Welcome to the John Mini Podcast where we explore all things urban horticulture, indoors and out, through the perspectives of those who made it a career. Join us for casual yet informative conversations about indoor horticulture and gardening, outdoor urban landscaping, shifts and trends in the industry, and project spotlights. This is an official podcast of John Mini Distinctive Landscapes (John Mini). At John Mini, our purpose is to make places beautiful by bringing nature to the places wh ...
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Indoor Landscaping Podcasts
Ellen Zachos and C.L. Fornari help you discover the amazing world of plants: in the garden, in the wild, and on your plate. They show you how to grow plants successfully, how to enjoy your natural surroundings, and how to make the most of your harvest, whether it's cultivated or foraged. (Spoiler alert: they don't always agree!) You'll find three different topics in each episode, plus email questions from listeners.
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Here at Mr. Chipp, your go-to Boise Landscaping Company, we believe your outdoor space should be used as much as your indoor space. Our Boise landscaping experts provide a wide range of services including sod installation, artificial turf, sprinkler installation, pavers and retaining wall installations. If you’re ready to increase the value of your home while simultaneously creating a backyard that can be enjoyed for generations, let’s start your next landscaping project today.
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DIY Lawn and Garden Hacks Presented by the Lighting Doctor. We explore numerous topics around DIY Home and Garden Hacks, Tips, and Tricks to Make your Outdoor & Indoor Living Spaces better and easier to save you time and money.
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One of the biggest advantages of having a water sprinkler system is that it saves time and effort. Instead of dragging a hose around your yard or using a watering can, a sprinkler system can do the job for you. You can set it up to water your garden automatically at certain times of the day. This means you can spend more time enjoying your garden a…
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If you’ve ever seen a beautiful garden or a neat backyard with green grass, flowers, and cool designs, chances are a professional landscaper helped make it look that way. A landscaper is someone who plans, builds, and maintains outdoor spaces like gardens, lawns, parks, and yards. Whether planting trees, building a patio, or setting up sprinklers, …
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Artificial turf installation is a wise investment for anyone looking to upgrade their outdoor space with minimal long-term maintenance. With the proper prep and materials, you can enjoy a pristine, green lawn 365 days a year. For more info about Artificial Turf Installation visit our website: https://www.mrchipp.com/artificial-turf-installation-boi…
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Intro to Integrated Pest Management in Urban Horticulture
50:38
50:38
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50:38An educational conversation with the Chief Horticulturalist at John Mini Distinctive Landscapes, Andrew Engel. Andrew introduces some misconceptions and misuses of Integrate Pest Management (IPM). He provides an overview of what is Integrated Pest Management - mostly from the lens of urban landscape horticulture. We close out the episode with some …
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The Winter Garden Palms Part 4: A Case Study on the Possibilities of Indoor Landscapes
47:38
47:38
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47:38Welcome back to our four-part project spotlight on the famous Winter Garden Palm trees. The Winter Garden is an iconic atrium in downtown New York City within Brookfield Place. The project centers on sixteen 37’ Washingtonia Robusta palm trees and their journey across the country, a project over 3 years in the making. First and foremost, thank you …
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Highlights from NALP’s Elevate: The Outdoor Landscape and Horticulture Event of the Year
36:31
36:31
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36:31I’m joined by Matt Wessol, the Director of Outdoor at John Mini Distinctive Landscapes. Matt oversees our outdoor urban landscape operations. His team is responsible for the care of some of New York’s most iconic landscapes. Matt and I reflect on our recent trip to the National Association of Landscape Professionals’ Elevate Conference and Expo. It…
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The Winter Garden Palms Part 3: A Case Study on the Possibilities of Indoor Landscapes
1:09:34
1:09:34
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1:09:34Welcome back to our four-part project spotlight on the famous Winter Garden Palm trees. The Winter Garden is an iconic atrium in downtown New York City within Brookfield Place. The project centers on sixteen 37’ Washingtonia Robusta palm trees and their journey across the country, a project over 3 years in the making. First and foremost, thank you …
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The Winter Garden Palms Part 2: A Case Study on the Possibilities of Indoor Landscapes
1:14:26
1:14:26
