A Celebration of Lilacs

FromGardening Simplified

Start listening View podcast show

A Celebration of Lilacs

FromGardening Simplified

ratings:

Length:

44 minutes

Released:

May 11, 2024

Format:

Podcast episode

Description

The month of May and lilacs seem to go hand in hand, so we're devoting this episode to everything that makes them special. Featured shrub: Bloomerang Purpink lilac.

Released:

May 11, 2024

Format:

Podcast episode

Titles in the series (90)

Introducing Gardening Simplified, a new radio show and podcast from Proven Winners ColorChoice Shrubs.Hosted by life-long gardeners Rick Vuyst and Stacey Hirvela, the Gardening Simplified show is designed to share our love of plants and gardening. Whatever your skill or experience level, you’ll find something interesting, useful, and just plain fascinating in every episode.

Skip carousel

2023 Plants of the Year, Bulbs Emerging in Winter, and the World’s Oldest Chicken: Meet the 2023 Plants of the Year, learn about a colorful new option for attracting hummingbirds, why you needn't panic if your bulbs are emerging in January, and the antics of Elvis, the crocodile who stole a lawnmower. by Gardening Simplified
41 min listen
It's Oaktasic!: Gather 'round for the Celtic mythological tale of the Oak King and the Holly King while learning the surprising facts about oaks in the UK. Plus: native holly, plant spacing, and more. by Gardening Simplified
41 min listen
Birdwatching in Winter: Join us to learn about the joys of birdwatching in winter and learn what to plant to attract more of them to your yard. Plus, we interview meteorologist Ellen Bacca on the difference between astronomical and meteorological winter. by Gardening Simplified
40 min listen
Fall Color: Fall color is at its most fabulous right now: learn the science behind it, and why each season is different. We present Legend of the Fall fothergilla, which brings the full spectrum of fall color to your garden. We answer listener questions,... by Gardening Simplified
40 min listen
The Groundbreaking: Introducing the Gardening Simplified Show, where Rick and Stacey share their love and knowledge of gardening. In our first episode, we talk about why roses get a new lease on life in autumn, how to keep cats from visiting your yard, and why flower... by Gardening Simplified
42 min listen
Fall is in the air: Fall is in the air on this episode of Gardening Simplified! Rick and Stacey talk about bioluminescent mushrooms, marram grass (Ammophila breviligulata), and also define the word “peduncle.” We talk about The Velvet Fog smokebush, a plant normally... by Gardening Simplified
41 min listen
Moon Gardens, Small Spaces, Cut Flowers – 2023 Gardening Trends and Puffer Fish® Panicle Hydrangea: Moon gardens, small spaces, growing your own cut flowers: these are 2023's garden trends! Plus, learn about Puffer Fish panicle hydrangea, whether you can really grow a mini-forest of pine trees from a pine cone, and a yellow cardinal sighting in... by Gardening Simplified
41 min listen
Lessons From the Garden, Viburnum Pollination, and New Year’s Traditions: From hot peppers to hot weather, Rick and Stacey look back on what they learned in the garden in 2022. Plus, viburnum pollination, houseplant questions from listeners, and New Year's food traditions from Spain and Grand Haven, Michigan. by Gardening Simplified
40 min listen
Evergreens and Salad Eating: Did you know that evergreens are not truly evergreen? Learn why it’s normal to see pines and arborvitaes turn yellow and drop their needles in autumn. We also talk Metasequoia glyptostroboides, a living plant fossil, Temple of Bloom Heptacodium... by Gardening Simplified
43 min listen
Understanding frim and IPM: What in the world does "frim" mean, and what does it have to do with compost? Find out in this episode, as well as learning about our native oakleaf hydrangea, concerns about planting garlic, ground covers for sandy spots, and what IPM stands for and... by Gardening Simplified
43 min listen
Kiss from a Rose: Roses have come a long way - find out why you may no longer need to protect them over winter. Plus, experience the most enticing sound in the garden, get some holiday arrangement inspiration, and find out how panicle hydrangeas are getting easier to... by Gardening Simplified
41 min listen
Sassafras Tree: Rick and Stacey’s discussion of the botanical phenomenon of heterophylly leads to sharing facts about the world’s record sassafras tree in Owensboro, Kentucky; Tortuga juniper, which also exhibits heterophylly, gets put on trial, we help listeners... by Gardening Simplified
41 min listen
The Fundamentals of Container Gardening and the Birdman is Back! by Gardening Simplified
49 min listen
Must-Have Colors and Must-Pull Weeds: In this episode of the Gardening Simplified Show, Stacey and Rick talk about how fall is for planting and why Mums are synonymous with fall planting. There are other great plants however for fall color and on today’s show, Stacey will teach Rick how... by Gardening Simplified
40 min listen
Sounds to Listen for in the Garden and All About North Pole® Arborvitae: Buzzing bees and hummingbirds, the wind in tall grass: these are our favorite garden sounds! Plus, learn about North Pole arborvitae, pruning redbuds, and what it means to be doniferous. by Gardening Simplified
