The Garden Question

Do you often find it a challenging to grow perennials in the heat and humidity of the south?

In this episode we

talk with Kata Kress Wallace about the best ways to overcome those challenges.

It’s no secret that

perennials love the full sun, but what about those dry shady gardens? She’ll

shed some light on that.

Kata shares some

simple low maintenance techniques that will be well worth your efforts and she

also throws in a deer reptant fun fact.

Living in Durham North

Carolina Kata has the opportunity to interact with thousands of gardeners as

the southeastern product manager for Walters Gardens.

She has been closely

tied to the nursery industry all throughout her life. Her father owns a nursery

in Austria named Sarastro Stauden that specializes in unique and rare plants.

Kata came to the

United States interning at Plant Delights Nursery with Tony Avent after earning

a master’s degree in Geography and Spanish.

She also led

international crews at Hoffman

Nursery as

Garden Coordinator and production Supervisor responsible for producing millions

of grass liners.

In 2019 she received

the Young Professional Award from the Perennial Plant Association and was named

to the Greenhouse

Product News 40 Under 40 Class of 2020.

Time Line

00:00 Introduction to The Garden Question Podcast

00:41 Overcoming Challenges of Growing Perennials in the South

01:15 Meet Kata Kress Wallace: A Gardening Expert

02:29 The Popularity and Genetics of Perennials

03:19 Tips for Successful Perennial Gardening

04:45 Challenges and Solutions for Southern Gardeners

13:34 The Process of Introducing New Plants to the Market

20:40 Breeding and Trialing New Perennial Varieties

26:18 Deer Resistance and Dry Shade Gardening

29:41 Choosing the Right Perennials for Your Garden

30:46 Top Pollinator Plants to Consider

32:30 Heucheras: Tips and Tricks

34:48 Maintenance Practices for Perennials

38:34 Dividing and Replanting Perennials

40:07 Designing a Low-Irrigation Landscape

43:10 Personal Gardening Stories and Lessons

45:15 Insights on Horticulture and Gardening

52:13 Walter's Gardens and Final Thoughts

Color excites us more than any design element in the garden because it speaks emotionally to us.

In this episode we will dissect and learn how color speaks to us

in our garden. 

In this episode of 'The Garden Question' podcast, host Craig McManus discusses the role of color in gardening with Dr. Laura Deeter, a professor of horticulture at Ohio State University.  

Laura explains the science behind color perception, the impact of color in garden design, and how different lighting conditions affect our view of plant colors.  

She also shares practical advice on creating a year-round colorful garden, leveraging the color wheel, and considering plant features such as bark and fruit for visual interest.  

Additionally, Dr. Deeter touches on garden myths, automation in horticulture, and the importance of enjoying the beauty of one's garden. 

Dr. Laura Deeter received her PhD in horticulture from The Ohio State University where she is currently a Full Professor of Horticulture at Ohio State ATI in Wooster, OH.

She teaches a multitude of horticulture classes including: Woody

and Herbaceous Plant Identification, Landscape Design, Sustainable Landscaping,

Plant Health Management, Landscape Construction, and Ecology, to name a few.

Twice awarded the OSU Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching,

the Perennial Plant Association Teaching Award

the American Horticulture Society Teaching Award,

Perennial Plant Association Service Award,

a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Ohio Landscape Association

and Professor of the Year from Instructure.

She travels extensively around the country speaking on a variety

of topics ranging from taxonomy and nomenclature to shade gardens, design,

color, and specialty gardens and plants.

At home she gardens on her tenth of an acre with her hubby, four

dogs, 100 pink plastic flamingos and counts her 300+ species of perennials as

dear friends.

This is an encore and remixed episode.

