Super Cool Plants - Formerly Known as Let's Argue About Plants

In this episode of Super Cool Plants, we explore the power of plants to calm, comfort, and restore. From soft, touchable foliage to gentle fragrances and soothing color palettes, our panel of horticultural experts shares their favorite selections for creating a more sensory-friendly garden. Looking to design a peaceful retreat, engage more deeply with your outdoor space, or simply take the edge off a busy day? Well, we've got plants that deliver on those needs. Expect recommendations that appeal to all five senses—rustling grasses, velvety leaves, aromatic blooms, and more—along with practical tips for weaving them into your landscape. Tune in for a thoughtful, plant-filled conversation that just might change how your garden feels.  GUEST BIOS:  Mark Dwyer is the garden manager for the Edgerton Hospital Healing Garden in Edgerton, Wisconsin, and he operates Landscape Prescriptions by MD. He is also a Midwest Regional Reporter for FineGardening.com  Jason Reeves is a horticulturist for Tennessee<span class="Nor

North American native species have captured the imaginations of gardeners all over the world, but only a few species have broken through to become horticultural staples. On this premiere episode of Fine Gardening's newly redesigned podcast, our expert guests join us from two widely acclaimed botanical gardens specializing in native plants. Listen in as they reveal some of their favorite overlooked species that do not get enough love from the gardening world, and that more of us across the country could be growing.  Melissa Starkey is the marketing and communications manager and an instructor at <a class="Hyperlink SCXW150343774 BCX0" href= "https://mtcubacenter.org/"

One of our favorite things to do on the podcast is to hear from you, our loyal listeners. We recently scrolled through our emails and social media messages to see what kinds of questions you all had from the past season. We love hearing about what's happening in your gardens—especially the challenges—and sharing advice drawn from our decades of horticultural experience. And when we don't have the answer, we're lucky to have a network of experts we can tap for plant recommendations or to help troubleshoot tricky garden situations. These Q&A episodes are always a highlight for us, and your inquiries this time around did not disappoint. The topics range from disease-free hemlock options to deep thoughts on non-native plants. Tune in to see if one of your questions made the list—or to pick up solutions to a few common garden problems along the way.

Those furry freeloaders can look elsewhere for a treat! A public service announcement prior to getting this episode started: There is no such thing as a deer-proof plant. If deer are hungry enough, they will even eat things that are supposedly toxic to them. But there are such things as deer-resistant plants. So, on this recording of Let's Argue About Plants, Danielle and Carol share some of the plants that have stood up to the herds that visit their backyards, and their colleague Diana Koehm offers some additional suggestions of plants that deer tend to ignore<span class="

Episode 189: Our 2026 Garden Plans  Hear what we have in store for upgrading (or overhauling) our beds and borders this year  What's that old adage? "The road to hell is p

Sow something unexpected n next year's garden! The wonder of sowing seeds and watching tiny new plants emerging from the soil never gets old. In this episode, Danielle, Carol, and their guest compare notes on some of their favorite plants that can be grown easily (or not-so-easily) from seed. Whether you are an experienced seed propagator or a nervous newbie, you'll be sure to find something in this episode that catches your interest and makes you look forward to spring.  Expert Guest: Christine Alexander is the executive digital editor for Fine Gardening. See the full list of plants from this episode on our website: https://www.finegardening.com/article/episode-188-the-best-seeds-weve-ever-started

Find out which new varieties stood out for us in 2025! When the flurry of fall cleanup is done, it's fun to reflect on the triumphs of the growing season before winter sets in. For this episode Danielle, Carol, and their guest dish the dirt on plants with cool new colors, outstanding vigor, and other features worthy of noting in their garden journals this year. Which of their favorites might find their way into your garden next year?    <div class="OutlineEle

Keeping an open mind is a great way to find new favorites! Of course we are entitled to have strong opinions about plants, but it doesn't hurt to have our minds changed once in a while. In this episode Danielle, Carol, and their expert guest will discuss the redeeming qualities of plants that have won them over after some initial resistance. If there are particular plants you have ruled out for one reason or another, this might be the encouragement you needed to look at them in a new light.  Expert: Jason Reeves is the curator of the University of Tennessee Gardens, located at the West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center in Jackson.  Get the plant list for this episode at FineGardening.com: https://www.finegardening.com/article/episode-186-plants-we-have-learned-to-love

Now is the time to invest in a spectacular spring show!   Bulbs of all kinds are easy-care solutions for bringing extra color and an element of surprise to containers, beds, and even lawns. In this episode, Danielle and Carol are joined by bulb aficionado Joseph Tychonievich to discuss the most exciting varieties that they'll be adding to their shopping carts this fall and winter.   Expert: Joseph Tychonievich is an independent plant breeder and author who lives and gardens in South Bend, Indiana. Check out more of his bulb recommendations in his Spring Bulb Buying Guide (link article) in the Fall 2025 issue.

