080 Wildflower Planting Tips. Cleaning a Birdbath. White House Gardens.

At some point, you will get the urge to start a wildflower garden in a spot in your yard. Before you begin scattering seeds, take a listen. We have tips from a wildflower expert. What’s the easiest, safest way to clean a backyard fountain or birdbath? Our favorite college horticulture professor (retired), Debbie Flower, applies some elbow grease to that question. Wouldn’t it be nice, if you moved into a rental home, that other people would pay to have you redesign the garden? That’s one of the perks of getting a four-year lease at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington DC. We talk with Marta McDowell, author of the book,  "All the Presidents’ Gardens” about many of the interesting horticultural changes the various residents brought to that famous yard. And, we help you unwind from working at home with a regular daily commute to your happy spot. And that just might be your garden. How a fake commute can boost your physical and mental health when your working from home.It’s all on Episode 80 of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast. And we will do it all in under 30 minutes. Let’s go!Picture:Links:Wildflowers to Attract Beneficial InsectsCleaning a Birdbath or FountainBook:  "All the Presidents' Gardens: Madison's Cabbages to Kennedy's Roses—How the White House Grounds Have Grown with America" by Marta McDowellWashington Post: The Fake Commute For Better Mental HealthMore episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer FredGarden Basics comes out every Friday during November through January. We’ll be back to a twice a week schedule in February.  More info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred. Please subscribe, and, if you are listening on Apple, please leave a comment or rating. That helps us decide which garden topics you would like to see addressed.Got a garden question? There are several ways to get in touch: leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe.Text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: [email protected] or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local. And thank you for listening.All About Farmer Fred:Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.comDaily Garden tips and snark on TwitterThe Farmer Fred Rant! BlogFacebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred"Instagram: farmerfredhoffmanFarmer Fred Garden Videos on YouTubeAs an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics  Newsletter.