Plantrama - plants, landscapes, & bringing nature indoors
Science, Art & Dinner, it’s all in your own backyard. All about plants, gardens, foraging, and more.
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Seed Planning, Catching Up, and See You In Seattle
01/26/2023
Seed Planning, Catching Up, and See You In Seattle
Ellen and C.L. talk about three interesting edibles from the True Leaf Market catalog, explain what they’re working on and catch up with some listener emails. They end by talking about seven seed starting tips offered by our friends at Gardeners Supply Company, and invite listeners to join them at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show in Seattle. :30 What’s For Dinner: Our top picks from the catalog 7:23 Eat/Drink/Grow: What's new with the Plantrama team. 19:46 Insider Information: 7 tips for seed starting
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Tasty meals, New Plant Discoveries and a Dormant Period
09/15/2022
Tasty meals, New Plant Discoveries and a Dormant Period
We’re talking about garlic and crabapples, plants that are new to our hearts, and some interesting research on bulbs done at Cornell University. Plus some words of appreciation for all of our listeners…Plantrama people are the best! :27 What’s For Dinner: What C.L.and Ellen love for tasty meals. 5:14 Eat/Drink/Grow: New Plants…new to us, that is. 15:21 Insider Information: Bulb research from Cornell University 23:03 Love Letters and Questions: We’re entering a dormant period, but here’s our shout out to all of our listeners.
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Rusty Nails For Blue Hydrangeas, Queen Anne_s Lace, and Too Many Plants
09/08/2022
Rusty Nails For Blue Hydrangeas, Queen Anne_s Lace, and Too Many Plants
Learn about turning Hydrangea flowers blue, how to tell if you’re looking at Queen Anne’s lace or the poison hemlock, and not enough room for all these plants! Plus C.L. loves listening to the Audible version of Michael Pollen’s book, This is Your Mind on Plants. :29 True or False: To turn Hydrangeas blue, place rusty nails in the ground 3:48 Eat/Drink/Grow: Queen Anne’s Lace and Poisonous Look-Alikes 15:04 Check This Out: Michael Pollen’s book “This is Your Mind on Plants” 20:30 Love Letters and Questions: Candace writes: “There isn’t room in my house for all of these plants…not if I want to say married. Help!”
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Peppers, Dry Summers, and a Clover Lawn
09/01/2022
Peppers, Dry Summers, and a Clover Lawn
In this episode Ellen and C.L. discuss some favorite peppers, and answer common listener questions about drought-damaged plants and helping their gardens recover from a hot, dry summer. We share an exciting new plant from Proven Winners, and answer a listener’s question about clover lawns. :36 What’s For Dinner: Peppers! 10:39 Eat/Drink/Grow: Recovering From A Hot, Dry Summer 19:45 Insider Information: Excited about Queen Tut Papyrus 21:35 Love Letters and Questions: Sandy writes: “Do you like clover lawns?” Link to Queen Tut on the Proven Winners Website:
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Encore Snacks, Outdoor Office and Entertaining
08/25/2022
Encore Snacks, Outdoor Office and Entertaining
In this Encore presentation from 2017, Ellen and C.L. start the end-of-summer party off with suggestions for snacks and garden hors d’oeuvres. The second segment offers ways that you benefit from an outdoor office, and no, it’s not the low rent. Our main segment suggests ways you can spruce up (horticultural pun intended) your yard and gardens for summer gatherings. Whether you’re holding a simple barbecue, birthday celebration, rehearsal dinner, cocktail party or other event, here are ideas for hiding eyesores, improving what you’ve got and adding color. Our fourth segment addresses a plant noob’s question: “Will this plant will come back to life or is it dead?” We end with an email from a listener who asks about end-of-year bargain plants.