In this episode, we're digging into our all-time favorite vegetable varieties—the ones we can't imagine our gardens (or dinner plates) being without. From not one, but two improved 'Brandywine'-type heirloom tomatoes to a cucumber that never fails to impress at the summer picnic. Carol even shares her must-have green bean variety (and tries to convince Danielle that it doesn't taste like wood). We rounded out the hour with personal stories, growing tips, and a few surprising twists on how to combat a couple of dreaded veggie pests.  Expert: Fionuala Campion is the owner and manager of Cottage Gardens of Petaluma in Petaluma, California. She is also a regional reporter for FineGardening.com.  See the full plant list from this episode on our website!

Roses may be the most controversial plant out there. In this episode, we're discussing the most reliable, low-maintenance, and high-performing rose varieties for those of us who crave beauty without the fuss. These standout selections offer impressive disease resistance, long bloom periods, and lush fragrance—without demanding constant care. From classic hybrid teas to bombproof species roses, this list proves that growing roses doesn't have to be an exercise in frustration. If you've shied away from roses (or been burned by them in the past), find out about some tried-and-true choices that deliver season after season, making them a smart and satisfying addition to any garden.  Find the full plant list from this episode on the Fine Gardening Website: https://www.finegardening.com/article/episode-183-roses-you-wont-regret Expert: Adam Glas is a garden supervisor and rosarian at the Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College. You can find his excellent Mid-Atlantic regional reports for FineGardening.com filed here: Adam Glas author page.

Turn up the garden heat with a dose of bold, confident color  Red flowers—love 'em or hate 'em — add an undeniable fiery look to gardens. The hue stands out brilliantly against the predominant greens of most landscapes, which makes red flowers an instant focal point. For many gardeners, red blooms are the heartbeats of their beds and borders, radiating passion, energy, and a timeless charm. Perhaps it's no surprise that the familiar line "Roses are red…" from the popular nursery rhyme comes so readily to mind; those four words have etched red flowers into the cultural imagination as symbols of love and beauty. Whether it's the velvety petals of a crimson peony or the fiery spikes of hummingbird favorite, these blooms offer not just color, but drama. If you think you're not a fan of red-flowered plants, give this episode a listen because we offer up some options for every imaginable shade of this controversial color, from magenta pinkish red to dark and moody burgundy.    Expert: Erin Schanen creator of the Impatient Gardener blog and YouTube channel and Fine Gardening author.   See the full plant list from this episode online: https://www.finegardening.com/article/episode-182-favorite-plants-with-red-flowers

It's worth finding a few stalwarts that will survive almost anything  When plants are done in by pests, diseases, or bad weather, it is hard not to take it personally. But on the positive side, each plant that shuffles off this mortal coil does offer an opportunity to add something newer and better to our garden. In this episode, Danielle, Carol, and expert guest Kielian DeWitt talk about some of the most reliable cultivars that have stood the test of time under tough conditions. Perhaps one of these choices will be just right for filling a gap that has recently opened up in your garden. Expert: Kielian DeWitt lives and gardens in Montana's Bitterroot Valley. Check out an article about her garden here: https://www.finegardening.com/article/garden-design-that-doesnt-limit-your-color-palette

In this episode, we're turning up the drama—garden drama, that is! We're talking all about plants with big, bold foliage that steal the show and bring serious texture and presence to your landscape. Whether you're designing a tropical-feel patio or adding contrast to a woodland border, these leafy giants know how to make a statement. We'll cover our favorite varieties, tips for placement and care, and how to use them effectively in garden design. If you're ready to go big and leafy, this episode is for you! P.S. We promised not to sing...we'll leave that to Sir Mixalot.  Expert: Dr. Andy Pulte is a plant sciences faculty member at University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He is also a contributing editor.

