Let's Argue About Plants

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 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?). We'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 FineGardening.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 Gardening, 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.