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Encore of Yellow Leaves, Fall Vegetables and Bringing Houseplants Inside
08/18/2022
Encore of Yellow Leaves, Fall Vegetables and Bringing Houseplants Inside
In this end-of-August episode, C.L. and Ellen discuss how to tell why the leaves on your plant are turning yellow. They explain that noticing which leaves are yellowing, and where they are, can help explain why this is happening. Next the Plantrama team explains some botanic terms, and discusses what to forage for or plant in your vegetable garden right now. The episode ends with advice to Sandy about when to bring her houseplants back inside after they have spent the summer out of doors. :38 Plant Noob: Yellow Leaves – how to know what causes this? 9:42 Insider Information: Angiosperm and Gymnosperm – what do these terms mean? 11:26 Eat/Drink/Grow: Fall Planting and Foraging 22:23 Love Letters and Questions: Sandy wonders “when does houseplant summer camp end?”
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Encore Mulch, Nitrogen and Smart Weeds
08/11/2022
Encore Mulch, Nitrogen and Smart Weeds
Ellen and C.L. discuss whether the use of mulch robs the soil of nitrogen, and we take a dive into the Polygonaceae family…smart weeds and knotweeds. We give you the scoop on two informative webinars for anyone interested in growing hydrangeas, and answer a question about the odd, jelly-like forms that a listener has found on some junipers. 1:42 True or False: Mulch robs the soil of nitrogen. 6:21 Eat/Drink/Grow: Is your weed smart or knot? 12:31 Insider Information: Hydrangea webinars given by C.L. 16:33 Love Letters and Questions: Aliens in the juniper! Thanks to our sponsors at Dramm Rainwands!
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Encore of End of Summer Flavors, Taking Cuttings, Transplantation
08/04/2022
Encore of End of Summer Flavors, Taking Cuttings, Transplantation
In this encore episode, Ellen explains what to make with under-ripe wild grapes and C.L. persuades listeners to combine some creamy brie cheese with those homegrown tomatoes. Next we explain that the end of the summer is the ideal time to propagate everything from woody ornamentals to annuals and perennials. Now that cooler weather is on the horizon, we discuss what can be transplanted in the fall, and answer a listener’s concern about importing bugs into the house when she brings potted houseplants back in for the winter. :32 What’s for dinner: End of Summer Flavors! Partially ripe wild grapes and home grown tomatoes with creamy brie and fresh basil. 5:48 Eat/Drink/Grow: taking cuttings. If you want to propagate a favorite shrub, perennial or tree, now is the time for making cuttings. 21:22 Did You Know? Fall transplanting. Which plants can be moved early in the fall? 28:02 Love Letters and Questions: bring your houseplants indoors but leave the bugs outside.
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Pickles, Small Trees, and Dealing with Bare Spots
07/28/2022
Pickles, Small Trees, and Dealing with Bare Spots
What can you pickle this summer? Should you buy a tree that’s tiny? Ellen and C.L. discuss these topics, plus what to do with bare or just unattractive spots in the garden, and whether summer planting makes sense in July. :29 What’s for dinner: Pickles. 7:12 Insider Information: Don’t be afraid to start with small shrubs and trees! 12:30 Eat/Drink/Grow: Dealing with bare areas where plants have died or construction had to happen. 22.52 Love Letters and Questions: Bailey wrote about moving to a new property in the heat of the summer. Brought to you by our friends at
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Mulch killing weeds, Citrus from Seeds, and a Robot Weeder
07/21/2022
Mulch killing weeds, Citrus from Seeds, and a Robot Weeder
Have you wondered how, or if, mulch kills weeds? Have you tried to grow a citrus plant from a seed? Ellen and C.L. discuss these topics, and answer Dianna’s question about her kousa dogwood that isn’t doing well. Plus C.L. tells Ellen and our listeners about a robot that weeds in gardens. :28 Plant Noob: Does mulch kill weeds? 6:47 Eat/Drink/Grow: Some considerations when growing citrus from Seed. 14:02 Check THIS Out!: Tertill: a solar-powered, robot weeder. 18:13 Love Letters and Questions From Dianna: “I purchased a kousa dogwood from a landscaper and they installed it for me.”