41 min listen
Watering Advice, a Game-Changing Spirea, Native Ferns, and the “Chelsea Chop”: We're suffering through dryness not seen in 100+ years here in Michigan, so watering is on our minds. Join us as we talk water conservation tips, a high performance, drought tolerant spirea, controlling cucumber beetles, and the time-honored tradition... by Gardening Simplified
45 min listen
Dormancy vs Hibernation, Shrubs that Hit Snooze on Spring, and Frozen Succulents: Learn why plants go dormant yet animals hibernate, meet a flowering shrub that likes to sleep late on spring, plus succulent rescue after a freeze, and a harrowing video showing a man rescuing a deer with a paint can stuck on its head. by Gardening Simplified
42 min listen
Living on the Hedge - Best Plants for Hedges And Composting Explained - Interview With Justin Morgan From Morgan Composting: Let's talk hedges! Whether they're evergreen or deciduous, used to screen off an ugly view or to add structure to your landscape, they're incredibly useful. Plus, learn about a fast-growing arborvitae for hedges, growing ferns indoors, and an... by Gardening Simplified
44 min listen
Garlic and answering your questions: In this episode, we talk cannas, planting and growing garlic (it's surprisingly easy!), a fabulous native viburnum for your landscape, and we answer listener questions on planting bulbs, privacy hedges where deer are an issue, and managing yucca. by Gardening Simplified
42 min listen
Decumbent Growth: In this episode, learn about decumbent growth and get to know Low Scape Mound aronia, a native flowering shrub that exemplifies the concept. Learn how planting mophead hydrangeas can discourage insects from visiting your home, and growing hydrangeas... by Gardening Simplified
41 min listen
Solutions for Shady Gardens and Landscapes: A listener recently commented, "Shade is hard," and we agree. So in this episode, we simplify it and provide plant-based solutions. Plus, learn when it might be time to replace a plant in your landscape. Featured shrub: Sweet & Lo Sweet Box. by Gardening Simplified
44 min listen
Getting Plant ready for the cold: Shrubs in containers over winter? In this climate? Yes, it's possible! Learn how, what to plant, and why. Plus, meet one of our most cold-tolerant evergreens, what it means to have "moist, well-drained soil," and a question on pruning hydrangeas - the... by Gardening Simplified
43 min listen
Advanced Annuals, Innovative Plants, Plant a Tree, Save a Bee! - Interviewing a Pollinator Expert: Planting annuals is one of the most joyful parts of gardening - listen in as we share our thoughts on this time-honored tradition, and our favorite plants. Plus, learn what it means to be an innovative plant and how to manage hydrangea leaftiers. We... by Gardening Simplified
46 min listen
Got Deer?: Got deer? We've got plant suggestions! Plus, we talk about the beauty of boxwood, the benefits of mulch, and amazing owls. by Gardening Simplified
42 min listen
Getting festive with your plants!: Learn to make festive arrangements from what’s growing in your own backyard, a colorful, easy-care, native shrub, and more in this episode of Gardening Simplified. by Gardening Simplified
43 min listen
Why the Right Soil Matters, Hardening Off Plants, and Avoiding Oak Wilt: Learn why the right soil matters, especially when it comes to plants like our Plant on Trial today, Dandy Man® Purple rhododendron. Now is a great time to start hardening off plants! Hear tips on how to get your plants ready for their new home... by Gardening Simplified
42 min listen
How to Pamper Your Plants, a Revolutionary Rose, and Interviewing Dr. Judson LeCompte: Learn various ways you can give your plants a spa day and why you shouldn’t add Epsom salts in your garden. At Last, a groundbreaking rose is put on trial and Dr. Judson LeCompte joins us to talk about plant genetics and the differences between... by Gardening Simplified
53 min listen
Favorite Fragrant Plants and Planning for Canning With the Canning Diva, Diane Devereaux: It's the fragrance show! Join us as we discuss the phenomenon of fragrance, our favorite fragrant plants (including today's plant on trial, Scentara Double Blue lilac). Finally, we start "planning for canning" with The Canning Diva, Diane Devereaux. by Gardening Simplified
42 min listen
How to Keep House Plants Happy, When to Prune Mountain Hydrangeas, and Much More!: Whether you call them indoor plants or house plants, we've got the tips to keep them looking their best - although that may involve mayonnaise (seriously!). We also talk about a super cold tolerant native shrub that blooms all summer, gardening with... by Gardening Simplified
42 min listen
Favorite Herbs, the Secret to Cilantro, and a New, Non-toxic Way to Manage Slugs: Whether it's just a pot of basil or a whole garden's-worth, having fragrant herbs as close as your backyard is luxury. Learn our favorites, plus how to grow cilantro successfully, a trick for more chives, and a brand new slug solution from Oregon... by Gardening Simplified
44 min listen

