Super Cool Plants - Formerly Known as Let's Argue About Plants

There are many different types of shade, and when low light levels combine with other soil or climate challenges it can be tricky to find suitable plants. Fortunately, the guests on this episode have a great list of shade plants that perform well in a variety of shady situations. Listen along to see if any of their problem-solving plant choices are worthy of adding to your wish list. Irvin Etienne is curator of herbaceous plants and seasonal garden design at Newfields in Indianapolis. Hayes Jackson is an urban regional extension agent with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and the liason for Longleaf Botanical Garden in Anniston, Alabama.

T rade in those thirsty water hogs for some of these water-wise options Do water shortages have you (and your garden) stressed? This episode is all about the toughest, thirst-averse plants out there — and how to build a landscape that thrives even when the rain is nowhere in sight. On this episode we have two expert guests from two very different climates: one in the Mid-Atlantic and one from the Southwest. Each of them will share the plants that they turn to when the conditions are dry and watering every day is out of the question . We'll talk through which plants need a little help getting started versus which ones you can practically set and forget, and how to group plants with similar water needs so you're not overwatering your survivors to keep your divas alive. Whether you're xeriscaping a whole yard from scratch, converting a thirsty lawn bit by bit, or just trying to keep your patio containers alive through a brutal heat wave, tune in for practical, plant-nerd-approved advi ce . Get the plant list for this episode on the Fine Gardening Website: https://www.finegardening.com/podcast Episode Experts: Ed Lyon is a horticulturist, an author, the former director of the Reiman Gardens at Iowa State University in Ames, and a frequent contributor to Fine Gardening magazine. He is nationally recognized as a top-tier garden educator with decades of experience helping gardeners cultivate beautiful, resilient landscapes. After many years in the Midwest, Ed relocated to Pennsylvania and launched Spellbound Garden Writing & Consultation . Natalie McAnarney, known online as The Plant Ninja, is a Texas gardener and YouTube creator based about an hour north of Austin. A former U.S. Army officer who now works as a physician assistant, she began transforming her lawn into native and adapted plantings in 2020. Through her YouTube channel, The Plant Ninja - Texas Gardener , she documents her de- lawning projects and plant choices and features others in horticulture taking on similar approaches . Natalie's efforts have also made her an advocate for drought-tolerant landscaping, after successfully persuading her HOA to approve a large-scale native-plant conversion of her front yard by citing Texas law protecting homeowners' rights to xeriscape.

Plants We Covet The heart wants what it wants, but when it comes to which plants we can grow Mother Nature sometimes gets the final say. On this episode, our expert guests dive into the plants that have eluded them, why they can't grow them, and what makes these plants so hard to resist. Whether you are a northern gardener who loves frost-sensitive species, a Pacific Northwesterner who longs for spiky desert plants, or a Midwesterner who bemoans the limitations of clay soil, you'll find this episode very relatable. Episode Experts: Amanda Thomsen is a talented horticulturist, garden designer, author, and the owner of Aster Gardens , a plant shop in suburban Chicago. Loree Bohl is the creator of the Danger Garden blog and website, and author of Fearless Gardening: Be Bold, Break the Rules, and Grow What You Love . She gardens in Portland, Oregon.

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 off a busy day? Well, we've got plants that deliver on those needs. Expect recommendations that appeal to all five senses—rustling grasses, velvety leaves, aromatic blooms, and more—along with practical tips for weaving them into your landscape. Tune in for a thoughtful, plant-filled conversation that just might change how your garden feels. GUEST BIOS: Mark Dwyer is the garden manager for the Edgerton Hospital Healing Garden in Edgerton, Wisconsin, and he operates Landscape Prescriptions by MD. He is also a Midwest Regional Reporter for FineGardening.com Jason Reeves is a horticulturist for Tennessee Department of Agriculture at the Ellington Agriculture Center in Nashville. He is also a contributing editor for Finne Gardening magazine. You can follow him on Facebook at Jason Reeves-in the garden.

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 overlooked species that do not get enough love from the gardening world , and that more of us across the country could be growing. Melissa Starkey is the marketing and communications manager and an instructor at Mt. Cuba Center in Hockessin, Delaware. Amy Galloway Medley is lead horticulturist at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at the University of Texas at Austin. Find the full plant list from this episode on our website: https://www.finegardening.com/article/super-cool-plants-podcast-episode-1-underappreciated-native-plants

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 answer, we're lucky to have a network of experts we can tap for plant recommendations or to help troubleshoot tricky garden situations. These Q&A episodes are always a highlight for us, and your inquiries this time around did not disappoint. The topics range from disease-free hemlock options to deep thoughts on non-native plants. Tune in to see if one of your questions made the list—or to pick up solutions to a few common garden problems along the way.

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 the plants that have stood up to the herds that visit their backyards, and their colleague Diana Koehm offers some a dditional suggestions of plants that deer tend to ignore in her neck of the woods . Diana Koehm is the content editor for Fine Gardening magazine. See the full plant list from this episode on our website: https://www.finegardening.com/article/episode-190-deer-resistant-plants

Episode 18 9: 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 gar dens in the coming year. After all, a new gardening season is the perfect time for fresh ideas and bold decisions. In this episode, we dig into our plans for 2026, sharing what we're upgrading, what we're rethinking, and where we're ready to start from scratch . There are plans for refreshing tired beds to completely overhauling borders that no longer work (or perhaps cutting down an aged stewartia tree? ). W e 'll also talk through the practical considerations shaping the season ahead. Join us for an honest, behind-the-scenes look at how our gardens are evolving—and how you might approach changes in your own landscape. Expert: Susan Calhoun is the owner of Plantswoman Design in Bainbridge Island, Washington . She is also a regional reporter for Fi ne Gardening.com. See more from this episode on our website: https://www.finegardening.com/article/episode-189-our-2026-garden-plans

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 this episode that catches your interest and makes you look forward to spring. Expert Guest: Christine Alexander is the executive digital editor for Fine Gardening . See the full list of plants from this episode on our website: https://www.finegardening.com/article/episode-188-the-best-seeds-weve-ever-started

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 find their way into your garden next year? Expert: Kristin Beane Sullivan is the executive editor of Garden Gate, Fine Ga r dening, and Horticulture.

