning and Adapting in the Garden

37:32 Future Garden Plans and Favorite Plants

38:38 Introducing the Plants Always Win Podcast

39:32 Connecting with Erin Alladin

Welcome to today’s episode, where we talk about empowering your garden by diving into the importance of incorporating native plants into your garden—especially during the fall season.

Our guest is Heather Andrews, a published author, award-winning photographer, Master Gardener, and Pollinator Steward with a passion for sustainable landscapes.

Heather is here to share her insights on how native plants play a crucial role in supporting pollinators, enriching ecosystems, and even benefiting migrating birds and butterflies. 

She breaks down the high-value pollen, nectar, and seed sources that wildlife rely on during their migration journeys. She also debunks common myths. Setting the record straight with her thoughtful, science-based advice.

We’ll also explore the broader impacts of native plants on communities, including inspiring success stories from local restoration projects.

Heather provides actionable tips on identifying truly native plants, as well as practical advice on seed collection and propagation for gardeners of all levels.

Throughout the episode, she touches on challenges such as managing invasive species and offers a balanced perspective on integrating native and exotic plants. 

Heather’s personal anecdotes add depth to the discussion, giving listeners a glimpse into her ongoing horticultural learning and future gardening plans.

During the growing season, you’ll often find Heather in her monarch waystation, Cat-a-pillar Haven, where she shares her journey on her YouTube channel, Garden Thoughtfully and The Thoughtful Gardener on Facebook.

Her expertise has earned her multiple awards and features across media platforms, making her a sought-after speaker on pollinator gardening.  

Subscribe to: The Garden Question Newsletter

00:00 Introduction to The Garden Question Podcast

00:42 Meet Heather Andrews: Expert on Native Plants

02:52 The Importance of Native Plants in Fall

04:54 Best Practices for Fall Gardening

08:22 Collecting and Using Seeds

11:37 Community and Restoration Projects

20:24 Understanding Native Plants and Eco Zones

26:05 Becoming a Pollinator Gardener

27:38 The Butterfly Garden Obsession

28:19 Pollinator Gardens and Their Benefits

28:48 Challenges with Non-Native Plants

29:38 Invasive Species and Their Impact

31:59 Native vs. Exotic Plants Debate

35:24 Gardening Memories and Influences

37:19 Pandemic and Horticultural Pursuits

40:59 Gardening Mistakes and Lessons Learned

46:49 Healing Plants and Their Uses

48:51 Favorite Plants and Final Thoughts