Super Cool Plants - Formerly Known as Let's Argue About Plants
Super Cool Plants (formerly Let's Argue About Plants) is a podcast from Fine Gardening magazine that celebrates standout plants for various gardening situations. Each episode features a panel of horticultural experts from across North America discussing specific themes like deer-resistant plants, shade standouts, or native species. Hosted by Fine Gardening editors Carol Collins and Danielle Sherry, the show blends expert insight with approachable conversation to help listeners expand their plant knowledge and become better gardeners.
Episodes
Super Cool Plants Episode 2: Plants to Soothe the Senses
In this episode of Super Cool Plants, we explore the power of plants to calm, comfort, and restore. From soft, touchable foliage to gentle fragrances and soothing color palettes, our panel of horticultural experts shares their favorite selections for creating a more sensory-friendly garden. Looking to design a peaceful retreat, engage more deeply with your outdoor space, or simply take the edge of
Super Cool Plants Podcast! Episode 1: Underappreciated Native Plants
North American native species have captured the imaginations of gardeners all over the world, but only a few species have broken through to become horticultural staples. On this premiere episode of Fine Gardening's newly redesigned podcast, our expert guests join us from two widely acclaimed botanical gardens specializing in native plants. Listen in as they reveal some of their favorite overlooke
Episode 191: Listener Q&A
One of our favorite things to do on the podcast is to hear from you, our loyal listeners. We recently scrolled through our emails and social media messages to see what kinds of questions you all had from the past season. We love hearing about what's happening in your gardens—especially the challenges—and sharing advice drawn from our decades of horticultural experience. And when we don't have the
Episode 190: Deer-Resistant Plants
Those furry freeloaders can look elsewhere for a treat! A public service announcement prior to getting this episode started: There is no such thing as a deer-proof plant. If deer are hungry enough, they will even eat things that are supposedly toxic to them. But there are such things as deer-resistant plants. So, on this recording of Let's Argue About Plants, Danielle and Carol share some of th
Episode 189: Our 2026 Garden Plans
Episode 189: Our 2026 Garden Plans Hear what we have in store for upgrading (or overhauling) our beds and borders this year What's that old adage? "The road to hell is paved with good intentions." Well, call us eternal optimists, but every January we like to make a list of our goals and aspirations for our gardens in the coming year. After all, a new gardening season is the perfect time
Episode 188: The Best Seeds We've Ever Started
Sow something unexpected n next year's garden! The wonder of sowing seeds and watching tiny new plants emerging from the soil never gets old. In this episode, Danielle, Carol, and their guest compare notes on some of their favorite plants that can be grown easily (or not-so-easily) from seed. Whether you are an experienced seed propagator or a nervous newbie, you'll be sure to find something in th
Episode 187: 2025 Year in Review | Best Performing Plants
Find out which new varieties stood out for us in 2025! When the flurry of fall cleanup is done, it's fun to reflect on the triumphs of the growing season before winter sets in. For this episode Danielle, Carol, and their guest dish the dirt on plants with cool new colors, outstanding vigor, and other features worthy of noting in their garden journals this year. Which of their favorites might
Episode 186: Plants we have learned to love
Keeping an open mind is a great way to find new favorites! Of course we are entitled to have strong opinions about plants, but it doesn't hurt to have our minds changed once in a while. In this episode Danielle, Carol, and their expert guest will discuss the redeeming qualities of plants that have won them over after some initial resistance. If there are particular plants you have ruled out for on
Episode 185: Bulbs We're Longing to Buy
Now is the time to invest in a spectacular spring show! Bulbs of all kinds are easy-care solutions for bringing extra color and an element of surprise to containers, beds, and even lawns. In this episode, Danielle and Carol are joined by bulb aficionado Joseph Tychonievich to discuss the most exciting varieties that they'll be adding to their shopping carts this fall and winter. Expert: Joseph
Episode 184: All-time Favorite Veggies
In this episode, we're digging into our all-time favorite vegetable varieties—the ones we can't imagine our gardens (or dinner plates) being without. From not one, but two improved 'Brandywine'-type heirloom tomatoes to a cucumber that never fails to impress at the summer picnic. Carol even shares her must-have green bean variety (and tries to convince Danielle that it doesn't taste like wood). We
Episode 183: Roses You Won't Regret
