PODCAST · leisure
Fostering Blooms
by Shannon Foster-Boline and Caitlyn Blum
Two friends, one passion for gardening. Welcome to Fostering Blooms — where the beauty of the garden is designed for life. Join Shannon Foster-Boline and Caitlyn Blum, two friends and neighbors, as they cultivate stunning gardens and bring the richness of nature into their homes. From growing lush English-style borders to designing pastoral homesteads, they'll guide you through every bloom, bounty, and blunder along the way.Alongside garden projects, they'll dive into garden design, cooking with homegrown vegetables, and creating floral arrangements with the flowers they grow. It's not just about cultivating beautiful spaces — it's about using the garden to nourish the home, table, and soul. Don't miss our recurring "Garden Ready" series — monthly episodes packed with essential tasks to keep your garden thriving through every season. Whether it's pruning in winter or harvesting in fall, you'll know exactly what to focus on each month.With a love for flowers, vegetables, and self-suff
Episodes
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Meaningful Homemade Gifts Using What You Grow - Episode 48
In this episode of Fostering Blooms, we share how we create meaningful homemade gifts using what we grow, preserve, and make throughout the year. What started as a simple idea turned into a six-month journey of crafting thoughtful holiday gifts straight from the garden, kitchen, and home...
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Garden Ready December: Easy End-of-Year Gardening Tasks for Zone 7 and Beyond - Episode 47
December may be busy, but there's still plenty you can do in the garden — without overworking yourself. In this Garden Ready December episode of Fostering Blooms, we share practical, low-stress gardening tasks to help protect your plants, finish the season strong, and prepare for a healthier...
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How to Make Goat Milk Soap at Home: Our First Batch + Beginner Tips - Episode 46
Curious about how to make goat milk soap at home? In this episode of Fostering Blooms, we walk you through our very first attempt at DIY goat milk soap—from gathering supplies to mastering lye safety, blending oils, choosing scents, and cutting our final bars. We break down the exact process we...
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How to Create a White Garden: Inspired by Classic English Design - Episode 45
Dream garden unlocked! In this episode of Fostering Blooms, Shannon walks us through designing and installing a courtyard knot garden / parterre inspired by classic English white gardens at Sissinghurst and Hidcote—think boxwood edging, yew "sofa" hedging, limestone gravel paths, and lush white...
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Garden Ready October: What to Harvest, Plant & Prep Before Frost Hits
Fall may be here, but your garden isn't done yet! In this cozy, laugh-filled October chat, Shannon and Caitlyn share what's still thriving, what they're harvesting (spoiler: chili peppers and bean chaos), and what you can still plant before the first frost. From garlic and shallots to arugula and...
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ChatGPT in the Garden: How AI Is Changing the Way We Grow - Episode 43
AI in the garden? Yep. In this episode, Shannon and Cait share how they use "Chat Cath" (their nickname for ChatGPT) as a practical garden consultant—while staying thoughtful about environmental impacts and double-checking advice with real-world experience. You'll hear how they: build succession...
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Save Seeds, Save Money: How to Harvest, Dry & Store for Next Year's Garden - Episode 42
Save seeds, save money! 🌱 Shannon and Cait share how to harvest, dry, and store seeds from flowers and veggies—plus which ones actually come true next year and which don't. It's seed-saving season! We walk through exactly how to collect, dry, label, and store seeds from flowers and veggies…
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What to Plant This Fall: 30+ Annuals, Perennials & Shrubs - Episode 41
Think mums are your only option for fall color? Think again. In this episode, Shannon and Caitlyn share over 30 annuals, perennials, shrubs, and seeds you can plant right now for vibrant fall color—and a head start on spring blooms. Show Notes (Plant List): Annuals: pansies, violas, ornamental…
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Garden Ready September: The Must-Do Tasks for a Thriving Fall Garden - Episode 40
Ready to trade summer scorch for cozy garden wins? In this "Garden Ready September" episode, Shannon and Cait share exactly what to plant now for a thriving fall garden—and even a head start on spring. We cover fall veggies, greens, and brassicas, plus our favorite seed-saving tips and variety...
