The Garden Question

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

In this episode we discuss the benefits of native vines with guest Dajawn Williams, covering their ecological importance and management.

The discussion highlights specific native vines like muscadine, climbing hydrangea, purple and yellow passion flowers, more and their roles in local ecosystems.

The conversation addresses the advantages of incorporating native plants into gardens to support wildlife and deter invasives.

The podcast also touches on personal anecdotes about growing experiences, conservation efforts, and the challenges of managing native versus invasive species in residential landscapes.

Dajawn Williams is an environmental scientist, educator, and leader in the conservation field. Hailing from Alexandria, VA, Dajawn brings over six years of conservation experience to his current role as a Sustainability Specialist at Kennesaw State University, where he helps drive initiatives like recycling, composting, and food waste mitigation. He’s also a Lead Restoration and Invasive Removal Specialist with EcoAddendum, where he leads crucial environmental restoration projects.

In addition to his professional work, Dajawn is the Atlanta Volunteer Leader for Outdoor Afro, an organization dedicated to reconnecting Black communities with nature. His journey into environmental conservation began in Maine with the Conservation Corps, where he discovered a passion for preserving natural spaces while mitigating human-driven environmental impacts.

Dajawn’s expertise includes prescribed burns, invasive species removal, and environmental stewardship, honed through roles with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and Zoo Atlanta. His dedication to sustainability and community building extends beyond the field, with a commitment to using education as a tool to create more equitable, sustainable communities. Stay tuned as we dive into his journey, passions, and the impact he’s making in the world of conservation!

Dejawn is a 2024 is a member of the North America Association of Environmental Education NAAEE's EE 30 Under 30

00:00 Introduction to The Garden Question Podcast

00:42 Episode Overview: Benefits of Native Vines

01:26 Guest Introduction: Dajawn Williams

02:27 Ecological Benefits of Native Vines

03:22 Exploring Native Vines in Dajawn's Garden

05:10 Muscadine Vines: Growth and Benefits

07:39 Climbing Hydrangea: A High-Value Vine

10:05 The Importance of Poison Ivy in Gardens

13:19 Maypop and Purple Passion Flower

17:58 Wisteria: Native vs. Invasive

20:26 Carolina Jessamine and Crossvine

23:06 Smilax and Trumpet Vine

27:37 Virginia Creeper: Misunderstood and Valuable

30:40 Understanding Poison Ivy's Role in Ecosystems

31:20 Protecting Endangered Native Vines

33:44 Challenges in Managing Native Vines

36:20 Conservation Efforts for Native Vines

37:28 Incorporating Natives in Gardens and Landscapes

39:14 Personal Gardening Experiences and Lessons

40:25 Pursuing a Career in Environmental Education

42:58 Funny and Valuable Gardening Stories

44:25 Influences and Inspirations in Conservation

54:17 Future Gardening Plans and Goals

58:07 Final Thoughts and Ways to Connect

In episode 178 of 'The Garden Question' podcast, host Craig McManus interviews Adrienne and John Rothling, directors of the Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden in Kernersville, NC and Reynolda Gardens of Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC. respectively.

They share their personal and professional journeys in horticulture, the creation and maintenance of their gardens, and their experiences of integrating their personal life with their passion for plants. How they handle garden conflicts at home. Even their vacations are about plants.

The episode covers their innovative garden projects, their approaches to garden design and maintenance, and valuable gardening advice.

The couple also discusses the impact of extreme weather, working with limited resources, and fostering a love for gardening in their communities.

00:00 Introduction to The Garden Question Podcast

00:42 Meet the Plant Geeks: Adrian and John Rothling

01:47 Adrian's Journey to the South

02:59 How Adrian and John Met

04:18 Gardening Advice from Adrian and John

05:13 Introducing Their Gardens

06:53 Challenges and Historical Aspects of Their Gardens

14:27 Creative Projects and Innovations

21:34 Winter Projects and Community Engagement

25:08 Gardening Philosophy and Personal Stories

30:47 A Memorable Plant Mishap

31:28 Vacationing with a Green Thumb

33:51 Learning from Extreme Weather

36:40 Horticultural Discoveries and Challenges

40:10 Promoting Biodiversity in Gardens

42:31 Debunking Garden Myths

44:14 Personal Horticultural Journeys

46:14 Funny Garden Stories

49:54 Valuable Garden Mistakes

52:44 Future Garden Plans

53:52 Favorite Plants of the Week

55:22 Mentors and Inspirations

58:31 Connecting with the Rothlings

In this episode of The Garden Question Podcast, host Craig McManus converses with Jenny Simpson, co-owner of Creekside Nursery in North Carolina.

