Gardening Simplified

Ever wonder if that bug in your yard is a friend or a foe? IPM, or Integrated Pest Management, is the best way to manage pests in the garden while being environmentally sensitive. It’s important to become familiar with the various insects that visit your garden so you can be aware of their role in your ecosystem. Learn all about beneficial insects and the positive impact they can have in your garden!

Gardening in the shade can be difficult, and trying to have color in shade can be even more so. Don’t worry, we’ve got you! Hear all about plants that provide color and brighten up those tough areas.

Bees love yellow and we love yellow! Yellow is a great color for brightening up the landscape and giving a cheerful appearance to any garden bed. In this episode, Stacey and Rick list a ton of plants with yellow flowers or yellow foliage that you can use in your garden.

Containers are a great way for you to experiment with new plants, color schemes, and design elements. Not to mention, they have fantastic space saving capabilities! Whether you like to go all out on containers, or have one cherished pot, we’ve got plant and care recommendations when it comes to container gardening.

There’s no better feeling than being able to go out to your own garden and harvest food you’ve grown yourself. Not only is it rewarding, but beneficial for you and the wildlife around you! Learn about some of the tasty and useful plants that you can incorporate in your landscape.

Incredible flowers, improved disease resistance, and foliage for every taste and space – whew! In this episode Stacey and Rick talk about plants you’ll want to keep an eye out for in garden centers in 2026.

An annual review of the plants in your landscape is similar to an annual review of workers at a place of employment. You're the boss. Which plants excelled? Which plants are put on the chopping block? Learn about factors that Stacey and Rick use to determine if a plant is going to stay in their gardens or not.

Good companions bring out the best in each other. That doesn’t mean they have to be similar, but that they support and boost-up one another. Learn how to pair plants like a pro in this episode!

Sharing space with wildlife is a necessity, and frequently a purpose, of a garden. Observing little animals is magical until you see them munching on your favorite flowers. Although rabbits are small, they can do a lot of damage! Hear about ways to help garden and coexist with these hoppy little creatures.

Some gardeners prefer their landscape to be tidy and well-kept, while others like their garden a little on the wild side. In this episode Stacey and Rick discuss what makes for an unruly garden and plants that can be the perfect rowdy contenders. In segment four, we interview Eric and Christopher from Grow For Me Gardening to talk about their very beautiful and very orderly garden. Plus hear about their new Hydrangea Handbook and design tips they’ve learned as their garden has grown.

Zone-pushing is attempting to plant and grow a plant that is one or two zones different from your current planting zone. It refers to pushing the boundaries of what is considered an appropriate planting location. Learn what plants are good contenders for zone-pushing, and ways you can create micro-climates in your garden to help be successful zone-pushing.

The National Invasive Species Council and the Invasive Species Advisory Committee define an invasive species as “a species that is non-native to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.” Stacey and Rick dispel misunderstandings, highlight problematic plants, and talk about what you can do to help combat the spread of invasive plants.

The more you garden, the more plants you kill, it’s an obligatory part of the journey. But just because a plant dies, doesn’t mean it isn’t worth another shot. Stacey and Rick discuss reasons why a first attempt may not be successful, but how you can learn and move forward from it.

We all know the benefits that come with gardening, but something we don’t often think about is how plants can help to save energy. Casting shade, providing windbreaks, and saving on water bills are just some of the ways you can utilize plants to help conserve energy. The best part? You can buy more plants with the money you save!

Seed germination is the fundamental biological process by which a dormant seed wakes up and develops into a new, functional seedling under favorable conditions. We explain these ideal conditions and the best practices for creating and maintaining them. Plus, learn (and listen to) Stacey’s favorite seeds and seed pods!

What is an island bed? An island bed is a freestanding garden, usually surrounded by grass and can be viewed from all sides. Hear design tips, including how to incorporate texture, color, and structure in these beds. And, of course, we give plant recommendations!

