:32 Plant Noob: How to make your own plant-able pots for starting seeds in. 5:57 Eat/Drink/Grow: Perennials that don’t spread very much. 16:21 Product Review: Book: Growing Weed in the Garden by Johanna Silver 22:15 Love Letters and Questions Pippa asks about using products that make houseplants have shiny leaves. Link to the YouTube video about making square newspaper pots:    <a href= "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dlGQP81yfo">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dlGQP81yfo</a>   The list of perennials we covered: Peony (Paeonia) Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) Stokes aster (Stokesia laevis) Monkshood (Aconitum) Balloon flower (Platycodon grandiflorus) Bugbane (Actaea racemosa) Agastache ‘Blue Fortune' (Agastache foeniculum ‘Blue Fortune’) <img src= "https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/show/105963/stokes-aster.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="316" />

:32 Plant Noob: How to make your own plant-able pots for starting seeds in. 5:57 Eat/Drink/Grow: Perennials that don’t spread very much. 16:21 Product Review: Book: Growing Weed in the Garden by Johanna Silver 22:15 Love Letters and Questions Pippa asks about using products that make houseplants have shiny leaves. Link to the YouTube video about making square newspaper pots:    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dlGQP81yfo   The list of perennials we covered: Peony (Paeonia) Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) Stokes aster (Stokesia laevis) Monkshood (Aconitum) Balloon flower (Platycodon grandiflorus) Bugbane (Actaea racemosa) Agastache ‘Blue Fortune' (Agastache foeniculum ‘Blue Fortune’) 

Plantrama - plants, landscapes, & bringing nature indoors

Make Plant-able Pot, Low Maintenance Perennials and A Cannabis Book Review

In this episode C.L. and Ellen discuss research into growing plants in salty soils, aerating lawns with spiky shoes, and a plant that’s a three some. We end explaining why it’s possible to have too much manure in your soil.   :47    Did You Know: From the world of Plant Science: salty soils 3:50  True or False: You can aerate your lawn by walking on it with golf shoes.   7:57 Eat/Drink/Grow:   Lichen: The plant that’s a threesome?   14:44 Love Letters and Questions:   Tim writes, “Is it possible to have too much manure in your garden soil?”   Link to the article about salty soils and bacteria: <a href= "https://news.byu.edu/intellect/byu-scientists-discover-way-to-make-crops-grow-in-salt-damaged-soil"> https://news.byu.edu/intellect/byu-scientists-discover-way-to-make-crops-grow-in-salt-damaged-soil</a> <img src= "https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/show/105963/spiky-shoes.jpg" alt= "" width="500" height="333" />

In this episode C.L. and Ellen discuss research into growing plants in salty soils, aerating lawns with spiky shoes, and a plant that’s a three some. We end explaining why it’s possible to have too much manure in your soil.   :47    Did You Know: From the world of Plant Science: salty soils 3:50  True or False: You can aerate your lawn by walking on it with golf shoes.   7:57 Eat/Drink/Grow:   Lichen: The plant that’s a threesome?   14:44 Love Letters and Questions:   Tim writes, “Is it possible to have too much manure in your garden soil?”   Link to the article about salty soils and bacteria: https://news.byu.edu/intellect/byu-scientists-discover-way-to-make-crops-grow-in-salt-damaged-soil 

Too Much Manure, Salt in Soils, and A Plant Threesome

Get inspired to make a spring salad containing flower petals, hear about how a native plant in one area might be invasive elsewhere, and learn about a lemon-scented herb. The episode ends with a question about coconut coir.  :31 What’s For Dinner: Spring tonic salads 4:28 Eat/Drink/Grow: A plant that’s native in one place (and oh-so-beneficial) might be harmful in another location. 13:01 Insider Information: All about the herb called Lemon Balm. 17:38 Love Letters and Questions Cory wants to know what coconut coir is used for. <img src= "https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/show/105963/spring-tonic-salad.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="428" />

Get inspired to make a spring salad containing flower petals, hear about how a native plant in one area might be invasive elsewhere, and learn about a lemon-scented herb. The episode ends with a question about coconut coir.  :31 What’s For Dinner: Spring tonic salads 4:28 Eat/Drink/Grow: A plant that’s native in one place (and oh-so-beneficial) might be harmful in another location. 13:01 Insider Information: All about the herb called Lemon Balm. 17:38 Love Letters and Questions Cory wants to know what coconut coir is used for. 

