Gardening Simplified
Gardening Simplified is a radio show and podcast from Proven Winners ColorChoice Shrubs, hosted by lifelong gardeners Rick Vuyst and Stacey Hirvela. The show is designed to share a love of plants and gardening with listeners of all skill and experience levels. Each episode aims to offer something interesting, useful, and fascinating for anyone interested in gardening.
Episodes
Berry-d Treasure! | All About Plants With Berries | 211
What even is a berry? Well, watch this episode and you’ll find out! Stacey and Rick deep-dive into what really classifies as a berry and talk about a variety of berry-laden beauties. Whether they are edible, or just for ornamental purposes, berries add so much to the landscape, not to mention they’re fantastic for wildlife!
I Give Up! | Top Reasons People Give Up on Plants & Gardening
It’s human nature to get disheartened when something doesn’t work out, and when it comes to plants and gardening, things don’t always work out the way we hoped. Weeds, water, and work are the three main reasons people tend to give up on gardening and we’re here to help! Learn about the plants people tend to give up on the most and how to avoid common mistakes.
Fall is Full of Opportunities, Seize the Day!
Carpe diem! Fall is a fantastic time to be in the garden. Whether you’re tending to your plants or getting your lawn in order, we’ve got tips and tasks for you to work on. Plus learn about plants that you should get in the ground now, and ones you want to hold off until spring to plant.
Low-Maintenance Plants & What to Expect
The way people define low-maintenance plants varies from gardener to gardener. At its core, the basic low-maintenance plant is one that is well-suited for the conditions where you want to plant. Hear all about low-maintenance plants and how you can incorporate them into your garden to gain both beauty and time.
Well-Rounded | Spherical Plants for the Garden
People love round plants, or as we like to say, meatballs. Whether you’re the type of gardener that likes to have all your plants perfectly shaped in an appealing circle, or you lean more towards chaotic gardening, plants with rounded habits or globe shaped flowers help to make a dynamic garden. Learn all about them in this episode!
The Magic of Moon Gardens
Sitting in your yard or garden on a summer night isn’t just a romantic notion – for many of us, nighttime is the only time that we can comfortably spend in the garden due to high heat and humidity. And it’s a pretty well-understood fact that if you are the type to enjoy your garden in the evening and night that white flowers are a way to make plants stand out and make your garden more atmospheric.
The Importance of Texture in the Garden
Color is usually at the front of mind when it comes to designing a garden, but to really elevate a landscape, texture is crucial. In this episode, Stacey and Rick talk about plants that have fine, medium, or coarse texture, and how to combine these plants in your garden.
What If You Could Only Use One Color in the Garden?
If you had to design a garden bed using only ONE flower color, which color would you choose to create your monochromatic masterpiece? Hear about the most popular colors, and plants that can be used to achieve unicolor design.
How to Make a Meadow Garden
Meadow gardening has been gaining popularity, and rightfully so! They’re fantastic for wildlife, plant diversity, and not to mention, they’re beautiful! Learn about ways you can create your own meadow garden and plants that Stacey and Rick recommend for these types of landscapes.
Gardens That Shaped the US | Part 4 | Middle of Summer Garden Check
We’re getting back to our usual routine, but before we do, we’re going to highlight Stacey’s number 1 bucket list garden to visit! On top of that we discuss a few other fantastic gardens along the west coast. In segments three and four, hear about things you may notice in your garden this time of year and how to help your plants get through the dog days of summer.
Gardens That Shaped the US | Part 3 – Chicago to California
We’re breaking away from our usual routine to talk about notable gardens across the United States that were pivotal in shaping the country into what it is today. Learn about fascinating history, groundbreaking landscape design, and of course, plants! This is part three of this series where we talk about gardens from Chicago and make our way to California. Stay tuned for upcoming episodes to learn
Gardens That Shaped the US | Part 2 – South & Midwest
We’re breaking away from our usual routine to talk about notable gardens across the United States that were pivotal in shaping the country into what it is today. Learn about fascinating history, groundbreaking landscape design, and of course, plants! This is part two of this series where the focus is on gardens throughout the South and some of the Midwest. Stay tuned for upcoming episodes to learn
Gardens That Shaped the US | Part 1 - Northeast
We’re breaking away from our usual routine to talk about notable gardens across the United States that were pivotal in shaping the country into what it is today. Learn about fascinating history, groundbreaking landscape design, and of course, plants! This is part one of this series where the focus is on gardens throughout the northeast. Stay tuned for upcoming episodes to learn about more fantasti
Surviving Heat and Humidity | Best Plants and Practices
Sometimes the weather can feel too hot to handle! Luckily, these plants won’t break a sweat under these tough conditions. Learn all about plants that grow well in hot and humid landscapes and ways to help your garden beat the heat.