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Summer Garden Update: Pickles, Sauerkraut, Herbal Teas & Sourdough - E39
Summer has been in full swing — and it's been a wild ride in the garden! In this episode of Fostering Blooms, Shannon and Caitlyn share what they've been up to lately: from harvesting cucumbers and canning 57 jars of pickles, to trying fermentation for the first time with homemade sauerkraut, and...
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From Vineyard to Kitchen: How We Turned Wine Grapes Into Juice - Episode 38
What happens when you've got a bucket of wine grapes and no plan? In this episode of Fostering Blooms, Shannon and Caitlyn dive into a spontaneous kitchen adventure — plucking grapes, simmering them on the stove, and making homemade grape juice straight from the vineyard. From food mills to...
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Garden to Table Cooking: Swiss Chard, Fennel & Saffron Made Simple - Episode 37
Discover how gardening can transform not just what you eat, but how you cook. In this solo episode, Caitlyn shares how growing Swiss chard, fennel, radishes, and even saffron made her braver, more creative, and more mindful in the kitchen. From sautéing radish tops in butter to crafting bright...
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Backyard Chickens 101: Bock Bock Basics & Egg-cellent Advice - Episode 36
Bock bock, baby—it's chicken time! In this fun (and feather-filled) episode, Shannon grills Caitlyn with rapid-fire questions all about backyard chickens—from how many to start with, to coops, predators, feed, egg production, and beyond. Whether you're a curious beginner dreaming of fresh eggs or...
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Garden Ready August: Last Call for Summer Sowing + Fall Veggies to Try - Episode 35
It's the last call for summer sowing! 🌱 In this episode of Fostering Blooms, Shannon and Caitlyn share what's happening in the garden in August—from cutting back strawberry runners to sneaking in those final summer crops. We cover: Fast-growing veggies you can plant in early August Which fall...
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A Very Merry July: Planning Your Garden-Inspired Holiday Gifts - Episode 34
In this cozy (and slightly chaotic) episode of Fostering Blooms, Shannon and Caitlyn get a head start on the holidays—yes, in July! From canning jam and fermenting kraut to crafting herbal tea blends, oxymels, and even goat milk soap, they share creative, garden-inspired gift ideas that celebrate...
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From Overwhelmed to Stocked: Using and Storing Your Summer Harvest - Episode 33
In this quick solo episode of Fostering Blooms, Shannon shares what to do when your garden is exploding with more cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, and beans than you can possibly eat. From the early days of handing out extra produce to neighbors and HVAC repair people (yep, really) to a full-blown...
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Beating Garden Burnout: How to Keep Going When You're Overwhelmed - Episode 32
Feeling burned out in the garden? You're not alone—and you're definitely not failing. In this episode, we talk about the real side of gardening in midsummer: when the weeds take over, the heat zaps your energy, and the pests push you to the brink. We'll share honest stories about why burnout...
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Garden Ready July: Mid-Summer Harvests, Fall Crop Planning & Beating the Heat - Episode 31
The dog days of summer are here, but your garden isn't slowing down! In this episode, we break down what to sow, harvest, and plan in July—from beans and garlic to fall crops and shade cloth strategies. We share how we're prepping beds for late summer planting, troubleshooting pest invasions, and...
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Garlic, Shallots & Scapes—Oh My! Fall Planting to Summer Harvest - Episode 30
f you've ever dreamed of skipping the grocery store garlic aisle and harvesting your own flavorful bulbs—this is the episode for you. 🧄 We're diving deep into everything garlic and shallots: The difference between hardneck vs. softneck garlic When and how to harvest for peak flavor Curing and...
