Stories from the Garden

Unlock a world of beauty, history, and inspiration with Dr. A’s favorite picks this month. From the delicate blooms of the annual Delphinium to a hidden gem like Edinburgh’s Botanical Gardens—discover how self-seeding plants can transform your garden into a cottage paradise. Plus, step into the fascinating story of Bella Costa Green, a Black librarian in the 1920s who defied societal limits to curate JP Morgan’s legendary collection—an inspiring tale of resilience and secrecy that redefines legacy.

Perfect for gardening enthusiasts, history buffs, travel lovers, or anyone craving stories that inspire and entertain. If you’re seeking practical tips, captivating tales, and a fresh perspective on meaningful places and people, this episode is your monthly dose of wonder. Don’t miss out—tap play now and start exploring the best of the world with Dr. A!
Read more here: https://www.allanarmitage.net/musings/2023/may

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In this episode, Dr. Allan Armitage shares one of his favorite native perennials—the beautiful and dependable Blue Star Flower (Amsonia). While its soft blue spring blooms are charming, the real magic of these plants comes from their graceful foliage and, for some varieties, spectacular fall color.
Dr. A compares two outstanding species that deserve a place in more gardens:
Arkansas Blue Star (Amsonia hubrichtii) – prized for its delicate, thread-like foliage and breathtaking golden fall color, especially in cooler climates.
Eastern Blue Star (Amsonia tabernaemontana) – featuring larger leaves, richer blue flowers, and excellent garden performance across a wide range of growing conditions.
Along the way, you'll learn:
Why Amsonia is one of the easiest native perennials to grow
The differences between these two popular species
Which variety performs best in northern versus southern gardens
Why fall color can vary depending on your climate
How these long-lived plants bring beauty to gardens throughout multiple seasons
Whether you're looking for reliable spring flowers, outstanding fall foliage, or simply a tough, beautiful native perennial, Blue Star deserves a closer look.
Mentioned in this episode:
Arkansas Blue Star (Amsonia hubrichtii)
Eastern Blue Star (Amsonia tabernaemontana)
Native perennials
Fall color in the perennial garden
Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow gardener. For more gardening resources and Dr. Allan Armitage's books, visit alanarmitage.com.
See you in the garden!

Spring has been a whirlwind around here, but I’ll be back soon with more stories and legends from the garden. In the meantime, join me for a fascinating detour into the history of one of the garden’s brightest stars: Monarda.
You may know it as Bee Balm and assume the name comes from its irresistible appeal to bees and butterflies—and while pollinators certainly love it, the real story behind the name is far more surprising.
In this episode of Stories from the Garden, we’ll uncover the history, folklore, and botanical twists behind this vibrant native plant that has charmed gardeners for generations.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Allan Armitage and Lis Friemoth of The Garden Hoe explore the joys and challenges of gardening. They discuss the importance of patience in horticulture, the emotional benefits of gardening, and the camaraderie that comes from sharing gardening experiences. The conversation emphasizes that gardening should be fun rather than overly serious, encouraging listeners to enjoy the process and embrace nature's unpredictability.

Join beloved horticulturist, storyteller, and garden sage Dr. Allan Armitage for an exclusive first listen to his upcoming book The Common-Sense Gardener. In this special episode, Dr. A reads the opening chapters himself—infusing every anecdote, bit of wit, and piece of hard-earned wisdom with the warmth and humor only he can deliver.

Pull up a chair, pour a cup of something warm, and settle in for a charming conversation between gardener and garden.
Grab your copy today for Mother's Day! Free Shipping on sales through May 10.
www.allanarmitage.net