Homing in on Hibiscus
The hibiscus plant family includes several hundred species of plants that are native to warm temperate, subtropical, and tropical regions throughout the world. In this episode, Stacey and Rick explain the different types of hibiscus, how to grow them, and all of the amazing features they provide.
Understanding Fertilizer and Soil Amendments | When to Use and When Not to
Fertilizer can be confusing - when should you use it and what type should you use? Stacey and Rick break down the basics of fertilizer, understanding NPK, fertilizer ratios, and the plants that benefit most from the extra boost.
All About Beneficial Insects
Ever wonder if that bug in your yard is a friend or a foe? IPM, or Integrated Pest Management, is the best way to manage pests in the garden while being environmentally sensitive. It’s important to become familiar with the various insects that visit your garden so you can be aware of their role in your ecosystem. Learn all about beneficial insects and the positive impact they can have in your gard
How to Have Color in the Shade
Gardening in the shade can be difficult, and trying to have color in shade can be even more so. Don’t worry, we’ve got you! Hear all about plants that provide color and brighten up those tough areas.
Yellow in the Garden | Flowers & Foliage
Bees love yellow and we love yellow! Yellow is a great color for brightening up the landscape and giving a cheerful appearance to any garden bed. In this episode, Stacey and Rick list a ton of plants with yellow flowers or yellow foliage that you can use in your garden.
All the Pots-abilities! Container Gardening 101
Containers are a great way for you to experiment with new plants, color schemes, and design elements. Not to mention, they have fantastic space saving capabilities! Whether you like to go all out on containers, or have one cherished pot, we’ve got plant and care recommendations when it comes to container gardening.
Eat (And Grow) More Plants!
There’s no better feeling than being able to go out to your own garden and harvest food you’ve grown yourself. Not only is it rewarding, but beneficial for you and the wildlife around you! Learn about some of the tasty and useful plants that you can incorporate in your landscape.
New Plants to Look for in Garden Centers | 2026
Incredible flowers, improved disease resistance, and foliage for every taste and space – whew! In this episode Stacey and Rick talk about plants you’ll want to keep an eye out for in garden centers in 2026.
Annual Garden Review | How Plants Performed
An annual review of the plants in your landscape is similar to an annual review of workers at a place of employment. You're the boss. Which plants excelled? Which plants are put on the chopping block? Learn about factors that Stacey and Rick use to determine if a plant is going to stay in their gardens or not.
Knowing How to Pair Plants
Good companions bring out the best in each other. That doesn’t mean they have to be similar, but that they support and boost-up one another. Learn how to pair plants like a pro in this episode!
The Habits of Rabbits | Rabbits in the Garden
Sharing space with wildlife is a necessity, and frequently a purpose, of a garden. Observing little animals is magical until you see them munching on your favorite flowers. Although rabbits are small, they can do a lot of damage! Hear about ways to help garden and coexist with these hoppy little creatures.
Embracing the Beauty of Unruly Gardens
Some gardeners prefer their landscape to be tidy and well-kept, while others like their garden a little on the wild side. In this episode Stacey and Rick discuss what makes for an unruly garden and plants that can be the perfect rowdy contenders. In segment four, we interview Eric and Christopher from Grow For Me Gardening to talk about their very beautiful and very orderly garden. Plus hear about
Zone-Pushing | Pushing the Limits with Plants
Zone-pushing is attempting to plant and grow a plant that is one or two zones different from your current planting zone. It refers to pushing the boundaries of what is considered an appropriate planting location. Learn what plants are good contenders for zone-pushing, and ways you can create micro-climates in your garden to help be successful zone-pushing.
Understanding Invasive Plants
The National Invasive Species Council and the Invasive Species Advisory Committee define an invasive species as “a species that is non-native to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.” Stacey and Rick dispel misunderstandings, highlight problematic plants, and talk about what you can do to help c
Been There, Killed That, Want it Back
The more you garden, the more plants you kill, it’s an obligatory part of the journey. But just because a plant dies, doesn’t mean it isn’t worth another shot. Stacey and Rick discuss reasons why a first attempt may not be successful, but how you can learn and move forward from it.
