Houseplant Chat: Fertilizer
Down The Garden Path Podcast
In the fourth episode of Down the Garden Path's "Houseplant Chat” series, Joanne discusses the basics of fertilizing houseplants. Topics Covered When to start fertilizing Wait until days are noticeably longer (sometime after daylight savings time) when plants begin active growth again. How to read fertilizer labels (N-P-K) The three numbers represent Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K). Leafy plants may benefit from higher nitrogen; flowering plants often need more phosphorus. Choosing an “all-purpose” fertilizer Balanced blends (e.g., 10-10-10) can work for many...
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Houseplant Chat: Propagation Made Simple
Down The Garden Path Podcast
In the third episode of Down the Garden Path's "Houseplant Chat” series, Joanne discusses propagation, a simple and rewarding way to expand your plant collection. Topics discussed: Quick recap of and : winter light, soil refresh/repotting, and watering What propagation is (and why it’s easier than starting from seed) Best beginner-friendly plants to propagate: pothos and philodendrons Fixing a long, “leggy” trailing plant by trimming and replanting rooted cuttings back into the base to fill it out How to take cuttings: clean tools, cut around leaf nodes, and root in water How long...
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Houseplant Chat: Soil & Watering Tips
Down The Garden Path Podcast
In the second episode of Down the Garden Path's "Houseplant Chat” series, Joanne focuses on soil and watering techniques during the winter months. Topics discussed: Joanne emphasizes the vital role that soil plays in the health of our houseplants. Steer clear of potting soils with added fertilizers or unnecessary ingredients, as houseplants generally do not require fertilization during this period. Instead, opt for a basic, nutrient-rich potting mix that supports healthy growth without overwhelming your plants. For those with existing plants, it's essential to check if they need repotting....
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Houseplant Chat: Getting the Light Right
Down The Garden Path Podcast
This week, Joanne kicks off the 12th season of the Down the Garden Path podcast with the first episode in her “Houseplant Chat” series: Getting the Light Right. Tune in to learn how to keep your houseplants happy when winter light disappears. Topics discussed: Joanne emphasizes the importance of light for houseplants, especially in January, and shares practical tips for ensuring plants receive adequate light. She discusses her personal experiences with moving plants around her home to optimize their light exposure and highlights specific plants that thrive in low-light conditions, such as...
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Canada Gardener's Journal with Steven Biggs
Down The Garden Path Podcast
This week, Joanne welcomes horticulturist Stephen Biggs back to the podcast to talk about his latest project, the newly expanded About Steven Steven was recognized by Garden Making magazine as one of the “green gang” making a difference in Canadian horticulture. His home-garden experiments span driveway straw-bale gardens, a rooftop kitchen garden, fruit plantings, and an edible-themed front yard. He’s a horticulturist, award-winning broadcaster and author, and former horticulture instructor with George Brown and Durham Colleges in Ontario, Canada. His other books...
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Soil Testing with Amy Ellard-Gray
Down The Garden Path Podcast
This week on the podcast, Joanne discusses soil testing with The Hobby Homestead's Amy Ellard-Gray, who grows 75% of her family’s fruits and vegetables in her Guelph backyard. About Amy Amy runs The Hobby Homestead in suburban Guelph, where she cultivates over 100 varieties of native plants to support the local ecosystem. Through her , , , and in-person consultations, she helps people design and troubleshoot their own food-growing spaces. Her mantra, “growing food in harmony with nature,” guides everything she does, from tending soil life to welcoming wildlife into the garden....
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Transitioning to Indoor Gardening
Down The Garden Path Podcast
This week on Down the Garden Path, Joanne shares her passion for indoor gardening with practical winter houseplant care tips and a reminder that there’s always something new to learn and grow. Topics discussed: 1. From Annuals to Houseplants It's time to turn your attention to houseplants as gardening shifts indoors. Don't rush out to buy new plants: friends and family often have extras or cuttings to share. 2. Winter Care Basics During shorter days and lower light levels, houseplants slow down their growth. Do not fertilize in winter; they’re not actively growing. Keep watering...
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Mythic Plants with Ellen Zachos
Down The Garden Path Podcast
This week, Joanne welcomes Ellen Zachos, author of 11 books on plants, including her latest, . About Ellen A Harvard graduate, Ellen's first career was on Broadway (Les Miz), but the gift of a peace lily on opening night opened her eyes to the wonderful world of plants. Ellen taught at the New York Botanical Garden for many years and also served as Coordinator of the Gardening Department in Continuing Ed, before moving to Santa Fe, NM. She was named a Great American Gardener by the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival. Her 11th book, , was published this year. Inspiration & Research ...
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The Suburban Gardenista
Down The Garden Path Podcast
This week on the podcast, Joanne welcomes Brandie, the Suburban Gardenista, an avid gardener passionate about supporting pollinators with native plants. Brandie is Pollinator Stewardship Certified by Pollinator Partnership Canada and loves sharing her learnings through podcasts, workshops, and social media. You can find her online on and @thesuburbangardenista. Brandie’s Gardening Journey Began gardening ~20 years ago after moving into a home with no plants Inspired by her mother’s lush gardens Discovered native plants through growing Obedient Plant — her “gateway”...