Roses may be the most controversial plant out there. In this episode, we're discussing the most reliable, low-maintenance, and high-performing rose varieties for those of us who crave beauty without the fuss. These standout selections offer impressive disease resistance, long bloom periods, and lush fragrance—without demanding constant care. From classic hybrid teas to bombproof species roses, thi
Episode 182: Favorite Red-Flowered Plants
Turn up the garden heat with a dose of bold, confident color Red flowers—love 'em or hate 'em — add an undeniable fiery look to gardens. The hue stands out brilliantly against the predominant greens of most landscapes, which makes red flowers an instant focal point. For many gardeners, red blooms are the heartbeats of their beds and borders, radiating passion, energy, and a timeless charm. Perhap
Episode 181: Plants You Can't Kill
It's worth finding a few stalwarts that will survive almost anything When plants are done in by pests, diseases, or bad weather, it is hard not to take it personally. But on the positive side, each plant that shuffles off this mortal coil does offer an opportunity to add something newer and better to our garden. In this episode, Danielle, Carol, and expert guest Kielian DeWitt talk about some of
Episode 180: Plants with Big, Bold Foliage
In this episode, we're turning up the drama—garden drama, that is! We're talking all about plants with big, bold foliage that steal the show and bring serious texture and presence to your landscape. Whether you're designing a tropical-feel patio or adding contrast to a woodland border, these leafy giants know how to make a statement. We'll cover our favorite varieties, tips for placement and care,
Episode 179: Most Beautiful Flowers
If your pulse quickens at the sight of a dogwood or peony in full bloom, this is the episode for you. Although a restrained, foliage-focused design is always a safe bet, fabulous floral textures and colors offer a level of excitement that leaves alone can't provide. For many of us, a love of flowers was the gateway that brought us to gardening. Follow along as Danielle, Carol, and expert guest Wam
Episode 178: Best Interview Moments from Let's Argue About Plants
While the Fine Gardening team is busy exploring the Philadelphia Flower Show, we're taking a moment to look back at some of the most insightful and inspiring conversations we've had on Let's Argue About Plants over the past year. In this special episode, we're revisiting standout moments from interviews with horticulturists, garden designers, and educators who have shaped the way we garden. You'll
Episode 177: Seeds We're Starting This Year
As we recorded this episode, snow was gently falling outside our windows here in New England. But that isn't depressing for us—it simply means it's time to start our seeds! Today we are joined by digital editor Christine, and we are talking all about which seeds we're starting this year and why. There's an assortment of edibles and flowers on our lists, and we discuss the best practices for gettin
Episode 176: Plants with Personality with Amanda Thomsen
Amanda Thomsen is a landscape designer, project manager, and garden writer. Recently, she opened Aster Gardens in Lemont, Illinois. This neighborhood boutique offers plants, home décor, classes, and events. Amanda brings an irreverent, punk-rock spirit to her horticultural work, so she is the perfect person to help adventurous gardeners to explore some plants with personality. Unusual herbs, hard
Episode 175: Great Houseplants
Potted plants will bring life and positive energy into any room, and studies have shown that having them nearby can relieve stress, boost creativity, and improve focus. In winter, when the weather is not good for outdoor gardening, it is particularly satisfying when we can help the living gems on our windowsills to thrive and look their best. In this episode Danielle and Carol chat with their fri
Episode 174: Plant Evaluation with Sam Hoadley and Richard Hawke
Catalogue descriptions for new plants may grab our attention, but usually provide little useful information about how these up-and-coming cultivars will perform in your garden. Fortunately, comparative trials like those conducted at Chicago Botanic Garden and Mt. Cuba Center put plants to the test, side-by-side, under typical garden conditions. In this episode, Richard Hawke and Sam Hoadley delv
Episode 173: Beneficial Host Plants
This week we might rename the show Pollinator Haven, the podcast where we dig into the vibrant world of pollinators and the plants that sustain them! Well, probably not, but we will be diving into the essential role host plants play in supporting bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. These are species that are critical in providing places for insects to lay their eggs and food f
Episode 172: Focal Points with Susan Morrison
Susan Morrison, owner and principal designer at Creative Exteriors Landscape Design, has created hundreds of gardens in California's East Bay area. Her designs incorporate comfortable outdoor rooms into landscapes of all sizes, from hillside estates to postage-stamp front yards. Susan's home garden features thoughtfully arranged spaces for relaxing and entertaining enfolded in an artful, water-wis