Time Line

00:00 Introduction to The Garden Question Podcast

00:54 Meet Dr. Laura Deeter: Horticulture Expert

02:29 Understanding the Color Red in Gardens

04:01 The Complexity of Color Perception

05:30 Seasonal Color Planning for Your Garden

08:00 Incorporating Woody Ornamentals and Annuals

14:58 The Role of Lighting in Garden Color

23:00 Using Green as a Neutral Backdrop

26:22 Personalizing Your Garden with Color

27:48 Exploring Color Preferences in Gardening

28:57 Breaking Away from Traditional Garden Designs

31:05 Debunking Common Garden Myths

32:49 Personal Gardening Memories and Influences

36:51 Challenges and Mistakes in Gardening

45:44 Innovations and Future of Horticulture

47:11 Final Thoughts and Connecting with Dr. Laura Deter

When Southern Living’s The Grumpy Gardener speaks gardeners listen.

For more than 40 years Steve Bender has strived to make gardening fun. His writings about southern gardens and his hands in the dirt experiences are sought after by beginning and expert gardeners.  

Steve takes great joy in answering your garden questions every day at Southern Living Blog  and The Grumpy Gardener on Facebook .

Steve is quoted often. Usually in distain tones since he coined the term “Crape Murder”.

 His book Passalong Plants, co-authored with Felder Rushing, was named the best written garden book of 1994 by The Garden Writers of America

His new book, “The Grumpy Gardener,” is an amusing and informative guide to plants culling from a compilation of “Grumpy Gardener” blog posts, selected articles from Southern Living, mixed in with a lot of new stuff.

During his tenure at Southern Living, Steve edited a number of gardening books for Southerners, including The Southern Living Garden Book.

This is an encore and remixed episode. 

00:00 Introduction to The Garden Question Podcast

00:38 Meet Steve Bender: The Grumpy Gardener

02:05 Planning Your Garden: Tips from Steve

02:58 The Importance of Planting for Mature Size

07:21 Lawn Care Insights: To Mow or Not to Mow

11:46 Watering Wisdom: Keeping Your Garden Hydrated

13:38 Navigating Regional Gardening Challenges

16:11 Understanding Climate Zones and Microclimates

25:33 The Truth About GMOs in Gardening

29:51 Steve's Earliest Garden Memory

31:26 A Childhood Rooted in Gardening

32:53 From Hobbyist to Garden Communicator

34:37 Joining Southern Living Magazine

36:37 Memorable Gardens and Inspirations

38:35 Books and Writing Career

42:30 Funny Garden Stories

47:34 Influences and Mistakes

56:29 Favorite Plants and Final Thoughts

Denise Schreiber provides an in-depth guide on how to preserve an abundant vegetable garden harvest through various methods such as canning (both pressure and water bath), dehydration, and freezing in this week’s episode.

She discusses the pros and cons of different preservation techniques, shares practical tips, and highlights notable canning equipment and safety practices.

Additionally, Denise goes over essential tools, recommended recipes, and personal anecdotes about the importance of cleanliness in preserving food.

She also offers advice on planning, tools needed, and innovations in food preservation.

Denise Schreiber is the author of "Eat Your Roses, Pansies, and Lavender and 49 Other Delicious Flowers". She is a national speaker, a retired ISA Certified Arborist, and an All-America Selections Trial Judge. Denise is also a member of GardenComm. Known as Mrs. Know It All from The Organic Gardeners on KDKA radio, you can follow her on Facebook at Mrs. Know It All.

00:00 Welcome to The Garden Question Podcast

00:42 Meet Denise Schreiber: Expert in Food Preservation

02:12 Introduction to Food Preservation Techniques

04:08 Canning Methods and Safety Tips

15:13 Essential Tools for Canning and Preserving

22:53 Favorite Vegetables and Recipes for Canning

26:34 Wine Jellies and Party Snacks

27:07 Favorite Preserving Recipes

27:48 Reliable Recipe Sources

29:15 Experimenting with Jams and Jellies

30:15 Canning Safety and Best Practices

32:27 Handling Breakage During Canning

34:02 Additives and Acidity in Canning

35:17 Storing and Labeling Canned Goods

43:28 Planning and Preparing for Canning Season

47:31 Innovations and Equipment in Food Preserving

50:44 Creative Canning Ideas and Stories

52:42 Connecting with Denise Schreiber

In this episode of The Garden Question Podcast, host Craig McManus interviews Shannon Currey, a horticultural educator and consultant with Izell Native Plants.