A reminder that flowers are symbols for expressing complex emotions and feelings. Flowers engage multi-sensory sight, touch, and aroma experiences! We recommend flowers year-round for you! In segment four, we interview Dr. Jessica Turner-Skoff about plant poaching, its impacts, and how you can help stop this practice. Featured shrub: Midnight Express redbud.

Known for their whimsical and wild aesthetics, cottage gardens are a great for mixing texture and color. Not to mention, pollinators love the variety provided by this gardening style. Learn about plants that are perfect for cottage gardens, no matter where you live!

Houseplants have gained traction in recent years, and for good reason! Bringing nature inside can help boost moral and give us plant lovers something to appreciate during off seasons. Hear all about the 2026 houseplant of the year and how to create your own lively terrarium.

Annuals are the cherry on top in garden design. Not only do they provide color and landscape solutions, but they inspire creativity and leave room for gardeners to experiment. Hear all about the 2026 annuals of the year!

While we all dream and scheme for gardening season, hear all about the 2026 Perennials of the Year from Proven Winners. Cayla Olson, from Walter's Gardens and Proven Winners perennials, joins us to deep dive into these exciting perennials.

New Year, new plants! Hear all about the 2026 Shrubs of the Year from Proven Winners ColorChoice shrubs.

The New Year is often brought in with various traditions and celebrations. In this episode, we talk about the plants used in these and the symbolism of each. Plus, a few garden resolutions for the New Year. Featured plant: Persimmon.

Christmas history and traditions are heavily influenced by plants, I mean, we bring a whole tree in the house for the holiday! Learn all about the plants behind this holiday.

Is frost really a bad thing for plants? Find out the difference between a frost, and a freeze, and when to take action against them. Plus, hear the benefits of snow in the garden. Featured shrub, Oso Easy Ice Bay rose.

As Stacey says, real gardening starts once you’re not afraid to make mistakes. Sure, taking risks can be scary, but it can also be so rewarding! Whether you try to push the limits of spacing or hardiness, stepping out of your comfort zone is a big part of gardening. We discuss ways to push the boundaries in the landscape and the potential benefits of doing so. Featured shrub: Just Chill Red Tip camellia.

Broadleaf evergreens, or as we like to call them, flowering evergreens, are powerhouses in the landscape. They give you interest, structure, privacy, and color every season. In this episode, we explore the wide variety of broadleaf evergreens and how to care for them. Featured shrub: Gem Box inkberry holly.

There are many plants used as culinary staples when it comes to Thanksgiving. In this episode, we talk about the history, cultural impact, and nature behind these plants. Plus, you’ll never guess what Stacey picked for this week’s plant on trial, but you won’t want to miss it!

Conifers, often mistaken for Pine trees, are and have been landscape staples throughout history. Not to mention a classic choice for the Christmas tree! We dive into what makes a conifer, a conifer, and talk about the wide variety of conifers in the world. Fun facts, care tips, and how to deal with Juglone (the chemical produced by Black Walnut trees) are just a few of the things you’ll hear in this episode. Featured shrub: Stonehenge yew.

The color orange can be associated with cheer, caution, and optimism, to name a few. Learn how incorporating orange in your landscape can add a vibrant element to your palette. Featured shrub: Berry Box pyracomeles.

With 2026 around the corner, Rick and Stacey share what 2025 taught them and how to take that knowledge and use it moving forward. Learn about favorite plants, popular show topics, and garden revelations in 2025. West Michigan had a near historic drought this year - hear how plants handled these tough conditions in Stacey’s garden.

Welcome to the Little Shop of Horticulture! Gardening is a joy, but in honor of the season, we discuss the spooky side of gardening - invasive plants, daunting diseases, and woeful weeds. Learn about the goth garden trend and the perfect plants to use to create your own eerie escape.

A garden is a physical manifestation of the passage of time. We all know plants grow, but how quickly they do depend on a lot of factors. So, in this episode we break down how plant growth rates are determined. We’ll also discuss how timing tasks in the garden will make for happier plants and a happier gardener.

