Let's Argue About 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 your own garden design dilemmas.   Chloë Bowers, a garden designer based in southwestern Connecticut, is the moderator for Fine Gardening’s Northeast Gardening Answers forum. Join the conversation here: https://www.finegardening.com/discussion-forum/northeast-gardening    Danielle's Plants  'Quicksilver' hebe (Hebe pimelioides 'Quicksilver', Zones 7b-9)  Woolly thyme (Thymus pseudolanuginosus, Zones 5-9)  Silver sage (Salvia argentea, Zones 5-8)  'Angel Wings' sea cabbage (Senecio candicans 'Angel Wings', Zones 8–10)    Carol's Plants   ‘Pimoko’ Serbian spruce (Picea omorika ‘Pimoko’, Zones 4-9)  S

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 yourselves...BLACK foliage!  The list also includes plants that our contributors have written extensively about, and we’ve just now sat up and paid attention. Listen now to hear about the plants we’ll be dreaming about as the flakes fly this winter. Expert guest: Jennifer Benner is content editor for Fine Gardening. She has a bachelor’s degree in horticulture from The Ohio State University. Danielle's Plants 'Blue Bunchkin' baptisia (Baptisia 'Blue Bunchkin', Zones 4-9) ‘Nichirin’ false nettle (Boehmeria nipononivea ‘Nichirin’, Zones 6-9) Eclipse® bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Bailmacseven’, Zones 5–9) 'Fusion of

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 shopping list now. Expert guest:Paula Gross is a horticulture educator at Central Piedmont Community College and co-author of The Southeast Native Plant Primer with Larry Mellichamp and Will Stuart.   Danielle's Plants Blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium, Zones 4-9) ‘Carousel’ little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium ‘Carousel’, Zones 3-9) ‘Northwind’ switchgrass (Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’, Zones 4-9) ‘River Mist’ Northern sea oats (Chasmanthium latifolium 'River Mist', Zones 5-8)   Carol's Plants Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica, Zones 4–8) Rose muhly (Muhlenbergia reverchonii, Zones 5–9) Purpletop

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 because they are just that good. We try to mix it up, but these stars have made it into more than a couple recordings—and rightly so. With that, we decided not to fight nature and give these stars their spotlight. In today’s compilation episode you’ll hear about Carol and Danielle’s top four plants...again...but for good reason. They are selections that no garden should be without, in our humble opinions.   Danielle’s Plants Perry's Gold' Norway spruce (Picea abies 'Perry's Gold', Zones 3–9) ‘Crested Surf’ painted fern (Athyrium niponicum 'Crested Surf', Zones 3-8) ‘Snow Fairy’ blue mist shrub (Caryopteris divaricata 'Snow

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 selections for those in-between exposures situations. We’ll also feature some great plants that we’ve seen grouped to perfection in gardens featured in Fine Gardening. And you don’t have to be a millionaire to group plants. Many of our suggestions are easily divided after just a year or two, providing you with multiple plants for the price of just one. Expert guest:  Daniel Robarts is a horticulturist at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, Maine. Danielle's Plants 'Kitten Around' catmint (Nepeta faassenii 'Kitten Around', Zones 3-8) ‘All Gold’ Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra 'All Gold', Zones 5-9) 'Kobo

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 'Meizorland', Zones 4-11) Tall garden phlox (Phlox paniculata cvs., Zones 4-8)   Carol combo # 2 'Sun King' aralia (Aralia cordata 'Sun King', Zones 3-9) ‘Blackhawks’ big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii ‘Blackhawks’, Zones 3–9) 'Dark Knight' blue mist shrub (Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Dark Knight', Zones 5-9)   Expert combo #1 ‘Zwartkop’ aeonium (Aeonium ‘Zwartkop’, Zones 9-11) Ghost plant (Graptopetalum paraguayense, Zones 7-11)   Expert combo #2 Tropicanna® canna (Canna indica 'Phasion’, Zones 7-11) ‘Color Guard’ yucca (Yucca filamentosa ‘Color Guard’, Zones 4-10) Clarity Blue™ dianella (Dianella ‘DP401’, Zones 8-10) Blue r

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 to realize that there are far better options out there for our gardens. Who was our funniest guest? The one that made us seriously reconsider our planting choices? Or the one who made us grip the steering wheel with white knuckles (yes—that did actually happen)? Tune in now to find out and listen to our favorite guest segments. Featured guests: ·       Riz Reyes, a horticulturist and floral designer based in Seattle. ·       Richard Hawke is the director of ornamental plant research at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, Illinois. ·       Irvin Etienne is curator of herbaceous plants and seasonal garden design

