Flower Power Garden Hour

Musings with people in the world of gardening, botany, horticulture and nature. Marlene takes her years of gardening experience, success and failures and turns it into an unpretentious, humorous listen. From organic vegetable gardening, houseplants, bee keeping, flowers, and everything in between -- this podcast covers it.

FPGH.243: Top 10 Cut Flowers 07/11/2026

FPGH.243: Top 10 Cut Flowers Want to grow your own bouquets? Bruce and I give our lists of top 10 flowers that are easy and last in bouquets. Plus, Bruce tells us which flower is toxic to other cut flowers. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: email Marlene at Find Marlene over on , and /episode/index/show/flowerpowergardenhour/id/41713865

FPGH.242: July To Do, Listener Q&A 07/01/2026

FPGH.242: July To Do, Listener Q&A Believe it or not, it is time to start thinking about your fall vegetable garden. Bruce and I discuss this as well as answer your questions. When should you prune your cherry trees? It’s not when you would expect. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: email Marlene at Find Marlene over on , and /episode/index/show/flowerpowergardenhour/id/41713780

FPGH.241: Growing Strawberries, Blackberries, Raspberries 06/27/2026

FPGH.241: Growing Strawberries, Blackberries, Raspberries A perfectly ripe strawberry right off the plant tastes worlds away from an underripe store bought one. But often people get frustrated growing them for various reasons. Bruce and I hit upon all aspects of growing strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries from which varieties to choose, soil, pest problems and more. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: email Marlene at Find Marlene over on , and /episode/index/show/flowerpowergardenhour/id/41710770

FPGH.240: Top 10 Best Plants for pollinators 06/20/2026

FPGH.240: Top 10 Best Plants for pollinators Bruce and I each give our top ten plants that we feel are a must to attract pollinators to your garden. So many to choose from that we only overlapped on one plant! Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: email Marlene at Find Marlene over on , and /episode/index/show/flowerpowergardenhour/id/41709775

FPGH 239: June To Do, Listener Q&A 06/07/2026

FPGH 239: June To Do, Listener Q&A Its June -- and yes you can still plant tomatoes and many other vegetables. Bruce and I discuss what can be planted and what garden chores you should tackle this month. Plus, we answer your questions. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: email Marlene at Find Marlene over on , and /episode/index/show/flowerpowergardenhour/id/41562070

FPGH 238: Garden Pests, Part 2 05/31/2026

FPGH 238: Garden Pests, Part 2 In part 2, Bruce and I discuss some larger pests that can cause issues in your garden including leaf footed bugs, rats, gophers, and cats! Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: email Marlene at Find Marlene over on , and /episode/index/show/flowerpowergardenhour/id/41481395

FPGH 237: Garden Pests, Part 1 05/25/2026

FPGH 237: Garden Pests, Part 1 Aphids, snails, thrips oh my! Bruce and I cover some of the most problematic pests you may encounter in your garden. In part one, we cover sucking and chewing insects, what to do about them and why most pesticides aren’t even needed. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: email Marlene at Find Marlene over on , and /episode/index/show/flowerpowergardenhour/id/41414190

FPGH 236: May To Do List + Listener Q&A 05/14/2026

FPGH 236: May To Do List + Listener Q&A It’s May…if you have been waiting to plant peppers and eggplants, the time is here. Join Bruce and I as we go over what else to plant and tackle in the garden. Plus we answer your questions about fenestrations, bird of paradise and more. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: email Marlene at Find Marlene over on , and /episode/index/show/flowerpowergardenhour/id/41303220

FPGH.235: Unusual Vegetables to Grow 04/26/2026

FPGH.235: Unusual Vegetables to Grow Love growing tomatoes and peppers but want to try something different? Bruce and I give our lists of top 10 unusual vegetables to grow. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: email Marlene at Find Marlene over on , and /episode/index/show/flowerpowergardenhour/id/41021230

FPGH234: Soil Structure 04/19/2026

FPGH234: Soil Structure Healthy soil is the key to a healthy, productive beautiful garden but it can be a bit confusing with all the info out there. We discuss how to determine what kind of soil you have, how and what to amend with and more useful tips. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: email Marlene at Find Marlene over on , and /episode/index/show/flowerpowergardenhour/id/40924860

FPGH 233: April To Do List & Listener Q&A 04/12/2026

FPGH 233: April To Do List & Listener Q&A It’s officially tomato planting time! But what else can you plant? And what, in our opinion, should you hold off a bit longer planting. We go over your April garden tasks to do as well as answer your questions. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: email Marlene at Find Marlene over on , and /episode/index/show/flowerpowergardenhour/id/40812780