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1:14:26Welcome to this four-part project spotlight on the famous Winter Garden Palm trees. The Winter Garden is an iconic atrium in downtown New York City within Brookfield Place. The project centers on sixteen 37’ Washingtonia Robusta palm trees and their journey across the country, a project over 3 years in the making. First and foremost, thank you to o…
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The Winter Garden Palms Part 1: A Case Study on the Possibilities of Indoor Landscapes
43:39
43:39
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43:39Welcome to this four-part project spotlight on the famous Winter Garden Palm trees. The Winter Garden is an iconic atrium in downtown New York City within Brookfield Place. The project centers on sixteen 37’ Washingtonia Robusta palm trees and their journey across the country, a project over 3 years in the making. First and foremost, we thank our c…
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The Role of Annual Plants in the Urban Landscape
39:18
39:18
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39:18We sit down with Scott Ahlborn, Sales & Design Representative, and Matt Wessol, Director of Outdoor. They are urban landscape professionals from the John Mini Distinctive Landscapes team in New York and together bring over 40 years of experience to the table. Scott and Matt discuss the role of annual plants in the urban landscape. In our conversati…
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The Role of Renderings in Urban Landscape Design
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50:35In this project spotlight we sit down with Matt Spencer, designer at John Mini Distinctive Landscapes. Matt walks us through the design process of a rooftop garden in New York City. Our conversation is focused on the role of images and renderings in the development of urban landscapes. We’ll discuss the types of graphics and renderings he developed…
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Ornamental Horticulture Drought Experiment Part 1
44:01
44:01
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44:01We sit down with the Chief Horticulturalist at John Mini Distinctive landscapes, Andrew Engel. This is part one of a two-part episode. Andrew will walk us through an upcoming experiment with practical relevance to the world of urban horticulture and landscaping. Andrew will be testing four products and their efficacy in supporting urban plants thro…
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Today, I sit down with two colleagues from Plant Designs - a London, UK based interior landscaping firm. Jodie Sinclair and Callum Garner share their perspective on interior landscaping. This episode was recorded in London at the end of a 3-day long program developed by John Mini Distinctive Landscapes and Plant Designs. As global leaders in interi…
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Why are indoor landscapes important - Part 1
46:19
46:19
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46:19In this recurring episode we sit down with professionals in our field to hear their perspective on the importance of indoor landscapes and horticulture in the built environment. We are joined by Liana Hutcheon and Jack Harris from the John Mini Distinctive Landscapes team. Together their experience working on interior landscapes is just shy of 50 y…
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What is your favorite tool in the craft of urban landscaping and horticulture?
25:54
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25:54Have you ever thought intimately about the tools you use? The selection, care, and purpose of each tool? This deep thought is a sign of someone who is passionate about their work. In this recurring episode we highlight the importance of paying attention to the details in the craft of urban horticulture. The passionate always optimizes their process…
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Why are outdoor urban landscapes important - Part 1
37:22
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37:22This is our first installment exploring the importance of outdoor urban landscapes. This will be a recurring conversation where we sit down with professionals in our field to understand their perspective on the importance of outdoor landscapes and horticulture in cities. In this episode, we are joined by Keith Behringer and Phil Adams from the John…
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Balancing aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability in the urban landscape - Part 1
45:28
45:28
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45:28This is our first conversation in a series of episodes that explore the balance of aesthetics, sustainability and functionality in urban landscapes. We sit down with professionals in our field to understand how they balance these three considerations. The design, construction and maintenance of urban landscapes must consider the intended function, …
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In today's episode we sit down with the Chief Horticulturalist at John Mini Distinctive Landscapes, Andrew Engel, to discuss the renewal of indoor landscapes. In the episode we discuss; What is renewal of interior landscapes and why it needs to be considered. The need to renew elements of indoor landscapes, such as planting medium and the plants. H…
