Welcome to the Helpful Gardeners, a weekly podcast diving into the home and garden topics you want to learn more about. Colin is a certified horticulturist with decades of experience working in landscaping, gardening and houseplants in various climactic zones. Brandi is a beginner with a passion to ask questions. Subscribe to catch new episodes every Sunday!
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Welcome back to courthouse! This week, we're diving into "No Mow May", a concept that was popularized during the pandemic encouraging people to refrain from mowing their lawns in May to support pollinators and biodiversity. We'll talk the pros and cons of this initiative, including its impact on lawn health, the ecological implications of tradition…
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Gardening's Green Light: The May Long Weekend
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37:11In Canada, the Victoria Day long weekend is typically our green light for planting in the garden! We're talking about different annual plants you can get right now, tips for creating the perfect planter, and a conversation about growing veggies! Weather is still a consideration as we may still see some frosty nights. We'll explore ways to be proact…
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It's Mother's Day and while there are lots of ways to celebrate the motherly figures in our lives, afternoon tea is a popular outing this holiday. We dive into the tradition of afternoon tea, its origins, and how it has evolved over time. What country produces the most tea? What are tea connections in Brazil? Can we grow tea in Canada? Does it tast…
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Have you seen mystery items pop up in your garden? A shell? A peanut? A new plant? Let us know! Leave a Voice Note: LINK
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What's the deal with curb appeal? We delve into the subjective nature of curb appeal, the balance between personal expression and neighborhood harmony, and the local regulations that govern property aesthetics. What are the benefits of curb appeal and what factors might influence poor curb appeal? Is it your place to judge? Is it your place to reac…
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Colin found another sign of spring in his garden this week! What are you seeing in your community?
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Google is a common tool for gardeners to diagnose plant issues which can be helpful especially for those weird questions you feel dumb for uttering out loud, but it can also problematic as some scenarios require a fuller picture to diagnose. Today, we explore common gardening questions and concerns that gardeners often Google. We're talking about p…
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I think it's time to get back in the garden... Brandi has been deep in the reality TV and it's gone too far...
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The gardeners are on the road this week in downtown Calgary for Earth Week at the Core Shopping Centre! Exploring a fun craft for the kiddos, some fun Earth Day activities across Canada, and 11 low effect ways to celebrate Earth Day at home! Chapters 00:00 Celebrating Earth Week in Calgary 05:08 Fun Kids Activity 09:59 Community Events for Earth Da…
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What is your first signal that spring is here? Find out what Colin and Brandi consider to be theirs!
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Spring Awakening: What to Find at Your Local Garden Center
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39:16
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39:16As the spring growing season gets underway, what can you find growing at your local greenhouse? The gardeners explore iconic spring flowers, the benefits of buying some of your annuals early, climatizing or hardening off, home greenhouses, and effective shopping strategies. Chapters 02:56 Exploring Iconic Spring Plants 09:00 The Benefits of Early P…
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Someone was lurking in Brandi's garden this week... We're explore some of the common critters you may find in your backyard at any time of the day and what they may be interested in. What kind of natural deterrents and preventative measures can you use to creating a balanced ecosystem? ************************* CONNECT WITH US Thank you so much for…
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Brandi and Colin BOTH attended their first seed swap a little while ago! Find out what their experiences were like! Check out our episode on Seed Swaps!
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GARDEN COURT: Are HOA's Helpful or Too Restrictive?
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50:25We're talking Homeowners Associations (HOAs), exploring their benefits and drawbacks. In this episode we'll touch on some of the common rules imposed by HOAs, the tension between maintaining property values and allowing personal expression, conflict resolution within HOAs, the complexities of neighborhood dynamics, the pros and cons of HOAs, and mo…
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Can you guess what Brandi saw in the garden the other day?