They delve into the distinctions between ornamental grasses and turf grasses, and the ecological benefits of using grasses and sedges in garden design.

Shannon provides insights into the growth cycles of warm season and cool season grasses, and offers practical advice on plant selection and maintenance.

The episode also touches on the importance of planting densely, the ecological value of grasses, and tips for gardeners in different zones.

Shannon shares her personal experiences and professional journey, aiming to inspire both novice and experienced gardeners to create beautiful, functional, and low-maintenance outdoor spaces.

Are you ready to try something new? Then grasses and sedges could be your next garden adventure.

You will find the opportunities for creating a rich layered interesting garden that serves more than an ornamental function.

Developing the whole ecological package. Improving the soil and developing a more aesthetically functionating garden are in your future.

We all need better solutions for suppressing weeds and gardening under trees. 

Shannon is a horticultural educator and consultant with Izel Native Plants.

She began her work life as a social scientist and then changed her career pursuit to horticulture at North Carolina State University.

Shannon joined Hoffman Nursery, a wholesale grower specializing in grasses, sedges, and other graminoids.

She has shared her advanced knowledge of graminoids in articles published nationally.

You will often find her speaking across the country to professional organizations, community groups, and at public gardens.

Shannon currently serves on the Perennial Plant Association’s Board of Directors and is on the North Carolina Plant Conservation Scientific Committee.

She was honored in 2020 with the Libby Wilder Award from the North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association.

In 2022 she joined Izel Native Plants to expand their education and outreach efforts.

00:00 Welcome to The Garden Question Podcast

01:11 Introducing Shannon Curry: Horticultural Expert

02:29 Understanding Ornamental and Turf Grasses

03:19 Exploring Sedges and Their Ecological Value

06:19 Warm Season vs. Cool Season Grasses

11:23 Grasses and Sedges in Garden Design

19:39 Practical Tips for Growing and Dividing Grasses and Sedges

24:47 Adapting Northern Gardening Principles to the Southeast

27:35 Mulch and Weed Management

27:52 Choosing the Right Plants for Your Climate

28:49 Starting Small and Experimenting

29:54 The Unique Qualities of Grasses and Sedges

30:18 Design Elements of Grasses

32:16 Seasonality and Maintenance of Grasses

34:05 Ecological Benefits of Grasses

34:57 Cutting Back and Dividing Grasses

37:33 Planting and Managing Grasses and Sedges

41:36 Common Garden Myths and Mistakes

42:03 Personal Gardening Experiences

48:53 Future Gardening Plans and Favorite Plants

50:16 New Horticultural Adventures

52:15 Final Thoughts and How to Connect

In Episode 166 of The Garden Question Podcast, host Craig McManus interviews landscape architect Preston Montague about creating impactful ecological landscapes.

Preston discusses using plants from diverse regions, the importance of understanding ecosystem relationships, and integrating native plants to enhance ecological function.

He describes his design philosophy rooted in resource savings and creating habitats for birds and pollinators, offering practical tips for garden enthusiasts.

The conversation covers Preston’s background, professional influences, and personal experiences, providing a comprehensive guide to thoughtful and sustainable landscape design.

In this episode Preston Montague talks about how to achieve positive ecological impacts with plants from all over the globe with structural elements that serve animals, insects and people.

It’s not just about native plants.

Understanding the relationships that compose an ecosystem and the keystone species that is important.

Learn how to back into landscape design and avoid the ultimate disappointments in a Static landscape.

Preston Montague is a landscape architect and artist who developed a passion for the natural world while growing up in the rural foothills of Virginia.