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Foliar Feeding, Forks in the Garden and Auto-Flowering Cannabis
07/14/2022
Foliar Feeding, Forks in the Garden and Auto-Flowering Cannabis
Have you seen the photo of plastic forks, tines up, in the garden? Wondering about spraying fertilizer on the leaves of plants to give them added nutrients? And how about that auto-flowering type of Cannabis…should you be harvesting in July? :36 True or False: Plastic forks in the garden? 7:21 Eat/Drink/Grow: Foliar feeding. 18:20 Love Letters and Questions: Manny asks about Cannabis
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Raspberries, Rock Walls, and Perennial Bloom
07/07/2022
Raspberries, Rock Walls, and Perennial Bloom
Ellen and C.L. talk about the difference between raspberries and blackberries, give suggestions for plants that grow well in the tiny spaces in rock walls, and discuss whether you should panic when you see bugs on a plant. We end with a listener’s question about a perennial garden filled with early-summer bloomers. :30 What’s For Dinner: Raspberries 6:32 Eat/Drink/Grow: Plants to grow in Rock Walls 18:19 Plant Noob: What to assume when you see an insect? 22:24 Love Letters and Questions: Leddy wonders if the perennials she bought in May can be brought into flower again.
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Edible Flower Petals, Tap Roots and Crop Rotation
06/30/2022
Edible Flower Petals, Tap Roots and Crop Rotation
C.L. and Ellen have suggestions for edible flower petals, whether you want to use them for visual or taste appeal. Hear a discussion about taproots - what are they and what they mean for you – and hear if you need to be concerned about crop rotation. :38 What’s For Dinner: Flowers petals! 5:53 Eat/Drink/Grow: Tap roots. 20:18 Love Letters and Questions: Amanda asks: “Can you recommend any books or reliable resources for crop rotation?
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Mint, Harvesting Garlic, and Plant Supports
06/23/2022
Mint, Harvesting Garlic, and Plant Supports
Ellen and C.L. discuss ways to use the mint you grow, the basics of harvesting garlic, and ways of supporting vegetables and newly planted trees. Plus we answer a listener’s question about spraying fertilizer directly onto foliage. :33 What’s for dinner: Mint beyond mojitos 4:12 Insider Information: Harvesting Garlic 17:46 Eat/Drink/Grow: Plant supports. 26:40 Love Letters and Questions: Karen asks about spring fertilizer directly on plants.
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Flea Beetles, a Book Review and Houseplants at Summer Camp
06/16/2022
Flea Beetles, a Book Review and Houseplants at Summer Camp
Ellen and C.L. talk about a common insect that causes damage in many vegetable gardens: flea beetles. Next they address questions and issues that arise when houseplants have been put outside for the summer, review an inspiring new book, and answer Ryan’s question about possible ground cover crops for weed suppression in flower farms. :28 Plant Noob: Flea beetles 7:37 Eat/Drink/Grow: So your houseplants are out for Summer Camp 18:12 Book Review: 22:12 Love Letters and Questions: From Ryan about weed control in a flower farm.
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Dead Trees, Early Flowering Perennials, and What NOW?
06/14/2022
Dead Trees, Early Flowering Perennials, and What NOW?
C.L. and Ellen discuss what to do if your tree dies, and what actions to take when something has already happened and you need to respond or do your best to fix it. :30 True or False: You should remove dead trees from your property 6:24 Eat/Drink/Grow: After the fact. Or, I’ve already done it! Now What??? 22:00 Love Letters and Questions: Sandi asks: “When early flowering perennials such as blue salvia, peonies, or penstemon stop blooming, what do I do with them?
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Dill, Planting in June and What Alliums Do
06/02/2022
Dill, Planting in June and What Alliums Do
:38 What’s For Dinner: Dill. 8:59 Eat/Drink/Grow: “Is it too late to plant?” 20:14 Insider Information: What alliums do. 22:42 Love Letters and Questions: Donna re: miniature lemon cypress tree In this first of five June episodes, C.L. and Ellen talk about growing dill, planting in the summer, and what allium foliage does when these bulbs come into bloom. Plus we answer a listener’s question about growing lemon cypress trees indoors…was she given bad advice?