Working the land is directly correlated with being a good steward of the land. Get advice on how you can work your landscape in a way that’s smarter, not harder, for both you and the land.

When adding a plant or designing your landscape, there’s a lot to consider! One of the most important but overlooked considerations is the color of your home’s exterior. Get tips and tricks for choosing a garden color scheme based on your house colors. Featured shrub: Blue Kazoo spirea.

So, a pumpkin is a squash, which is a type of gourd, but not all gourds are pumpkins, and not all squash are pumpkins. Wait…what? Don’t worry, we’ll explain in this episode. Learn all about these fall favorites with tips for growing, storing, and incorporating them into your fall décor. Featured shrub: Kodiak Spiced diervilla.

Winter can be a drag, but having winter interest in the garden can really brighten up a gardener’s mood. We all appreciate winter interest in the garden, but often, we forget to plan for it. Hear some timely advice on what you can plant in fall to make your winter more enjoyable.

Landscape designers can have a hefty list of features they require in a plant for it to be used in their projects. Durability, reliability, low-maintenance, structural, and most importantly, they have to be beautiful! Discover the plants that landscape designers love to use and why they love to use them.

Description: Whether it be wood, metal, or a living fence, garden backdrops are essential to creating depth and structure in the garden. Get design tips, creative ideas, and of course, plant suggestions for creating backdrops throughout the garden. Featured shrub: Laced Up elderberry.

Summer is winding down, cool mornings are rolling in, and now is the time to dream and scheme plans for your garden. Rick and Stacey discuss design ideas, garden tasks, and ways to prepare for your fall to-do list. Feature shrub: Kodiak Red 2.0 diervilla.

Using green in the garden feels a bit like a no brainer, but when it’s done intentionally, the difference in outcome is clear. Learn about plants with unique green foliage and flowers, and how you can incorporate them in your garden. Featured shrub: Invincibelle Sublime smooth hydrangea.

Architectural follies are decorative, non-essential structures often found in gardens or landscapes. We discuss garden follies all over the world and talk with Lisa Roper, horticulturist with Chanticleer Gardens, about how they use garden art and a garden folly to enhance their stunning gardens. Featured shrub: Glow Stick Japanese holly.

While we’re in the height of summer, it’s a good idea to think about what you can do in the garden now to get ready for fall. Featured tree: Pink Snow Showers flowering cherry.

Whether it’s an awe-worthy plant, a love of wildlife, or wanting to create a beautiful space, there are so many reasons to garden. Hear what inspires Stacey and Rick to garden. Featured shrub, Lemony Lace elderberry.

Revelation: a surprising and previously unknown fact, especially one that is made known in a dramatic way. Hear what Stacey and Rick’s “Ah-Ha!” moments have been throughout their gardening journey. Featured shrub: Gatsby Pink oakleaf hydrangea.

Rejuvenation: the action or process of giving new energy or vigor to something. We talk about ways you can revamp your plants and set them up for future success. Featured shrub: Winecraft Black smokebush.

Take your garden to the next level! We talk about plants that add height to the garden and plants that grow at higher elevations.

Succulents have been gaining popularity in recent years, for understandable reasons! They are versatile, colorful, and unique. Join us as we talk about how to be successful with succulents and deep dive into hardy succulents. Featured shrub: Chicklet Gold Tecoma.

Some plants can be considered “drama queens,” unafraid to show that they are unhappy with something in their environment. Knowing these plants and what these signs mean will help you to better understand what’s going on in your garden. Read the tea leaves with us and learn the signals these trigger plants are putting out. Featured shrub: Pinky Winky panicle hydrangea.

As deer populations and pressures have grown, so has the damage that they do in the garden. We talk deer resistant plants, ways to help alleviate deer damage, and interview Professor Alexandra Locher, with Grand Valley State University, on what is being done about the deer problem in Kent County, MI. Featured shrub: Sweet Emotion abelia.