Scott chats with Gary Sullivan about getting ready for spring. They dive into the importance of window safety, discussing potential hazards like blinds and the need to keep them clean. Gary shares his personal experience with cleaning windows, using a squeegee and vinegar solution, and emphasizes the importance of lubricating window springs. They also touch on the lifespan of fiberglass screens and the benefits of different types of screens. The conversation is a great reminder to get your home ready for spring and stay safe while doing it.

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Scott chats with Mark Wessel from Gardens Alive and special guest Marianne Willburn, a blogger, author, and podcaster. They dive into the beauty of California's super bloom, discussing the unique conditions that create this spectacular display of wildflowers. Mark shares his experiences witnessing the super bloom in the Central Valley, while Marianne reminisces about her own encounters with the Carreso Plains and Antelope Valley. They also touch on the joys of gardening in Virginia, from the emergence of spring ephemerals to the challenges of deer and rabbit populations.

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Scott is joined by Mark Wessel and Bill Fountain to discuss the impact of road salt on plants. They explore how salt can damage soil pH, limit essential nutrients like magnesium and iron, and cause issues like chlorosis. Bill shares his expertise on the effects of salt on plants, including its ability to dehydrate them and pull moisture from the air. They also talk about salt-tolerant plants, such as bayberry, shore juniper, and ginkgo, and how to choose the right plants for your location.

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Scott is joined by Mark Wessel and Bill Fountain, a Professor of Horticulture emeritus from the University of Kentucky. They continue their conversation about the impact of road salt on plants, discussing how it can alter soil pH, limit essential nutrients, and cause damage to foliage. Bill shares his expertise on the effects of salt on plant roots and the importance of considering the speed of traffic in determining the severity of salt damage. They also explore ways to mitigate the effects of road salt and highlight salt-tolerant plants that can thrive in challenging conditions.

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Scott is joined by Mark Wessel from Gardens Alive. They dive into the world of gardening, discussing the importance of choosing the right plants for your climate and soil type. Mark shares tips on planting onion sets and potatoes, highlighting the benefits of soaking the roots before planting. They also touch on the topic of minor bulbs, exploring the unique characteristics of plants like paper birch and Virginia bluebells. With a mix of humor and expertise, Scott and Mark cover a range of topics that will inspire and educate listeners.

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Scott is joined by Jennifer Smith and Jared Barnes, a renowned horticulturist. They dive into the world of gardening, discussing everything from the importance of native plants to the challenges of cutting back perennials. Jared shares his expertise on creating a habitat for native bees, highlighting the benefits of preserving stems and leaves for these vital pollinators. The conversation also touches on the topic of misinformation in gardening, emphasizing the need to verify sources and seek out credible information.

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Scott chats with award-winning author Teresa Woodard about her latest book, Garden to the Max. They dive into the concept of maximalism in gardening, where more is more, and how it can bring joy and abundance to your outdoor space. Teresa shares her experiences visiting 20 diverse gardens across the country, from small patios to estate gardens, and how she's encouraging people to experiment with plants and create their own unique spaces. They also touch on the importance of biodiversity and the beauty of American gardening style.

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Scott chats with Jennifer Smith, an award-winning pollinator designer and garden expert. They dive into Jennifer's journey, from her early days volunteering at the Cincinnati Zoo Botanical Garden to her current role at Wimberg Landscaping, where she creates stunning naturalistic gardens. They discuss the importance of getting kids involved in gardening and the impact of public gardens on the community. Jennifer shares her favorite plants, including the little bluestem and the pulmonaria, and they touch on the challenges of salt damage to trees and plants after a harsh winter.

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Scott Berlin chats with Sam Hoadley from Mount Cuba Center about their latest trialing report on golden rods. They dive into the diversity of this often-overlooked group of native plants, discussing their unique characteristics and benefits for gardeners. From top performers like Soldego rigosa 'Fireworks' to lesser-known species like Soldego fistulosa, Sam shares insights on how to incorporate these plants into your garden, including their adaptability and potential for attracting pollinators. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to add some native charm to their outdoor space.

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