Spring Tonic Salads, Lemon Balm Herb, and Coconut Coir

This episode of Plantrama gives you a heads up about two great plants, talks about what happens when people find a new plant and want to either patent it or otherwise bring it to market. We end with advise for Helen about her boxes in San Francisco.   :30 Insider Information – Plant Reviews:   <a href="https://www.burpee.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Burpee</a> Silky Sweet Hybrid turnip and Agastache ‘Glowing Embers’ from <a href= "https://www.highcountrygardens.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">High Country Gardens</a> 6:01 Eat/Drink/Grow: What to do if you’ve found/discovered a new plant. 19:24 Love Letters and Questions: Helen writes to ask for our suggestions for plants in her boxes in San Francisco. She says, “Currently I have dead chrysanthemum plants in there and wanted something that would be more permanent.” <img src= "https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/show/105963/Agastache-Glowing-Embers-High-Country-Gardens.jpg" alt="" width="490" height="327" />

This episode of Plantrama gives you a heads up about two great plants, talks about what happens when people find a new plant and want to either patent it or otherwise bring it to market. We end with advise for Helen about her boxes in San Francisco.   :30 Insider Information – Plant Reviews:   Burpee Silky Sweet Hybrid turnip and Agastache ‘Glowing Embers’ from High Country Gardens 6:01 Eat/Drink/Grow: What to do if you’ve found/discovered a new plant. 19:24 Love Letters and Questions: Helen writes to ask for our suggestions for plants in her boxes in San Francisco. She says, “Currently I have dead chrysanthemum plants in there and wanted something that would be more permanent.”  

Plantrama Reviews, Discovering New Plants, and Succulents for Boxes

Discover why you should grow Cannas, hear about easy perennials to grow from seed (more plants!), and learn about the wild wintergreen plant…teaberry flavor from a foraged berry? :28 Plant Noob: Cannas – how, when, where, why.  We mention ordering from <a href= "https://www.brentandbeckysbulbs.com/">Brent and Becky's Bulbs.</a> 8:56 Eat/Drink/Grow: The easiest Perennials to grow from seed.   20:31 Love Letters and Questions: Nathan emailed us to ask about wintergreen berries.   <img src= "https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/show/105963/canna-light.jpg" alt= "" width="500" height="749" />

Discover why you should grow Cannas, hear about easy perennials to grow from seed (more plants!), and learn about the wild wintergreen plant…teaberry flavor from a foraged berry? :28 Plant Noob: Cannas – how, when, where, why.  We mention ordering from Brent and Becky's Bulbs. 8:56 Eat/Drink/Grow: The easiest Perennials to grow from seed.   20:31 Love Letters and Questions: Nathan emailed us to ask about wintergreen berries.   

Cannas, Easy Perennials From Seed, and Wild Wintergreen

Ellen and C.L. provide the 1-2-3 steps to planting window boxes, discuss some really bad plant advice seen online, talk about easy vegetables to grow from seed, and answer a question about winter protection. :35 Plantrama 1 2 3: I want to put window boxes on the front of my house. 8:20 True or False:   Putting used diapers in the bottom of a hanging basket! 11:20 Eat/Drink/Grow:   Easiest Vegetables to Grow From Seed 20:22 Love Letters and Questions:   Harry asks ”Is it too late to wrap plants?”