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Wives vs Wives: Gardeners vs Sports Fans in the Ultimate Showdown - Episode 29
Can our wives tell the difference between an aphid and a stratified seed? Do we know what a full nelson is or how many yards it takes to get a first down? It's time for the ultimate showdown in this hilarious episode of Fostering Blooms! We recorded this battle of the brains back in winter—but…
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"No Thank You!" Plants (and Gorgeous Alternatives We Love) - Episode 28
Welcome to Fostering Blooms! In this episode, we're sharing our latest round of "No Thank You" plants — the ones we've grown, inherited, or almost bought… but now politely decline. 🙅♀️🌿 These aren't plants we hate — okay, maybe one or two — but ones we've learned aren't the right fit for our...
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Garden Ready June: The Full Summer Checklist (With a Side of Melons) - Episode 27
This week on the podcast, we're covering everything you should be doing in the garden this month — from what to plant, what to pull, and what to support, to how we're handling pests, mulch math, and our melon experiments (yes… there are melon bralettes involved 😅). Here's a taste of what's…
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Mob Rules in the Garden: Why Some Veggies Should Never Share a Bed - Episode 26
Welcome to Fostering Blooms, the podcast where we dig deep into gardening and all the ways it can enrich your home and life. Today, we're diving into the garden's underground world of veggie families and why planting them side-by-side can cause more drama than a mafia reunion. In this episode, we...
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Don't Do That! 7 Garden Myths That Might Surprise You - Episode 25
In this episode, we're busting some of the most common garden myths—like whether you really need to water every day, if gravel helps drainage, and whether native plants actually take care of themselves. Spoiler: we've made some of these mistakes too! We'll share our honest opinions on…
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Pollinator Power: Year-Round Plants for Bees, Butterflies & Beyond - Episode 24
Pollinator gardening isn't just a trend—it's essential. In this episode of Fostering Blooms, Shannon and Caitlyn break down how to build a garden that supports bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, parasitic wasps, and even hoverflies—season by season. From herbs and annuals to perennials and native...
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Free Plants & Full Beds: What to Divide, Propagate & Plant Right Now - Episode 23
We already gave you our May To-Do list… but this episode? It's a deep dive into the three garden activities we're obsessed with this month: dividing, propagating, and planting. We're sharing how to multiply your garden without multiplying your budget, with real talk about what's working (and…
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Garden Ready: May – To-Do List for Summer Blooms, Big Veggies & Fewer Weeds - Episode 22
Welcome to Fostering Blooms — the podcast where two gardening-obsessed friends, Shannon Foster-Boline and Caitlyn Blum, dig into the joys (and challenges!) of growing a beautiful life from the ground up. In this episode, we're talking about all the real-life tasks we're doing in May to get our...
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Best Flowers for Pressing: Easy-to-Grow Blooms for Beginners - Episode 21
Want to grow your own pressed flower collection on a budget—without needing expert skills or a giant garden? In this solo episode, Shannon answers a question from Instagram follower, Dee at the Fairy Door Project, and breaks down exactly how to create a simple, budget-friendly garden for growing...
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Our Top 10 Spring Plants: Favorite Flowers and Veggies to Grow Now - Episode 20
It's finally here — the spring bloom bonanza! 🌷 In this episode, we're sharing five flowers and five vegetables we're most excited about in our early spring gardens. From stunning David Austin roses and clematis to sweet peas, tulips, kale, and the best crunchy radishes you'll ever taste, we…
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Grow Anywhere: How to Grow Tomatoes, Herbs & More in Pots - Episode 19
Got a porch, patio, or balcony and want to grow your own food? You're in luck! In this listener Q&A episode, Shannon and Caitlyn answer a question from Shannon's sister, Gracie, who lives in an apartment in Wilmington, NC, and wants to start growing some vegetables this year. Whether you're…
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Garden Ready: April To-Do List for Thriving Spring Gardens – Episode 18
Welcome to Fostering Blooms—the podcast where two gardening-obsessed friends, Shannon Foster-Boline and Caitlyn Blum, dig into the joys (and challenges!) of growing a beautiful life from the ground up. In this episode, we're welcoming April with open arms and muddy hands as we break down…
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The Plants We'll Never Grow Again: Our Most Hated Garden Picks - Episode 17
Think all plants are lovable? Think again. In this spicy episode of Fostering Blooms, Shannon and Caitlyn share their most hated plants—the ones they've ripped out, sworn off, or watched take over their gardens like villains in a garden drama. 💔 From Nandina to Monkey Grass to the ever-tricky...