They delve into the concept of becoming a diligent student of your garden by understanding its unique conditions and adapting to the southeastern U.S. climate.

Jenny offers expertise on soil management, especially with red clay, and choosing suitable plants.

Topics include dealing with full sun gardens, the importance of knowing plant mature sizes, and tips for growing specific varieties like camellias and hens and chicks.

The discussion extends to the challenges faced by new gardeners in the area, the integral role of her family in their nursery business, and the significant impact of social media on their success.

Listeners are encouraged to engage in continuous learning, enjoy the creative aspects of gardening, and adapt their practices for a beautiful year-round garden.

Jenny Simpson meets people on their gardening journey and helps them grow, bloom, and thrive both in their garden and life!

In this episode we talk about how being a student of your garden puts you on a track to success.

Jenny & Jerry Simpson are growers and retailer of specialized plants that thrive in the often-challenging climate of the southeastern United States.

Their Creekside Nursery, Inc. is an all-hands-on deck family operation located in the serene countryside outside Dallas, NC.

As a Proven Winners' Destination Garden Center, they offer the region’s largest selection of Proven Winners' plants. 

Jenny creates and publishes 5 very informative garden videos a week. You will want to follow Jenny’s family adventures along with 75,000+ followers @GardeningwithCreekside on YouTube.

Time Line

00:00 Welcome to The Garden Question Podcast

00:41 Meet Jenny and Jerry Simpson

01:59 Understanding Your Garden

03:02 Challenges of Southern Gardening

04:01 Soil and Planting Tips

09:16 Exciting New Plant Varieties

19:43 Dealing with Deer in Your Garden

23:34 The Journey of Creekside Nursery

26:36 Post-Pandemic Garden Center Boom

27:13 Challenges of Attracting Customers to a Rural Nursery

27:59 Embracing Social Media for Business Growth

29:24 Family Involvement in the Nursery Business

32:09 Engaging the Younger Generation in Gardening

37:15 Tips for Successful Garden Design

40:34 Debunking Garden Myths

41:16 Personal Gardening Memories and Stories

43:14 Influences and Lessons in Gardening

49:32 Future Garden Plans and Connecting with the Community

Mike and Judy Cunningham are harvesting the last summer crops at Country Gardens Farm.

Fall gardening is just beginning. Mike takes a break to talk about his favorite time of the year in the garden.

Some of the things you will discover in this episode are the best practices Mike implements for soils, plant selections, and timing. All important for a successful fall harvest.

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 with lots of input from Judy authored his successful "Seven Steps to an Organic Vegetable Garden"

You will remember Mike's openness in sharing his successful methods for growing good food in our inaugural episode 001 of "The Garden Question" Podcast.

This episode 073 “Fall Organic Vegetable Gardening” an edited and remix version of episode 017 with Mike Cunningham. 

Fall Vegetable Gardening Wisdom with Mike Cunningham

Exploring the Essentials of Fall Organic Vegetable Gardening with Mike Cunningham

The Garden Question podcast, hosted by Craig McManus, features successful organic farmer Mike Cunningham, who shares expert insights into fall gardening.

Mike and his wife Judy, who run the organic Country Gardens Farm, discuss best practices for soils, plant selections, and timing for a successful fall harvest.

Additionally, Mike shares tips on protecting plants from cold weather, differences between summer and fall crops, and methods for extending the growing season. This episode, an encore and remix, is packed with valuable information for both novice and experienced gardeners.

00:00 Welcome to The Garden Question Podcast

00:41 Meet Mike and Judy Cunningham

01:53 Why Plant a Fall Vegetable Garden?

