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Stories from the Garden: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Dr. Allan Armitage
Gardening is not brain surgery or rocket science. There is so much more to our gardens than compost and digging holes. The plants we garden with are story machines, each begging to be heard. Each week, sit back and listen to award-winning author and internationally acclaimed horticulturist Dr Allan Armitage as he talks about the “rest of the story.” For example, was there really someone called Joe Pye, and how did the poppy become the flower of remembrance? Find a little time in your day for some storytelling to fire up your curiosity and learn something interesting to share with others.
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- 1 weeks ago11 min
Dr. A's Top Picks for the Garden: Butterfly Bush
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 favoriteVarieties of butterfly bush: Cascade series, Pugster series, and dwarfer Buzz seriesGrowing tips: pruning, hardiness zones, sunlight, and size managementBenefits for pollinators, especially butterfliesCultural and landscape considerations for inclusion in gardensDr. Armitage shares his personal experiences and reasons for favoring butterfly bushExplanation of different species and cultivars, including Budlia dividiae and the Cascade and Pugster seriesTips on pruning for size control and flowering timesHardiness zone recommendations (zones 5 to 8)The plant’s adaptability to sun and shade and its pollinator-friendly qualities
- 2 weeks ago12 min
My Favorite Things
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/maySign up for my newsletter and never miss my monthly My Favorite Things newsletter, plus all the updates on books, events and more.
- 4 weeks ago6 min
Dr.A's Top Picks from the Garden: Amsonia
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 growThe differences between these two popular speciesWhich variety performs best in northern versus southern gardensWhy fall color can vary depending on your climateHow these long-lived plants bring beauty to gardens throughout multiple seasonsWhether 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 perennialsFall color in the perennial gardenThanks 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!
- May 15, 20266 min
Revisting Stories from the Garden, Monarda
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.
- May 8, 20268 min
Dr. A chats with Lis Friemoth of The Garden Hoe
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.
- Apr 24, 202614 min
Re-Release! A First Listen: The Common-Sense Gardener with Dr. Allan Armitage
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
- Apr 10, 20266 min
A Guide to Growing Asters in Your Garden
Discover how to successfully grow asters in your garden with expert tips and insights. Ideal for gardeners of all levels looking to enhance their floral displays.Asters are beloved for their vibrant colors and late-season blooms, but many gardeners have mixed feelings about these perennial plants. In this post, we’ll explore the ins and outs of growing asters, including their limitations, care tips, and some of the best varieties to consider for your garden. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting, you’ll find valuable insights on how to make the most of these charming flowers.https://www.chicagobotanic.org/downloads/planteval_notes/no36_asters.pdf
- Apr 3, 202611 min
Dr. A's Top Picks for the Garden: Spirea ‘Double Play Candy Corn’
In this episode, we dive into the vibrant world of Spirea, specifically the standout variety known as 'Double Play Candy Corn.' Join us as we explore why this stunning plant is a must-have for any garden enthusiast. From its eye-catching foliage to its effortless adaptability, we’ll discuss how 'Double Play Candy Corn' brings a splash of color and charm to your outdoor space. Tune in and discover why this gem deserves a place in your garden!
About Stories from the Garden
Gardening is not brain surgery or rocket science. There is so much more to our gardens than compost and digging holes. The plants we garden with are story machines, each begging to be heard. Each week, sit back and listen to award-winning author and internationally acclaimed horticulturist Dr Allan Armitage as he talks about the “rest of the story.” For example, was there really someone called Joe Pye, and how did the poppy become the flower of remembrance? Find a little time in your day for some storytelling to fire up your curiosity and learn something interesting to share with others.
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