Ellen and C.L. provide the 1-2-3 steps to planting window boxes, discuss some really bad plant advice seen online, talk about easy vegetables to grow from seed, and answer a question about winter protection. :35 Plantrama 1 2 3: I want to put window boxes on the front of my house. 8:20 True or False:   Putting used diapers in the bottom of a hanging basket! 11:20 Eat/Drink/Grow:   Easiest Vegetables to Grow From Seed 20:22 Love Letters and Questions:   Harry asks ”Is it too late to wrap plants?”

Windowboxes, Easy Vegetables from Seed, and Bad Garden Advice

In this episode you’ll learn how to make fritters (vegan and not), discover annuals that are easy to grow from seed, and hear about two opportunities to connect with your Plantrama hosts, live in 2020. :28 What’s For Dinner: Fritters Foraged and Farmed   <a title="The Backyard Forager's Fritters" href= "https://www.backyardforager.com/jerusalem-artichoke-fritters-recipe/"> Ellen’s Fritter recipe here.</a> 6:50 Eat/Drink/Grow: Easiest Annuals To Grow From Seed     21:31  Love Letters and Questions: Two opportunities to meet us and learn more about plants. <a href="https://gardenshow.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Northwest Flower and Garden Show</a> <a href= "%20https:/gardencomm.org/Post/Save-the-Date-GardenComm2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GardenComm Save the Date for the annual meeting in 2020.</a> <img src= "https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/show/105963/fritters-backyardforager.jpg" alt="Ellen's fritters." width="490" height="385" />

In this episode you’ll learn how to make fritters (vegan and not), discover annuals that are easy to grow from seed, and hear about two opportunities to connect with your Plantrama hosts, live in 2020. :28 What’s For Dinner: Fritters Foraged and Farmed   Ellen’s Fritter recipe here. 6:50 Eat/Drink/Grow: Easiest Annuals To Grow From Seed     21:31  Love Letters and Questions: Two opportunities to meet us and learn more about plants. Northwest Flower and Garden Show GardenComm Save the Date for the annual meeting in 2020. 

Fritters, Easy Annuals From Seed and a Career Building Vacation

You can make a lasagna without pasta! We offer several ideas. Plus we explore seed starting terms such as thinning, damping off and seed leaves, and end with a discussion about the succulent flapjack plant (Kalanchoe thyrsiflora). :30 What’s For Dinner:   Lasagna without the pasta. 5:26   Eat/Drink/Grow: Thinning, damping off, and “seed leaves” – some seed starting basic terms. 18:41  Love Letters and Questions Emma writes about a flapjack plant. <img src= "https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/show/105963/flapjack-plant.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="340" />

You can make a lasagna without pasta! We offer several ideas. Plus we explore seed starting terms such as thinning, damping off and seed leaves, and end with a discussion about the succulent flapjack plant (Kalanchoe thyrsiflora). :30 What’s For Dinner:   Lasagna without the pasta. 5:26   Eat/Drink/Grow: Thinning, damping off, and “seed leaves” – some seed starting basic terms. 18:41  Love Letters and Questions Emma writes about a flapjack plant. 

Lasagna Without Pasta, Seed Starting Terms, and Flapjack Plant

This episode starts with talk about bitters, what they are, why you want them in a cocktail, and how to make your own. We go on to talk about the basics for making a terrarium and end with a question from a listener about using heat mats for starting seeds. :30 What’s for dinner: Bitters.  <a title="Foraged Bitters Recipe" href= "https://www.backyardforager.com/make-foraged-bitters/%20" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">The link to Ellen's Recipes for bitters.</a> 9:07 Eat/Drink/Grow:   Terrariums 23:57 Love Letters and Questions: Hannah writes, “Do I need to use heat mats?” <img src= "https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/show/105963/terarrium.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="296" />

This episode starts with talk about bitters, what they are, why you want them in a cocktail, and how to make your own. We go on to talk about the basics for making a terrarium and end with a question from a listener about using heat mats for starting seeds. :30 What’s for dinner: Bitters.  The link to Ellen's Recipes for bitters. 9:07 Eat/Drink/Grow:   Terrariums 23:57 Love Letters and Questions: Hannah writes, “Do I need to use heat mats?” 