Episode 171: Deer-resistant Plants
One deer can do major landscape damage overnight, and if a herd regularly visits your garden you may feel like giving up. Although almost no plant is completely safe if the herbivores are hungry enough, gardeners facing extreme deer pressure aren't powerless. Incorporating plants with "nasty" characteristics like strong smells, prickly textures, or even toxicity is one easy way to encourage those
Episode 170: High-Impact Native Plants with Uli Lorimer
Ulrich Lorimer is the director of the Native Plant Tust in Framingham, MA, a conservation organization that manages Garden in the Woods. He has been a longtime advocate for cultivating native plants in both public and private gardens to help offset habitat loss. In this episode, he talks about some outstanding native species that have an outsized impact when planted in a garden setting. He also d
Episode 169: Great Foundation Plants
When we say "foundation plants" you might think we're talking about plants that are the backbones of our beds and borders. But that's not what we mean in this instance. Today we're discussing plants that are perfect for planting around your home's foundation. These selections need to adhere to a certain set of requirements: they can't get too big; they can't be too small; they can't have aggressiv
Episode 168: Rewind – Design Rules of Thumb with Stacie Crooks
Seattle-based garden designer Stacie Crooks creates beautiful, ecologically friendly, low-maintenance gardens throughout the Pacific Northwest. Her most recent article in the December 2024 issue of Fine Gardening magazine tackles the challenges of integrating a vibrant, plant-focused garden into a cookie-cutter neighborhood developed during the post-World War II building boom. To coincide with the
Episode 167: Pollinator Plants
Great options for welcoming winged visitors to your garden Hardly an episode goes by where we don't mention a pollinator plant. But we have never dedicated an entire episode to the topic, which in our minds is bananas! So today we're fixing that track record and discussing 11 of our favorite pollinator plants. Native plant expert Cheyenne Wine joins us from Rare Roots Nursery in Virgini
Episode 166: Gardening for the Greater Good with Andrew Bunting
Andrew Bunting is vice president of horticulture at Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), where he promotes gardening for the greater good. PHS supports healthier neighborhoods through horticulture by cleaning and greening vacant lots, planting and maintaining street trees, partnering with community gardeners to share resources and conserve productive open space, and demonstrating ecologically
Episode 165: Not Your Typical Ground Covers
The best ground covers are multi-purpose workhorses, suppressing weeds, preventing soil erosion, and adding another level of interest to garden beds. Naturally, we'd prefer them not to be invasive, and to look good over a long season. But why do so many gardeners seem to fall back on the same few choices? In this episode, Danielle, Carol, and expert guest Amanda Thomsen cover new ground in their
Episode 164: The Joys of Plant Exploration with Mark Weathington
Mark Weathington is the director of the JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University in Raleigh, North Carolina and author of Gardening in the South: The Complete Homeowner's Guide. Mark is a frequent FG contributor, covering a wide range of topics including magnolias, redbuds, compact shrubs, and unexpected replacements for overused plants. Some of Mark's most fascinating work at the arboretu
Episode 163: Tough As Nails Plants
It's late-July and we're officially HOT. And so are our gardens. Now is the time that we start to truly sit up and take notice of the plants that seem to be gliding through summer's worst without skipping a beat. Today's episode pays tribute to all those perennials and shrubs that take a lickin' and keep on tickin'. We found some stars that thrive in heat, lean soil, and even some selections for
Episode 162: Cultivating Connections with the Next Generation with Jared Barnes
Jared Barnes is an associate professor of horticulture at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas, where he and his students cultivate The Plantery, a botanic garden complete with a native plant trial garden. Jared shares his love of plants with a wider audience through his gardening newsletter and The Plantastic Podcast, and he is also a frequent contributor to Fine Gardening. Re
Episode 161: A Field Trip to the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill
There's nothing nicer than being outside on a beautiful late spring day, especially if it means you get a whole day away from your desk. Danielle, Carol, and digital editor Christine Alexander recently played hooky from their editorial duties and went on a horticultural adventure at one of New England's great public gardens. Located in Boylston, Massachusetts, Tower Hill is filled with fun places
Episode 160: The RHS Chelsea Flower Show with Annie Guilfoyle
