Flower Power Garden Hour
by Marlene Simon
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.
Episodes
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FPGH.250: Spooky Plants
It's spooky season and some plants can be downright deadly. Listen to Bruce and I talk about poisonous, venomous and other plants you should grow with caution. Which one am I most frightened of at work? Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power...
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FPGH 249: Top 10 Best Foliage Plants
Who needs flowers when you have foliage like this. Bruce and I give our top 10 foliage plants that will enhance any garden. Some plants made both of our lists, while I was surprised a few didn't make Bruce's. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower...
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FPGH 248: October To Do, Listener Q&A
October is the perfect month to plant almost anything… perennials, bulbs, most fall/winter veggies and more. Bruce gives his bulb planting tips, we discuss garden chores and answer some of your questions. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power...
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FPGH 247: Fall color
The blooms of spring and summer may be fading but there are plenty of plants that bring color and interest to the fall garden. Bruce and I discuss plants that hit their stride in Fall. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour…
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FPGH 246: Top 10 Favorite Trees
Fall is a great time to plant a tree but confused about what tree to plant? Bruce and I each give our list of top 10 favorite trees plus their pros and cons. Find out which trees we both agree on! Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden...
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FPGH 245: September To Do, Listener Q&A
September is a transition month. Your summer veggies are in high production mode but the list of winter veggies to plant is extensive. Along with planting winter vegetables, Bruce and I discuss other tasks to be done in September. Plus, we answer some of your questions. Is there a way to stop...
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FPGH.244: Gardening with cats
Cats and plants don't always go together. As a cat lover, you may have had houseplants succumb to kitty behavior or experienced sticking your hand in cat poop in your veggie garden. Bruce and I talk to vet pathologist (also my BFF) Julie Schwartz all about gardening with cats. Which plants are...
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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 Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon. To…
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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...
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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…
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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 Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon. To ask questions…
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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 Flower Power...
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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 Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon. To ask questions for future shows, submit…
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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...
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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…
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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 Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon. To ask questions for future shows, submit them...
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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...
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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 Flower...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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 Flower Power...
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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...
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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 Flower Power Garden…
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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 rareplantcatalog.com, joins me in discussing its care, morphology, propagation and more. Gianluca can be found at: Retail website:...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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 BeWaterSmart. The Brendan and the California Native Plant Society can be found at: Website: calscape.org Instagram:...
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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 @betweentwoshrubs 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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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 Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon. To ask questions for future shows, submit them at: Facebook Instagram email Marlene at...
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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...
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Flower Power Garden Hour 213: Farmer Fred Hoffman of Garden Basics
If you garden in a water conscious State like California, you may be able to recite a list of plants and practices to reduce water in your landscape. But often vegetable gardening gets left out of water-wise conversations. Our guest -- the one and only --Fred Hoffman, discusses ways to employ…
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Flower Power Garden Hour 212: August To Do List & Listener Q&A
It is the August To Do List – it has been a great, cool summer in NorCal. Bruce and I talk about current gardening work, and do a detailed dive into listener questions across a variety of topics. Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden...
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Flower Power Garden Hour 211: Creating a cool (heat-wise) yard, with Cheryl Buckwalter
Summer heat getting to you? Add some cool to your yard. Bruce and I talk to award winning landscape designer, Cheryl Buckwalter, on how to create a cool oasis with some simple landscape tips. http://bewatersmart.info Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at...
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Flower Power Garden Hour 210: Top 10 Money Wasters
Want to save money?! Of course you do. As plant lovers we want to spend our money on plants not stuff to maintain them. Bruce and I each give our top 10 money wasters with a large ticket bonus item. You may be surprised with what you have needlessly spending your money on. It's peak of summer and...
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Flower Power Garden Hour 210: Top 10 Money Wasters
Want to save money?! Of course you do. As plant lovers we want to spend our money on plants not stuff to maintain them. Bruce and I each give our top 10 money wasters with a large ticket bonus item. You may be surprised with what you have needlessly spending your money on. It's peak of summer and...
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Flower Power Garden Hour 209: Flowers, with Amber Villarreal of Redhead Flowerbed
Have dreams of becoming a flower farmer or just want to grow flowers for yourself? I talk to Amber Villarreal of @redheadflowerbed all about her journey into the flower growing world. And of course she'll discuss growing tips and her favorite flowers. You can find Redhead Flowerbed at: Website:...
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Flower Power Garden Hour 208: July To Do List
It's peak of summer and it's hot. But believe it or not it is time for tasks to prep for fall. Bruce and I discuss what needs to be done in the garden now plus we answer questions on azaleas, tomatoes and more Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower...
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Flower Power Garden Hour 207: June To Do List
It's summer and it's getting hot but there's still plenty to do in the garden. My new co-host Bruce Ritter joins me to discuss what tasks you should be tackling in your garden. And no it's not too late to plant tomatoes. Plus we answer your garden questions. Help support feral cat...
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Flower Power Garden Hour 206: Purple tomato development with Norfolk Healthy Produce
A truly purple tomato - this is what Norfolk Healthy Produce has achieved. With beauty also comes big health benefits. Listen in as I talk to CEO Dr. Nathan Plumpton and head horticulturalist Ian Baker on what the process was to make this happen and how snapdragons are involved. You can find...
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Flower Power Garden Hour 205: Peaches and Nectarines with Ed Laivo of @ed_able_solutions
Fruit tree expert, Ed Laivo of @ed_able_solutions, gives his list of favorite peaches and nectarines for an extended growing season. Plus learn what cat-facing is and why it may be happening to your nectarines. This and more growing tips. You can find Ed at: Facebook: @"Ed"Able Solutions YouTube:...
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Flower Power Garden Hour 204: March To Do List
It's spring! LOTS of prep to do for the upcoming season. Time to sow seeds and prep beds for planting. It is time to plant: Broccoli – plants only Carrots Cauliflower- plants only Leeks Loose leaf lettuce Peas Potatoes Chores include: Sow tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, flowers inside Start flowers...
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FPGH 203: Anthony Dal Ben, Be Water Smart #summerstrong competition
Anthony Dal Ben is one of the winners of the Be Water Smart #summerstrong competition. Winners of this competition transformed their once water loving lawns/gardens into yards that are water efficient but at that same time beautiful. For Anthony it was a family affair. Hear how not only did he...
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FPGH 202: Elaine Fitzgerald, Be Water Smart #summerstrong competition
Elaine Fitzgerald is one of the winners of the Be Water Smart #summerstrong competition. Winners of the competition transformed their once water loving lawns/gardens into yards that are water efficient as well as beautiful. Listen in to hear how Elaine went from grass to a pollinator heaven. Help...
About this show
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.
Hosted by
Marlene Simon