03:08 Protecting Plants from Cold Weather

04:21 Differences Between Fall and Summer Crops

04:55 Planting Onions and Garlic for Spring Harvest

07:17 Understanding Days to Maturity (DTM)

08:40 Best Practices for Planting Fall Crops

14:00 Growing Carrots in the Fall

16:02 Container Gardening Tips

17:18 Growing Leafy Greens in Containers

19:41 Other Fall Crops to Consider

23:06 Dealing with Pests in the Fall Garden

26:22 Organic Remedies for Caterpillars

27:22 Dealing with Aphids and Four-Legged Pests

29:28 Importance of Soil Health

30:57 Fertilizing Your Fall Garden

34:19 Planting and Caring for Transplants

37:56 Winter Cover Crops and Soil Maintenance

40:19 Handling Plant Debris

42:11 Farm Events and Activities

44:57 Learning from the Garden

47:46 About Country Gardens Farm

49:40 Conclusion and Podcast Information

In this episode of The Garden Question podcast, host Craig McManus interviews accomplished garden designer Troy B Marden.

Troy shares his incredible journey in horticulture that began at the age of 14 and includes notable experiences at public gardens such as Calloway Gardens and Longwood Gardens.

Now based in Nashville, Troy discusses his successful career in garden and floral design, his role on the hit gardening show Volunteer Gardener, and his current ventures in leading garden tours worldwide.

Throughout the episode, they cover garden myths, Troy's favorite gardening spots, and the importance of soil management.

They also explore the dynamics of garden design, the joy of successful gardening, and invite listeners to find inspiration in their own garden experiences.

00:00 Introduction to The Garden Question Podcast

00:42 Meet Troy B Marden: A Journey in Horticulture

02:44 Troy's Dream Garden in Northern Italy

05:13 Designing and Building Gardens: Client Relationships

09:46 Transition to Leading Garden Tours

13:19 Exploring International and Domestic Gardens

25:23 Volunteer Gardener TV Show: A Tennessee Staple

31:17 Introduction to Jason and His Inspirational Gardening

32:46 Evolution of Trial Gardens

34:36 Public Gardens in Tennessee

35:57 Undiscovered Gardens in the United States

38:44 The Importance of Soil Management

39:58 Personal Gardening Philosophy

43:58 Debunking Gardening Myths

44:57 Native vs. Non-Native Plants Debate

47:25 Early Gardening Memories

49:12 Pursuing a Career in Horticulture

52:39 Valuable Gardening Mistakes

55:47 Current Plant Obsessions

56:38 Weeds and Garden Challenges

58:22 Continuous Learning in Gardening

59:27 Connecting with Troy B Marden

59:45 Conclusion and Podcast Outro

Janet Draper gets to play in the dirt and talk to people from around the world.

This is her 25th year as the sole horticulturalist for Smithsonian’s Mary Livingston Ripley Garden.

This tiny 1/3 of an acre garden is located on the National Mall and in Washington, DC. The garden is open to visitors 24 hours a day. 

Due to the nearly constant events occurring within a stone’s throw, and major construction on aging buildings, the challenges of keeping the gardens looking good can be daunting.  

Janet goal is to make the garden interesting day to day by creating displays that educate and stimulate people to go outside and plant something.

00:00 Introduction to The Garden Question Podcast

00:42 Meet Janet Draper: Horticulturist at Smithsonian's Ripley Garden

01:07 The Unique Challenges of Maintaining the Ripley Garden

03:15 The History and Accessibility of the Ripley Garden

07:15 Innovative Plant Displays and Horticultural Techniques

09:56 Logistics and Seasonal Planning in the Ripley Garden

16:47 The War on Mulch: Best Practices and Misconceptions

19:37 Spontaneous Garden Design and Seasonal Decorations

23:14 Lessons from Failures

23:29 Finding Inspiration

24:15 Perennial Plant Association

26:05 Adventurous Gardening

26:30 Challenging Garden Myths

27:47 Earliest Garden Memories

28:49 Pursuing Horticulture

29:30 Funny Garden Stories

31:09 Influential Mentors

33:53 Valuable Garden Mistakes

35:11 New Horticultural Discoveries

36:20 Life in the Garden

37:29 Community and Gardening

40:09 Current Plant Obsessions

42:30 Connecting with Janet Draper

43:18 Conclusion and Podcast Info

This episode of The Garden Question podcast features an in-depth discussion with Janet Draper, the horticulturalist of the Mary Livingston Ripley Garden in Washington, D.C. Host Craig McManus and Janet explore the unique challenges and opportunities of maintaining this small but rich garden space on the National Mall. They discuss its history, the plant varieties used, and Janet's creative approach to garden design. Janet shares her insights on creating year-round interest, the importance of horticultural education, and her personal experiences, including her inspiration, influential mentors, and memorable stories from her career.

