The Garden Question

In this episode we talk with award-winning garden designer Nick McCullough.

He has developed a distinctive style he calls Midwest Modern, one that relies on a balance of natural paving and innovative perennial plantings. 

Based in Ohio, he and his team at McCullough’s Landscape & Nursery create and maintain plant centric gardens in and around the Midwest that are both ecologically sensitive and family-forward. 

His first book American Roots which he co-authored with his wife Allison and Teresa Woodard has recently been published by Timber Press.   

This is episode 151 – American Roots: A Conversation with Nick McCullough on the Garden Question Podcast.

Unveiling Nick McCullough's Gardening Philosophy

In episode 151 of The Garden Question Podcast, host Craig McManus interviews award-winning garden designer Nick McCullough, exploring his distinctive 'Midwest Modern' gardening style that combines natural paving with innovative perennial plantings.

McCullough talks about his design process, his plant-centric approach, his company's operations in Columbus, Ohio, and his passion for containers inspired by his travels.

He also discusses his love for texture over color in the garden, breaking conventional gardening rules, and the influence of his artistic background on his work.

Additionally, McCullough touches on his book, 'American Roots', co-authored with Allison McCullough and Teresa Woodard, which showcases 20 unique gardens across the United States, emphasizing the diversity and creativity of American gardeners.

The podcast highlights the importance of low-maintenance, environmentally-conscious gardening options like gravel gardens, the value of repurposing materials, and the concept of rewilding.

McCullough's personal gardening experiences, inspirations, and future plans are also shared, offering listeners an in-depth look at his holistic approach to designing, building, and growing smarter gardens.

00:00 Introduction to the Garden Question Podcast

00:41 Meet the Guest: Award-Winning Garden Designer Nick McCullough

01:30 Understanding Nick's Gardening Design Style

01:56 Inside Nick's Company: McCullough's Landscape and Nursery

02:44 The Art of Designing and Growing Container Gardens

03:32 Exploring the Importance of Texture in Gardening

06:12 Breaking the Rules in the Garden

07:56 The Art of Repurposing in Gardening

08:57 Unveiling the Book: American Roots

13:03 Exploring the Concept of Rewilding

14:09 The Journey of Writing the Book: American Roots

15:48 Behind the Scenes of a Typical Garden Shoot

17:47 Garden Photography Tips and Tricks

18:38 The Future of American Roots

19:27 Garden Design Philosophy

19:54 Container Gardening and Watering Techniques

20:59 Gardening Memories and Influences

22:54 The Horticulture Profession and Personal Garden

23:58 Gardening as a Fine Art

25:12 Influences and Future Plans for the Garden

26:07 Gardening Mistakes and Lessons

28:13 Gardening Love and Future Plans

32:24 Connecting with Nick McCullough

32:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Gardening is not just for adults. In fact, getting kids involved in gardening can have a multitude of benefits for their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Gardening has the power to transform children's lives and instill in them a love for the outdoor world and healthy living. It provides opportunities for learning, growth, and community engagement.

To understand the importance of this, we have the opportunity to chat with Em Shipman, the Executive Director of Kids Gardening .

In this conversation, Em shares her insights on why it is important to get kids involved in gardening, the benefits of gardening for kids, and the challenges facing educators, parents, and caregivers.

Her vision is grounded in the principles that children are on their way to realizing their full potential when they have access to healthy food, hands-on outdoor play, and learning opportunities.

Em has also worked as a professional gardener and garden designer. She spends all of her free time (and then some) digging in the dirt.

Em resides in an old school house in Vermont with her two boys and wonderful garden soil.