If your pulse quickens at the sight of a dogwood or peony in full bloom, this is the episode for you. Although a restrained, foliage-focused design is always a safe bet, fabulous floral textures and colors offer a level of excitement that leaves alone can't provide. For many of us, a love of flowers was the gateway that brought us to gardening. Follow along as Danielle, Carol, and expert guest Wambui Ippolito discuss some of the beautiful blooms that make their hearts sing.  Expert: Wambui Ippolito is an award-winning landscape designer, horticulturist, and author based in New York City.  Danielle's Plants  'Bowl of Beauty' peony  (Paeonia lactiflora Bowl of Beauty', Zones 4-9)  Japanese stewartia (Stewartia pseudocamellia, Zones 5-8)  'Mistral Bordeaux' poppy anemone (Anemone coronaria 'Mistral Bordeaux', Zones 8-10)  Pink flowering dogwood (Cornus florida f. rubra, Zones 5-8)    Carol's Plants   'Storm Cloud' blue star (Amsonia tabernaemontana 'Storm Cloud', Zones 4-9)  'Orange Wonder' snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus, Zones 7-10)  Walk in Beauty<span data-contrast="aut

While the Fine Gardening team is busy exploring the Philadelphia Flower Show, we're taking a moment to look back at some of the most insightful and inspiring conversations we've had on Let's Argue About Plants over the past year. In this special episode, we're revisiting standout moments from interviews with horticulturists, garden designers, and educators who have shaped the way we garden. You'll hear from Stacie Crooks, a self-taught garden designer from Seattle, as she shares how she got her start in horticulture. Jay Sifford, a North Carolina-based designer, discusses his artistic influences and how pop culture can inspire transcendent garden spaces. Irvin Etienne, a public horticulturist at Newfields in Indianapolis, reflects on his farm upbringing and how it shaped his passion for plants. And Dr. Jared Barnes, an associate professor at Stephen F. Austin State University, talks about his journey into horticultural education and the creation of a unique campus botanical garden called The Plantery. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just getting started, these expert insights are sure to inspire your next project. Tune in to hear some of our favorite moments.

As we recorded this episode, snow was gently falling outside our windows here in New England. But that isn't depressing for us—it simply means it's time to start our seeds! Today we are joined by digital editor Christine, and we are talking all about which seeds we're starting this year and why. There's an assortment of edibles and flowers on our lists, and we discuss the best practices for getting them to germinate. Do all seeds need a heat mat? Or is it a good idea to pop your packets of seeds in the freezer before sowing them into a soil block? Get the answers to these pressing questions (and find out which zinnia had Danielle and Carol screaming with delight) in this pre-spring conversation.   Expert: Christine Alexander is the digital content editor at Fine Gardening.

Amanda Thomsen is a landscape designer, project manager, and garden writer. Recently, she opened Aster Gardens in Lemont, Illinois. This neighborhood boutique offers plants, home décor, classes, and events. Amanda brings an irreverent, punk-rock spirit to her horticultural work, so she is the perfect person to help adventurous gardeners to explore some plants with personality. Unusual herbs, hardy cacti, and a foxglove that is not your usual cottage garden suspect all make appearances <span class= "

Potted plants will bring life and positive energy into any room, and studies have shown that having them nearby can relieve stress, boost creativity, and improve focus. In winter, when the weather is not good for outdoor gardening, it is particularly satisfying when we can help the living gems on our windowsills to thrive and look their best. In this episode Danielle and Carol chat with their friend and colleague, Christine Alexander, about the houseplants they consider to be truly worthy of a spot indoors.  <p class="Paragraph SCXW113359105 BCX0"

Catalogue descriptions for new plants may grab our attention, but usually provide little useful information about how these up-and-coming cultivars will perform in your garden. Fortunately, comparative trials like those conducted at Chicago Botanic Garden and Mt. Cuba Center put plants to the test, side-by-side, under typical garden conditions. In this episode, Richard Hawke and Sam Hoadley delve into a few of the similarities and differences between their trial programs. They compare notes, trade stories, and dispel a few misconceptions as they prepare for the talk they will give on Thurday, March 6th, 2025 as part of the Know to Grow lecture series at the Philadelphia Flower Show.    See more by going to the show notes at https://www.finegardening.com/podcast

This week we might rename the show Pollinator Haven, the podcast where we dig into the vibrant world of pollinators and the plants that sustain them! Well, probably not, but we will be diving into the essential role host plants play in supporting bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. These are species that are critical in providing places for insects to lay their eggs and food for hungry larvae. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, you'll discover how choosing the right plants can turn your yard, balcony, or community space into a thriving ecosystem.  Expert: Cheyenne Wine works to promote biodiversity and ecological resilience with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more of Cheyenne's plant picks, check out this recent Southeast regional page.

Susan Morrison, owner and principal designer at Creative Exteriors Landscape Design, has created hundreds of gardens in California's East Bay area. Her designs incorporate comfortable outdoor rooms into landscapes of all sizes, from hillside estates to postage-stamp front yards. Susan's home garden features thoughtfully arranged spaces for relaxing and entertaining enfolded in an artful, water-wise plant palette. Focal point plants in key locations draw the eye through the landscape, inviting visitors to explore. In this episode, Susan describes her thought process for siting focal point plants, and shares some of the eye-catching cultivars she uses most often.