More Episodes from Gardening Simplified

Skip carousel

The Decorator's Approach to Gardening: Decorators take a unique approach to plant shopping: they know what they want, they get it, they plant it. We discuss how you can use this approach to make plant shopping easier and more fun. Featured shrub: Anna's Magic Ball arborvitae. by Gardening Simplified
45 min listen
Gardening Influences: Rick and Stacey share the stories of those who have influenced their horticultural perspective in life. We'd love to hear about yours! by Gardening Simplified
45 min listen
Solutions for Shady Gardens and Landscapes: A listener recently commented, "Shade is hard," and we agree. So in this episode, we simplify it and provide plant-based solutions. Plus, learn when it might be time to replace a plant in your landscape. Featured shrub: Sweet & Lo Sweet Box. by Gardening Simplified
44 min listen
Plant Recipes to get your Garden Cooking: Ultimately, a garden is just combinations of plants - but how to put them together? We share tips and ideas on building a beautiful border. Plus, hydrangeas oozing sap and maple helicopters. Featured shrub: Flavorette Honey Apricot rose. by Gardening Simplified
44 min listen
Meet the Beneficial Bugs in your Backyard: The term "beneficial insects" gets thrown around a lot but what does it really mean? We explore the concept and share which ones you're likely to find in your backyard, and how to best support them. Featured plant: Lo & Behold 'Blue Chip Jr.'... by Gardening Simplified
45 min listen
Spring things: what you need to know now in the garden: There's lots growing on in the garden now, so join us for timely tips on lawn care, weed management, soil testing, and more. Mike Connor is our guest, sharing his expertise on trees and bees. Featured shrub: Yuki Snowflake deutzia. by Gardening Simplified
61 min listen
Fact or fiction? Spotting online plant scams: The internet is teeming with fake AI-generated plants and digitally manipulated photos - we give tips on how to spot them. Plus, pruning dogwoods and Birdman is back! Featured shrub: Invincibelle Mini Mauvette smooth hydrangea. by Gardening Simplified
52 min listen
Can't-Miss Plants at the Garden Center this Year: Wondering how to spend your garden budget this season? We've got you covered with our can't-miss plant lists! Plus, helpful tips on pruning and transplanting. Featured shrub: El Niño desert orchid. by Gardening Simplified
54 min listen
Garden Tools: Is Your Shed Properly Stocked?: The right tools for the task are just as important in the garden as they are in the shop. Learn our must-haves and favorites. Plus, pruning whorled hydrangeas and Supertunias. Featured plant: 'Aphrodite' sweetshrub. by Gardening Simplified
59 min listen
Problem-Solving with IPM: From bugs to bunnies, pests are part and parcel of gardening. And IPM - integrated pest management - gives us the tools to resolve issues using smarts and strategy. Learn what IPM is and how it can help you problem-solve, indoors and out. Featured... by Gardening Simplified
42 min listen
Cool Plants for Wet Soils and Celebrating Meteorological Spring!: Whether it's from poor drainage or a high water table, wet soils can be hard to deal with. But there are lots of beautiful plants that will thrive in them! Learn what they are and other tips for dealing with soggy situations. Featured plant: Sugar... by Gardening Simplified
44 min listen
Pruning Demystified & How Honey Bees Handle a Weird Spring: Should you be pruning now? Today we talk about what you should prune in spring and what you should not. Hear how this unusual spring is affecting honey bees and tapping maple trees for maple syrup with beekeeper and expert, Don Snoeyink. Featured... by Gardening Simplified
52 min listen
The When and Where of Growing from Seed & Interview on Leafjoy® Houseplants: When spring fever hits, the temptation to start seeds becomes irresistible. But when is the right time? What's the right equipment? We'll tell you! Featured plant: Still Waters clematis. by Gardening Simplified
59 min listen
Sun, Shade, Part-Shade - Explaining Plant Light Needs: Are those recommendations for light on plant tags arbitrary, or do they mean something? Find out in this episode, where we also discuss spring fertilizing and animal weather prognosticators. Featured plant: Fairytrail Bride Cascade Hydrangea. by Gardening Simplified
43 min listen
Drought Tolerant Plants & Taking the Irritation Out of Irrigation - Interview with Tim DeGeest: Drought: it's dusty. It's dry. And plants can help make it a whole lot prettier. Learn about what makes a plant drought tolerant, and how you can alleviate drought with a DIY drip irrigation system. Featured plant: Double Take Scarlet flowering quince. by Gardening Simplified
64 min listen