00:04 Introduction to the Garden Question Podcast

00:42 The Importance of Gardening for Kids

01:08 Interview with Em Shipman, Executive Director of Kids Gardening

02:14 The Benefits of Gardening for Kids

06:22 Challenges in Implementing Gardening for Kids

09:15 How to Get Involved in Kids Gardening

11:06 Educational Resources for Gardening with Kids

12:32 Gardening Activities for Kids

17:40 Community Involvement in Gardening

19:06 Kids Gardening Month

20:24 Gardening Tips and Lessons Learned

31:21 Conclusion: The Joy of Gardening with Kids

Christy Wilhelmi shares valuable insights for building and maintaining an organic home food garden.

Up to 80 percent of her family's produce comes from less than 300 square feet of her own garden.

We discuss her approach to designing gardens while understanding a gardener's specific needs and objectives.

Christy explains the importance for selecting appropriate materials and proper choices of soil, seed, and irrigation for a flourishing garden.

In addition, she addresses certain common misconceptions and shares the key lessons she's learned in her gardening journey.

Christy is the chief garden nerd and founder of the Gardenerd brand which is the home of abundant gardening resources.

She publishes newsletters, her popular blog, a top-ranked podcast, and YouTube videos. Her specialties are spreading the garden word to her clients and the world with small-space, organic vegetable garden design, consulting, and classes.

Much of Christy’s expertise to help you better plan and maintain your garden is captured in the online courses she’s developed. The waiting list for her new Garden Planning course.

She is the author of Gardening for Geeks , 400+ Tips for Organic Gardening Success, Grow Your Own Mini Fruit Garden  and her debut novel Garden Variety  with a sequel on the way.

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For 40 years the Square Foot Gardening method has been transforming traditional gardening practice around the world. It is known as a highly efficient method of growing food in small spaces.

In this episode of The Garden Question Podcast, we talk with Steve and Laura Bartholomew. They continue to spread the gardening legacy of Steve's father, Mel Bartholomew, the creator of Square Foot Gardening.

We learn how Mel’s vision continues through the Square Foot Gardening Foundation. We also discover how the foundation helps all gardeners learn to create their own sustainable, sufficient, and reliable food source.

From the beginning Mel’s book captured how to “Grow more food with less space”. This simple and highly productive message led it to becoming the world’s number one selling gardening book of all time.

Let's dive into the successful knowledge-filled conversation that unfolds in Episode 148 - Square Foot Gardening: Growing More Food with Less Space with Steve and Laura Bartholomew on the Garden Question Podcast.

The Square Foot Gardening Foundation has given us a 20% off coupon for their online comprehensive Square Foot Gardening Methods Course. If you’re interested go to episode page 148 and get the 20% off Coupon. This is not an affiliate link and we are not being compensated for you using the coupon.

In today's enlightening discussion, Charlotte Ekker Wiggins takes us on a journey through the fascinating intersection of beekeeping and gardening. She breaks down the perceived barriers between these two practices and highlights their inherent connections. Get ready to explore the importance of pollinators and the balance required to nurture their environment.

We'll delve into the secrets of Bluebird Gardens, a place Charlotte fondly describes as a hub for 'murder, mayhem, and mysteries,' where diverse creatures and plants coexist in harmony. Charlotte emphasizes the need for beekeepers to understand the intricacies of plant life, and for gardeners to grasp the fundamentals of pollination.

Charlotte is a Certified Master Beekeeper and Master Gardener Emeritus. She has turned a seemingly barren Missouri hillside into an award-winning haven for both bees and blooms.

Her garden, aptly named Bluebird Gardens, not only thrives against all odds but has also transformed into a certified wildlife habitat and Monarch Way station. But that's just the tip of the iceberg! Charlotte is also an author and runs a custom gift business inspired by her sustainable practices.

Charlotte shares insights into the captivating swarming process in honeybee colonies and unveils potential educational resources for aspiring beekeepers.

Charlotte's Books

"A Beekeeper's Diary; ​Self-Guide to Beekeeping 2nd Edition"

"Bee Club Basics; How to Start a Bee Club" 2nd Edition

"Bees Need Flowers; Planting for Pollinators" Coming Soon!