One deer can do major landscape damage overnight, and if a herd regularly visits your garden you may feel like giving up. Although almost no plant is completely safe if the herbivores are hungry enough, gardeners facing extreme deer pressure aren't powerless. Incorporating plants with "nasty" characteristics like strong smells, prickly textures, or even toxicity is one easy way to encourage those hooved hordes to browse elsewhere. In this episode, Danielle and Carol share some of the plants that have remained unscathed in their backyards, and expert Bonni Engelhardt weighs in with some of her own go-to selections.  Expert: Bonni Engelhardt is a landscape designer and consultant based in southwestern Oregon. You can read about more of her deer-resistant plant recommendations in this article.

Ulrich Lorimer is the director of the Native Plant Tust in Framingham, MA, a conservation organization that manages Garden in the Woods. He has been a longtime advocate for cultivating native plants in both public and private gardens to help offset habitat loss. In this episode, he talks about some outstanding native species that have an outsized impact when planted in a garden setting. He also digs into the nitty-gritty of designing with regionally adapted plants, gardening in a changing climate, and integrating native plants into our backyard ecosystems.

When we say "foundation plants" you might think we're talking about plants that are the backbones of our beds and borders. But that's not what we mean in this instance. Today we're discussing plants that are perfect for planting around your home's foundation. These selections need to adhere to a certain set of requirements: they can't get too big; they can't be too small; they can't have aggressive root systems; they must have multiple seasons of interest. If that sounds like the holy grail of plants, it is! But luck for you we've culled together a dynamic assortment of options for all areas of the country. So, if you're sick of looking at that ugly 2-foot expanse of concrete at the foot of your home listen up, because we're going to help you cover it up in style.    Expert: Lifelong horticulturist Tony Fulmer is the retired chief horticulture officer for Chalet, a specialty nursery in Wilmette, Illinois.

Seattle-based garden designer Stacie Crooks creates beautiful, ecologically friendly, low-maintenance gardens throughout the Pacific Northwest. Her most recent article in the December 2024 issue of Fine Gardening magazine tackles the challenges of integrating a vibrant, plant-focused garden into a cookie-cutter neighborhood developed during the post-World War II building boom. To coincide with the publication of the article, we're revisiting this engaging interview where Stacie covers some of the most valuable insights she has gained through years of experience. Anyone can use Stacie's rules of thumb to make their own outdoor spaces more welcoming and easier to maintain.

Great options for welcoming winged visitors to your garden    Hardly an episode goes by where we don't mention a pollinator plant. But we have never dedicated an entire episode to the topic, which in our minds is bananas! So today we're fixing that track record and discussing 11 of our favorite pollinator plants. Native plant expert Cheyenne Wine joins us from Rare Roots Nursery in Virginia to add her top picks to the conversation, as well. Listen now to find trees, shrubs, perennials, and even some bulbs to plant if you're interested in turning your garden into an insect party buzzing with activity!   Expert: Cheyenne Wine is a writer and photogra

Andrew Bunting is vice president of horticulture at Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), where he promotes gardening for the greater good. PHS supports healthier neighborhoods through horticulture by cleaning and greening vacant lots, planting and maintaining street trees, partnering with community gardeners <span class= "TextRun SCXW21202296 BCX0" lang="EN-US"

The best ground covers are multi-purpose workhorses, suppressing weeds, preventing soil erosion, and adding another level of interest to garden beds. Naturally, we'd prefer them not to be invasive, and to look good over a long season. But why do so many gardeners seem to fall back on the same few choices? In this episode, Danielle, Carol, and expert guest Amanda Thomsen cover new ground in their quest to expand the definition of what a ground cover can be. Whether it's a tough but underused North American native, a cheeky little annual, or an unusual self-seeding edible, we hope you will find something unexpected but garden-worthy in this episode.  Expert: Amanda Thomsen is the author of Kiss My Aster: A Graphic Guide to Creating a Fantastic Yard Totally Tailored to You and owner of the Aster Gardens plant shop in Lemont, Illinois.

Mark Weathington is the director of the JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University in Raleigh, North Carolina and author of Gardening in the South: The Complete Homeowner's Guide. Mark is a frequent FG contributor, covering a wide range of topics including magnolias, redbuds, compact shrubs, and unexpected replacements for overused plants.  Some of Mark's most fascinating work at the arboretum has involved his extensive travel to collect, preserve, and distribute plants from around the world. In this episode he discusses the unexpected path that led to a career in horticulture and the international collaborations that are helping to conserve endangered species and bring diversity to American landscapes.