Plants That Help Save Energy
We all know the benefits that come with gardening, but something we don’t often think about is how plants can help to save energy. Casting shade, providing windbreaks, and saving on water bills are just some of the ways you can utilize plants to help conserve energy. The best part? You can buy more plants with the money you save!
How to Have Seed Starting Success
Seed germination is the fundamental biological process by which a dormant seed wakes up and develops into a new, functional seedling under favorable conditions. We explain these ideal conditions and the best practices for creating and maintaining them. Plus, learn (and listen to) Stacey’s favorite seeds and seed pods!
An In-Depth Look at Island Beds
What is an island bed? An island bed is a freestanding garden, usually surrounded by grass and can be viewed from all sides. Hear design tips, including how to incorporate texture, color, and structure in these beds. And, of course, we give plant recommendations!
Plants Make Great Gifts! Knowing How to Pick the Right Plants
A reminder that flowers are symbols for expressing complex emotions and feelings. Flowers engage multi-sensory sight, touch, and aroma experiences! We recommend flowers year-round for you! In segment four, we interview Dr. Jessica Turner-Skoff about plant poaching, its impacts, and how you can help stop this practice. Featured shrub: Midnight Express redbud.
The Charm of Cottage Gardens and How to Create Your Own
Known for their whimsical and wild aesthetics, cottage gardens are a great for mixing texture and color. Not to mention, pollinators love the variety provided by this gardening style. Learn about plants that are perfect for cottage gardens, no matter where you live!
2026 Houseplant of the Year and Tips for Making Terrariums
Houseplants have gained traction in recent years, and for good reason! Bringing nature inside can help boost moral and give us plant lovers something to appreciate during off seasons. Hear all about the 2026 houseplant of the year and how to create your own lively terrarium.
2026 Annuals of the Year
Annuals are the cherry on top in garden design. Not only do they provide color and landscape solutions, but they inspire creativity and leave room for gardeners to experiment. Hear all about the 2026 annuals of the year!
2026 Perennials of the Year
While we all dream and scheme for gardening season, hear all about the 2026 Perennials of the Year from Proven Winners. Cayla Olson, from Walter's Gardens and Proven Winners perennials, joins us to deep dive into these exciting perennials.
2026 Shrubs of the Year
New Year, new plants! Hear all about the 2026 Shrubs of the Year from Proven Winners ColorChoice shrubs.
Celebrating Plants and a New Year
The New Year is often brought in with various traditions and celebrations. In this episode, we talk about the plants used in these and the symbolism of each. Plus, a few garden resolutions for the New Year. Featured plant: Persimmon.
The Botany Behind Christmas
Christmas history and traditions are heavily influenced by plants, I mean, we bring a whole tree in the house for the holiday! Learn all about the plants behind this holiday.
Jack Frost in the Garden | All About Frost and Freezes
Is frost really a bad thing for plants? Find out the difference between a frost, and a freeze, and when to take action against them. Plus, hear the benefits of snow in the garden. Featured shrub, Oso Easy Ice Bay rose.
Pushing the Boundaries in the Garden
As Stacey says, real gardening starts once you’re not afraid to make mistakes. Sure, taking risks can be scary, but it can also be so rewarding! Whether you try to push the limits of spacing or hardiness, stepping out of your comfort zone is a big part of gardening. We discuss ways to push the boundaries in the landscape and the potential benefits of doing so. Featured shrub: Just Chill Red Tip ca
The Beauty and Benefits of Broadleaf Evergreens
Broadleaf evergreens, or as we like to call them, flowering evergreens, are powerhouses in the landscape. They give you interest, structure, privacy, and color every season. In this episode, we explore the wide variety of broadleaf evergreens and how to care for them. Featured shrub: Gem Box inkberry holly.
The Botany of Thanksgiving
There are many plants used as culinary staples when it comes to Thanksgiving. In this episode, we talk about the history, cultural impact, and nature behind these plants. Plus, you’ll never guess what Stacey picked for this week’s plant on trial, but you won’t want to miss it!
Captivating Conifers | A Guide to Understanding Conifers
Conifers, often mistaken for Pine trees, are and have been landscape staples throughout history. Not to mention a classic choice for the Christmas tree! We dive into what makes a conifer, a conifer, and talk about the wide variety of conifers in the world. Fun facts, care tips, and how to deal with Juglone (the chemical produced by Black Walnut trees) are just a few of the things you’ll hear in th
Optimistic Orange | Using the Color Orange in the Garden
The color orange can be associated with cheer, caution, and optimism, to name a few. Learn how incorporating orange in your landscape can add a vibrant element to your palette. Featured shrub: Berry Box pyracomeles.