Bitters, Terrariums, and Heat For Seed Germination

We begin this episode with the types of roses that are available for gardens, and which are the easiest to grow. Next we discuss the cottony bug that plagues many houseplants, the mealy bug. And we end with a question from a listener about the sensitive plant, a mimosa with leaves that close when you touch them. :29 Plant Noob: The types of roses. 9:30 Eat/Drink/Grow:  Mealy Bug. 17:12 Love Letters and Questions Byron writes that he’s a parent and wants to find some Sensitive Plant for his kids. <img src= "https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/show/105963/roses-on-rooftop.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="666" />

We begin this episode with the types of roses that are available for gardens, and which are the easiest to grow. Next we discuss the cottony bug that plagues many houseplants, the mealy bug. And we end with a question from a listener about the sensitive plant, a mimosa with leaves that close when you touch them. :29 Plant Noob: The types of roses. 9:30 Eat/Drink/Grow:  Mealy Bug. 17:12 Love Letters and Questions Byron writes that he’s a parent and wants to find some Sensitive Plant for his kids. 

Roses, Mealy Bug, and Sensitive Plants

Do you want to know what it takes to successfully grow a Monstera? Ellen and C.L. explain the first three things you need to know about this stylish plant. In the main segment we discuss options for DIY brides…or anyone planning to have a large event in their yard or garden. The episode ends by talking about what type of lights are needed for starting vegetable seedlings. :33 Plantrama 1 – 2 – 3: “I want to grow a Monstera plant.” 4:41 Eat/Drink/Grow:  Grow Your Own Wedding. 17:02 Love Letters and Questions: Gabby writes: “I want to grow my own vegetable plants from seeds this year. What kind of lights do I need?”

Do you want to know what it takes to successfully grow a Monstera? Ellen and C.L. explain the first three things you need to know about this stylish plant. In the main segment we discuss options for DIY brides…or anyone planning to have a large event in their yard or garden. The episode ends by talking about what type of lights are needed for starting vegetable seedlings. :33 Plantrama 1 – 2 – 3: “I want to grow a Monstera plant.” 4:41 Eat/Drink/Grow:  Grow Your Own Wedding. 17:02 Love Letters and Questions: Gabby writes: “I want to grow my own vegetable plants from seeds this year. What kind of lights do I need?”

Monstera Plants and Growing Your Own Wedding

In this episode of Plantrama we talk about vegan Nachos, growing a Clivia plant, why some plants go dormant, and how to keep a frosty fern alive. :31 What’s For Dinner:   Nachos!  C.L.'s <a href= "%20https:/www.gardenlady.com/vegan-nachos/">Vegan nachos can be seen here.</a> 5:07 Eat/Drink/Grow: Considering Clivia     13:25 Did You Know:    What is a “dormant period” and do plants need one? 18:29 Love Letters and Questions: Meghan writes to ask how to keep her ‘frosty fern’ alive. <img src= "https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/show/105963/clivia.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="750" />

          In this episode of Plantrama we talk about vegan Nachos, growing a Clivia plant, why some plants go dormant, and how to keep a frosty fern alive. :31 What’s For Dinner:   Nachos!  C.L.'s Vegan nachos can be seen here. 5:07 Eat/Drink/Grow: Considering Clivia     13:25 Did You Know:    What is a “dormant period” and do plants need one? 18:29 Love Letters and Questions: Meghan writes to ask how to keep her ‘frosty fern’ alive.  