It's late-July and we're officially HOT. And so are our gardens. Now is the time that we start to truly sit up and take notice of the plants that seem to be gliding through summer's worst without skipping a beat. Today's episode pays tribute to all those perennials and shrubs that take a lickin' and keep on tickin'. We found some stars that thrive in heat, lean soil, and even some selections for the most dreaded of conditions: dry shade. If these plants do well in awful situations, think how much better they might do in slightly better ones?     Expert: Kim Toscano is a horticulturalist, entomologist, garden designer, writer, and graphic designer. She previously hosted Oklahoma Gardening<span class= "NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGramm

Jared Barnes is an associate professor of horticulture at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas, where he and his students cultivate The Plantery, a botanic garden complete with a native plant trial garden. Jared shares his love of plants with a wider audience through his gardening newsletter and The Plantastic Podcast, and he is also a frequent contributor to Fine Gardening. Recent topics that he has covered for the magazine include plant survival strategies, evaluating how much sunlight or shade a garden bed gets, and propagating plants from cuttings. Listen along as we learn more about what it takes to become a horticulture professor, and how to build an engaged community around a shared love of plants.

There's nothing nicer than being outside on a beautiful late spring day, especially if it means you get a whole day away from your desk. Danielle, Carol, and digital editor Christine Alexander recently played hooky from their editorial duties and went on a horticultural adventure at one of New England's great public gardens. Located in Boylston, Massachusetts, Tower Hill is filled with fun places to explore, including formal gardens, woodland trails lined with native plantings, and two conservatories. After exploring the grounds and chatting about some of the great plants they came across, Danielle and Carol sat down for a chat with Tower Hill's director of horticulture, Mark Richardson. We hope this episode inspires you to get out and enjoy a field trip to a public garden near you!

Did you ever wonder what it would be like to get exclusive access to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show? Well, your dreams have come true because in this exclusive interview we got an all-access pass to THE horticultural event of the year thanks to Annie Guilfoyle, a 2024 judge. Annie is co-founder of Garden Masterclass in the UK and an award wining garden designer who earned a Silver Medal at Cheslea years ago for her innovative landscape design. Annie is just back from the show this year and shares details from her favorite gardens, interesting new plants that caught her attention, and even some celebrity gossip from those stars that were in attendance at the show. (Spoiler alert: she did not  see Lady Whistledown at the Bridgerton -themed garden). We discussed how native plants and sustainable practices played a role in this year's event and talk about themes of water conservation and hardscape upcycling.   Looking to attend the show next year? Then you're in luck because Annie shares some tip sand tricks for navigating the show grounds and insights on how to make the most of your visit. Who needs Monty Don when you've got Annie Guilfoyle? Not us!

Chances are, you've got mixed conditions in your garden. One area might be in full sun, while another spot a bit farther away is in full shade. Even beds that have the same exposure on paper may have larger plants that shade out the ground below. This presents a challenge for developing a cohesive look within a landscape. As gardeners, we've been taught that repetition is one of the tenets of good garden design. But how can one repeat groupings of a plant throughout a border that stretches from bright light to dappled shade? The answer is by utilizing plants that are highly adaptable and will thrive in both sun and shade. In today's episode we're singing the praises of these flexible species. They are invaluable assets to the landscape and, as a bonus, will hold their own when the light conditions of a garden inevitably change over time.    Amy Galloway is a horticulturist at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas.

Irvin Etienne is the curator of herbaceous plants and seasonal garden design at Newfields, a 152-acre campus with art galleries, performance spaces, world-class public gardens, and a nature park in Indianapolis. Irvin has been a frequent contributor to Fine Gardening, sharing his horticultural expertise through informative articles like A Bright Idea for Spring Containers, Big and Bold Plants for the Back of the Border, and Bring It In!, a primer on overwintering all kinds of tropical plants. In this episode he delves into the path that brought him to horticulture, the lessons learned from decades of gardening in public, and some of the (many, many) plants that earn their keep in his home garden.

Due to their size and expense, gardeners tend to put a lot more thought into the trees they ultimately buy for their landscape. While a perennial might only live for 6 or 7 years, a tree might grace your garden for 50 years or more—outliving the person who so carefully selected it, in fact. Here at Fine Gardening, we feel strongly that trees should look good in more than one season (for all of the reasons above AND because they take up a lot of real estate). Therefore, on today's episode, we may be highlighting our favorite flowering trees for every season, but these choices have more going for them than just some fleeting blooms. Listen to hear about which trees we're willing to sacrifice a chunk of our paycheck on and why.    Amanda Bennett is vice president of horticulture and collections at Atlanta Botanical Gardens in Georgia.