Happiness with Houseplants (even gardenias!): How many houseplants do you have? Whether it's one or one hundred, we're celebrating the indoor gardening renaissance. Plus, learn the secret to success with gardenias indoors (and outdoors), and hear about the rise in bonsai theft. Featured plant:... by Gardening Simplified
42 min listen
Layering Plants in the Garden and Landscape: A garden planted in layers is dynamic, interesting, and beautiful. Learn what it means and how to do it! Plus, plant cold hardiness, pruning elderberries, and biophilia. Featured plant: Cesky Gold dwarf birch. by Gardening Simplified
56 min listen
2024 Plants of the Year: Meet the 2024 Proven Winners all-star team: the Plants of the Year! Learn about each variety and how they are chosen. Plus, causes of brown arborvitae, planting bulbs in January, and the Pantone Color of the Year. Featured shrub: Fizzy Mizzy itea. by Gardening Simplified
44 min listen
Listener Resolutions by Gardening Simplified
39 min listen
Stacey and Rick’s New Year’s (Gardening) Resolutions: Do you have new year’s resolutions for 2024? Or maybe, your new year’s resolution is to avoid new year’s resolutions – either way, we’d love to hear your thoughts! Learn about different types of fertilizers, which is best for your plants, and when to... by Gardening Simplified
41 min listen
Garden Tunes and Birdman is Back: Do you have a gardening playlist? Listen in for our favorite plant and outdoor-related songs. Plus, using pine needles as mulch, planting around black walnuts, and a winter update from Birdman Bill Stovall. Featured plant: White Album wintercreeper. by Gardening Simplified
50 min listen
Everything Evergreen and Talking Tea With Debra Knapke: Evergreens lift our spirits during the holidays and carry our landscape through winter. Learn the two types of evergreens, and the benefits they bring to the landscape. Plus, snowload on trees and shrubs and a guest on herbal teas. Featured plant:... by Gardening Simplified
57 min listen
The New USDA Zone Map, and What It Means for You: In mid-November, the USDA put out a new hardiness zone map, the first since 2012. Learn what's new in it, and why, and what it might mean for what you can grow. Plus, hydrangea growing questions and a waterless waterpark. Featured plant: Blue Diddley... by Gardening Simplified
42 min listen
Plant-Based Holiday Decor, Indoors and Out: December is here, and along with it, holiday decorating. Grace your containers, windowboxes, and maybe even a few spots indoors with cut branches and greens! Hear our suggestions and get advice from designer Deborah Silver. by Gardening Simplified
50 min listen
Hydrangeas and the 2023 Polar Vortex: Cape Cod is synonymous with hydrangeas, but as Rick discovered at this year's Hydrangea festival, polar conditions threatened the display. We talk hydrangeas that stand up to the cold and other solutions. Plus, hydrangeas blooming in fall and... by Gardening Simplified
42 min listen
Vegetables: The Plants You Put On Your Plate: When cooking and eating vegetables, it can be easy to forget they started as plants. We discuss the joys of growing veg and sharing them on your holiday table - and maybe even getting kids to eat them. Author and ethnobotanist Lisa Rose joins us to... by Gardening Simplified
57 min listen
Going All-in on Native Plants - Or Not?!: Gardening with native plants gets a lot of talk these days, but what does it really mean? We explore the possibilities, benefits, and myths of gardening with natives in what may be our most controversial episode yet. Featured plant: Low Scape Snowfire... by Gardening Simplified
43 min listen
Autumn Leaves Abound. Here’s How to Use Them to Your Advantage: They're colorful, they're abundant, they're...useful? Yes! Fallen leaves are perfect for improving soil. Find out what to do with yours, plus, mystery fungus, a fence-climbing Chihuahua, and new vocabulary words about leaves. Featured plant: Tiny Wine... by Gardening Simplified
41 min listen
It’s Plant Moving Time, so Let’s Get a Move On!: Whatever your reason for moving a shrub or perennial - the site has become too shady, the plant outgrew the spot, or you just don't like where it is - now is the perfect time to move it. Learn how in this episode. Plus, overwintering plants in... by Gardening Simplified
43 min listen
Choose Your Path Wisely - All About Garden Paths: A garden path gets you from point A to point B, but it's the path materials, the shape of the path, and of course, the plants, that make the journey worthwhile. Hear our favorite path materials, along with bumblebee pollination, crabgrass prevention,... by Gardening Simplified
41 min listen

Discover this podcast and so much more

A Celebration of Lilacs

A Celebration of Lilacs

Description

Titles in the series (90)

More Episodes from Gardening Simplified