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Lettuce Wraps, Garden Diversity and Mediterranean Gardening
05/26/2022
Lettuce Wraps, Garden Diversity and Mediterranean Gardening
In this end-of-May episode Ellen and C.L. discuss using lettuce to wrap tasty fillings, for a meal or snack. We explain what a botanist does, the importance of several types of diversity in our yards and gardens, and answer Pete’s question about applying Mediterranean style to a Minnesota garden. :28 What’s for dinner: Lettuce Wraps 3:22 Insider Information: What is a botanist? 7:33 Eat/Drink/Grow: Garden Diversity 21:58 Love Letters and Questions: From Pete about “Mediterranean Gardening”
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How to Fill Raised Beds, Hugelkulure and Garden Mentors
05/19/2022
How to Fill Raised Beds, Hugelkulure and Garden Mentors
The Plantrama team discusses the best way to fill a raised bed, why the practice called hugelkulture is getting so much buzz, a podcast recommendation, and finding a garden mentor. :30 Plant Noob: Why you shouldn’t fill a raised bed with only compost. 5:24 Eat/Drink/Grow: Hugelkultur 16:29 Check THIS Out!: a plant podcast that C.L. loves. 18:48 Love Letters and Questions Morgan in Michigan writes about finding garden mentors.
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Seed Info, Gardening in Clay and Potting Media
05/12/2022
Seed Info, Gardening in Clay and Potting Media
Have you ever bought an envelope of seeds that had no instructions on it? Do you have clay soils where you garden? Ellen and C.L. start the program with these topics, then move onto invasive plants in the landscape, and the differences between different types of potting media. :30 True or False: It’s okay to send out seeds without any germination information. 5:12 Eat/Drink/Grow: Gardening in Clay 21:18 Insider Information: Inspired by Carol invasives in the landscape 25:16 Love Letters and Questions: From Adriana any difference between potting soil and seeding-starting mix? Brought to you by our friends at
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Pasta, Catkins, and Roses oh my!
05/05/2022
Pasta, Catkins, and Roses oh my!
It’s pasta for dinner, and everything coming up roses in this episode of Plantrama. Ellen shares her nettle pasta recipe, and C.L. talks about a quick way to use any garden greens with linguine. We discuss the highs and lows of growing roses, and end by answering a listener’s question about catkins. :37 What’s For Dinner: A go-to garden or foraged pasta. 6:55 Eat/Drink/Grow: Roses. 24:50 Love Letters and Questions: Diedre asked What is a catkin? Brought to you by our friends at
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Spring Salads, Organic Fertilizers, and Clematis
04/28/2022
Spring Salads, Organic Fertilizers, and Clematis
In this episode Ellen and C.L. celebrate spring salads, discuss organic fertilizers and discuss the many ways to grow vining Clematis. :28 What’s for dinner: Spring Salads 6:24 Insider Information: Organic fertilizers 11:03 Eat/Drink/Grow: Clematis This episode is brought to you by our friends at
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Raised Beds, Labeling Plants and Check THIS Out!
04/21/2022
Raised Beds, Labeling Plants and Check THIS Out!
The Plantrama team gives those new to vegetable gardening some advice about raised beds...how deep, what to fill them with, and whether they need a weed barrier underneath. We talk about how to remember what you’ve planted, without sticking ugly labels next to every plant in your garden. In a new segment, we tell you about a couple of great things that we’ve discovered. :45 Plant Noob: Raised bed Tips 10:46 Eat/Drink/Grow: Methods for remembering what you’ve planted 21:36 Check THIS Out!: C.L. raves about Fleurs de Villes and Ellen talks about Spice Jungle! Our podcast is supported by our friends at Dramm – check out all of their wonderful products at
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Fertilizers, Cannabis, and Plant Roots
04/14/2022
Fertilizers, Cannabis, and Plant Roots
Do you need a special fertilizer for Cannabis budding? Do you need special fertilizers for different types of plants? Do some fertilizers work better than others, and can you make your own out of food scraps? These questions answered and more in this episode. :33 True or False: In order to get Cannabis to bud, you have to use special “bloom” fertilizers 3:22 Eat/Drink/Grow: Fertilizer Facts and Fantasies 20:06 Love Letters and Questions: Shelley wrote: “Is it true that the roots of plants only go out to the dripline?