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An Interiorscaper's Role in Reimagining the Workspace
1:00:33
1:00:33
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1:00:33Two teammates from the John Mini Distinctive Landscapes team discuss their roles in developing an award-winning landscape project for a client who set out to reimagine the typical office. Liana Hutcheon, Sales & Design lead, and Sam Barrett, Head of Design, walk us through the design development of an innovative indoor landscape for Le Truc, a crea…
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In Today's project spotlight, we'll be sitting down with the Chief Horticulturalist at John Mini Distinctive Landscapes, Andrew Engel. Andrew has over 11 years of experience and practice in indoor horticulture and holds a Masters of Horticulture from RHS. His work with the John Mini team includes horticulture care at iconic indoor landscapes such a…
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This is an episode to introduce the John Mini Podcast. In a quick 7 minutes, we explain who the team behind the John Mini Podcast is, why we launched this program, what to expect from it, and who might be interested in our future episodes. If you're interested in horticulture and plants, urban development, gardening, and landscaping please take a l…
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Seed Planning, Catching Up, and See You In Seattle
32:21
32:21
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32:21Ellen and C.L. talk about three interesting edibles from the True Leaf Market catalog, explain what they’re working on and catch up with some listener emails. They end by talking about seven seed starting tips offered by our friends at Gardeners Supply Company, and invite listeners to join them at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show in Seattle. :3…
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Tasty meals, New Plant Discoveries and a Dormant Period
25:51
25:51
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25:51We’re talking about garlic and crabapples, plants that are new to our hearts, and some interesting research on bulbs done at Cornell University. Plus some words of appreciation for all of our listeners…Plantrama people are the best! See the bulb research information here. :27 What’s For Dinner: What C.L.and Ellen love for tasty meals. 5:14 Eat/Drin…
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Rusty Nails For Blue Hydrangeas, Queen Anne_s Lace, and Too Many Plants
26:11
26:11
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26:11Learn about turning Hydrangea flowers blue, how to tell if you’re looking at Queen Anne’s lace or the poison hemlock, and not enough room for all these plants! Plus C.L. loves listening to the Audible version of Michael Pollen’s book, This is Your Mind on Plants. :29 True or False: To turn Hydrangeas blue, place rusty nails in the ground 3:48 Eat/D…
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In this episode Ellen and C.L. discuss some favorite peppers, and answer common listener questions about drought-damaged plants and helping their gardens recover from a hot, dry summer. We share an exciting new plant from Proven Winners, and answer a listener’s question about clover lawns. :36 What’s For Dinner: Peppers! 10:39 Eat/Drink/Grow: Recov…
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Encore Snacks, Outdoor Office and Entertaining
27:20
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27:20In this Encore presentation from 2017, Ellen and C.L. start the end-of-summer party off with suggestions for snacks and garden hors d’oeuvres. The second segment offers ways that you benefit from an outdoor office, and no, it’s not the low rent. Our main segment suggests ways you can spruce up (horticultural pun intended) your yard and gardens for …
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Encore of Yellow Leaves, Fall Vegetables and Bringing Houseplants Inside
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27:44
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27:44In this end-of-August episode, C.L. and Ellen discuss how to tell why the leaves on your plant are turning yellow. They explain that noticing which leaves are yellowing, and where they are, can help explain why this is happening. Next the Plantrama team explains some botanic terms, and discusses what to forage for or plant in your vegetable garden …
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Ellen and C.L. discuss whether the use of mulch robs the soil of nitrogen, and we take a dive into the Polygonaceae family…smart weeds and knotweeds. We give you the scoop on two informative webinars for anyone interested in growing hydrangeas, and answer a question about the odd, jelly-like forms that a listener has found on some junipers. 1:42 Tr…
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Encore of End of Summer Flavors, Taking Cuttings, Transplantation
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33:15In this encore episode, Ellen explains what to make with under-ripe wild grapes and C.L. persuades listeners to combine some creamy brie cheese with those homegrown tomatoes. Next we explain that the end of the summer is the ideal time to propagate everything from woody ornamentals to annuals and perennials. Now that cooler weather is on the horizo…
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Pickles, Small Trees, and Dealing with Bare Spots