Did you ever wonder what it would be like to get exclusive access to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show? Well, your dreams have come true because in this exclusive interview we got an all-access pass to THE horticultural event of the year thanks to Annie Guilfoyle, a 2024 judge. Annie is co-founder of Garden Masterclass in the UK and an award wining garden designer who earned a Silver Medal at Cheslea ye
Episode 159: Plants that Take Sun and Shade
Chances are, you've got mixed conditions in your garden. One area might be in full sun, while another spot a bit farther away is in full shade. Even beds that have the same exposure on paper may have larger plants that shade out the ground below. This presents a challenge for developing a cohesive look within a landscape. As gardeners, we've been taught that repetition is one of the tenets of go
Episode 158: Plants That Earn Their Keep with Irvin Etienne
Irvin Etienne is the curator of herbaceous plants and seasonal garden design at Newfields, a 152-acre campus with art galleries, performance spaces, world-class public gardens, and a nature park in Indianapolis. Irvin has been a frequent contributor to Fine Gardening, sharing his horticultural expertise through informative articles like A Bright Idea for Spring Containers, Big and Bold Plants fo
Episode 157: Flowering trees for every season
Due to their size and expense, gardeners tend to put a lot more thought into the trees they ultimately buy for their landscape. While a perennial might only live for 6 or 7 years, a tree might grace your garden for 50 years or more—outliving the person who so carefully selected it, in fact. Here at Fine Gardening, we feel strongly that trees should look good in more than one season (for all of t
Episode 156: Finding Design Inspiration with Jay Sifford
Jay Sifford is an award-winning landscape designer based in North Carolina. Several of his garden designs have been featured in Fine Gardening, including a one-of-a-kind modern meadow garden and a series of beautiful, functional dry creek beds. Jay's immersive, naturalistic landscape designs are based around four cornerstones: art, magic, story, and horticulture. In this episode, Jay offers insigh
Episode 155: Deer Resistant Favorites
One of the worst sights you can ever see in the garden is a plant that has been browsed by deer. (Sidenote: we don't love the gentle word "browsed" in this instance. A more appropriate term might be "obliterated.") If the munching is particularly bad, that perennial, tree, or shrub becomes unrecognizable. And in many cases, this can mean instant death to your prized specimen. With deer pressure in
Episode 154: Putting Plants to the Test with Richard Hawke
Richard Hawke is the Director of Ornamental Plant Research at Chicago Botanic Garden, where he oversees comparative evaluations of ornamental plants. The CBG Plant Evaluation Program has included 117 distinct trials over the past four decades, with 26 comparative trials currently underway in three evaluation areas. In 2011, Richard began reporting trial results in Fine Gardening magazine, and has
Episode 153: Compact Plants for Tight Spaces
Every gardener wishes they had 25 acres to garden on, right? Well maybe not, but most of us do dream of a healthy amount of ground to build beds and borders to our hearts' desire. The reality of homeowners today, however, is that land is expensive and typical suburban lots have decreased in size steadily since the 1970s. And smaller lots mean smaller gardens. That isn't an issue though, if you se
Episode 152: Best of LAAP: Best of Our Listener Q & As
One of our favorite things to do here on the pod is dig through emails and social media shout outs from our listeners. It is always nice to hear about what problems you may be having in your gardens and to be able to offer advice from our decades of horticultural experience. And we're lucky to have scores of experts at our fingers tips if we don't have an answer for a plant suggestion or design f
Episode 151: Underappreciated Plants for Winter Interest
During the winter months many plants reveal subtle patterns, fine details, and a new range of colors that help us to see familiar beds and borders with fresh eyes. This is an excellent time to get outside, evaluate your garden's bones, and make some plans for spring planting. In this episode Danielle, Carol, and their guest will explore some of the plants that fly a bit under the radar in winter
Episode 150: Design Rules of Thumb with Stacie Crooks
Stacie Crooks is a Seattle-based garden designer who has created beautiful, ecologically friendly, low-maintenance gardens throughout the Pacific Northwest. She is also a contributing editor for Fine Gardening magazine and has shared her insights with our readers through 10 feature articles and several departments over the past 17 years. In this episode, Carol interviews Stacie about the lessons
Episode 149: Silver Plants
Plants with a silvery sheen stand out beautifully against the sea of green that fills most garden beds. In this episode, Danielle, Carol, and their guest will highlight some shimmering shrubs, drought-tolerant perennials, a tiny dwarf conifer, and even an unusual silvery vine with a bit of a back story. Perhaps one of these lovely, luminous plants could be the silver bullet solution to one of you