Time Line

00:04 Introduction to the Garden Question Podcast

00:39 Meet the Host and Today's Guest: Charlotte Ecker Wiggins

00:42 Exploring the Intersection of Beekeeping and Gardening

01:08 The Secrets of Blue Bird Gardens

01:34 Charlotte's Journey as a Master Beekeeper and Gardener

02:33 The Importance of Understanding Plant Life for Beekeepers

03:21 The Role of Pollinators in the Garden Ecosystem

03:45 The Myth of the Peaceful Garden

05:10 The Role of Honeybees in Gardening

06:14 The Importance of Planting for Pollinators

09:40 The Connection Between Gardening and Beekeeping

12:00 The Role of Birds in a Healthy Bee Population

15:35 The Importance of Soil in Gardening and Beekeeping

16:46 The Challenges and Rewards of Beekeeping

19:32 The Role of Bees in the Garden Ecosystem

32:23 The Importance of Understanding Bee Behavior for Beekeepers

38:01 Understanding the Life of Bees

38:31 The Role of a Beekeeper

39:08 The Concept of Bee Space

39:44 The Process of Bee Swarming

39:50 The Life Cycle of a Queen Bee

40:41 The Fascinating Process of Bee Colony Decision Making

41:11 Understanding Swarm Cells and Supersedure Cells

41:58 The Journey of a Bee Swarm

45:14 The Role of Bee Clubs

47:17 The Importance of Beekeeping Education

53:25 The Importance of Understanding Soil in Gardening

01:01:54 The Connection Between Bees and Gardening

01:08:17 The Importance of Patience in Gardening

01:11:47 The Role of Observation in Gardening

Herbs have been around forever, but how well do you understand them? In this episode we have a conversation with Kim Roman.

Kim Roman shares her expertise, derives from her forthcoming book "Growing Herbs for Health, Wellness, Cooking, and Crafts."

We talk about various topics concerning growing, using, and appreciating herbs.

How do you differentiate culinary herbs from medicinal ones,

the overlapping roles of herbs and spices,  

understanding botanical names,

keys to successfully growing herbs,

turning herbs into elegant and practical crafts,

creating herb oils, mocktails, and understanding tisanes.

We also touch on the role of an herbalist, maintaining and promoting wellness with herbs, and common and unique uses for herbs in cooking and garnishing.

Time Line

00:04 Introduction to the Garden Question Podcast

00:42 Understanding the World of Herbs with Kim Roman

01:07 Distinguishing Between Culinary and Medicinal Herbs

01:19 The Importance of Botanical Names in Herbology

01:25 Keys to Successfully Growing Herbs

01:38 The Role of an Herbalist and Wellness with Herbs

01:57 Understanding Culinary Herbs vs Medicinal Herbs

03:07 The Overlapping Roles of Herbs and Spices

04:00 The Importance of Knowing Your Plant

05:07 Key Elements for Successful Herb Growing

06:00 The Art of Container Gardening

08:34 Understanding the Herb Spiral

12:19 Choosing the Right Herbs for Your Garden

13:45 Understanding Plant Profiles

17:14 Harvesting and Processing Herbs for Optimal Results

25:27 Creating Herb Oils, Mocktails, and More

26:46 Cooking with Herbs: Tips and Tricks

31:16 Creating Herb-Forward Cocktails and Mocktails

32:11 Creating Unique Cocktails with Herbs

33:24 The Rise of Mocktails and Health Consciousness

33:58 Understanding Tisanes and Herbal Teas

34:47 The Role of Herbs in Wellness and Illness Prevention

36:11 The Role and Importance of an Herbalist

40:14 Crafting with Herbs: The Rosemary Wreath

42:03 Introducing the Book: Growing Herbs for Health, Wellness, Cooking, and Crafts

47:36 The Value of Starting Small in Gardening

48:17 The Reality of Gardening: Not Everything Goes Right

54:47 The Importance of Latin Names in Gardening

54:57 The Beauty and Peace Found in Gardening

55:41 Learning from Gardening Mistakes: The Importance of Studying Your Land

57:42 The Love for Unique Plants: The Golden Dragon Fruit

58:14 Connecting with the Gardening Community

58:57 Conclusion: The Joy and Lessons of Gardening

Dry shade is often a challenge in creating a successful garden. Such conditions require careful plant selection and insights. Hayes Jackson believes "there's a plant that loves that spot no matter how bad or how difficult you think it is."