173 - Embracing Naturalistic Planting Designs - Jared Barnes

Naturalistic planting design begins with understanding what roles certain plants play in nature.

One of the most useful concepts in a plants’ survival strategy is learning how to classify it on the Grimes Triangle.

This is a new concept for me. I don’t remember every hearing about this classification system or how it works.  

We talk about this and more in this episode 173 - Embracing Naturalistic Planting Designs - Jared Barnes, Ph.D. An encore and remixed presentation.

Dr. Jared started gardening when he was five years old. Since then, he has enthusiastically pursued how to best cultivate plants and cultivate minds. 

He currently fulfills those passions as an award-winning associate professor of horticulture at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX.   

He obtained his Ph.D. in horticultural science from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. He interned at The Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College. 

By traveling around the US and to eleven countries he has gained national and global horticulture perspectives.   

Jared educates the public with his weekly newsletter Plant-Ed and his monthly podcast Plantastic all found on his website Meristeam.  

His passion has been recognized by peers in interviews in Organic Gardening, Greenhouse Grower, AmericanHort Connect, Ken Druse’s Real Dirt, and Nursery Management. 

His articles have appeared in The American Gardener, Fine Gardening and Carolina Gardener.

00:00 Introduction to The Garden Question Podcast

01:20 Guest Introduction: Dr. Jared Barnes

02:43 Understanding Naturalistic Planting

06:07 The Grimes Triangle Explained

11:05 Applying Naturalistic Planting Techniques

16:11 Choosing and Managing Plant Species

31:41 Maintaining Naturalistic Plantings

36:38 Welcoming Biodiversity and Managing Weeds

38:03 The Importance of Patience in Gardening

39:51 Busting Garden Myths: Square Holes for Trees

42:54 The Future of Gardening and Horticulture

44:51 Early Garden Memories and Career Beginnings

51:28 Valuable Garden Mistakes and Future Plans

56:38 Student Projects and The Plantery

01:01:09 Podcasting and Sharing Knowledge

01:06:51 Final Thoughts and Connecting with Jared Barnes

You will be surprised how much your day-to-day gardening helps save our endanger plant species. In this episode Jennifer Ceska is determined to make native plants regular.

How to wake up native plants already on your land and learning to love the untidy. She explains why connecting people and grasses is essentials and why grasslands are so important.

Weaving as much diversity as we can get to create as much resilience we can get in the habitat

Jennifer Ceska is accredited Public Service and Outreach Faculty at the University of Georgia and has served since 1995 as Conservation Coordinator in the Science & Conservation Program of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, Athens.

She received her masters at UGA in horticulture with an emphasis on plant conservation. Her specialty is creating project driven professional networks and facilitating projects for endangered species recovery.

She has consulted with 14 states in developing their own conservation networks. Jennifer serves as project manager for the Georgia Plant Conservation Alliance, coordinating over 60 organizations contributing recovery actions to 105 critically imperiled plant species in Georgia.

This is a remixed encore episode.

Links for things talked about ---

State Botanical Garden of Georgia 

Connect to Protect

Connect to Protect Garden Guide

US Forest Service Gardening for Pollinators

National Wildlife Federation, Plant with a Purpose, gardening page

Georgia Plant Conservation Alliance 

Center for Plant Conservation, Rare Plant Academy

Baptisia arachnifera, Hairy Rattleweed profile

Rhus michauxii, Dwarf Sumac profile

00:00 Welcome to The Garden Question Podcast

00:48 Introducing Jennifer Ceska

02:19 Starting a New Garden Project

04:54 Top Native Plants for Your Garden

06:38 The Importance of Native Plants

12:34 Challenges and Solutions in Gardening

25:32 The Role of Fire and Herbicides

27:43 Success Stories in Plant Conservation

32:29 Exploring Botanical Gardens and Resources

33:36 The Role of Pollinators in Conservation

34:20 Conservation: Challenges and Hope

35:21 Gardening Tips and Practices

38:03 The Importance of Native Plants

39:28 Personal Gardening Memories

40:34 Choosing a Career in Plant Conservation

44:35 Mentors and Influences in Botany

46:39 Learning from Gardening Mistakes

48:17 Future Gardening Plans and Plant Love

55:33 Invitation to the State Botanical Garden of Georgia

56:38 Connecting with Jennifer Ceska