FPGH 232: Top 10 Gardening Tips 04/01/2026

FPGH 232: Top 10 Gardening Tips Bruce and I each break down our top 10 tips and tricks for growing a successful vegetable garden — no peeking, no comparing notes beforehand. Just two opinionated gardeners with a lot to say about what actually works. Who has a no-marigold policy on their list? Why heirlooms-only may lead to disappointment, and much more. Spoiler: we don't always agree (aka Bruce is wrong). There's plenty of lively back-and-forth, a few "I can't believe you said that" moments, and yes — we each snuck in a bonus tip at the end because ten just wasn't enough. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: email Marlene at Find Marlene over on , and /episode/index/show/flowerpowergardenhour/id/40693535

FPGH 231: Amorphophallus & the Corpse Flower, with Plant Explorer Derek Carwood 03/15/2026

FPGH 231: Amorphophallus & the Corpse Flower, with Plant Explorer Derek Carwood To smell and see a Titan Arum in bloom is pretty spectacular, but what really fascinates me is the evolution and incredible diversity within the entire Amorphophallus genus. In this episode, I’m joined by Amorphophallus expert and plant explorer Derek Carwood, who shares his deep knowledge and stories from the field. We dive into the strange beauty, unique adaptations, and surprising variety of these remarkable plants -- perfect for anyone who loves the truly unusual side of the plant world. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: email Marlene at Find Marlene over on , and /episode/index/show/flowerpowergardenhour/id/40488210

FPGH 230: March To Do List + Listener Q&A 03/07/2026

FPGH 230: March To Do List + Listener Q&A Not sure if it’s time to plant tomatoes or if you can squeeze in another round of broccoli? Bruce and I will break down what garden tasks could and should be done in March. Plus we answer your questions. What exactly are those bumps on trees?! Hmmmm. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: email Marlene at Find Marlene over on , and /episode/index/show/flowerpowergardenhour/id/40347830

FPGH 229: Top 10 Favorite Fragrant Plants 02/26/2026

FPGH 229: Top 10 Favorite Fragrant Plants Looking to add a fragrant touch to your bedroom window or entry way? Bruce and Marlene each give their top 10 favorite fragrant plants. Will yours be on the list? And we also reveal our most obnoxious smelling plants. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: email Marlene at Find Marlene over on , and /episode/index/show/flowerpowergardenhour/id/40239380

FPGH 228: Seed Starting 02/15/2026

FPGH 228: Seed Starting There are many benefits for starting plants from seeds. But what are the best techniques for success. Bruce and Marlene go into detail on the basics and discuss more advanced seed starting requirements. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: email Marlene at Find Marlene over on , and /episode/index/show/flowerpowergardenhour/id/40114605

FPGH 227: February To Do List 02/08/2026

FPGH 227: February To Do List Believe it or not, spring is around the corner. It has been very dry in NorCal so far – sometimes we get Spring rain, so still TBD. LOTS of prep to do for the upcoming season. It is time to plant: Broccoli Cabbage Carrots Cauliflower Collards, swiss chard Kale Leeks Loose leaf lettuce Peas Potatoes….late in the month Chores include: Sow tomatoes inside Start flowers (sunflowers, strawflower, zinnias, etc) Direct sow sweet peas Plant bare-root (roses, fruit trees, asparagus, strawberries, rhubarb, berries) Spray fruit trees Fertilize Compost Clean up, cut back Prune roses, fruit trees Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: email Marlene at Find Marlene over on , and /episode/index/show/flowerpowergardenhour/id/40034830

FPGH 226: Top 10 Easiest Houseplants To Grow 01/31/2026

FPGH 226: Top 10 Easiest Houseplants To Grow Kill every houseplant you try to grow? Not anymore. Bruce and I share our top 10 easiest houseplants that are guaranteed to thrive in your home… even if you are convinced you have a brown thumb. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: email Marlene at Find Marlene over on , and /episode/index/show/flowerpowergardenhour/id/39945675

FPGH 225: Welwitschia, with Gianluca Bacci of rareplantcatalog.com 01/25/2026

FPGH 225: Welwitschia, with Gianluca Bacci of rareplantcatalog.com Welwitschia mirabilis is one of the most unique plant species and on this episode we dive into everything about it. Succulent extraordinaire, Gianluca Bacci of , joins me in discussing its care, morphology, propagation and more. Gianluca can be found at: Retail website: Retail Nursery: Boojums, 1505 Echo Park Ave, Los Angeles Instagram: , Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: email Marlene at Find Marlene over on , and /episode/index/show/flowerpowergardenhour/id/39866705

FPGH 224: January To Do List & Listener Q&A 12/31/2025

FPGH 224: January To Do List & Listener Q&A It is the January To Do List – lots of fog in the California Central Valley recently, so a good amount of moisture even without significant rain. Temperatures have been on the lower side, but no major freezes. Even though it’s the heart of winter, there are things that need to be done during the dry periods. It is time to plant: Asparagus plants Bareroot trees, roses, shrubs Radishes Lettuce Kohlrabi Peas Onions Bok choy Fava beans Chores include: Protect from frost. Watch weather report for potential frost days Don’t work wet soils --- very important Spray for peach leaf curl and other fungal diseases Can prune fruit trees – but listen to the caveats in the episode Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: email Marlene at Find Marlene over on , and /episode/index/show/flowerpowergardenhour/id/39574805