Hayes is a self-professed plant geek, urban regional agent with Alabama Cooperative Extension System and Director of the new Longleaf Botanical Gardens in Anniston, Alabama.

He loves exploring local native woodlands, the hill country of Texas, and internationally for the next fascinating plant.

We delve into personal gardening stories, favorite plants, and future plans for new Longleaf Botanical Gardens along with a deep-dive into the world of horticulture.

Hayes shares his valuable insights, practical experiences, and unique philosophies on gardening.

00:02 Introduction to The Garden Question Podcast

00:41 Understanding Dry Shade Gardening

01:02 Interview with Hayes Jackson: A Plant Geek

02:00 Creating Dry Shade Gardens: Challenges and Solutions

04:31 Exploring Plant Options for Dry Shade Gardens

06:31 Ground Covers and Bulletproof Plants for Dry Shade Gardens

08:50 Winter Blooms and Blooming Sequence in Gardens

11:58 Growing Palms in Dry Shade Gardens

17:04 Becoming a Plant Geek: A Personal Journey

19:24 Longleaf Botanical Gardens: A Plant Geek's Paradise

22:48 Garden Design Tips: Right Plant, Right Place

24:31 Overcoming Invasive Weeds in Natural Gardens

24:46 Creating Low Maintenance Gardens

25:01 Designing a Natural Garden: A Personal Story

26:13 Busting Garden Myths: Embracing Color and Texture

34:09 Gardening with Big Dogs: Challenges and Joys

35:26 Valuable Lessons from Gardening

37:38 The Impact of Climate Change on Gardening

40:01 The Joy of Plant Propagation and Sharing

44:15 The Challenges and Rewards of Maintaining a Mature Garden

45:13 The Fascination with Unique and Rare Plants

47:27 The Journey of a Patented Plant: Hydrangea Hay Starburst

48:47 Adapting Gardening Practices to Weather Conditions

49:44 Connecting with Hayes Jackson: Resources and Contacts

In episode 144 of the Garden Question podcast, host Craig McManus interviews Marianne Wilburn, a garden writer and expert.

opinion columnist for the American Horticultural Society's The American Gardener and is a contributing editor at GardenRant.com.

She authored the exciting book, Tropical Plants and How to Love Them, and her first book, Big Dreams and Small Gardens. Marianne's work has been featured in the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Better Homes and Gardens. In this episode, we talk about challenging the norms that may be holding you back in your gardening endeavors.

Wilburn shares her insights on gardening and breaking free from conventional norms and constraints. They discuss dealing with garden centers' choices, HOA regulations, and the controversial norm of only using native plants.

Wilburn encourages listeners to embrace gardening as a transformative and creative experience and urges them to question the norm, understand the dynamics of ecosystems, and learn the adaptation of environmental changes.

They delve into the importance of visualizing the garden, nurturing it slowly, and using the trial-and-error process, further discussing how patience plays a critical role in cultivating a successful garden.

Wilburn also emphasizes the significance of nurturing real-world relationships with other gardeners, learning from them, and sharing knowledge and experiences.