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 one reason or another, this might be the encouragement you needed to look at them in a new light. Expert: Jason Reeves is the curator of the University of Tennessee Gardens, located at the West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center in Jackson. Get the plant list for this episode at FineGardening.com: https://www.finegardening.com/article/episode-186-plants-we-have-learned-to-love

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 Tychonievich is an independent plant breeder and author who lives and gardens in South Bend, Indiana. Check out more of his bulb recommendations in his Spring Bulb Buying Guide (link article) in the Fall 2025 issue.

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 rounded out the hour with personal stories, growing tips, and a few surprising twists on how to combat a couple of dreaded veggie pests. Expert: Fionuala Campion is the owner and manager of Cottage Gardens of Petaluma in Petaluma, California. She is also a regional reporter for FineGardening.com. See the full plant list from this episode on our website!

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, this list proves that growing roses doesn't have to be an exercise in frustration. If you've shied away from roses (or been burned by them in the past), find out about some tried-and-true choices that deliver season after season, making them a smart and satisfying addition to any garden. Find the full plant list from this episode on the Fine Gardening Website: https://www.finegardening.com/article/episode-183-roses-you-wont-regret Expert: Adam Glas is a garden supervisor and rosarian at the Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College. You can find his excellent Mid-Atlantic regional reports for FineGardening.com filed here: Adam Glas author page .

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. Perhaps it's no surprise that the familiar line "Roses are red…" from the popular nursery rhyme comes so readily to mind; those four words have etched red flowers into the cultural imagination as symbols of love and beauty. Whether it's the velvety petals of a crimson peony or the fiery spikes of hummingbird favorite, these blooms offer not just color, but drama. If you think you're not a fan of red-flowered plants, give this episode a listen because we offer up some options for every imaginable shade of this controversial color, from magenta pinkish red to dark and moody burgundy. Expert: Erin Schanen creator of the Impatient Gardener blog and YouTube channel and Fine Gardening author. See the full plant list from this episode online: https://www.finegardening.com/article/episode-182-favorite-plants-with-red-flowers

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 the most reliable cultivars that have stood the test of time under tough conditions. Perhaps one of these choices will be just right for filling a gap that has recently opened up in your garden. Expert: Kielian DeWitt lives and gardens in Montana's Bitterroot Valley. Check out an article about her garden here: https://www.finegardening.com/article/garden-design-that-doesnt-limit-your-color-palette

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, and how to use them effectively in garden design. If you're ready to go big and leafy, this episode is for you! P.S. We promised not to sing...we'll leave that to Sir Mixalot. Expert: Dr. Andy Pulte is a plant sciences faculty member at University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He is also a contributing editor.

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 Wambui Ippolito discuss some of the beautiful blooms that make their hearts sing. Expert: Wambui Ippolito is an award-winning landscape designer, horticulturist, and author based in New York City. Danielle's Plants 'Bowl of Beauty' peony ( Paeonia lactiflora Bowl of Beauty', Zones 4-9) Japanese stewartia ( Stewartia pseudocamellia , Zones 5-8) 'Mistral Bordeaux' poppy anemone ( Anemone coronaria 'Mistral Bordeaux', Zones 8-10) Pink flowering dogwood ( Cornus florida f. rubra , Zones 5-8) Carol's Plants 'Storm Cloud' blue star ( Amsonia tabernaemontana 'Storm Cloud', Zones 4-9) 'Orange Wonder' snapdragon ( Antirrhinum majus , Zones 7-10) Walk in Beauty ™ Watermelon Man prickly pear ( Opuntia 'OP099', Zones 4-9) 'Fascination' and 'Adoration' Culver's root ( Veronicastrum virginicum cvs., Zones 3-8) Expert's Plants Wild mullein ( Vebascum roripifolium , Zones 5-8) Threadleaf bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii, Zones 5-8) 'Soft Caress' mahonia ( Mahonia 'Soft Caress', Zones 7-9)

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 hear from Stacie Crooks , a self-taught garden designer from Seattle, as she shares how she got her start in horticulture. Jay Sifford , a North Carolina-based designer, discusses his artistic influences and how pop culture can inspire transcendent garden spaces. Irvin Etienne , a public horticulturist at Newfields in Indianapolis, reflects on his farm upbringing and how it shaped his passion for plants. And Dr. Jared Barnes , an associate professor at Stephen F. Austin State University, talks about his journey into horticultural education and the creation of a unique campus botanical garden called The Plantery . Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just getting started, these expert insights are sure to inspire your next project. Tune in to hear some of our favorite moments.

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 getting them to germinate. Do all seeds need a heat mat? Or is it a good idea to pop your packets of seeds in the freezer before sowing them into a soil block? Get the answers to these pressing questions (and find out which zinnia had Danielle and Carol screaming with delight) in this pre-spring conversation. Expert: Christine Alexander is the digital content editor at Fine Gardening.