What We Learned in 2025
With 2026 around the corner, Rick and Stacey share what 2025 taught them and how to take that knowledge and use it moving forward. Learn about favorite plants, popular show topics, and garden revelations in 2025. West Michigan had a near historic drought this year - hear how plants handled these tough conditions in Stacey’s garden.
Little Shop of Horticulture
Welcome to the Little Shop of Horticulture! Gardening is a joy, but in honor of the season, we discuss the spooky side of gardening - invasive plants, daunting diseases, and woeful weeds. Learn about the goth garden trend and the perfect plants to use to create your own eerie escape.
Timing Is Everything! | Timely Garden Tasks and Understanding Plant Growth Rates
A garden is a physical manifestation of the passage of time. We all know plants grow, but how quickly they do depend on a lot of factors. So, in this episode we break down how plant growth rates are determined. We’ll also discuss how timing tasks in the garden will make for happier plants and a happier gardener.
Working the Land | Work Smarter, Not Harder!
Working the land is directly correlated with being a good steward of the land. Get advice on how you can work your landscape in a way that’s smarter, not harder, for both you and the land.
It’s on the House! | How to Landscape With You Home Exterior Colors
When adding a plant or designing your landscape, there’s a lot to consider! One of the most important but overlooked considerations is the color of your home’s exterior. Get tips and tricks for choosing a garden color scheme based on your house colors. Featured shrub: Blue Kazoo spirea.
Pumpkins, Squash, and Gourds | Fall Favorites Explained
So, a pumpkin is a squash, which is a type of gourd, but not all gourds are pumpkins, and not all squash are pumpkins. Wait…what? Don’t worry, we’ll explain in this episode. Learn all about these fall favorites with tips for growing, storing, and incorporating them into your fall décor. Featured shrub: Kodiak Spiced diervilla.
What to Plant Now to Enhance Your Winter Garden
Winter can be a drag, but having winter interest in the garden can really brighten up a gardener’s mood. We all appreciate winter interest in the garden, but often, we forget to plan for it. Hear some timely advice on what you can plant in fall to make your winter more enjoyable.
Landscape Designers’ Favorite Plants
Landscape designers can have a hefty list of features they require in a plant for it to be used in their projects. Durability, reliability, low-maintenance, structural, and most importantly, they have to be beautiful! Discover the plants that landscape designers love to use and why they love to use them.
Garden Backdrops
Description: Whether it be wood, metal, or a living fence, garden backdrops are essential to creating depth and structure in the garden. Get design tips, creative ideas, and of course, plant suggestions for creating backdrops throughout the garden. Featured shrub: Laced Up elderberry.
Now the Fun Begins! Dreaming and Scheming Future Garden Plans
Summer is winding down, cool mornings are rolling in, and now is the time to dream and scheme plans for your garden. Rick and Stacey discuss design ideas, garden tasks, and ways to prepare for your fall to-do list. Feature shrub: Kodiak Red 2.0 diervilla.
The Beauty of Green in the Garden
Using green in the garden feels a bit like a no brainer, but when it’s done intentionally, the difference in outcome is clear. Learn about plants with unique green foliage and flowers, and how you can incorporate them in your garden. Featured shrub: Invincibelle Sublime smooth hydrangea.
All About Garden Follies
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.
Preparing for Fall – Summer Gardening Tasks
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.
What Inspires Us to Garden
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: Ah Ha! Moments While Gardening
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 – Pruning, Amending, and Feeding Techniques
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.
Elevation – Plants for Adding Height in the Garden
Take your garden to the next level! We talk about plants that add height to the garden and plants that grow at higher elevations.
A Succulent Discussion
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.
Trigger Plants
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.
Oh Deer! The Buck Stops Here | Deer and Gardening
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.
Don’t Do It!
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.
Just Do It!
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.
The Bigger, the Better! | Big Plants
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.
You've Got a Friend in Me | Companion Plants
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.
Deserted Island Plants
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
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.
White Flowers
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.
Goldilocks Plants – Plants That Are Just Right
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
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.
Pruning Pointers
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.
Spring Ephemerals
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 Tasks - What to Do and When to Do It
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.
Plants We Hate
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.
Covering Ground - All About Ground Cover Plants
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.
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