Jay Sifford is an award-winning landscape designer based in North Carolina. Several of his garden designs have been featured in Fine Gardening, including a one-of-a-kind modern meadow garden and a series of beautiful, functional dry creek beds. Jay's immersive, naturalistic landscape designs are based around four cornerstones: art, magic, story, and horticulture. In this episode, Jay offers insights into the ways that these elements can be incorporated into a truly personal garden space. Jay sees this modern meadow garden as a stylized version of nature where fantasy and reality collide.  Grasses and perennials planted in large masses and punctuated with unique conifers give the meadow garden its unique appeal.  In winter, evergreens and grasses add structure and interest to the snowy landcape. Another view of the meadow garden at the peak of summer.  A dry streambed designed to manage stormwater doubles as a dynamic visual element.  Gravel pathways were the perfect solution for this pet-friendly landscape.  Every garden design that Jay creates includes a little bit of magic.

One of the worst sights you can ever see in the garden is a plant that has been browsed by deer. (Sidenote: we don't love the gentle word "browsed" in this instance. A more appropriate term might be "obliterated.") If the munching is particularly bad, that perennial, tree, or shrub becomes unrecognizable. And in many cases, this can mean instant death to your prized specimen. With deer pressure increasing from coast-to-coast, we decided it's time to highlight some of our favorite deer-resistant plants. Yes, we're from deer-ridden New England, but rest assured that we've included plants in this episode that will thrive from Texas to Michigan, and everywhere in between. Guest: Karen Chapman is a landscape designer in Duvall, Washington, and the author of Deer-Resistant Design: Fence Free Gardens that Thrive Despite the Deer.   Danielle's Plants 'Childhood Sweetheart' hellebore (Helleborus 'Childhood Sweetheart', Zones 4-9) Winter daphne (Daphne odora, Zones 7-9) 'Bonfire' euphorbia (Euphorbia polychroma 'Bonfire', Zones 5-9) Sunshine Blue® blue mist shrub (Caryopteris incana 'Jason', 5-9)   Carol's Plants Hiba arborvitae (Thujopsis dolobrata 'Variegata', Zones 5-8) 'Victoria Blue' mealycup sage (Salvia farinacea 'Victoria Blue', Zones 8-10) Eastern sweetshrub, syn. Carolina allspice (Calycanthus floridus, Zones 4-9) 'Gerald Darby' iris (Iris × robusta 'Gerald Darby', Zones 4-9)   Expert's Plants Magical® Fantasy weigela (Weigela florida 'Kolsunn', Zones 4-8) Threadleaf bluestar (<a href=

Richard Hawke is the Director of Ornamental Plant Research at Chicago Botanic Garden, where he oversees comparative evaluations of ornamental plants. The CBG Plant Evaluation Program has included 117 distinct trials over the past four decades, with 26 comparative trials currently underway in three evaluation areas. In 2011, Richard began reporting trial results in Fine Gardening magazine, and has since written dozens of feature articles that can be found by visiting his author page. In this entertaining episode, Richard Hawke discusses his earliest memories of plants and gardening, the education and internships that laid the foundation for his career, and the joys and challenges of developing a world-class plant trial program. He also digs into the day-to-day details of plant evaluation and talks about some trials that yielded surprising results and some that were particular favorites, including evaluations of clematis, baptisias, butterfly bushes, and tender salvias.   Richard joined the staff of the Chicago Botanic Garden in the mid-1980s. CBG's trial of tender salvias identified many vigorous cultivars that do well when grown as annuals. The Chicago Botanic Garden has trialed 198 heucheras since 1995. Find out which cultivars performed better than the classics here. The Chicago Botanic garden was built on a series of islands, and soil conditions are not ideal. The original trial beds were atop a substrate of clay soil compacted by heavy equipment; the water table is very high, and drainage can be problematic. Richard talks about these soil woes, and the solutions that have improved soil structure and drainage in the newest plant evaluation area. The Chicago Botanic Garden was built on a series of islands with heavy clay soil. Field evaluation is a core component of plant trials at Chicago Botanic Garden. The Green Roof Gardens built atop the Plant Conservation Science Center are used to