Currently, he lives in Durham, North Carolina working on projects that encourage stronger relationships between people and the natural world.

00:00 Introduction to The Garden Question Podcast

00:41 Episode Overview: Crafting Gardens with Preston Montague

01:48 Understanding Ecological Planning and Restoration

03:46 Designing with Ecological Sensitivity

07:30 Targeting Specific Species in Landscape Design

10:52 Bird-Friendly Landscaping Tips

18:58 Designing for Commercial Spaces

26:07 Challenges and Misconceptions in Ecological Design

29:09 Tracking Project Success in Landscape Architecture

29:50 The Dynamic Nature of Landscapes

30:40 Challenges with Static Landscapes

33:12 Ecological Design and Future Innovations

35:07 The Role of Professionals in Landscape Design

39:28 Addressing Garden Myths and Misconceptions

42:35 Personal Journey and Inspirations

49:01 Lessons Learned and Future Applications

55:31 Connecting with Preston Montague



In this episode of The Garden Question podcast, host Craig McManus interviews Felder Rushing, a celebrated horticulturalist and garden communicator.

The episode delves into the concept of 'Maverick Gardeners'—those who follow their own unique gardening practices regardless of trends.

Felder shares insights on slow gardening, planting under oak trees, and the psychology behind gardening.

He also discusses his book and the importance of connecting with nature through unconventional gardening methods. Listen for inspiring stories and practical tips for both novice and expert gardeners.

Mississippi native Felder Rushing is an 11th-generation Southerner.

After retiring from Mississippi State University

as a consumer horticulturist he spends half his year in his celebrated

Mississippi cottage garden and the other half in a small terrace herb garden in

Lancashire, England. 

Felder is a syndicated newspaper columnist, an online contributor

for HGTV, and hosts a weekly NPR garden program The Gestalt Gardener.

He has also been a writer, photographer, and editor for over a

dozen magazines including Horticulture, Fine Gardening, Better Homes and

Gardens, Landscape Architecture, Garden Design, and The National Geographic.

He is the author or co-author of 32 books, including several

national award winners.

You will find him regularly lecturing coast to coast and overseas.

The New York Times has featured Felder three times. Most

recently for forming and internationally promoting the all-senses, all-seasons

approach of Slow Gardening.

Southern Living Magazine featured Felder as one of

“twenty-five people most likely to change the South.”

Felder has served as a national director of the Garden Writers

Association, board officer of the American Horticulture Society and member of

the Royal Horticulture Society and the English Cottage Gardening

Association. 

Time Line

00:00 Introduction to The Garden Question Podcast

00:41 Meet Felder Rushing: The Maverick Gardener

02:31 Defining the Maverick Gardener

05:03 Exploring the Maverick Gardener Book

08:11 Gardening Styles and Personalities

17:50 The Concept of Slow Gardening

20:33 Winter Interest in Southern Gardens

25:54 Native vs. Exotic Plants Debate

31:31 Introduction to Garden Myths

32:06 Debunking Common Gardening Myths

32:46 The Hammerhead Flatworm Hysteria

34:03 The Controversy of Pruning Crape Myrtles

38:37 Horticulture vs. Gardening

43:38 The Simplicity of Gardening

45:23 Influential Figures in Gardening

52:11 Practical Gardening Tips and Stories

55:16 Connecting with Felder Rushing

Welcome to another exciting episode of The Garden Question. Today, we're venturing into the captivating realm of plant breeding, a topic that's as fascinating as it is innovative.

We all relish the joy of designing our own gardens, but have you ever dreamt of crafting your very own plants, tailored specifically for your garden? Well, buckle up because we're about to dive into this extraordinary world with an expert who's mastered the art of plant breeding.

In this episode, I'm thrilled to introduce you to David Roberts, a trailblazer in the horticultural universe.

David's journey is nothing short of inspiring.