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) and a few perennials that save their best for September (Carol). Don’t worry—we’re not just featuring plants native to the eastern seaboard either, we’ve got some Midwest wonders and even some Southern charmers in the mix as well. Looking for some native plants that please the local ecology and look beautiful doing it? We’ve got you covered on this latest episode.    Expert guest: Brent Horvath is the owner of and head plant breeder/developer at Intrinsic Perennial Gardens, a wholesale nursery in Hebron, Illinois.   Danielle’s Plants Northern spicebush (Lindera benzoin, Zones 4-9) Lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angus

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 shrubs dominate our lists and for those who have been demanding it—Peter is back with his take on the end of summer. In true Peter fashion though, he’ll be discussing ice cream and…the solar system? Well, his segment will be entertaining, that’s for sure.   Expert guest: Cheyenne Wine is a writer and photographer at Rare Roots Nursery in Virginia, and a regular contributor to Fine Gardening’s Southeast regional reports.   Danielle’s Plants Sombrero® Granada Gold coneflower (Echinacea 'Balsomold', Zones 4-9) Scarlet rose mallow (Hibiscus coccineus, Zones 6-9) Coral Crème Drop™ garden phlox (Phlox paniculata 'Ditomdre'

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’re going to do our best to get through as many as possible. The inquiries included advice on planting under trees, attracting hummingbirds, and info about what garden tasks we’re tackling during the dog days of summer. Tune in to see if we fielded your question, or if someone else’s problem spot is something you can relate to.   Photos for Danielle’s Questions Cardinal climber (Ipomoea × sloteri, annual) Earlybird™ Red White columbine (Aquilegia 'PAS1258484', Zones 4-9) Gatsby Gal® oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Brenhill', Zones 5-9) ‘Perry’s Gold’ Norway spruce (Picea abies ‘Perry’s Gold’, Zones 3–9) 'S

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: Amanda Thomsen is a garden designer, garden shop owner, and author based in suburban Chicago.   Danielle’s Plants Variegated fox tail agave (Agave attenuata 'Variegata', Zones 9-12) Spiral aloe (Aloe polyphylla, Zones 9-12) Red mistletoe cactus (Pseudorhipsalis ramulosa, Zones 9-11) ‘Frosted Fire’ sedum (Sedum ‘Frosted Fire’, Zones 3-9)   Carol’s Plants 'Red Velvet’ plush plant (Echeveria pulvinata 'Red Velvet', Zones 9-11) ‘Christmas Carol’ aloe (Aloe ‘Christmas Carol’, Zones 9-11) Gold moss sedum (Sedum acre, Zones 3-8) ‘Matrona’ sedum (Hylotelephium telephium 'Matrona', Zones 3-9)   Expert’s Plants Pencil cactus (Eup

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 future, we’re talking about plants that thrive in drought. These selections have built in traits that allow them to sail through long periods of no rain, and/or soils that have little-to-no moisture retentive properties. And we’re not just talking about succulents and cacti here! Listen now to hear about an array of lush, floriferous perennials that thrive in desert-like environments. Expert guest: Ed Lyon is Director of the Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa.   Danielle’s Plants 'Drops of Jupiter' oregano (Origanum 'Drops of Jupiter', Zone 4-9) Sandpaper bush (Mortonia scabrella, Zones 8b-11) 'Pink Champagne' epimedium (Epi

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: Sarah Partyka is the owner of The Farmer’s Daughter, a garden center in South Kingstown, Rhode Island. Danielle’s Plants 'Copper Harbor' juniper (Juniperus horizontalis 'Copper Harbor') Sensational!™ lavender (Lavandula x intermedia 'Tesseract', Zones 5-9) ‘Nickel Silver’ dyckia (Dyckia ‘Nickel Silver’, Zones 8-11) ‘Shiloh Splash’ river birch (Betula nigra 'Shiloh Splash', Zones 4-9)   Carol’s Plants ‘Venusta’ queen of the prairie (Filipendula rubra ‘Venusta’, Zones 3-8) Agave-leaf sea holly (Eryngium agavifolium, Zones 6-9) ‘Eastern Star’ white wood aster (Eurybia divaricata ‘Eastern Star’, Zones 3-8) ‘Purpleleaf Baile