FPGH 224: January To Do List & Listener Q&A 12/31/2025

FPGH.223: Holiday Plants 12/21/2025

FPGH.223: Holiday Plants Tired of getting a holiday plant just to have it die on you. Don’t worry, Bruce and Marlene, share tips on how to prevent your plants from ending up in the compost bin after the New Year. Topics covered: getting Christmas cactus to bloom, the truth about paperwhites coming back, soil suggestions and more. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: email Marlene at Find Marlene over on , and /episode/index/show/flowerpowergardenhour/id/39485660

FPGH 222: December To Do & Listener Q&A 12/08/2025

FPGH 222: December To Do & Listener Q&A It is the December To Do List, and we are in the middle of winter garden season. Weather is moderately cold, foggy, and so far it has been pretty dry. We finish up with a Listener Q&A. It is time to plant: Asparagus Fava beans Bok choy Broccoli rabe Garlic Kale Loose leaf lettuce Mustard Onion sets Radish Do not plant yet: Bareroot trees Roses Berries Chores include: Protect succulents from water Frost protection Clean up – but leave some debris remaining Spray dormant trees (peach leaf curl) Plant bulbs Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: email Marlene at Find Marlene over on , and /episode/index/show/flowerpowergardenhour/id/39320425

FPGH 220: Brendan Wilce, of the California Native Plant Society 12/06/2025

FPGH 220: Brendan Wilce, of the California Native Plant Society Fall is a great time to plant California natives. Brendan Wilce of the California Native Plant Society joins me to give his 10 top favorite natives. This episode is sponsored by . The Brendan and the California Native Plant Society can be found at: Website: Instagram: Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: email Marlene at Find Marlene over on , and /episode/index/show/flowerpowergardenhour/id/39306120

FPGH 219: Between Two Shrubs, with Shelley & Christy 11/03/2025

FPGH 219: Between Two Shrubs, with Shelley & Christy Want to take over that neglected school garden but need some inspiration? Listen to Shelley and Christy of discuss their story of creating a successful school garden program. Plus -- we talk about their new YouTube channel, which is exploring local gardens, talking to the gardeners, and all things garden-adjacent. Very fun and informative, with frequent new content. This episode is sponsored by . Between Two Shrubs can be found at: YouTube: Instagram: /episode/index/show/flowerpowergardenhour/id/38891610

Flower Power Garden Hour 218: October To Do List and Listener Q & A 10/15/2025

Flower Power Garden Hour 218: October To Do List and Listener Q & A It is the October To Do List, and that means it is a very busy time in the garden. Clean up from summer vegetables and prepping for fall and winter. The days are cooler, but shorter – which means you have to work efficiently and hard. Episode includes Listener Q&A. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: email Marlene at Find Marlene over on , and /episode/index/show/flowerpowergardenhour/id/38599320

FPGH 217: Kayden Rsenbauer of the Sacramento Tree Foundation 10/01/2025

FPGH 217: Kayden Rsenbauer of the Sacramento Tree Foundation Fall is a great time to plant a shade tree and our guest, Kayden Rsenbauer, certified arborist with the Sacramento Tree Foundation has all the info you need. Bruce and I talk to him about proper planting techniques, watering for young and established trees and we go over his list of favorite shade trees. This episode is sponsored by . Sacramento Tree Foundation can be found at: Website: Facebook: Instagram: YouTube: Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: email Marlene at Find Marlene over on , and /episode/index/show/flowerpowergardenhour/id/38422365

Flower Power Garden Hour 216: All about Staghorn Ferns 09/10/2025

Flower Power Garden Hour 216: All about Staghorn Ferns Truly one of the bizarre looking and growing plants out there. Bruce and Marlene discuss everything related to the Genus Platycerium. How to propagate from spores and divisions, what species grow the best in zone 9, unusual species and more. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: email Marlene at Find Marlene over on , and /episode/index/show/flowerpowergardenhour/id/38038005

FPGH 215: September Garden To-Do’s and Q & A 09/03/2025

FPGH 215: September Garden To-Do’s and Q & A Planting, tasks and to do’s that should take place in September for a beautiful fall garden. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: email Marlene at Find Marlene over on , and /episode/index/show/flowerpowergardenhour/id/38037010

FPGH 214: Top 10 Drought Tolerant Plants for a Tropical Look 08/31/2025

FPGH 214: Top 10 Drought Tolerant Plants for a Tropical Look Want to feel like you are in the tropics but without the expensive plane ticket or large amounts of water? Bruce and Marlene each give their top 10 plants that grow with low water but give you the vibe of being in a far away destination Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: email Marlene at Find Marlene over on , and /episode/index/show/flowerpowergardenhour/id/38036775

Flower Power Garden Hour

TOPICS