Armed with a master's degree in horticultural science from the prestigious North Carolina State University, he embarked on a path that led him to a profound passion for ornamental plant breeding.

During his academic pursuits, he worked closely with esteemed mentors, Dr. Dennis Werner and Dr. Tom Ranney, honing his skills and nurturing his love for the art and science of plant breeding.

Here's where the story takes an exciting turn: Bailey Nurseries, Inc. recognized David's exceptional talent and enthusiasm, welcoming him into their family in 2015.

Since then, he's been the driving force behind Bailey Innovations, serving as the general manager and head plant breeder.

Currently, as the Director of Plant Breeding for Bailey Innovations, David oversees the breeding direction and orchestrates plant trials right from their nursery in the Winterville, GA.

Join us as we unravel the secrets behind the artistry of plant breeding, exploring David's experiences, insights, and the magic that happens at Bailey Innovations.

Prepare to be inspired, because today, you're in for a treat. Get ready to witness the bloom of creativity right here episode 164 - Creating New Fun Plant Varieties: The Art and Science of Breeding – David Roberts. An encore presentation.

In episode 164 of The Garden Question Podcast, host Craig McManus delves into the fascinating world of plant breeding with expert David Roberts.

He discusses the process and goals of plant breeding, the balance between aesthetics and performance, and the importance of trends and innovation in the field.

Listeners will learn about the journey of creating the Eclipse hydrangea, the role of happy accidents in plant breeding, and the potential future of gene-editing technologies like CRISPR.

Roberts also discusses exciting new plant varieties and the history of Bailey Innovations, a leader in plant breeding.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in horticulture, from novice gardeners to seasoned experts.

00:00 Introduction to The Garden Question Podcast

00:47 Exploring the World of Plant Breeding

01:17 Meet David Roberts: A Plant Breeding Pioneer

02:58 The Goals and Challenges of Plant Breeding

03:39 Trends and Innovations in Plant Breeding

05:56 The Science and Art of Plant Breeding

09:30 Happy Accidents in Plant Breeding

16:19 The Journey of Eclipse Hydrangea

25:16 Bailey Innovations: A Legacy of Excellence

29:30 Innovations in Hydrangea Breeding

30:31 Exploring the Potential of Vitex

33:07 Pollinators and Plant Breeding

36:56 Focus on Native Plants

38:01 Designing and Growing a Garden

42:09 Personal Journey into Horticulture

43:51 Influential Figures in Horticulture

46:04 Lessons from Gardening Mistakes

47:20 Global Production Practices

49:22 Florist vs. Garden Hydrangeas

52:43 Future Garden Vision

53:21 Current Plant Obsession

54:20 Connecting with David Roberts

Susan Mulvihill is passionate about growing vegetables! Her organic growing methods and pest control have yielded some mighty good eating.

She and her husband, Bill, live and garden on 5 acres in Spokane, Washington. Their large raised-bed garden where they grow all sorts of edible crops has been featured on the popular public television program, “Growing a Greener World” (episode 809 and 1202), hosted by Joe Lamp’l.

In the  last year Susan’s book, The Vegetable Garden Pest Handbook, has proven to be very popular nationwide. She is also the co-author of the Northwest Gardener’s Handbook.

Helping other gardeners be successful has driven Susan to produce and host over 400 hundred YouTube videos on her channel, Susan’s in the Garden. 

She is the longtime garden columnist for the Sunday edition of The Spokesman-Review in Spokane, Washington.

Been a Spokane County Master Gardener for 20 years.

Her website can be found at SusansintheGarden.com and contains resources for organic pest control along with many other guides designed for gardening success. 

This is a remix and encore presentation.

In this episode of The Garden Question Podcast, Susan shares her extensive experience with organic gardening and pest control, emphasizing the importance of integrated pest management (IPM), beneficial insects, and creating a diverse garden ecosystem.