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How to Overwinter Your Annuals
Down The Garden Path Podcast
If your summer containers still look surprisingly lush, don't toss them out just yet. This week on the podcast, Joanne discusses how, with a little care, you can enjoy them again next year. Tune in to learn how to overwinter your annuals. Topics discussed: Many annuals are still looking great in mid-October — don’t toss them yet! You can successfully overwinter several annuals to save money and enjoy them again next year. There’s no single foolproof method; success depends on the type of plant, growing conditions, and care. Joanne shares three main methods: bringing the whole plant...
info_outlineThis week, Joanne welcomes Ellen Zachos, author of 11 books on plants, including her latest, Mythic Plants: Potions and Poisons from the Gardens of the Gods.
About Ellen
A Harvard graduate, Ellen's first career was on Broadway (Les Miz), but the gift of a peace lily on opening night opened her eyes to the wonderful world of plants. Ellen taught at the New York Botanical Garden for many years and also served as Coordinator of the Gardening Department in Continuing Ed, before moving to Santa Fe, NM. She was named a Great American Gardener by the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival. Her 11th book, Mythic Plants: Potions & Poisons from the Gardens of the Gods, was published this year.
Inspiration & Research
- Grew from Ellen’s Greek heritage and lifelong love of mythology and plants.
- Greek mythology felt personally significant; she wasn’t drawn to Norse or Indian myths.
- Extensive research across historical texts; citations couldn’t fit in the print book, but are available online.
Plant Stories & Mythology Connections
- Nepenthe (Poppy):
- In Homer’s Odyssey, Helen of Troy prepared Nepenthe—an “anti-sorrow” drink of wine and opium poppy.
- Calmed grief temporarily. Linnaeus later named the tropical pitcher plant Nepenthes after this myth, believing its beauty could lift sorrow.
- Moly (Snowdrop):
- Hermes gave Odysseus “Moly” to protect him from Circe’s spells.
- Described as a plant with black roots and white flowers—likely the snowdrop (Galanthus).
- Contains galantamine, which counters hallucinations—aligning with the myth’s antidote effect.
- Modern research explores galantamine for Alzheimer’s treatment.
- Fig:
- Valued food in ancient Greece, consumed fresh or dried before refrigeration existed.
- Special laws governed fig harvesting; penalties for theft were severe.
- Ancient figs required complex pollination (caprification).
- Some myths surrounding figs are notably “saucy.”
- Pine Tree:
- Associated with violent origin myths, but also practical uses.
- Pine nuts were a staple food; pine resin sealed wine vessels, the origin of Retsina wine.
- Modern Retsina has a milder pine flavour, enjoyed especially in Greek summer settings.
- Aconitum (Monkshood):
- Misunderstood as poisonous to touch—false. Dangerous only if ingested.
- Blooms beautifully when few others do; it is resistant to deer and rabbits.
- Ellen wishes for a “Plant Mythbusters” show to debunk misinformation about plant toxicity.
- Daffodil (Narcissus):
- Linked to the myth of Narcissus falling in love with his reflection.
- Also central to the Persephone story, Zeus created a daffodil to lure her before Hades abducted her.
- Explains the origin of winter and spring cycles through Demeter’s grief and renewal.
Themes & Insights
- Plants in Greek mythology were deeply symbolic, medicinal, and magical.
- Many ancient uses align with modern scientific knowledge.
- The book groups plants thematically into short, easy-to-read chapters, ideal for bedtime or book clubs.
- Appeals to gardeners, historians, herbalists, and mythology enthusiasts.
Ellen’s Life & Work Today
- Now based in Santa Fe with a small, fully edible garden.
- Enjoys discovering new drought-tolerant plants in a vastly different climate.
- Former rooftop gardener in New York City; designed and maintained terrace gardens.
- Also teaches and speaks across the U.S.—including the upcoming Herb Society of America Conference in Texas (April).
- Other popular books: How to Forage for Wild Foods Without Dying, Backyard Foraging, The Wildcrafted Cocktail, The Forager’s Pantry.
- Advocates for safe, informed foraging and appreciation of wild edibles.
- Mythic Plants features beautiful botanical illustrations by Lisel Ashlock.
Mythic Plants makes a great gift and is available on Amazon! Find Ellen Zachos on Instagram.
Other Resources Mentioned in the Show:
Down the Garden Path: A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Ontario Garden
Down the Garden Path Podcast
On Down The Garden Path, professional landscape designer Joanne Shaw discusses down-to-earth tips and advice for your plants, gardens and landscapes. As the owner of Down2Earth Landscape Design, Joanne Shaw has been designing beautiful gardens for homeowners east of Toronto for over a decade. She does her best to bring you interesting, relevant and useful topics to help you keep your garden as low maintenance as possible.
In Down the Garden Path: A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Ontario Garden, Joanne and fellow landscape designer Matthew Dressing distill their horticultural and design expertise and their combined experiences in helping others create and maintain thriving gardens into one easy-to-read monthly reference guide.
Get your copy today on Amazon.
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