Garden Gossip

Ecological Gardening: Working with Nature for a Healthier Garden

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Garden Gossip" Podcast, we welcome Matt Mattus, Senior Director of Horticulture for the American Horticultural Society, to discuss their new book, “Essential Guide to Ecological Gardening: Techniques and Know-How for Gardening with Nature.” Released January 6, 2026 by Cool Springs Press, an imprint of The Quarto Group, this authoritative guide explores gardening as a living ecosystem rather than a collection of isolated plants.
Matt explains how ecological gardening goes far beyond popular trends like “leave the leaves,” focusing instead on thoughtful daily decisions that support biodiversity, soil health, pollinators, and wildlife. We talk about designing gardens that are both beautiful and ecologically sound, managing invasive species, reducing lawns, fostering native plants, and adapting gardens to environmental change.
The conversation also highlights ways to engage children in gardening, the vital role insects play in the ecosystem, and how small, practical steps can make a meaningful difference. Whether you garden in a backyard, community space, or container garden, this episode offers inspiration and actionable guidance for working with nature, not against it.
Websites & Resources:* American Horticultural Society: https://ahsgardening.org/ * Matt Mattus: https://growingwithplants.com/ * The Quarto Group: https://www.quarto.com/ 
 In celebration of National Bird Day (Jan. 5), this episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels. Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Vibrant Harvest: Growing a Kaleidoscope of Color in Your Garden

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Garden Gossip, gardener and author Sandra Mao us to talk about her vibrant new book, “Vibrant Harvest: Cultivating a Kaleidoscope of Colors in Your Vegetable Garden.” From purple tomatoes and magenta potatoes to speckled lettuces and edible flowers, Sandra shares how colorful vegetables can transform your garden, your kitchen, and even your kids’ eating habits.
We explore the beauty and benefits of growing heirloom and hybrid varieties, seasonal planting strategies, and simple ways to get children excited about gardening. Sandra also offers practical advice on seed starting, soil prep, pest control, harvesting techniques, preserving food, and creative recipe ideas using homegrown produce.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned gardener, this inspiring conversation reminds us that vegetable gardens don’t have to be all green—they can be joyful, flavorful, and bursting with color. 
📌 Resources & Links:🔹 Follow Sandra: https://www.instagram.com/sandra.urbangarden/ 🔹 Get "Vibrant Harvest": https://www.quarto.com/books/9780760395110/vibrant-harvest 🔹 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" and "Quality of Life" podcast channels. Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Dr Amy Stark - A Magical Loveliness of Ladybugs

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Nature Connection" podcast, Dr. Amy L. Stark talks about her new illustrated children’s book, "A Magical Loveliness of Ladybugs," which encourages kids and families to reconnect with nature. Based on a true story, the book follows young Jan as she discovers her room filled with ladybugs — and along the way, readers learn how these tiny garden helpers play a big role in our environment.
Dr. Stark discusses the importance of physical books, the balance between technology and outdoor play, and how gardening can inspire family connection and environmental awareness. She shares insights on how pollinator gardens support biodiversity, how nature can ease eco-anxiety, and why stories that celebrate the natural world are essential for today’s children.
📘 Learn more about Dr. Amy Stark and her books: https://www.dramystark.com/  
This episode is part of Big Blend Radio’s programming for National Children’s Book Week (Nov. 3–9, 2025) and National Young Readers Week (Nov. 10-14, 2025), and is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend," "Quality of Life," and "Garden Gossip" Shows. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork  

Unlocking the Secrets of Square Foot Gardening with Rick Bickling

In celebration of National Food Day, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Garden Gossip" Show features Rick Bickling, Master Gardener and spokesperson for the Square Foot Gardening Foundation. Rick shares how the innovative Square Foot Gardening method—developed by Mel Bartholomew—revolutionized small-space gardening with its raised beds, unique soil blend known as Mel’s Mix, and efficient planting system that makes gardening accessible to everyone.
Rick also introduces "The Square Foot Gardening Planner: A 3-Year Journal for Recording the Planning, Planting, and Care of Your Square Foot Garden" (Cool Springs Press, October 21, 2025). This official planner helps gardeners stay organized with design templates, planting logs, compost tracking, pest and disease notes, and yield records, all beautifully designed to make gardening productive and fun.
The discussion explores how square foot gardening promotes sustainability, food security, and community connection, empowering families, schools, and urban dwellers to grow their own organic produce—no matter how limited their space.
🌿 Learn more: https://squarefootgardening.org/  
🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Big Daily Blend, Quality of Life, and Eat, Drink & Be Merry Podcast Channels. Explore the full Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork  

