We have a wide variety of topics on this episode of Garden Talk. First we take a look at the 2025 Green Thumb award winning plants, then we talk to the father of straw bale gardening, Joel Karsten, and finally a close up look at growing ferns.

We cover taking care of your lungs and breathing healthy air. We talk about reducing the amount of allergens in your home through design with Robin Wilson. Then, we cover radon testing with Michelle Schwoch. Finally, Dr. Jonathan Temte of the UW School of Medicine and Public Health talks about avoiding serious respiratory illness.

We talk to Olivia Campbell, author of “Sisters in Science: How Four Women Physicists Escaped Nazi Germany and Made Scientific History.” Then, Dean Klinkenberg shares insights from his book, “The Wild Mississippi: A State-by-State Guide to the River’s Natural Wonders.”

Veterinarian and regular guest Dr. Bill Stork returns to cover what to do if your dog catches a cold. Then, we talk about taking care of small exotic mammals like rabbits, hedgehogs and ferrets with Dr. Jennifer Boonstra, a veterinarian from Cambridge.

Many of us set personal goals for 2025; let’s not give up on them so soon. Author and UW-Madison professor Christine Whelan has advice on how to stay the course. Then, the Weather Guys return to talk about climate change on the Great Lakes and answer your weather-related questions.

Our first guest talks about the seasonal Orchid Escape display at Olbrich Gardens. And then our second guest gives us a sneak peak of the upcoming Orchid Quest show and helps answer your orchid questions.

After an 11-6 record, we ask Packers columnist Pete Dougherty why the 2024 Packers season feels disappointing. Then, author Jerry Dennis talks about his 20th anniverary edition of his book “The Living Great Lakes.”

We talk with Shannon Haydin and Allison Madison about reducing the use of salt in winter. Then Anders and Davin Lindwall join us for a conversation about their new film “Green and Gold.”

As tax season draws near, we talk with Mary Mellem of Ashwaubenon Tax Professionals about what you need to know ahead of filing your taxes. Then, Marty Nessman of the Wisconsin DNR explains why it’s important to regularly test your well water.

We take a look at design elements and plants that add winter interest. Then we’ll check in with DNR Forest Health Specialist Paul Cigan and end the show with a lesson on growing plants indoors.