Stories from the Garden

Dr. Allan Armitage shares the story of pokeweed, a fast-growing plant with striking red stems and berries, a complicated place in Southern food history, and a reputation for being both beautiful and dangerous. He also connects the plant to folk knowledge, political misunderstanding, and the song “Poke Salad Annie.”

Fall chrysanthemums get dismissed as “throwaway” plants, but Dr. Allan Armitage makes the case that pot mums are one of the easiest ways to get instant color on your deck, porch, or front door.
If you want a plant that looks great fast, comes in a huge range of colors and container sizes, and basically performs the second you bring it home, this short episode is for you. Dr. A shares why he still buys pot mums, how he uses them in containers, and what to expect if you decide to keep them around after the season.
Perfect for gardeners looking for fast fall container color, low-maintenance seasonal plants, or a straightforward answer to the question of what actually looks good right now. If you’ve ever walked past a rack of mums and wondered whether they’re worth it, this episode gives you the honest answer.

Join Dr. Allan Armitage as he explores his favorite plant, the butterfly bush, highlighting its varieties, growth habits, care tips, and the impact on pollinators. Perfect for gardeners looking for an easy-to-grow, attractive plant for any landscape.
Why butterfly bush is a gardener's favorite
Varieties of butterfly bush: Cascade series, Pugster series, and dwarfer Buzz series
Growing tips: pruning, hardiness zones, sunlight, and size management
Benefits for pollinators, especially butterflies
Cultural and landscape considerations for inclusion in gardens
Dr. Armitage shares his personal experiences and reasons for favoring butterfly bush
Explanation of different species and cultivars, including Budlia dividiae and the Cascade and Pugster series
Tips on pruning for size control and flowering times
Hardiness zone recommendations (zones 5 to 8)
The plant’s adaptability to sun and shade and its pollinator-friendly qualities

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!