27:39
27:39
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27:39What can you pickle this summer? Should you buy a tree that’s tiny? Ellen and C.L. discuss these topics, plus what to do with bare or just unattractive spots in the garden, and whether summer planting makes sense in July. :29 What’s for dinner: Pickles. 7:12 Insider Information: Don’t be afraid to start with small shrubs and trees! 12:30 Eat/Drink/…
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Mulch killing weeds, Citrus from Seeds, and a Robot Weeder
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25:45
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25:45Have you wondered how, or if, mulch kills weeds? Have you tried to grow a citrus plant from a seed? Ellen and C.L. discuss these topics, and answer Dianna’s question about her kousa dogwood that isn’t doing well. Plus C.L. tells Ellen and our listeners about a robot that weeds in gardens. :28 Plant Noob: Does mulch kill weeds? 6:47 Eat/Drink/Grow: …
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Foliar Feeding, Forks in the Garden and Auto-Flowering Cannabis
22:57
22:57
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22:57Have you seen the photo of plastic forks, tines up, in the garden? Wondering about spraying fertilizer on the leaves of plants to give them added nutrients? And how about that auto-flowering type of Cannabis…should you be harvesting in July? :36 True or False: Plastic forks in the garden? 7:21 Eat/Drink/Grow: Foliar feeding. 18:20 Love Letters and …
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Raspberries, Rock Walls, and Perennial Bloom
26:16
26:16
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26:16Ellen and C.L. talk about the difference between raspberries and blackberries, give suggestions for plants that grow well in the tiny spaces in rock walls, and discuss whether you should panic when you see bugs on a plant. We end with a listener’s question about a perennial garden filled with early-summer bloomers. :30 What’s For Dinner: Raspberrie…
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Edible Flower Petals, Tap Roots and Crop Rotation
25:54
25:54
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25:54C.L. and Ellen have suggestions for edible flower petals, whether you want to use them for visual or taste appeal. Hear a discussion about taproots - what are they and what they mean for you – and hear if you need to be concerned about crop rotation. :38 What’s For Dinner: Flowers petals! 5:53 Eat/Drink/Grow: Tap roots. 20:18 Love Letters and Quest…
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Mint, Harvesting Garlic, and Plant Supports
28:52
28:52
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28:52Ellen and C.L. discuss ways to use the mint you grow, the basics of harvesting garlic, and ways of supporting vegetables and newly planted trees. Plus we answer a listener’s question about spraying fertilizer directly onto foliage. :33 What’s for dinner: Mint beyond mojitos 4:12 Insider Information: Harvesting Garlic 17:46 Eat/Drink/Grow: Plant sup…
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Flea Beetles, a Book Review and Houseplants at Summer Camp
27:00
27:00
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27:00Ellen and C.L. talk about a common insect that causes damage in many vegetable gardens: flea beetles. Next they address questions and issues that arise when houseplants have been put outside for the summer, review an inspiring new book, and answer Ryan’s question about possible ground cover crops for weed suppression in flower farms. :28 Plant Noob…
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Dead Trees, Early Flowering Perennials, and What NOW?
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25:15C.L. and Ellen discuss what to do if your tree dies, and what actions to take when something has already happened and you need to respond or do your best to fix it. :30 True or False: You should remove dead trees from your property 6:24 Eat/Drink/Grow: After the fact. Or, I’ve already done it! Now What??? 22:00 Love Letters and Questions: Sandi ask…
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Dill, Planting in June and What Alliums Do
26:54
26:54
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26:54:38 What’s For Dinner: Dill. 8:59 Eat/Drink/Grow: “Is it too late to plant?” 20:14 Insider Information: What alliums do. 22:42 Love Letters and Questions: Donna re: miniature lemon cypress tree In this first of five June episodes, C.L. and Ellen talk about growing dill, planting in the summer, and what allium foliage does when these bulbs come into…
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Lettuce Wraps, Garden Diversity and Mediterranean Gardening
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25:10
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25:10In this end-of-May episode Ellen and C.L. discuss using lettuce to wrap tasty fillings, for a meal or snack. We explain what a botanist does, the importance of several types of diversity in our yards and gardens, and answer Pete’s question about applying Mediterranean style to a Minnesota garden. :28 What’s for dinner: Lettuce Wraps 3:22 Insider In…
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How to Fill Raised Beds, Hugelkulure and Garden Mentors
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25:18
