Episodes

Hell strips are tough—but they can also be some of the most interesting and visible spaces in a landscape. Hanna and Sarah talk about the challenges of planting between the sidewalk and street, from utilities, snow and salt to foot traffic, parking, visibility and corner-cutting. They also share plants that have worked in their own hell strips and ideas for making these spaces welcoming to neighbors and wildlife. For full show notes, including a list of all the plants we mentioned in this episo...

Is your landscape a mullet? You know the look: business in the front, party in the back! In this episode of the PlantNebraska Podcast, Hanna and Sarah continue their Parts of the Yard series by looking at the front, back, and side yards and how each space can serve a different purpose. The front yard is often the more public-facing space, but that doesn't mean it has to be formal or boring. The backyard might be where the parties, vegetable gardens, dogs, kids, grills, and gardening experiments...

Fall is for planting trees! In this episode, Hanna and Justin Evertson talk about some of their favorite trees and shrubs for fall color in Nebraska, from reliable red oaks and sugar maples to lesser-known gems like blackjack oak and shining sumac. Plus, they share tips for getting new trees established this fall. For full show notes, including a list of all the plants we mentioned in this episode, visit: https://plantnebraska.org/podcast Plant Sale Dates For early access to new episodes, pho...

In this episode of the PlantNebraska Podcast, Hanna and Sarah tackle some of the garden problems they've encountered and share how they decide which problems are worth fixing, which ones can simply be tolerated, and which ones call for a chainsaw. From flopping plants and excessive rain to weeds, irrigation, heat stress, and plants that refuse to bloom, this conversation is full of practical problem-solving strategies and plenty of personal gardening stories. For full show notes, including a l...

This week on the PlantNebraska Podcast, Hanna and Sarah welcome Master Gardener and PlantNebraska board member Meaghan Spitz. Whether you're growing vegetables, herbs, flowers, or native perennials, Meaghan shares practical advice for getting started without spending a fortune. Learn which plants are easiest from seed, which ones require patience, where to find unusual varieties, and why seed starting is more about experimentation than perfection. For full show notes, including a list of all th...

This week on the PlantNebraska Podcast, Bob joins Hanna and Sarah to share everything you need to know about collecting native plant seed. Learn how to tell when seed is ripe, how to clean and store it properly, and simple tricks that improve germination success. Whether you're collecting coneflowers, penstemons, milkweeds, or even acorns, this episode is packed with practical tips you can use this season. For full show notes, including a list of all the plants we mentioned in this episode, vis...

Most gardeners own dozens of tools—but if we're honest, there are only a handful we reach for over and over again. Hanna and Sarah empty out their garden tool bags to share the tools they actually use every week. From classic favorites like trowels and pruners to surprising specialty tools, you'll hear what makes each one indispensable. For full show notes, including a list of all the plants we mentioned in this episode, visit: https://plantnebraska.org/podcast Plant Sale Dates For early acce...

Summer gardens are putting on a spectacular show, so we're taking a tour through what's blooming right now and what's just around the corner. In this episode, Hanna and Sarah share the plants bringing color to their own landscapes and offer ideas for extending color into late summer. From native prairie favorites to reliable garden classics, this plant list is full of ideas to keep your garden in full color through the summer heat. Help us make the podcast better! Tell us about your podcast lis...

Container gardening isn't just for annual flowers and tomatoes! In this episode, Sarah and Hanna are joined by conservation scientist Jeremie Fant from the Chicago Botanic Garden to explore growing native plants, perennials, shrubs, and even small trees in containers. Whether you're gardening on a balcony, patio, driveway, or in a small yard, you'll learn how container gardening can expand your growing space, support pollinators, and help you garden successfully in challenging conditions. Jerem...

In this episode of the Plant Nebraska Podcast, Hanna and Sarah explore the challenges and opportunities of designing around your home's foundation. From overgrown shrubs and river rock regrets to favorite plant choices and fire-wise landscaping tips, they share real-life examples from their own yards and practical advice for creating beautiful, functional spaces around your home. Don't forget to complete our listener survey—we want your feedback as we plan the future of the podcast! Help us mak...

What happens after your garden is established? In this episode of the Plant Nebraska Podcast, Hanna and Sarah walk through the full lifecycle of a landscape—from establishment watering and weeding to long-term management, tree care, and eventually refreshing aging gardens. They discuss how maintenance styles differ depending on your goals, why some plants earn extra attention, and how landscapes naturally evolve over time. Help us make the podcast better! Tell us about your podcast listening ex...

Gardening season is in full swing, and with it comes a lot of questions—especially when you're talking to nursery staff, educators, or fellow gardeners. In this episode, Hanna and Sarah break down common gardening terms so you can better understand advice, ask questions, and feel more confident in your garden decisions. This is Part 2 so be sure to check out Part 1 (episode 12 in June, 2022). Help us make the podcast better! Tell us about your podcast listening experience and we'll send you a ...