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Anne of All Trades on Lazy Gardening, Soil Health & Composting Hacks - Episode 16
Soil is the foundation of every thriving garden, but what if we told you it could also be the key to effortless, abundant growth? In this episode of Fostering Blooms, we sit down with the legendary Anne Briggs, also known as Anne of All Trades, to talk about all things lazy gardening, soil…
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The Rundown: How to Grow & Care for Catmint & Hardy Geraniums (And Why They're Garden Superstars!) - Episode 15
Welcome back to Fostering Blooms, the podcast where we dig deep into gardening and all the ways it can enrich your home and life. In this episode, Shannon is flying solo to share the unsung heroes of a well-designed garden—catmint and hardy geraniums. These powerhouse plants may not always steal...
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Soil Blocking 101: The Secret to Stronger, Healthier Seedlings - Episode 14
Soil Blocking 101: The Secret to Stronger, Healthier Seedlings! 🌱 In this episode of Fostering Blooms, Shannon Foster-Boline & Caitlyn Blum dive into soil blocking—a game-changing method for starting seeds without plastic trays! 🌍✨ 💡 What You'll Learn: ✔️ The benefits of soil blocking…
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Garden Ready: March Into Spring - Your Essential To-Do List - Episode 13
March is here, and so is your official garden prep checklist! 🌱 In this episode, Shannon and Caitlyn are marching (literally) into spring with a jam-packed to-do list to get your garden thriving. From chitting potatoes (aka prepping them to sprout) to sowing tomatoes, peppers, and flowers…
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The Best Gardening Tools for Beginners & Experts (What You Actually Need!) - Episode 12
Must-Have Gardening Tools: Game Changers for Every Gardener! In this episode of Fostering Blooms, Shannon Foster-Boline & Caitlyn Blum break down the absolute best gardening tools that will make your garden life easier, faster, and more enjoyable. We cover everything from the historical Sussex…
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The Rundown: Everything You Need to Know About Growing Dahlias - Episode 11
In this solo episode of Fostering Blooms, Caitlyn takes you deep into the world of dahlias—one of the most breathtaking flowers you can grow. From choosing the right varieties to planting, watering, and maintaining a thriving dahlia garden, she shares essential tips and personal insights to help...
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Listener Q&A: Perfect Plant Picks for a Part Shade Flower Bed - Episode 10
In this episode of Fostering Blooms, hosts Shannon Foster-Boline and Caitlyn Blum dive into their first listener Q&A! They respond to a question from Lexi in Knoxville, who seeks advice on enhancing the curb appeal of her northwest-facing, partially shaded front yard. Both Shannon and Caitlyn...
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Garden Ready: February To-Do List for A Thriving Garden - Episode 9
In this episode, Shannon Foster-Boline and Caitlyn Blum hosts of Fostering Blooms, discuss their comprehensive February gardening to-do list, ensuring you're garden ready with them. They emphasize the importance of ordering seed potatoes from a trusted supplier like Wood Prairie Farm, and…
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Gardening Goals for 2025: Let's Grow Together This Year - Episode 8
In this episode of Fostering Blooms, Shannon Foster-Boline and Caitlyn Blum kick off the new year with their top garden goals for 2025. They discuss New Year's resolutions specifically for gardening, including composting, intentional garden design, propagation, and succession planning. Shannon...