Every gardener wishes they had 25 acres to garden on, right? Well maybe not, but most of us do dream of a healthy amount of ground to build beds and borders to our hearts' desire. The reality of homeowners today, however, is that land is expensive and typical suburban lots have decreased in size steadily since the 1970s. And smaller lots mean smaller gardens. That isn't an issue though, if you select plants that are polite and "stay in their lane" as the kids say. On this episode Danielle and Carol talk about compact plants that are prefect for tighter spaces. We've got several perennials, one annual, and even a few well-behaved shrubs that made the list. Filling your tiny plot with these beauties will enable you to have a wide variety of colors and textures without sacrificing an enormous amount of precious square footage.     Julie Lane Gay lives and gardens in Vancouver, British Columbia, where she previously owned a nursery specializing in climbers and perennials.     Danielle's Plants</span

One of our favorite things to do here on the pod is dig through emails and social media shout outs from our listeners. It is always nice to hear about what problems you may be having in your gardens and to be able to offer advice from our decades of horticultural experience. And we're lucky to have scores of experts at our fingers tips if we don't have an answer for a plant suggestion or design fix. These Q&A episodes are some of our favorites, so we decided to revisit an array of your best questions from the past few years in this new Best Of LAAP. The inquiries included advice on planting under trees, attracting hummingbirds, and info about what garden tasks we hate tackling. Tune in to see if one of our favorite questions was yours, or to hear about some solutions to problems that tend to plague us all.    Links to all our Q&A episodes:  Ep

During the winter months many plants reveal subtle patterns, fine details, and a new range of colors that help us to see familiar beds and borders with fresh eyes. This is an excellent time to get outside, evaluate your garden's bones, and make some plans for spring planting. In this episode Danielle, Carol, and their guest will explore some of the plants that fly a bit under the radar in winter months, but certainly deserve more attention. Do you have any of these underappreciated wonders in your landscape?  If not, you may want to start digging holes as soon as the ground thaws to ensure that some of these unsung heroes get some well-deserved garden real estate. Will any of these winter beauties make it onto your wish list this year?  <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SC

Stacie Crooks is a Seattle-based garden designer who has created beautiful, ecologically friendly, low-maintenance gardens throughout the Pacific Northwest. She is also a contributing editor for Fine Gardening magazine and has shared her insights with our readers through 10 feature articles and several departments over the past 17 years. In this episode, Carol interviews Stacie about the lessons that she has gained from her years of garden design experience.  Stacie Crooks's Garden Design Rules of Thumb  1. Identify your project. Ask yourself "What do I want to achieve?" and <span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW124301

Plants with a silvery sheen stand out beautifully against the sea of green that fills most garden beds. In this episode, Danielle, Carol, and their guest will highlight some shimmering shrubs, drought-tolerant perennials, a tiny dwarf conifer, and even an unusual silvery vine with a bit of a back story. Perhaps one of these lovely, luminous plants could be the silver bullet solution to one of your own garden design dilemmas.   Chloë Bowers, a garden designer based in southwestern Connecticut, is the moderator for Fine Gardening's Northeast Gardening <span class= "NormalTextRun SCX

Oh, dear listeners...it's the most glorious time of the year! No, not because it's time to hang the stockings or trim the tree—because it's time to make the 2024 gardening wish lists. This year Carol and Danielle have selected the 8 plants they are pining over most. You will hear about a brand-new perennial that few, if any, have seen before. And there's also a new hydrangea with...brace yourselves...BLACK foliage!  The list also includes plants that our contributors have written extensively about, and we've just now sat up and paid attention. Listen now to hear about the plants we'll be dreaming about as the flakes fly this winter. Expert guest: Jennifer Benner is content editor for Fine Gardening. She has a bachelor's degree in horticulture from The Ohio State University. Danielle's Plants 'Blue Bunchkin' baptisia (Baptisia 'Blue Bunchkin', Zones 4-9) 'Nichirin' false nettle (Boehmeria nipononivea 'Nichirin', Zones 6-9) Eclipse® bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Bailmacseven', Zones 5–9) 'Fusion of Fire' oredenia (Oredenia 'Fusion of Fire', Zones 5-8)   Carol's Plants 'Humilis' red buckeye (Aesculus pavia 'Humilis', Zones 4-8) Blackberry lily (Iris domestica, Zones 5-10) 'Hillside Sheffield Pink' garden mum (Chrysanthemum 'Hillside Sheffield Pink', Zones 4-9) Tropicanna canna Lily (Canna 'Phasion', Zones 7b to 10)   Expert's Plants 'The Blues' little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium 'The Blues', Zones 3-9) Acapulco® Salmon and Pink agastache  (Agastache 'Salmon and Pink', Zones 5-9) 'Orange' 'Jelena' witch hazel (Hamamelis x intermedia 'Jelena, Zones 5-8)