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Green Spaces: Stylish Planting Tips for Your Home, Thrift Finds, & Community Love
41:35
41:35
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41:35We're exploring simple and stylistic ways to incorporate plants into your outdoor and indoor living spaces. We explore inspired approaches to decorating, benefits of thrifting, working with small spaces, and even how to spread plant love to your local community. SPECIAL GUEST Nancy Adie | Simply Styled Inspo Nancy is the creator behind Simply Style…
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Rooted in the Rockies: Growing Food and Community W/ Hartell Homestead
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54:05
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54:05Farmers and homesteaders are the ultimate gardeners. While farmers and homesteaders are working on a grander scale than home gardeners, they’re most likely working through similar challenges like we are as gardeners, just on a grander scale. Take a peek behind the curtain at some of the many ways Hartell Homestead is growing not only for themselves…
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Seed swaps have been around for a looooong time. Even indigenous groups and farmers would share seeds to grow their crops or medicinal plants. Today, seed swaps are commonly organized into large events with one of the most popular being "Seedy Saturday" across Canada. The first Seedy Saturday dates back to the early 90's in Vancouver courtesy of Ro…
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Live on Location at the Calgary Home & Garden Show
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32:26We're on the road this week exploring the Calgary Home and Garden Show! Learn about the benefits of local expertise, innovative gardening tools, and more! Join us at the show on March 2nd at 12PM for our stage presentation on native plants! Learn more: https://www.calgaryhgs.com/
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Colin's Birthday Suit: Donuts, Memories, and 20 Q's
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37:25
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37:25It's Colin's Birthday! The gardeners are sharing donuts, stories, and facts about the birthday man himself. Colin shares his favorite plants to grow, what he wouldn't grow, memorable clients, and even the challenges he's faced in his gardening career. Chapters 00:00 Celebrating Birthdays 03:01 Donut Party! 06:05 Nostalgic Memories 15:14 Getting to …
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It's houseplant season! Plants can bring joy and beauty to any space and there's a lot to explore! In this episode, the gardeners explore:Beginner plants, plants that require very specific care, the diversity of philodendrons, plants that can survive without soil, low maintenance plants, the stunning world of Dracaena, plants that move in response …
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Houseplant Trends: Pasta Water, Milk, Ice Cubes, and Snow
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41:45We're delving into popular internet trends surrounding plant care. Should you use pasta water on your Monstera? Leftover Coffee on your Cactus? Ice Cubes on your Spider Plant? What about milk on your Fiddle Leaf Fig? What about using snow?We'll also dive into some practical plant care that you can provide during these colder, darker, winter months.…
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Gardening Intentions for 2025: A Fresh Start
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34:56The Gardeners are BACK! Welcome to a brand new year of growing and we're so excited for all the fun things ahead. In this episode, we tease some of the new questions we're tackling in the gardening world, and our 3 gardening intentions that may inspire yours! ************************* CONNECT WITH US Thank you so much for supporting our podcast and…
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As we wrap up the holidays and plan for all the good stuff coming to your earholes in 2025, we’re taking a moment to look back on some of our favorite episodes from 2024! We had a lot of fun exploring garden tools, organic gardening, and even tackled the tough question of when it’s time to give up on your houseplants. We were also so lucky to be jo…
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In this very special Christmas Day episode, the gardeners discuss their favourite seasonal movies, music, gifts, and more! Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season. *************************CONNECT WITH US Thank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review an…
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One of the most iconic plants of the holiday season - Mistletoe! How does this parasitic plant grow? What do their flowers look like? Can you eat it? Why do we kiss under it? Learn all this and more on todays episode! *************************CONNECT WITH US Thank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. …
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How do you spoil a gardener during the holiday season? We've come up with a great list for this years Gardener Gift Guide! TIMECODES01:15 | Light the Way03:30 | Read on, Gardener05:55 | Ditch the salad bowls, harvest in these! 09:05 | Bring the Birds to the Yard12:50 | Bloom Plant Trellis15:45 | Treat them to new tools20:00 | Memory Garden22:14 | C…
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Winter inspires us to find ways of bringing nature inside our home to help get us through the cold, dark months. This week, the gardeners are diving into 5 trendy ways to showcase nature in your home this holiday season.*************************CONNECT WITH US Thank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place…
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What's your style around the holidays? Today, the gardeners explore two very different ways to deck your halls: Scandinavian Minimalism and Oaxacan Colour. Plus - learn how radishes are grown and manipulated to create special sculptures that help celebrate and represent culture during Christmas time! ************************* CONNECT WITH US Thank …
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Winter bulbs are popping up in greenhouses across the country and we're big fans. Just because we're heading into winter, doesn't mean we can't grow things. These florals brighten up your indoor spaces especially around the holiday season. ************************* CONNECT WITH US Thank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the worl…
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Welcome to the Houseplant Funeral of Ivy... This week, we're honouring our crispy office friend and exploring when it's time to move on from our houseplants. You'll be surprised to learn that the secret is below the soil surface! Plus, we'll talk more about the seasonal changes your houseplants will go through as we enter darker months! ***********…
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In a peaceful corner of Middle Earth, two hobbits share gardening secrets, their take on a scarecuterie board, and a spooky story featuring a gardening competition that gets out of hand. Join the gardeners in one of their most favourite traditions of the year! Thank you toe everyone who submitted suggestions on who we should appear as! We hope you …
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Spooky month continues with a conversation on Scarecrows! Are they spooky, cutesy, or wise? We explore their history, the culture behind scarecrows, and a modern look at garden protection against pest destruction. ************************* CONNECT WITH US Thank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Ple…
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Corn Mazes and Giant Pumpkin Competitions
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34:02It's Spooky month, and corn mazes seem to be both loved and feared this time of year. When they're not starring in the latest horror flick, they pose as popular family destinations. Watch as Brandi attempts to escape her local corn maze, and we'll talk about a famous corn that's so good it comes with its own certificate of authenticity! PLUS, we'll…
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It's Spooky month, and the gardeners are kicking it off with a discussion on Garlic! What's the difference between fall and spring garlic? How do you plant it? Plus, we'll explore some of the lore behind vampires and their aversion to garlic. ************************* CONNECT WITH US Thank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the w…
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It's fall y'all! We're welcoming in soup season, pumpkin patches, and autumn colours! There's so much to look forward to, even in the garden. The gardeners explore what you can still plant this time of year, ways to support bugs, a lawn hack heading into winter, and more! ************************* CONNECT WITH US Thank you so much for supporting ou…
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5 Autumn Annuals to help Savour the Season
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25:03Happy Autumn! This is always a bittersweet time of year as we look forward to transitioning landscapes bursting with colour but we're also starting to wind things down in the garden. It might feel like you have a lot of tasks piling up that you 'must' do. Let's explore opportunities to celebrate and enjoy the season around your home and garden. ***…
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The Travelling Gardeners: Wasps, Poison Gardens, and HUGE CATERPILLARS!