Susan highlights practical organic solutions for pest problems and offers insights from her books, 'The Vegetable Garden Pest Handbook' and 'The Northwest Gardener's Handbook.'

Additionally, the episode covers the fascinating concept of insect hotels and the value of keeping a garden journal for continuous improvement.

Listeners will find Susan’s tips on soil health, garden planning, and the role of beneficial insects incredibly useful for maintaining a thriving garden.

00:00 Welcome to The Garden Question Podcast

00:40 Meet Susan Mulvihill: A Gardening Virtuoso

02:30 Tackling the Bug Dilemma: Strategies and Insights

06:48 Embracing Beneficial Insects: Attracting Good Bugs to Your Garden

08:59 Identifying Insects: Tools and Tips

12:56 Susan's Gardening Philosophy: Organic Methods and Pest Management

14:05 Creating Insect Hotels: A Sanctuary for Beneficial Bugs

20:14 Gardening Wisdom: Keeping a Journal and Learning from Experience

24:11 Susan's Earliest Gardening Memories and Her Garden Today

27:04 Exploring the Hoop House: Extending the Growing Season

29:37 Indoor Gardening: Growing Microgreens at Home

30:17 Gardening Lessons: Adapting to Weather and Soil Conditions

33:28 The Journey of a Garden Communicator

43:31 Gardening Challenges and Solutions

46:00 Advocating for Organic Gardening and Edible Landscapes

54:51 Future Gardening Projects and Organic Pest Control

56:14 Insights from the Vegetable Garden Pest Handbook

58:03 Connecting with Susan Mulvihill: Gardening Tips and Resources

Craig LeHoullier is known for many things in the tomato world. Some know him as the NC Tomatoman. Some know him as the fellow who named the very popular heirloom tomato Cherokee Purple.

To others, he is the author of two books Epic Tomatoes and Growing Vegetables

in Straw Bales.

Craig is the co-host of Tomatopalooza and a co-leader of the Dwarf

Tomato Breeding Project.

Around town in Henderson or Raleigh North, Carolina, you may know him as just the odd person with a garden where the driveway used to be.

Craig proclaims to be a tomato nut with a website, a blog, a newsletter, and a huge collection of tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants.

In reality Craig LeHoullier pursues with a passion heirloom tomatoes to help keep them

relevant.

This is episode 162, Cultivating Your Epic Tomatoes with Craig LeHoullier. An encore and remixed presentation of episode 046 on The Garden Question Podcast.

This episode of the Garden Question Podcast, hosted by Craig McManus, features Craig LeHoullier, an expert in heirloom tomatoes, to discuss the ins and outs of tomato cultivation, selecting varieties, and his contributions to tomato breeding, including the creation of Cherokee Purple, Cherokee Chocolate, and Cherokee Green varieties.

LeHoullier shares his passion for tomatoes, strategies for selecting the right varieties for different uses, the importance of community in gardening, and advice on gardening techniques.

Highlighting his experiences and lessons learned through decades of gardening, LeHoullier aims to inspire both new and experienced gardeners to explore the diversity and joy of growing tomatoes.

00:00 Welcome to The Garden Question Podcast

00:42 Meet Craig LaHoollier: The Tomato Virtuoso

02:13 Diving Deep into Tomato Varieties and Selection

04:55 Gardening Techniques and Challenges

10:02 Learning from Last Year's Garden

15:56 The Fascinating Story of Cherokee Purple

21:47 Tomato Color Mutations and Surprises

25:34 The Perishability and Seasonality of Produce

26:21 The Science Behind Supermarket Tomatoes

27:45 Embracing Seasonal Eating Habits

28:37 Journey to Writing 'The Epic Tomatoes'

32:27 The Dwarf Tomato Project: A Gardening Revolution

38:39 Gardening Mistakes and Learning Opportunities

41:07 Expanding the Garden Community

43:30 Reflecting on Gardening Influences and Memories

45:21 Engaging with the Gardening Community