Episode 148: Wish List Plants
Oh, dear listeners...it's the most glorious time of the year! No, not because it's time to hang the stockings or trim the tree—because it's time to make the 2024 gardening wish lists. This year Carol and Danielle have selected the 8 plants they are pining over most. You will hear about a brand-new perennial that few, if any, have seen before. And there's also a new hydrangea with...brace yourselve
Episode 147: Great Native Grasses
If you like the beauty and impact that ornamental grasses bring to a garden design, you will love the many shapes, forms and colors that North American native species offer. Whether you need a practical groundcover, a dramatic focal point, or an airy filler to knit a matrix planting together, Danielle, Carol, and guest Paula Gross have some options that will inspire you to start your spring shoppi
Episode 146: Best of LAAP: Our Top 4 Plants
While searching through our archive of episodes we discovered something: There are a few specific plants we just can't stop talking about. As the years have progressed here at Let's Argue About Plants, we find ourselves experimenting with more and more varieties, so we have something new to report back to you on. But frankly, there are a core of plants that we could talk about every episode becaus
Episode 145: Great Plants for Grouping
Isn't every plant great in a group? Well, the answer is no. Some plants are too vigorous in their growth habits to share the stage, while others are better if put on a pedestal all their own (i.e. the focal point plants of the landscape). Today's episode we talk about plants that are great in masses—that is to say—in groups of three or more. We have options for shade, choices for sun, and selectio
Episode 144: Plant This with That-Fall Edition
Danielle combo #1 'Limelight' panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight', Zones 3-9) 'Sun King' aralia (Aralia cordata 'Sun King', Zones 3-9) Danielle combo #2 'Worcester Gold' blue mist shrub (Caryopteris × clandonensis 'Worcester Gold', Zones 5-9) 'Goldsturm' black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Goldsturm', Zones 3-9) Carol combo # 1 White Drift® rose (Rosa 'Meizorl
Episode 143: Best Of LAAP: Our Favorite Guests
We're nearing our 150th episode mark and for us, that has meant a lot of plants discussed. But it's also meant a lot of great guest appearances. As you know, each episode we ask an expert from the field of horticulture to lend us their brains and weigh-in on some great plant choices for the topic at hand. We've had guests who made us laugh, think twice about a much-maligned perennial, or even come
Episode 142: Fall Natives
It's time to grab that sweatshirt and dig out those heavier socks—fall has arrived! Although it's sad to see summer go, we're getting super excited for the new season around here. The native plants in New England (where our podcast is based) are starting to look especially lovely so we've dedicated this show to them. We've got an array of native woodies that bloom or color up in autumn (Danielle)
Episode 141: Summer Color
Around here we're not fans of the f-word. No, not that f-word. We're talking about FALL. In our minds that cooler weather is still a long way off, so we've decided to celebrate the dog days of summer by talking about plants that really put on a show in August. When much of the garden is looking tired and bedraggled, these plants add a colorful punch to the scene. Some unexpected perennials and shr
Episode 140: Listener Q & A
It's that time of year again! The much-anticipated listener question and answer episode. Carol and Danielle look forward to this special episode (sometimes TWO episodes) because it allows them to offer real-life advice for the plant and garden design issues that are troubling all of you out there in the podcast universe. This time, we got a slew of great questions via email and social media and we
Episode 139: Favorite Succulents
Quirky, collectible, and water-wise, succulents will add eye-catching texture to any garden bed or container display. There are some succulents that are cold hardy, while others will need to be brought indoors for the winter in colder regions. Join Danielle, Carol and guest Amanda Thomsen as they share some of their favorite succulents, including a few unforgettable "oddballs". Expert guest: Ama
Episode 138: Water-Wise Perennials
Drought has become synonymous with gardening in the past several years. It seems like regardless of where you live, you will experience some sort of dry conditions in summer. This has led many of us to reevaluate our plant choices. Perennials we once relied on to fill our beds and borders may flag in July and August—or shrivel up and die altogether. In anticipation of drier conditions in the futur
Episode 137: Field Trip to The Farmer's Daughter Nursery