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 with presence? Expert guest: Karl Gercens is the East Conservatory Manager at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.   Danielle’s Plants Rose Sensation™ false hydrangea vine (Schizophragma hydrangeoides 'Minsens', Zones 5-9)  Double Take Scarlet ™flowering quince (Chaenomeles speciosa 'Scarlet Storm', Zones 5-9)  'Wu-La-La' hosta (Hosta ‘Wu-La-La’, Zones 3-9) ‘Little Honey’ oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Little Honey’, Zones 4b-9)   Carol’s Plants ‘Storm Cloud’ bluestar (Amsonia tabernaemontana ‘Storm Cloud’, Zones 4-9) Kodiak® Orange bush honeysuckle (Diervilla x 'G2X88544', Zones 4-7) Marine

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: the shrubs mentioned must stay under 3 to 4 feet tall and wide and they must flower before the summer solstice. You might think this is a tall order for any plant to fill (Peter certainly thinks so) but there are a surprising number of candidates that are up to challenge.    Expert guest: Julie Lane Gay is a garden designer and horticultural writer in British Columbia, Canada.   Danielle’s Plants Yuki Cherry Blossom ® deutzia (Deutzia 'NCDX2', Zones 5-8) Baby Kim® lilac (Syringa 'SMNSDTP', Zones 3-8) ‘Cora Louise’ Itoh peony (Paeonia 'Cora Louise', Zones 4-9) ‘Jim’s Pride’ daphne (Daphne × transatlantica ‘Jim's Pri

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 that are a natural part of a garden’s evolution. Expert guest: Lisa Bauer is the owner of Chartreuse Garden Design in Seattle.   Danielle’s Plants Spider flower/Cleome (Cleome hassleriana and cvs., annual) Appalachian sedge (Carex appalachica, Zones 3-7) Creeping petunia (Petunia  spp. and cvs., annual) Caladium (Caladium  spp. and cvs., Zones 9-11)   Carol’s Plants Prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis, Zones 3-9) Snow on the mountain (Euphorbia marginata, annual) ‘Strawberry Fields’ gomphrena (Gomphrena ‘Strawberry Fields, annual) ‘Pink Cotton Candy’ betony (Stachys officinalis ‘Pink Cotton Candy’, Zones 4-8)  

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 newly emerging plants look good together. That’s why today we’re focusing on plant combinations (of two, three, or perhaps even four) that look incredible in spring when grouped together. There’s a mix of annuals, perennials, and even a few shrubs in this array. But, when massed in close proximity, the effect is just as stunning as your peak season pairings. Many of you listeners asked us to broach planting design in an episode, so here we are, answering your call! Expert guest: Matt Mattus is a regional reporter for FineGardening.com. The author of two gardening books, he gardens in Worcester, Massachusetts. Daniel

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 in as Danielle, Carol, and our experts talk about some tulip varieties that would be surefire choices for a spectacular spring display .  Expert guests: Nick & Olivia Heltzel are the owners of Inch by Inch Permaculture in Wheelock, Vermont, where they grow tulips as a sustainable cut flower alternative for regional markets and events.   Danielle’s Plants ‘Claudia’ tulip (Tulipa 'Claudia', Zones 3-7) 'Alba Coerulea Oculata' species tulip (Tulipa humilus 'Alba Coerulea Oculata', Zones 4-8) ‘Spring Green’ tulip (Tulipa ‘Spring Green’, Zones 3-7) ‘Red Riding Hood’ Greig's tulip (Tulipa greigii ‘Red Riding Hood’, Zone

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 different shades. So make way for some chartreuse, emerald, and lime colored options that are just what your garden needs. We can’t guarantee planting these gems will attract leprechauns but having them in your beds will make you feel like you’ve scored a pot of gold. Expert guest: Mark Dwyer is garden manager for the Edgerton Hospital Healing Garden and operates Landscape Prescriptions by MD in Wisconsin. Danielle’s Plants Irish moss (Sagina subulata, Zones 4-8) Beesia (Beesia deltophylla,Zones 6-9) ‘Soft Caress’ mahonia (Mahonia eurybracteata 'Soft Caress', Zones 6-11) Hacquetia (Hacquetia epipactis syn. Sanicula epipacti

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 you to start some seedlings of your own, check out this article from Ira Wallace about options that will extend your options beyond the basic greens, and this article on growing your own salad mix. Expert guest: Lucas Holman is director and lead horticulturist at the University of Tennessee’s Wilson County Agriculture Extension office in Lebanon, Tennessee.   Danielle’s Plants 'Danyelle' red oakleaf lettuce Pea shoots 'Red Streaked' arugula  'Catalonian' chicory   Carol’s Plants ‘Tokyo Bekana’ Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa var. chinensis ‘Tokyo Bekana’) Link to Ira Wallace’s article on greens: Swiss chard (Beta vu