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The Rundown: Hellebores & Lenten Roses- Episode 7
In this episode of Fostering Blooms, host Shannon Foster-Boline shares her experiences and tips on growing Hellebores, also known as Lenten Roses. From understanding their proper Latin name to caring for them in various climates, this episode covers everything you need to know about these…
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Top Ten Lazy Gardener Plants You'll Love! - Episode 6
Join Shannon Foster Boline and Caitlyn Blum on Fostering Blooms as they reveal their top ten plants perfect for any lazy gardener. These are hassle-free, low-maintenance plants that thrive even with minimal care. From hardy perennials like Salvia and Yew, to vibrant annuals such as Zinnias and...
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Wrapping Up 2024: Gardening Hits and Misses - Episode 5
In this episode of Fostering Blooms, Shannon Foster-Boline and Caitlyn Blum reflect on their gardening successes and failures as the year 2024 comes to an end. Shannon discusses the successful expansion of her vegetable garden and the establishment of a cut flower garden, while Caitlyn shares her...
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Garden Ready: January's Must-Do Jobs - Episode 4
Join Shannon and Caitlyn of Fostering Blooms in this January episode as they share a detailed list of gardening tasks for both vegetables and flowers. From organizing and ordering seeds, soil testing, and creating garden maps to pruning fruit trees and shrubs, preparing beds for early spring...
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Shannon's Journey: Why Every Garden Has a Story - Episode 2
In this episode of Fostering Blooms, hosts Shannon Foster-Boline and Caitlyn Blum dive deep into Shannon's gardening journey. Caitlyn interviews Shannon with some tricky questions. From the emotional dilemma of rescuing just one plant in a wildfire to her lifelong love for the Arts &…
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Caitlyn's Story: Rooted in the Garden, Harvested with Love - Episode 3
In this episode of Fostering Blooms, hosts Shannon Foster-Boline and Caitlyn Blum ignite their passion for gardening in a fun and fiery conversation. Caitlyn shares gripping tales of her favorite plants, including a resilient Bathsheba rose, and delves into her long-standing love of gardening…
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Welcome to Fostering Blooms: Kickoff Episode 1
Join hosts Shannon Foster-Boline and Caitlyn Blum in the inaugural episode of 'Fostering Blooms' as they introduce their unique gardening podcast, even as it rains and the temperature drops to 30 degrees. Despite the unconventional winter start, they're here to show you why January is perfect for...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Two friends, one passion for gardening. Welcome to Fostering Blooms — where the beauty of the garden is designed for life. Join Shannon Foster-Boline and Caitlyn Blum, two friends and neighbors, as they cultivate stunning gardens and bring the richness of nature into their homes. From growing lush English-style borders to designing pastoral homesteads, they'll guide you through every bloom, bounty, and blunder along the way.Alongside garden projects, they'll dive into garden design, cooking with homegrown vegetables, and creating floral arrangements with the flowers they grow. It's not just about cultivating beautiful spaces — it's about using the garden to nourish the home, table, and soul. Don't miss our recurring "Garden Ready" series — monthly episodes packed with essential tasks to keep your garden thriving through every season. Whether it's pruning in winter or harvesting in fall, you'll know exactly what to focus on each month.With a love for flowers, vegetables, and self-suff
HOSTED BY
Shannon Foster-Boline and Caitlyn Blum
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Fostering Blooms have?
Fostering Blooms currently has 48 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Fostering Blooms about?
Two friends, one passion for gardening. Welcome to Fostering Blooms — where the beauty of the garden is designed for life. Join Shannon Foster-Boline and Caitlyn Blum, two friends and neighbors, as they cultivate stunning gardens and bring the richness of nature into their homes. From growing lush...
How often does Fostering Blooms release new episodes?
Fostering Blooms has 48 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Fostering Blooms?
You can listen to Fostering Blooms on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Fostering Blooms?
Fostering Blooms is created and hosted by Shannon Foster-Boline and Caitlyn Blum.
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