00:03 Introduction to the Garden Question Podcast

00:41 Conversation with Mary Ann Wilburn: Unearthing Garden Wisdom

01:33 Challenging Norms in Gardening

01:52 The Debate: Native vs Non-Native Plants

02:21 Visualizing Your Garden: The Key to Success

02:38 Breaking Free from Conventional Gardening

03:04 Constraints in Gardening: A Discussion

03:33 The Impact of HOAs on Gardening

04:04 The Fear of Getting it Wrong in Gardening

05:20 The Role of Personal Taste in Gardening

09:20 The Debate on Native and Non-Native Plants

10:50 The Impact of Climate Change on Gardening

23:00 The Constraints of HOAs on Gardening

27:25 The Role of Turf in Gardening

33:53 The Evolution of Flora and Fauna

40:06 Understanding the Evolution of Life on Earth

40:33 Applying Evolutionary Concepts to Current Times

40:52 The Role of Adaptation in Species Survival

42:07 The Importance of Scientific Inquiry and Open-Mindedness

43:23 The Role of Humans in the Natural Order

44:34 Encouraging Open Conversations and Inquiry

45:47 The Art of Garden Design and Maintenance

50:52 The Importance of Patience and Stewardship in Gardening

55:22 The Journey of a Gardening Professional

58:20 Learning from Gardening Mistakes

01:03:30 The Value of Personal Relationships in Gardening

01:07:22 Exploring Garden Rant: A Platform for Garden Writers

In this episode of The Garden Question Podcast, host Craig McManus chats with Perla Sofía Curbelo Santiago, a professional gardener and communicator from Puerto Rico. They discuss the transformative power of gardening for stress relief, mental health, and overall physical well-being. With a background in psychology and a certification in horticultural therapy, Perla Sofía shares insights on stress management techniques and integrating gardening into one's lifestyle for health benefits. Perla Sofia also talks about her endeavors in spreading awareness about the benefits of taking a garden break, her recently published book '¡Verdura! Living a Garden Life', and her new website, MyGardenBreak.com.

Episode Page:

00:01 Introduction to the Garden Question Podcast

00:40 Meet the Guest: Perla Sofía Curbelo Santiago

01:00 Exploring the Transformative Power of Gardening

01:45 Perla Sofia's Background and Achievements

02:26 The Significance of Taking a Garden Break

03:22 Gardening and Stress Management

04:42 Creating a Garden for Personal Enjoyment

06:29 Gardening Inspired by Literature

11:52 Gardening as a Family Activity

14:12 Gardening for Teenagers

19:31 The Concept of Garden Life

22:12 Addressing Modern Stressors through Gardening

25:44 The Role of Biophilia in Modern Life

28:15 Introducing Verdura: Living a Garden Life

34:19 Creating a Green Space for Zoom Meetings

35:26 Organizing Your Legacy: Planning for Your Collections

39:29 Designing a Garden with Intention

40:37 Busting the Green Thumb Myth

41:32 Early Garden Memories and Pursuing Gardening as a Profession

46:29 Funny Garden Stories: The Pumpkin Paranoia

50:41 Valuable Gardening Advice and Influences

54:03 Learning from Gardening Mistakes and Discoveries

57:38 Attracting Wildlife to the Garden: Future Plans

01:01:04 Daily Gardening Routine and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Garden Question podcast, the host, Craig McManus, explores the practice of 'crepe murder'. He emphasizes the damage improper pruning can cause to crape myrtle trees, detaching their natural beauty and weakening their growth potential.

McManus suggests proper pruning techniques to maintain the tree's health and longevity, and urges listeners to educate themselves about the tree's natural growth habits.

The podcast listeners can expect discussions with successful garden designers and growers, helpful tips for healthier gardens, news updates, and a hope for a better 2024 for crape myrtles. He encourages listeners to share the podcast, subscribe on their favorite listening apps, and visit the podcast's website for more resources.

00:00 Introduction to the Garden Question Podcast

00:53 Understanding Crepe Murder

01:41 The Beauty of Crepe Myrtle Trees

02:14 The Harmful Effects of Crepe Murder

03:39 Proper Pruning Techniques for Crepe Myrtle Trees

05:04 Preventing Crepe Murder

06:25 The Importance of Education in Gardening

07:03 Recovering from Crepe Murder

07:36 Conclusion and Invitation to the Garden Question Podcast