The Garden Question

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

In this episode Nathan Wilson explores the concept of creating a 'sense of place' in gardening.

He emphasizes the importance of blending architecture, plant materials, and personal history to create unique garden environments.

He shares insights into the balance between natural growth and structured design.

The essential characteristics of a plant’s color, form, mature size and texture.

Nathan explores the significance of incorporating seating in the garden to encourage human interaction with nature. Then he reflects on the role of gardens in improving our mental well-being.

He also provides practical advice on plant selection for low-maintenance designs, debunks gardening myths about weed fabric and planting seasons.

The conversation highlights the dynamic relationship between people, plants, and place in crafting outdoor spaces.

As a noted garden speaker and horticultural graduate of the University of Georgia,

He built and managed a plant nursery for eight years and now owns a design build company New Southern Garden.

Nathan is the of a host weekly garden radio show on WRWH and a podcast called New Southern Garden.

00:00 Welcome to The Garden Question Podcast

00:43 Introduction to Nathan Wilson and Episode Overview

02:20 Creating a Sense of Place in Your Garden

03:01 Designing Unique Garden Environments

03:57 Balancing Natural Growth and Structured Design

04:46 Incorporating Personal History and Travel Inspirations

05:42 Plant Selections for Low Maintenance Designs

08:19 Creating a Hybrid Sense of Place

12:31 Design Philosophies and Client Interactions

14:01 Understanding Plant Characteristics

18:23 Types of Gardeners and Their Preferences

22:36 Encouraging Human Interaction with Nature

28:36 Health and Well-being Benefits of Gardening

32:01 Inspiring Curiosity in Children

37:20 Low Maintenance Landscaping Tips

38:39 Debunking Garden Myths

42:28 Earliest Garden Memories

46:22 Influential Figures in Horticulture

48:22 Valuable Garden Mistakes

50:08 Learning and Experimenting with New Plants

53:43 A Tour of My Garden

58:39 Protecting Young Trees from Deer

01:01:32 Future Garden Plans

01:06:39 The Difference Between a Garden and a Yard

01:08:48 Connecting with Nathan Wilson

00:00 Introduction to The Garden Question Podcast

00:41 Meet Diane Blazek: A Journey in Gardening

01:29 The Legacy of National Garden Bureau

05:10 Victory Garden 2.0: Reviving a Historic Movement

06:23 The Impact of COVID-19 on Gardening

08:09 Challenges and Successes in Modern Gardening

10:44 Exploring New Plant Programs

14:13 All American Selections Trials

16:20 Display Gardens: Showcasing AAS Winners

18:45 Year of Program: Celebrating Plant Classes

21:33 Promoting Garden Authors and Books

22:16 Therapeutic Garden Grants

24:33 Understanding Our Members

26:14 Finding Information and Social Media Presence

27:08 Debunking Garden Myths

27:55 Personal Garden Memories

28:54 Career in Horticulture

29:59 Funny Garden Stories

30:54 Influences and Mistakes in Gardening

34:47 Current Garden and Future Plans

37:19 Recent Learnings and Favorite Plants

39:25 Final Thoughts and Connecting with Diane

Today’s guest is someone whose love for all things green goes beyond the ordinary – Diane Blazek, Executive Director of All-America Selections and the National Garden Bureau.

Diane’s journey started early, growing up on a small family farm where she was surrounded by fields, gardens, and the wonder of cultivating life from the soil.

This passion only grew stronger, leading her to work with Ball Publishing for 15 years before taking on her current role. As Executive Director, Diane is now at the forefront of consumer gardening, helping to shape and inspire how we all interact with our own green spaces.

In this episode, we’ll explore the rich legacy and ongoing influence of the National Garden Bureau, a nonprofit founded in 1920 by James Burdett with a mission to educate and inspire the public about gardening.

Even as the Bureau celebrated its 100th anniversary during the challenges of the pandemic, it found new ways to connect with gardeners, launching initiatives like Victory Garden 2.0 to rekindle the spirit of community growing.

Diane will also share details about the All-America Selections Trials, the 'Year of' plant program, and the Therapeutic Garden Grant – all key projects that continue to benefit gardeners of all kinds.

George Nagrodsky, a season gardener and the developer of Garden Savvy, an app designed to make your gardening easier and more fun.

George’s gardening journey took a new direction when he moved from Long Island, NY, to John's Island, SC. Facing sandy soils, a different climate, and pests like fire ants and raccoons.

George had to adapt quickly.

These challenges along with having to slosh throw the internet’s garden muckety muck led him to develop the Garden Savvy app. A one-stop app used by gardeners to thrive in their garden.

George’s gardening expertise has grown through interacting in the Garden Savvy community. The app has diagnosed issues for him and other gardeners, making it easier to grow and learn together.

He has been able to easily retrieve and organize his personal garden information.

Learn with GardenAI because it likes normal and weird garden questions. Feed it your garden photo and it answers with dialed in answers from reputable sources.

George will share how he has transformed his gardening experience. He will also explain why he prefers hybrid seeds for their disease resistance and how the app helps him stay on top of planting times and rotations for optimal success.

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, Garden Savvy has brought us a valuable new garden tool.

Join us as we explore George’s story and learn how his app can help you organize and enhance your gardening experience.

00:00 Welcome to The Garden Question Podcast

00:42 Meet George Nagrodsky and Garden Savvy

02:55 Challenges of Gardening in the South

04:31 Soil Preparation and Fertilization

07:24 Dealing with Pests and Insects

08:38 Winter Crops and Greenhouse Gardening

09:30 Switching to Hybrid Seeds

12:33 Funny Garden Stories and Mistakes

18:34 The Garden Savvy App: Features and Benefits

31:07 Conclusion and Contact Information

Mike Cunningham believes that having a salad every day is probably one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself.

In this episode we will discover how simple, easy, and quick growing greens can keep your salad bowl full all winter.

Fresh tasty nutritional eating right from your deck, patio, or backyard sounds great to me.

Mike and Judy Cunningham have been teaching people how to grow, cook, and preserve good organic food for over 10 years.

Country Gardens Farm is a third-generation family farm growing a wide assortment of organic year-round vegetables they sale to the community from their 3 acres.

Mike’s blog post Baby Salid Greens with video on how to plant in a bed.

Judy’s Recipes

Facebook: Country Gardens Farm

Instagram: MikeCunningham1529

Website: Country Gardens Farm

00:00 Introduction to The Garden Question Podcast

00:42 Meet Mike Cunningham: Growing Greens Expert

01:39 Why Grow Baby Salad Greens?

02:43 How to Grow Baby Salad Greens

04:02 Growing Greens in Containers

04:41 Succession Planting and Varieties

06:01 Soil and Fertilizer Tips

08:32 Sowing and Harvesting Techniques

16:30 Handling and Storing Your Greens

18:24 Microgreens: A Nutritional Powerhouse

23:59 Seasonal Growing Tips

28:10 Additional Crops for Your Garden

31:33 Connecting with Country Gardens Farm

33:00 Conclusion and Podcast Outro