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Strawberries and Soil Temperatures
04/07/2022
Strawberries and Soil Temperatures
The Plantrama team gets their fingers sticky with strawberry juices today as we talk about foraging for wild berries, and how to grow strawberries in your garden. Hear about the types of plants, protecting berries from critters, using this plant as groundcover, and more. We end with some thoughts about soil temperatures. Here is a , showing how long seeds take to germinate in different soil temperatures. :38 What’s For Dinner: Strawberries 3:45 Eat/Drink/Grow: Strawberries 19:25 Insider Information: The importance of soil temperatures
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Spring Greens, Plants for Arbors, and Forced Bulbs
03/31/2022
Spring Greens, Plants for Arbors, and Forced Bulbs
Spring Greens, Plants for Arbors, and Forced Bulbs In the last episode for March Ellen and C.L. answer the last batch of questions collected at the Northwest Flower and Garden Festival in Seattle. Many of these focus on plants for arbors and pergolas. :28 What’s for dinner: Spring Greens 3:37 Insider Information: Can a night blooming Cereus grow indoors in AK? 5:27 Eat/Drink/Grow: Plants for arbors, pergolas and trellises 18:16 Love Letters and Questions: From Rachel about a forced hyacinth bulb
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Parsley, Outdoor Furniture, Insect Repellants and Plant Empowerment
03/24/2022
Parsley, Outdoor Furniture, Insect Repellants and Plant Empowerment
Ellen and C.L. address more questions from the Northwest Flower and Garden Festival in Seattle. We discuss the herb that gets no respect, Parsley, plus keeping outdoor furniture dry, escaping the insect invasion in your outdoor living areas, and how we started a podcast...and how you might start a garden business too! :40 What’s for dinner: Parsley 4:19 Insider Information: Garden furniture in rainy climates 10:57 Eat/Drink/Grow: Keeping mosquitoes out of the garden 16:05 Plant Empowerment – How Plantrama came to be With thanks to our sponsor:
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Garden Design, Strawberries in a Greenhouse, and Dog Business
03/17/2022
Garden Design, Strawberries in a Greenhouse, and Dog Business
Hear about how to garden if you move frequently, creating consistent gardens in sun and shade, colors that work together, and growing strawberries in a greenhouse. That and keeping the neighbor’s dogs from killing plants when they urinate on them. With thanks to our sponsors: , and ! 1:06 Plant Noob: The neighbor’s dogs kill my plants on the sidewalk! 4:42 Eat/Drink/Grow: Designing Gardens – questions from the Northwest Flower and Garden Festival 17:09 Insider information: purple hyacinth beans...edible or poison? 17:57 Love Letters and Questions Growing strawberries in greenhouses
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Hydrangeas, Peonies and Vegetable Garden Soil
03/10/2022
Hydrangeas, Peonies and Vegetable Garden Soil
Questions from the 2022 Seattle flower show continue, with blue, mophead hydrangea blooming and pruning in our main segment. Ellen and C.L. also talk about pH for vegetable gardens and peonies that stop blooming. This episode brought to you by our friends at - makers of rainwands and other garden gear. :45 The Plant Noob: How important is soil pH for vegetables 6:56 Eat/Drink/Grow: Hydrangea Happiness 18:17 Love Letters and Questions: 30 year old peony stopped blooming.
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Raspberries, White Flower Gardens, and Fungus Gnats
03/03/2022
Raspberries, White Flower Gardens, and Fungus Gnats
C.L. and Ellen answer questions that were submitted at the Northwest Flower and Garden Festival in Seattle. They discuss pruning raspberries, great plants with white flowers, and how to get rid of fungus gnats. 1:31 What’s For Dinner: Raspberries! 10:14 Eat/Drink/Grow: Gardens with White Flowers. 21:56 Insider Information: Fungus Gnats With thanks to our sponsors at the NWFGS: . , and s.
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