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25:18The Plantrama team discusses the best way to fill a raised bed, why the practice called hugelkulture is getting so much buzz, a podcast recommendation, and finding a garden mentor. :30 Plant Noob: Why you shouldn’t fill a raised bed with only compost. 5:24 Eat/Drink/Grow: Hugelkultur 16:29 Check THIS Out!: a plant podcast that C.L. loves. 18:48 Lov…
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Seed Info, Gardening in Clay and Potting Media
29:54
29:54
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29:54Have you ever bought an envelope of seeds that had no instructions on it? Do you have clay soils where you garden? Ellen and C.L. start the program with these topics, then move onto invasive plants in the landscape, and the differences between different types of potting media. :30 True or False: It’s okay to send out seeds without any germination i…
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It’s pasta for dinner, and everything coming up roses in this episode of Plantrama. Ellen shares her nettle pasta recipe, and C.L. talks about a quick way to use any garden greens with linguine. We discuss the highs and lows of growing roses, and end by answering a listener’s question about catkins. :37 What’s For Dinner: A go-to garden or foraged …
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Spring Salads, Organic Fertilizers, and Clematis
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27:58
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27:58In this episode Ellen and C.L. celebrate spring salads, discuss organic fertilizers and discuss the many ways to grow vining Clematis. :28 What’s for dinner: Spring Salads 6:24 Insider Information: Organic fertilizers 11:03 Eat/Drink/Grow: Clematis This episode is brought to you by our friends at Rainwand.com…
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Raised Beds, Labeling Plants and Check THIS Out!
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27:45
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27:45The Plantrama team gives those new to vegetable gardening some advice about raised beds...how deep, what to fill them with, and whether they need a weed barrier underneath. We talk about how to remember what you’ve planted, without sticking ugly labels next to every plant in your garden. In a new segment, we tell you about a couple of great things …
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Do you need a special fertilizer for Cannabis budding? Do you need special fertilizers for different types of plants? Do some fertilizers work better than others, and can you make your own out of food scraps? These questions answered and more in this episode. :33 True or False: In order to get Cannabis to bud, you have to use special “bloom” fertil…
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The Plantrama team gets their fingers sticky with strawberry juices today as we talk about foraging for wild berries, and how to grow strawberries in your garden. Hear about the types of plants, protecting berries from critters, using this plant as groundcover, and more. We end with some thoughts about soil temperatures. Here is a great chart from …
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Spring Greens, Plants for Arbors, and Forced Bulbs
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23:06
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23:06Spring Greens, Plants for Arbors, and Forced Bulbs In the last episode for March Ellen and C.L. answer the last batch of questions collected at the Northwest Flower and Garden Festival in Seattle. Many of these focus on plants for arbors and pergolas. :28 What’s for dinner: Spring Greens 3:37 Insider Information: Can a night blooming Cereus grow in…
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Parsley, Outdoor Furniture, Insect Repellants and Plant Empowerment
25:42
25:42
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25:42Ellen and C.L. address more questions from the Northwest Flower and Garden Festival in Seattle. We discuss the herb that gets no respect, Parsley, plus keeping outdoor furniture dry, escaping the insect invasion in your outdoor living areas, and how we started a podcast...and how you might start a garden business too! :40 What’s for dinner: Parsley…
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Garden Design, Strawberries in a Greenhouse, and Dog Business
22:20
22:20
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22:20Hear about how to garden if you move frequently, creating consistent gardens in sun and shade, colors that work together, and growing strawberries in a greenhouse. That and keeping the neighbor’s dogs from killing plants when they urinate on them. With thanks to our sponsors: Storey Publishing, Gardener's Supply Company and Botanical Interest Seeds…
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Hydrangeas, Peonies and Vegetable Garden Soil
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26:23
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26:23Questions from the 2022 Seattle flower show continue, with blue, mophead hydrangea blooming and pruning in our main segment. Ellen and C.L. also talk about pH for vegetable gardens and peonies that stop blooming. This episode brought to you by our friends at Dramm - makers of rainwands and other garden gear. :45 The Plant Noob: How important is soi…
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