Visiting a great nursery is inspirational. Colors and textures draw you in, and wish-list plants beckon to you from the benches and displays. You may even encounter a plant that you can't live without, even though you've never seen it or heard about it before. Join Danielle and Carol as they stroll the aisles of a favorite Rhode Island nursery and chat about their favorite finds. Expert guest: Sar
Episode 136: Plants with Presence
We all love plants that have some personality. These are the ones that stand out and make us take notice, and when we see them at a nursery, public garden, or in a fellow gardener's collection, they go straight onto the wish list or into the shopping cart. Which unforgettable treasures will jump to mind as you listen to Danielle, Carol, and their guest musing about some of their favorite plants wi
Episode 135: Spring Flowering Dwarf Shrubs
If you're looking to add some heft to the spring garden, but don't want to overwhelm genteel bulbs or ephemeral perennials then dwarf, spring-flowering shrubs are the answer. These little powerhouses are quick to put on new growth in the early part of the season and often sport blossoms in soft hues which will compliment the pastel colors that dominate May and June. Today's requirements are simple
Episode 134: Hole Fillers
Every garden has gaps that need to be filled from time to time. Whether you are looking for a short-term stand-in while a bed is being reworked or a quick fix after another plant dies, it is nice to have a list of pinch-hitters that can step in and fill space quickly. Listen in as Danielle, Carol, and expert guest Lisa Bauer share some of their favorite choices for gracefully filling the vacancies
Episode 133: Spring Combos
To gardeners, spring is the signal of something big to come. It kicks off our season. For the next several months we will primp and preen our beds to maximize their beauty and relish in their good looks. But as all our plants start waking up in April and early May, it can be hard to really focus on the "design" elements. Many of us are often just happy to see any signs of life, never mind if those
Episode 132: A Tribute to Tulips
Tulips are a lavish spring gift that any gardener can give to themself and to their neighborhood with just a little advance planning. Whether your tulip bulbs are pre-ordered as early as possible in summer through your favorite supplier, or purchased last-minute from the garden center just before the ground freezes, getting them into the ground this fall will pay big dividends next spring. Listen
Episode 131: Green Plants
Green plants? Well of course! What else would our topic be for a St. Patrick's Day episode? Today we're talking about plants that are stunners despite being "just green." Turns out that these selections of perennials, annuals, trees, and shrubs are some of the most textural and eye-catching plants you can grow. And, we'll remind listeners right at the top of the show—green comes in tons of differe
Episode 130: Favorite Spring Greens
Growing spring greens is an easy, satisfying project that takes very little time and very little garden space—you can even grow greens in containers! Homegrown spring greens will be fresher than any you can find at the grocery store or farmer's market, and you can try varieties that aren't commonly available, like 'Red Streaked' arugula, or 'Tokyo Bekana' Chinese cabbage. If this episode inspires
Episode 129: Early Risers
Raise your hand if seasonal affective disorder has set in for you. Yep, us too. Because the skies are grey and the landscape is mostly brown in many areas of the country, we decided that today's episode would be geared towards offering a glimmer of hope. We're talking about plants that put on a show in the last gasps of winter and first few weeks of spring. Just when you think that the garden is n
Episode 128: Our Loved Ones' Favorite Plants
For many gardeners, sharing a love of plants with family and friends adds another layer of enjoyment to a very fulfilling pastime. In this episode, Danielle, Carol, and expert guest Catharine Cooke explore plants that have special meaning or associations with their loved ones. Whether it is a dogwood that provides seedlings to share with others, a native orchid that is worth a long hike to see gro
Episode 127: Plants for Winter's Worst
Much like the United States Postal Service, these plants will not let rain, nor sleet, nor driving snow stop them from pulling through the worst winter weather imaginable. It can be hard to find plants that will look two months of drying winds in the eyes and laugh—or sit in a frozen puddle for 4 months and not rot. We decided to sing the praises of those perennials and woodies that will take wha
Episode 126: Winter Stunners
The winter blues have certainly set in around here. But thankfully we have a few plants outside that seemed to have saved their best for last. Today Carol and Danielle are talking about Winter Stunners—trees, shrubs, and even a subshrub that look so gorgeous in January and February, you'll forget that technically it's the "off-season." Whether your winter is mild and wet, cold and dry, or you liv
Episode 125: Sensational Seed Heads