In this episode of the Plant Nebraska Podcast, Hanna and Sarah learn more about commercial composting. Audrey and Sasha from Hillside Solutions discuss efforts to turn food waste into a resource and make composting more accessible through curbside programs and partnerships with local farms. Melissa from Uribe Refuse Services shares how commercial composting works and its environmental benefits. Tune in for simple tips, real-world insight, and an encouraging reminder that small actions at home ca...

Ever show up at a plant sale with the perfect list… only to find your must-have plant is already gone? Hanna and Sarah are preparing for Spring Affair by helping you plan ahead for when the plant you carefully researched is sold out. Learn how to plan smart substitutions, ask the right questions at the nursery, and still leave with plants that will thrive in your garden. For full show notes, including a list of all the plants we mentioned in this episode, visit: https://plantnebraska.org/podca...

In this episode, Hanna and Sarah revisit one of the very first topics ever covered on the podcast: preparing a new perennial garden bed. With a few more years of experience under their belts—working in their own yards and on public projects—they’re bringing back the original advice along with some new tricks, lessons learned, and a little extra nuance. The big takeaway? Use the cool days of early spring to get your beds ready before your spring plant purchases fill your driveway. Your future gar...

In this episode, Hanna and Sarah welcome Jason “the Bird Nerd” to talk about how gardeners can make their yards more welcoming to birds. From native plants and insect habitat to brush piles, feeders, and even light pollution, the conversation explores how a healthy garden ecosystem naturally supports birds. Jason St. Sauver joins us from the Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center. For full show notes, including a list of all the plants we mentioned in this episode, visit: https://plantnebraska.or...

In this reprisal of one of our very early episodes, we revisit spring cleanup with the added tricks and nuance we’ve learned along the way. It’s all about pacing yourself instead of rushing into full cleanup just because of a warm day. Early spring is the perfect time to tackle the less pleasant jobs (hello, mushy leaves and grass cutting) while the weather is still cool and the bugs aren’t out yet. Work with the season, not against it — protect emerging plants, support habitat, and make the mo...

Snow may not be the first thing you think about when designing a garden—but maybe it should be. In this episode, Hanna and Sarah dig into the often-overlooked topic of designing landscapes for winter functionality, especially when snow, ice, and de-icers come into play. For full show notes, including a list of all the plants we mentioned in this episode, visit: https://plantnebraska.org/podcast For early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. F...

Bob Henrickson is back for our annual Great Plants of the Great Plains episode! Every year he uses this program to highlight plants that are overlooked and underutilized by the nursery and landscape industry. Nominated by and voted on by industry members, these are trees, shrubs, and perennials that deserve a consideration when looking for something to plant this spring. For full show notes, including a list of all the plants we mentioned in this episode, visit: https://plantnebraska.org/podcas...

We made it to 100 episodes! We're sharing 10(ish) things we have learned over the last 3 years of podcasting and almost 10 years of helping new gardeners plant native plants through the Bloom Box program. For full show notes, including a list of all the plants we mentioned in this episode, visit: https://plantnebraska.org/podcast For early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to po...

We're kicking off the holiday season with our annual book review and gift guide! Michelle DeRusha joins us and we share some of the garden related books we read this year (or are looking forward to reading). We also share our list of gift ideas for the gardener in your life, or for your own wish list. For full show notes, including a list of all the plants we mentioned in this episode, visit: https://plantnebraska.org/podcast For early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scene...

In this special gratitude-themed episode of PlantNebraska, we hand the microphone over to you—our members, arboretum partners, volunteers, and community growers. We asked for stories about what you’re thankful for when it comes to trees, native plants, and the landscapes you steward. Join us as we highlight the shared work that makes our Nebraska communities stronger and more resilient. For full show notes, including a list of all the plants we mentioned in this episode, visit: https://plantneb...

Welcome to the Plant Nebraska Podcast! (formerly known as Bloom Box: Growing Deeper) In this first official episode under our new name, hosts Hanna and Sarah are talking about plants they love—but whose common names make it hard to convince others to plant them. From “swamp milkweed” to “sneezeweed,” we’re rethinking names that don’t do justice to beautiful, beneficial native plants. Tune in for stories about language, plant history, and a few of our not-so-successful renaming attempts (looking ...

We’re thrilled to share some big news with you: the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum is now PlantNebraska! This new name reflects who we are today—rooted in Nebraska and growing for generations to come—and makes our mission clearer, more welcoming and easier for new people to discover. What’s staying the same: Your favorite programs, resources and events Our statewide network of arboretums and public gardens Our mission: we plant Nebraska for healthy people, vibrant communities and a resilient ...