Stories from the Garden

Why is soapwort called soapwort? And how did it earn the rather unusual name Bouncing Bet?
In this episode of Stories from the Garden, Dr. Allan Armitage explores the curious history behind soapwort's common names. He explains how the plant's leaves can produce a soapy feel when rubbed with water and shares several possible explanations for the name Bouncing Bet. There are plenty of stories, but no definitive answer!
Dr. A also discusses the plant itself, a cold-hardy perennial with pretty pink flowers that can be used as a ground cover or in a rock garden. But soapwort comes with a caveat: it can spread aggressively and become weedy, and it generally performs better in cooler climates than in warm ones.
It's another reminder that plants often have stories as interesting as the gardens they grow in.

Why is the red poppy a symbol of remembrance? Dr. A tells the story of John McCrae, the Canadian physician and poet whose poem “In Flanders Fields” was inspired by the poppies and crosses he saw near the front in Belgium during World War I.
The episode follows the poem’s journey and the efforts of a Georgia schoolteacher—known as the “Poppy Lady”—who campaigned for the red poppy to honor fallen soldiers. Dr. A also reflects on selling poppies as a child in Canada, the memorials that keep the story alive, and why it matters to take a moment to remember.

Dr. A continues his common-sense gardening series with more tips for planting temperate bulbs. These are the bulbs that need a cold winter, such as daffodils, tulips, grape hyacinths, and crocuses. You don't need a special bulb digger or a hole for every bulb.
Not everything needs to be complicated. In this episode of Stories from the Garden, Dr. Allan Armitage shares his common-sense approach to planting spring bulbs. Dig a trench, toss them in close together, and let the bulbs figure out which way is up.
Stop worrying about which way is up. Dr. A's common-sense bulb planting: dig a trench, toss in your crocus, mix in tulips, and cover them up. You can even layer bulbs in containers and top them with pansies. Simple and fun!

Dr. A launches a new Common-Sense Gardening series with practical tips for getting the most out of your garden safely and simply. From plants that thrive as temperatures cool to salvias that bring a late-season payoff, discover how to keep your garden going through fall.
In this episode:
What’s happening in gardens in October

Plants that shine in cooler weather

Forsythia sage and Mexican bush sage

Fall gardening challenges in colder zones

What’s next: bulbs, soil, and weed management

In this episode, Dr. Allan Armitage discusses the anemone, a perennial plant that garners mixed feelings among gardeners. He highlights its adaptability to various climates, its beauty, and the challenges it presents, particularly with deer. Dr. Armitage emphasizes the importance of understanding the plant's growing conditions and shares tips for incorporating anemones into gardens effectively.