Flowers and foliage get most of the fanfare, but a plant with eye-catching seed heads will add interest for weeks or even months after its bloom time is over. The textures and shapes of these seed-bearing structures are delightfully diverse, ranging from alliums' showy starbursts to plump peony pods and the feathery tassels of clematis. Our hosts and expert guest will share some favorite selection
Episode 124: Wish List Plants
It doesn't matter whether we've been naughty (Danielle) or nice (Carol) this year—we're still going ahead and adding plenty of plants to our wish lists. We're talking about trees that we've had our eyes on for months and a perennial that shines in spring, summer, and light up electric yellow in fall. Many of these plants will be new to nurseries this coming spring, while others have been around a
Episode 123: Listener Q & A
It's the most wonderful time of the year! No, not because it's the holidays, because it's the annual Q & A episode here on Let's Argue About Plants. When we put a call out each year asking you, our faithful listeners, to send us your most pressing questions about plants and gardening, we never know what to expect. But boy did you deliver this time! We had so many questions roll in that we had to c
Episode 122: The Most Colorful Fall Plants
Depending on where you live in North America, fall in the garden can bring anything from a flood of vibrant color to just the slightest hint of a new hue. Here in New England, we're pretty lucky to get an explosion of autumnal colors most years. But today we decided to talk about those plants (trees, shrubs, perennials, and yes—even an annual) that can be counted on to express THE most shocking co
Episode 121: Wicked Plants
They're creepy and they're kooky. Mysterious and spooky. They're all together ooky. Nope, it's not the Adam's Family, it's the array of wicked plants on today's episode. It's Halloween season so we'll be talking about an assortment of plants that are spiky, darkly pigmented, stinky, or perhaps even the most wicked of all: invasive. But don't think every perennial or tree on this episode is unworth
Episode 120: An Interview with Doug Tallamy
We very pleased to bring you a special episode of Let's Argue About Plants today, featuring an interview with Douglas Tallamy, PhD. Several months ago, Christine Alexander, digital content manager for FineGardening.com, sat down with the famed professor of entomology and wildlife ecology at the University of Delaware to discuss how plants can save our planet. Tallamy has spent his life's work rese
Episode 119: Favorite Sedums
What's not to love about sedums? They're drought-tolerant, they attract pollinators, and they flower later in the season when not much else is going on in the garden. But they also have their drawbacks—namely a proclivity to splay open (we're looking at you Autumn Joy) and look rather awful in some cases. But rest assured that today we're talking about sedums that maintain a compact habit (whether
Episode 118: Unusual Autumn Perennials
What gardener doesn't like something a bit out-of-the ordinary, right? Especially when it's a plant that puts on a serious show as the final curtain call is happening. Today we highlight some of our favorite unusual fall perennials, options that are interesting cultivars of a genus you may know, and weird oddballs you've likely never heard of. Just a heads up that we may have cheated a teeny, tiny
Episode 117: Tender Plants Worth Saving
Nearly everyone can grow tropical plants outdoors during the summer months, but when the first frosts are forecasted gardeners in colder climates know there will be some tough decisions ahead. Which plants will be moved to those coveted spots by a south-facing window for winter? Is it worth the trouble to dig dahlia tubers and overwinter them, or should you just start over from scratch with newer,
Episode 116: Plants We Should Like, but Don't
They're tough, they're hardy, they thrive in almost any location. So, why don't we love them? Give this episode a listen to hear about plants that have a ton of good attributes, but just can't bring ourselves to draw a heart around them. It's easy to ask gardeners what plants they hate—we all have long lists of inferior perennials, trees, and shrubs that are weak or have unruly habits making them
Episode 115: Underrated Herbs
We all know and love parsley, sage rosemary, and thyme. And then there's sweet basil which is perhaps the queen of all the herbs. But what about those herbs that are just as tasty—or attractive—but don't get the same accolades? For those unsung heroes of the herb garden, we put together this episode. You'll hear about a deliciously spicy lemon basil, an elegant edible flower with brilliant orange
Episode 114: Drought Tolerant Woodies
According to NASA Earth Observatory, one-third of the United States experienced some level of drought in 2020 and 2021 was much the same. This pattern of extended dry weather is sadly becoming more and more of the norm. We recently did a feature in Fine Gardening magazine highlighting a series of drought tolerant woody plants from around the country in our regional pages and that got Carol and Dan
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