The Joy of Mushroom Gardening with North Spore’s Matthew McInnis

In celebration of National Food Day, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Garden Gossip features Matthew McInnis, Co-Founder and Creative Director of North Spore, a company dedicated to empowering people to grow mushrooms at home and explore the fascinating world of fungi.
Matt shares insights into the ease and accessibility of mushroom gardening, from using North Spore’s beginner-friendly grow kits to experimenting with species like Lion’s Mane, known for its rich flavor and wellness benefits. The conversation explores how mushrooms can be grown indoors and outdoors, their vital role as decomposers that enrich soil health, and their potential as a sustainable protein source.
You’ll also hear about the educational and culinary sides of mushroom cultivation—from hands-on learning experiences for kids to restaurants growing their own mushrooms. Whether you’re an aspiring home gardener, a foodie, or an environmental enthusiast, this discussion offers plenty of inspiration to dig into the magic of mushrooms.
🌐 Learn more about North Spore: https://northspore.com/ 
🎧 This episode also appears on Big Blend Radio’s Big Daily Blend, Quality of Life, and Eat, Drink & Be Merry podcast channels. Listen to more Big Blend Radio shows: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Pam Penick: Gardens of Texas - Visions of Resilience from the Lone Star State

In this inspiring episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Garden Gossip" Show, nationally recognized gardening expert Pam Penick talks about her brand-new book, "Gardens of Texas: Visions of Resilience from the Lone Star State," out now through Timber Press. Pam shares insights on creating climate-resilient, waterwise, and wildlife-friendly gardens, drawing from two decades of experience as a garden writer, speaker, designer, and advocate for sustainable landscaping.
Through the stunning, photo-rich pages of Gardens of Texas, Pam takes readers on a tour of 27 diverse gardens across the Lone Star State, demonstrating how gardeners can adapt to droughts, heat, floods, and freezes while still cultivating beauty and biodiversity. The conversation explores native plants, local soil types, crevice gardens, heirloom varieties, seed swaps, and the importance of local nurseries—with lessons that extend far beyond Texas.
Pam also reflects on how gardening connects us to nature, promotes ecological health, and serves as a creative response to climate change. Whether you’re a novice gardener or a seasoned plant lover, her insights offer both inspiration and practical wisdom for growing with purpose in any environment.
Learn more about Pam and her work at: https://www.penick.net/digging/ 
Get the book: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/pam-penick/gardens-of-texas/9781643263748/  
Listen to more Garden Gossip episodes on: https://garden-gossip.podbean.com/ 

Autumn at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

Celebrate the magic of fall and the richness of Hispanic Heritage Month with us as we journey through the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Travel with Terri" Show, travel writer Terrie Guthrie explores the spectacular Autumn at the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden: ¡Mundo México! event, running from Sept. 20 through Nov. 2, 2025.
The conversation highlights how the Dallas Arboretum, a premier fall attraction, has been transformed with over 110,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash to create an unprecedented celebration of Mexican living culture, contemporary art, and biodiversity. We delve into the stunning pumpkin village, creative art installations, and the importance of this event in fostering community engagement and creating lasting family memories. Discover why this immersive cultural experience positions Dallas as a national destination for cultural tourism.
Key Takeaways:- The Dallas Arboretum is a beloved year-round destination.- The event features a festival-wide transformation with over 110,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash.- ¡Mundo México! celebrates Mexican culture, art, and biodiversity.- The pumpkin village is a main highlight, showcasing creative pumpkin houses inspired by Mexican regions.- The gardens feature plants and art installations that tell cultural stories.- Family-friendly events at the Arboretum are designed to create lasting memories.- The festival has helped position Dallas as a national destination for cultural tourism.
For more information and to plan your visit, check out the official Dallas Arboretum website: https://www.dallasarboretum.org/ 
Follow Terri’s adventures:https://travelwithterri.net/    https://www.instagram.com/travelwithterri/  https://www.youtube.com/@travelwithterri   https://www.facebook.com/travelwithterrifromtexas   
🎙️ Listen to Travel with Terri weekly: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/  
🎧 Also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station, Garden Gossip, and Big Daily Blend podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Author Liz Parker - Witches of Honeysuckle House

In celebration of National Literacy Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Books & Authors" show with Books Forward features author Liz Parker, who discusses her upcoming novel, "Witches of Honeysuckle House" (October 21, 2025, Alcove Press). A must-read for "practical Magic" fans, this enchanting story blends curses, sisterhood, and the power of plants with themes of generational trauma, family, and community. 
Liz shares insights into the 13-year curse central to the story, the sentient house that shapes the narrative, and how her background in herbalism informs the magic woven throughout the book. She also talks about intention in witchcraft, the significance of plants, and her goal of helping readers reconnect with the natural world.
📘 More about Liz and her books: https://www.lizparkerwrites.com/  
⏱️ Chapters / Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction to Witches of Honeysuckle House02:07 – The Curse and Its Significance04:29 – Sisterhood and Generational Trauma06:28 – Exploring Spells vs. Curses07:59 – Themes of Family and Community09:51 – The Impact of Generational Trauma11:22 – The Role of Plants and Nature13:35 – The Author's Journey to Writing17:17 – The Magic of Belief and Imagination18:53 – The Sentient House and Its Personality20:50 – Witchcraft and Family Legacy22:20 – Herbalism and the Power of Plants29:52 – The Connection Between Plants and Humanity32:11 – Conclusion and Future Works
🔔 Learn more about Books Forward: https://booksforward.com/