If you like the beauty and impact that ornamental grasses bring to a garden design, you will love the many shapes, forms and colors that North American native species offer. Whether you need a practical groundcover, a dramatic focal point, or an airy filler to knit a matrix planting together, Danielle, Carol, and guest Paula Gross have some options that will inspire you to start your spring shopping list now. Expert guest:Paula Gross is a horticulture educator at Central Piedmont Community College and co-author of The Southeast Native Plant Primer with Larry Mellichamp and Will Stuart.   Danielle's Plants Blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium, Zones 4-9) 'Carousel' little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium 'Carousel', Zones 3-9) 'Northwind' switchgrass (Panicum virgatum 'Northwind', Zones 4-9) 'River Mist' Northern sea oats (Chasmanthium latifolium 'River Mist', Zones 5-8)   Carol's Plants Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica, Zones 4–8) Rose muhly (Muhlenbergia reverchonii, Zones 5–9) Purpletop (Tridens flavus, Zones 4–9) 'Blonde Ambition' gramma grass (Bouteloua gracilis 'Blonde Ambition', Zones 3–10)   Expert's Plants Pink muhly (Muhlenbergia capillaris, Zones 5-9) Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium, Zones 3-9) <p class="M

While searching through our archive of episodes we discovered something: There are a few specific plants we just can't stop talking about. As the years have progressed here at Let's Argue About Plants, we find ourselves experimenting with more and more varieties, so we have something new to report back to you on. But frankly, there are a core of plants that we could talk about every episode because they are just that good. We try to mix it up, but these stars have made it into more than a couple recordings—and rightly so. With that, we decided not to fight nature and give these stars their spotlight. In today's compilation episode you'll hear about Carol and Danielle's top four plants...again...but for good reason. They are selections that no garden should be without, in our humble opinions.   Danielle's Plants Perry's Gold' Norway spruce (Picea abies 'Perry's Gold', Zones 3–9) 'Crested Surf' painted fern (Athyrium niponicum 'Crested Surf', Zones 3-8) 'Snow Fairy' blue mist shrub (Caryopteris divaricata 'Snow Fairy', Zones 6-9) Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia, Zones 4-9)   Carol's Plants Maidenhair fern (Adiantum pedatum, Zones 3-8) New Jersey tea (Ceanothus americanus, Zones 4–8) Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa, Zones 3-9) Pink Icing® blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum 'ZF06-079', Zones 5–10)

Isn't every plant great in a group? Well, the answer is no. Some plants are too vigorous in their growth habits to share the stage, while others are better if put on a pedestal all their own (i.e. the focal point plants of the landscape). Today's episode we talk about plants that are great in masses—that is to say—in groups of three or more. We have options for shade, choices for sun, and selections for those in-between exposures situations. We'll also feature some great plants that we've seen grouped to perfection in gardens featured in Fine Gardening. And you don't have to be a millionaire to group plants. Many of our suggestions are easily divided after just a year or two, providing you with multiple plants for the price of just one. Expert guest:  Daniel Robarts is a horticulturist at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, Maine. Danielle's Plants 'Kitten Around' catmint (Nepeta faassenii 'Kitten Around', Zones 3-8) 'All Gold' Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra 'All Gold', Zones 5-9) 'Kobold' liatris (Liatris spicata 'Kobold', Zones 3-8) Smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens and cvs., Zones 3-9) <span styl

Danielle combo #1 'Limelight' panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight', Zones 3-9) 'Sun King' aralia (Aralia cordata 'Sun King', Zones 3-9)   Danielle combo #2 'Worcester Gold' blue mist shrub (Caryopteris × clandonensis 'Worcester Gold', Zones 5-9) 'Goldsturm' black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Goldsturm', Zones 3-9)   Carol combo # 1 White Drift® rose (Rosa 'Meizorland', Zones 4-11) Tall garden phlox (Phlox paniculata cvs., Zones 4-8)   Carol combo # 2 'Sun King' aralia (Aralia cordata 'Sun King', Zones 3-9) 'Blackhawks' big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii 'Blackhawks', Zones 3–9) 'Dark Knight' blue mist shrub (Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Dark Knight', Zones 5-9)   Expert combo #1 'Zwartkop' aeonium (Aeonium 'Zwartkop', Zones 9-11) Ghost plant (Graptopetalum paraguayense, Zones 7-11)   Expert combo #2 Tropicanna® canna (Canna indica 'Phasion', Zones 7-11) 'Color Guard' yucca (Yucca filamentosa 'Color Guard', Zones 4-10) Clarity Blue™ dianella (Dianella 'DP401', Zones 8-10) Blue rose hens and chicks (Echeveria imbricata, Zones 9-11)