Gardening Simplified

Architectural follies are decorative, non-essential structures often found in gardens or landscapes. We discuss garden follies all over the world and talk with Lisa Roper, horticulturist with Chanticleer Gardens, about how they use garden art and a garden folly to enhance their stunning gardens. Featured shrub: Glow Stick Japanese holly.

While we’re in the height of summer, it’s a good idea to think about what you can do in the garden now to get ready for fall. Featured tree: Pink Snow Showers flowering cherry.

Whether it’s an awe-worthy plant, a love of wildlife, or wanting to create a beautiful space, there are so many reasons to garden. Hear what inspires Stacey and Rick to garden. Featured shrub, Lemony Lace elderberry.

Revelation: a surprising and previously unknown fact, especially one that is made known in a dramatic way. Hear what Stacey and Rick’s “Ah-Ha!” moments have been throughout their gardening journey. Featured shrub: Gatsby Pink oakleaf hydrangea.

Rejuvenation: the action or process of giving new energy or vigor to something. We talk about ways you can revamp your plants and set them up for future success. Featured shrub: Winecraft Black smokebush.

Take your garden to the next level! We talk about plants that add height to the garden and plants that grow at higher elevations.

Succulents have been gaining popularity in recent years, for understandable reasons! They are versatile, colorful, and unique. Join us as we talk about how to be successful with succulents and deep dive into hardy succulents. Featured shrub: Chicklet Gold Tecoma.

Some plants can be considered “drama queens,” unafraid to show that they are unhappy with something in their environment. Knowing these plants and what these signs mean will help you to better understand what’s going on in your garden. Read the tea leaves with us and learn the signals these trigger plants are putting out. Featured shrub: Pinky Winky panicle hydrangea.

As deer populations and pressures have grown, so has the damage that they do in the garden. We talk deer resistant plants, ways to help alleviate deer damage, and interview Professor Alexandra Locher, with Grand Valley State University, on what is being done about the deer problem in Kent County, MI. Featured shrub: Sweet Emotion abelia.

As Stacey always says, when in doubt, don't do it! Whether it’s prepping, planting, or pruning, we discuss what not to do and why you shouldn’t do it. Featured shrub: Let’s Dance Big Band  Reblooming bigleaf hydrangea.

Whether it's a gardening task, plants to plant, or garden design - don't overthink it, just do it! We give our list of things to just do in the garden.

Big plants hold a special fascination: watching them shoot from nearly nothing to truly epic proportions in a matter of weeks never gets old. Learn our favorite big plants! Featured shrub: Miss Violet butterfly bush.

Combining plants is more art than science. Join us as we offer ideas and dispel myths on companion planting. Featured plant: Happy Jack Purple clematis.

If you were stranded on an island, what plants would you need for survival? That's our topic for today. Featured shrub, Flavorette Pear’d rose.

Hanging baskets never go out of style! Learn how to choose the best one and care for it like a pro. Featured shrub: Fairytrail White Cascade Hydrangea.

Moon gardens have been gaining popularity and for a good reason! White flowers are great for creating an ethereal look in the garden, particularly in the early morning and evening hours. Hear about some of our favorite white flowering plants. Featured shrub: Oso Easy Ice Bay.

Not too big, not too small, but just right! We discuss plants that not only have sought after habits, but also have multiple season interest, and tie together the landscape. Featured shrub: Wine & Spirits weigela.

Nativars - a contraction of "native" and "cultivar" - get a bad rep from some people. But is it deserved? Find out the facts and opinions surrounding these controversial plants.

Tis the season - for pruning! We know that's scary to some, so we're giving you the basics you need to make pruning decisions in your landscape. Featured shrub: Perfecto Mundo Double Purple reblooming azalea.

They're short-lived but much anticipated! Spring ephemerals are a sign of sunnier days and warmer weather, which we could really use here in West Michigan. Featured shrub: Legend of the Small fothergilla.

Spring is here and with it, the return of garden tasks. Join us to learn what to do and when to do it. Featured shrub: Show Off Sugar Baby forsythia.

Every gardener has at least one plant they can’t stand. Whether it’s due to aesthetics, invasiveness, or a bad experience, some plants just aren’t for everyone. Find out what plants we hate and hear what listeners had to say about the plants that make their “no thanks” list.

So much ground to cover! Learn about plants that work well and ones that are best to avoid when it comes to ground covers. Featured shrub: Spilled Wine weigela.

Looking for the toughest, most durable plants for your garden or landscape? They're in this episode! Featured shrub: Low Scape Mound aronia.

Lavender is one of the most beloved garden plants - and also one of the most frustrating. That's why we're devoting an episode to growing it! Featured shrub: Bloomerang Dark Purple lilac.

We're about to enter the prime period for moving shrubs and perennials, so get the dirt on what you can - and shouldn't - move. Featured shrub: Wee Bit Grumpy hydrangea.

Do you want more plants than you technically have room for? We're sharing where you can bend the rules a bit and ignore the plant tag. Featured shrub: Stonehenge yew.

We're sharing our list of overachievers - plants with maximum beauty and performance but minimal maintenance and fussing. Join us for ideas for your spring planting list!

Sprouting is the fast, easy, low cost way to grow your own healthy nutritious food indoors - even in winter! Join us to learn about sprouting + microgreens. Featured shrub: Soft Serve chamaecyparis.

Warm up this winter with the 2025 Houseplant of the Year! We also talk tropical hibiscus and a mystery plant predator. Featured shrub: Bambino Variegated Orange bougainvillea.

Introducing the 2025 Proven Winners Annuals of the Year! Learn why these high-performance annuals deserve a spot in your garden. Featured shrub: Sky Dew Gold ornamental blueberry.

Introducing the 2025 Proven Winners Perennials of the Year! Learn why these high-performance perennials deserve a spot in your garden. Featured shrub: Spice Baby viburnum.

New Year, new plants! We're talking what's new for 2025, as well as the Proven Winners Shrubs of the Year. Featured shrub: Kintzley's Ghost honeysuckle.

The garden is a great teacher, and every season is different, so we're reflecting on what we learned in 2024. Featured shrub: Glow Girl birch leaf spirea.

The look, scent, and taste of citrus fruits helps to keep the winter bright and cheery, so in this episode, we celebrate all things citrus. Featured shrub: Juiced Orange jessamine.

Got a gardener in your life - or maybe the gardener is you? Join us as we share gift ideas and suggestions for the horticulturally inclined. Featured shrub: Invincibelle Wee White hydrangea.

The Gardening Simplified team recently vacationed (separately!) in some pretty fabulously plant-filled locations: Costa Rica, Australia, and Japan. Join us for a fun chat on what we saw and loved.

You often see plants that have been protected somehow for winter, but is it really necessary? Join us to find out if and when you should protect something in the garden. Featured shrub: Sky Box Japanese holly.

Make the holidays more special with place settings and arrangements from your garden. We share familiar and unconventional ideas for decorating. Featured shrub: Ringo Double Pink rose.

Whether it's a specific plant or an entire vibe you create, there's something nostalgic about gardens and gardening. Celebrate that with us in this episode. Featured shrub, Illuminati Tower mockorange.