Episodes

In this episode we talk with Brent Heath of Brent and Becky's Bulbs exploring the vibrant world of summer-blooming bulbs. He guides us through making the most out of our gardens with these colorful gems taking center stage. We cover selecting the right bulbs for various garden needs, planting techniques and soil preparation. Brent shares his wisdom of many growing seasons discussing the importance of compost, the handling of bulbs, and mulching. He addresses common problems such as moisture m...

In this episode we welcome Donna Balzer, an award-winning horticulturist, keynote speaker, and author with over three decades of experience in gardening. Donna's journey from her roots as a farmer's daughter with an agriculture degree to her current role as a media personality has equipped her with a wealth of knowledge in horticulture. In our conversation, Donna shares her expertise on a fascinating topic: Growing Winter Citrus. Despite traditional beliefs, her method enables individuals to su...

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 ...

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 th...

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 misco...

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...

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,' wher...

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 h...

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 internatio...

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 episod...

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 Sof...

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 de...

Host Craig McManus discusses the transformative power of gardening and the incredible impact they have on our lives with guest Jennifer Jewell. Jennifer is a garden advocate, author, and award-winning podcast and radio host, shares examples of how gardens influence our lives. She addresses the role of seed banks in preserving plant diversity, biodiversity threats from current agriculture practices, and the potential of gardeners to act as agents of positive change. She emphasizes embracing an...

Starting a garden isn't just about planting seeds and tending greens. It's a compelling journey that goes beyond the soil – a tale that’s not only visually enthrall but emotionally connect. To learn more about this horticultural expedition, we turned to an authority in conifers and ginkgo trees - Tom Cox, the creator along with his wife Evelyn of Cox Arboretum and Garden in Canton GA. Cox Arboretum and Garden, a renowned botanical hub situated in an ideal geographic zone, is a distinguished exa...

The vibrant red and green foliage of the poinsettia are familiar sights in homes around the world during the Christmas holiday season. But have you ever wondered how this exotic flowering plant from Mexico became a quintessential symbol of Christmas? It is a series of intriguing stories full of human drama, mysteries, secrets, challenges, and world domination. One story involves searching out wild poinsettias in the middle of two drug cartel-controlled territories. Craig McManus, your host of ...

We had the unique opportunity to interview Dr. Mel Koelling, a seasoned expert in the Christmas tree industry. With Christmas season on the horizon, there is no better time to learn about the fascinating world of Christmas tree farming and interesting stories. About Dr. Mel Koelling and Tannenbaum Farms Mel and his wife, Lori, have been growing thousands of trees annually at Tannenbaum Farms in Central Michigan. With over three decades of experience in the Department of Forestry at Michigan Sta...

In this Thanksgiving special episode of the Garden Question Podcast, host Craig McManus brings together a variety of influential guests from previous episodes to talk about what they are thankful for, both in the garden and in life. The episode kickstarts with Brent Heath, a flower bulb company owner, who shares his gratitude towards his family, God, and the freedoms of living in the U.S., Dan Benarcik, a horticulturalist, Kathy Jentz, editor of Washington Gardener magazine, Russell Camp, a hort...

Today's episode is an enlightening conversation with Shelley S. Cramm, the insightful author of "My Father is the Gardener." She writes regularly for her Devotions Blog at GardeninDelight.com, and speaks enthusiastically to garden clubs and faith groups about plants of the Bible and how to connect garden work and harvest joys in the Word of God Shelly’s background includes a Master of Architecture from University of Illinois, Chicago, work in architectural and garden design, leadership in loca...

Join us in this episode as we explore the harmonious blend of beauty and functionality in gardens. Molly Hendry is a Birmingham native whose expertise as a horticulturist and landscape architect has taken her across the globe. We'll unravel the fascinating tale of Molly's botanical adventures, from her prestigious role as the 2016-17 Royal Horticultural Society’s Interchange Fellow in the UK to her pivotal years shaping the future of Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Now, in 2023, Molly has plant...

In this episode passions collide and creativity blossoms with Dan Benarcik. A seasoned expert whose life has been a vibrant tapestry of horticulture, art, teaching, and design. Growing up surrounded by the aroma of blooms and saw dust, Dan inherited a deep love for plants and craftsmanship from his florist mother and home center entrepreneur father. Armed with a Bachelor of Science degree in Plant Science from the University of Delaware, Dan's journey led him to Mt. Cuba Center, where he culti...

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 intr...

Welcome to another fantastic episode. "Planting Bulbs, Harvesting Smiles," I'm your host, Craig McManus. Today we're diving into the vibrant world of bulbs with the one and only Brent Heath from Brent and Becky's Bulbs. Brent Heath is not just your average gardener; he's a renowned bulb enthusiast, a masterful storyteller, and the co-owner of the famous Brent and Becky's Bulbs. Nestled in the heart of Gloucester, Virginia, this family-owned business has been spreading the joy of gardening for g...

Heidi Heiland has been diligently leading and artfully expanding her landscape gardening company, Heidi’s Lifestyle Gardens as the CEO. That’s Chief Experience Officer since 1979. With the help of her expert team, they create award winning ecoscapes and nourishing encounters with nature for their customers. Her team brings holistic consultation, design, installation and site management to every project. They are achieving innovative landscape designs and earth connected garden management by a...

You will be happy that you listen to this episode before you plant your first plant. It begins with setting garden goals. Jeff Rugg is an educator at heart. For over 33 years he has written the weekly nationally syndicated newspaper column the Greener View. He taught the University of Illinois Master Gardener and Master Naturalist programs. He now teaches via the internet through his YouTube channel Greener View with over 300 videos with more coming. Many of the videos match the playlists o...