Nachos, Clivia, Dormancy, and Frosty Fern

In this episode we talk about using Sumac as a spice, how to keep those huge and how to prevent those heavy Amaryllis flowers from falling over and breaking off. In the main segment we discuss seed catalogs and end with Fred’s question about how he can keep his houseplants alive when he’s away on vacation. Plus a link to The Wild Spice Cabinet, Ellen’s online course. :30 What’s for dinner: Using Sumac as a spice. Check out Ellen's <a href= "https://backyard-forager.thinkific.com/courses/The-Wild-Spice-Cabinet"> Foraged Spice Class Here.</a> 5:39  Insider Information: Supporting Amaryllis flowers 13:25 Eat/Drink/Grow: The seed catalogs are out! 19:15 Love Letters and Questions: Keeping houseplants alive while you’re on vacation. <img src= "https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/show/105963/sumac.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333" />

In this episode we talk about using Sumac as a spice, how to keep those huge and how to prevent those heavy Amaryllis flowers from falling over and breaking off. In the main segment we discuss seed catalogs and end with Fred’s question about how he can keep his houseplants alive when he’s away on vacation. Plus a link to The Wild Spice Cabinet, Ellen’s online course. :30 What’s for dinner: Using Sumac as a spice. Check out Ellen's Foraged Spice Class Here. 5:39  Insider Information: Supporting Amaryllis flowers 13:25 Eat/Drink/Grow: The seed catalogs are out! 19:15 Love Letters and Questions: Keeping houseplants alive while you’re on vacation. 

Heavy Amaryllis Flowers, Seed Catalogs and Houseplant Vacation Care

We begin this episode with the importance of planting something new “at ground level.” Next Ellen and C.L. discuss what to do if your gardens have grown too large or unmanageable. We give garden design tips and end with Kerry’s request for different holiday plant suggestions. :30    Plant Noob: The importance of digging a large enough hole. 6:21   Eat/Drink/Grow: What to do if your garden beds have “gotten away from you.” 17:27   Garden Design Tips:  Straight lines are formal, groups are less so. Why odd numbers are important. 21:24   Love Letters and Questions Kerry asks for suggestions for holiday plants that aren’t Christmas Cactus, Cyclamen or Poinsettias. <img src= "https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/show/105963/lines-formal.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="375" />

We begin this episode with the importance of planting something new “at ground level.” Next Ellen and C.L. discuss what to do if your gardens have grown too large or unmanageable. We give garden design tips and end with Kerry’s request for different holiday plant suggestions. :30    Plant Noob: The importance of digging a large enough hole. 6:21   Eat/Drink/Grow: What to do if your garden beds have “gotten away from you.” 17:27   Garden Design Tips:  Straight lines are formal, groups are less so. Why odd numbers are important. 21:24   Love Letters and Questions Kerry asks for suggestions for holiday plants that aren’t Christmas Cactus, Cyclamen or Poinsettias. 

Taming Overgrown or Too Large Gardens and Garden Design Tips

This episode gives you some hints about growing and cooking with rosemary. Ellen and C.L. discuss what makes a plant deserve the label of “invasive” and we talk about Panicum virgatum, aka switch or panic grass. And speaking of panicking…P.J. writes about mold on his Cannabis buds. :30 What’s for dinner: Rosemary 6:27 True or False: A plant that spreads quickly is invasive and should be avoided. 11:51 Eat/Drink/Grow: Panicum virgatum – aka switch grass 16:45 Love Letters and Questions: P.J. writes to say that his cannabis plants molded! <img src= "https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/show/105963/moldy-cannabis.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="692" />

This episode gives you some hints about growing and cooking with rosemary. Ellen and C.L. discuss what makes a plant deserve the label of “invasive” and we talk about Panicum virgatum, aka switch or panic grass. And speaking of panicking…P.J. writes about mold on his Cannabis buds. :30 What’s for dinner: Rosemary 6:27 True or False: A plant that spreads quickly is invasive and should be avoided. 11:51 Eat/Drink/Grow: Panicum virgatum – aka switch grass 16:45 Love Letters and Questions: P.J. writes to say that his cannabis plants molded! 

semary, Native Switch Grass, and Moldy Cannabis

Science, Art & Dinner, it’s all in your own backyard. All about plants, gardens, foraging, and more.

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Plantrama - plants, landscapes, & bringing nature indoors

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