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39:55After a short break from the garden, we're back with stories to share! Colin took a trip to Montreal and New York, while Brandi went across the pond to check out some gardens in Ireland and the UK! 1:54 | What to do about wasps. 7:00 | New York: Central Park 9:45 | New York: Beaches & Grasses 10:50 | Elizabeth Street Garden 13:08 | Leaves of three,…
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Have a gardening conundrum? We're doing a garden check up this week and answering our frequently asked questions on the podcast, on our socials, and in the store! 1:54 | Can you help a plant planted in the wrong location? 3:38 | Protecting plants from extreme heat. 6:26 | How to start lawn seed in summer 10:00 | How to regulate greenhouse temperatu…
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Okay, story time! One of our favourite things at the greenhouse is swapping garden stories. We love when you whip out your phone and share your successes like your 100yr old bonsai that you inherited from grandma. We're sharing our favourite garden stories including bee stories, garden bunnies, and a special story about a local garden that is now a…
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Do you find that garden tools these days are kinda like kitchen tools? There's so many niche tools you may use only once or never touch and it can be a little overwhelming. Why are there 4+ types of rakes?! Colin helps us break down some of the more common tool categories and highlights his top 5 tools for beginning gardening. Believe it or not, th…
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Succession Planting: Space out your harvest, support pollinators, and prep for next year
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31:29
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31:29Ever feel overwhelmed by your harvest? We know a secret way to not only help space our your harvest but also extend the growing season, support pollinators and prepare for next year! This is an episode you won't want to miss. ************************* CONNECT WITH US Thank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more plant…
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Growing plants in Water: Ponds and Houseplants
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33:39We often focus on growing plants in garden beds, but we can explore pond plants and Indoor water plants too! Learn more about establishing pond plants and even growing water plants indoors! ************************* CONNECT WITH US Thank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a r…
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Looking for inspiration in your garden? Kitchen gardening can be done inside your home or out in your garden. It involves growing plants that will be used in your everyday cooking. Inspire healthy eating and easy meal planning. ************************* CONNECT WITH US Thank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more pla…
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Today is the day. If you've been with us for a while, you may know a little fun fact about Brandi... she has never mowed a lawn. I know, many of you must be in disbelief! It seems like a chore most kids would do growing up. However, there's also a percentage of you that are in the same boat and can relate. We're going to talk about when to mow, the…
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Plant Pronunciation Guide and Naughty Plant Names
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46:22Where do botanical names come from? How do plants take on different common names? How do you pronounce plant names? This episode dives into all that and more! Plus, Colin uncovers a list of naughty plant names which is why this episode is explicit. Enjoy!
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Gardening with Kids: Benefits, Activities, AND CRAFTING!
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42:45
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42:45There are so many benefits associated with gardening whether you're a kid or an adult or a pet. We're going to explore some of those benefits, some activities and then.... get your glue and googly eyes ready because we're crafting! ************************* CONNECT WITH US Thank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more…
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Plant Daddies | Shoutouts, Memes, and the Father's of Horticulture
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33:46Shoutout to all the #PlantDaddies this Father's Day! Do you have a Plant Dad in your life? We love and adore them. Listen in to learn more about some of the father's of horticulture in Canada! ************************* CONNECT WITH US Thank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave …
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What are my Options for Organic Gardening?
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51:29Gardening is a personal journey. There's so many ways to approach it, including the organic approach. A decade ago, much like with gluten free and vegan options, there wasn't much on the market for organic options. In recent years, there has been a push toward offering more ecofriendly products to aid every part of the growing process. Let's dive i…
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Gardening is an investment of your time and money so here's 4 easy ways you can protect that investment from challenges like weather, bugs and more. ************************* CONNECT WITH US Thank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gar…
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