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Gardening Simplified

by Newsradio WOOD 1300 and 106.9 FM (WOOD-AM)

Introducing Gardening Simplified, a new radio show and podcast from Proven Winners ColorChoice Shrubs. Hosted by life-long gardeners Rick Vuyst and Stacey Hirvela, the Gardening Simplified show is designed to share our love of plants and gardening. Whatever your skill or experience level, you’ll find something interesting, useful, and just plain fascinating in every episode.

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Episodes

  1. Impulse Control | 215

    Sometimes the best purchases aren’t planned, they're discovered. Impulsively buying a plant isn’t a bad thing, it’s fueled by genuine admiration for a plant, and isn’t that what gardening is all about? Hear about plants that gardeners often buy impulsively and what to do with your unexpected new...

  2. Breaking Down Bulbs | 214

    You can never have too many bulbs! Learn all about the numerous types of bulbs, when and how to plant them for the best success, and how to combine them with other plants for a showstopping display.

  3. The Rose Family | All About Rosaceae | 213

    The Rosaceae family includes some of the most economically important fruit and nut crops worldwide, such as apples, strawberries, and almonds. Not to mention, some extraordinarily beautiful and wildlife benefitting plants! Learn all about this vast and unique plant family in this episode.

  4. Rocking the Landscape | All About Rock Gardens | 212

    In today’s episode, Rick and Stacey talk about the fascinating history behind rock gardens, explain the difference between a rock garden and an alpine garden, and of course, tell all about the plants that thrive in this type of landscape.

  5. Berry-d Treasure! | All About Plants With Berries | 211

    What even is a berry? Well, watch this episode and you’ll find out! Stacey and Rick deep-dive into what really classifies as a berry and talk about a variety of berry-laden beauties. Whether they are edible, or just for ornamental purposes, berries add so much to the landscape, not to mention...

  6. I Give Up! | Top Reasons People Give Up on Plants & Gardening | 210

    It’s human nature to get disheartened when something doesn’t work out, and when it comes to plants and gardening, things don’t always work out the way we hoped. Weeds, water, and work are the three main reasons people tend to give up on gardening and we’re here to help! Learn about the plants...

  7. Fall is Full of Opportunities, Seize the Day! | 209

    Carpe diem! Fall is a fantastic time to be in the garden. Whether you’re tending to your plants or getting your lawn in order, we’ve got tips and tasks for you to work on. Plus learn about plants that you should get in the ground now, and ones you want to hold off until spring to plant.

  8. Low-Maintenance Plants & What to Expect | 208

    The way people define low-maintenance plants varies from gardener to gardener. At its core, the basic low-maintenance plant is one that is well-suited for the conditions where you want to plant. Hear all about low-maintenance plants and how you can incorporate them into your garden to gain both...

  9. Well-Rounded | Spherical Plants for the Garden | 207

    People love round plants, or as we like to say, meatballs. Whether you’re the type of gardener that likes to have all your plants perfectly shaped in an appealing circle, or you lean more towards chaotic gardening, plants with rounded habits or globe shaped flowers help to make a dynamic garden....

  10. The Magic of Moon Gardens | 206

    Sitting in your yard or garden on a summer night isn’t just a romantic notion – for many of us, nighttime is the only time that we can comfortably spend in the garden due to high heat and humidity. And it’s a pretty well-understood fact that if you are the type to enjoy your garden in the evening...

  11. The Importance of Texture in the Garden | 205

    Color is usually at the front of mind when it comes to designing a garden, but to really elevate a landscape, texture is crucial. In this episode, Stacey and Rick talk about plants that have fine, medium, or coarse texture, and how to combine these plants in your garden.

  12. What If You Could Only Use One Color in the Garden? | 204

    If you had to design a garden bed using only ONE flower color, which color would you choose to create your monochromatic masterpiece? Hear about the most popular colors, and plants that can be used to achieve unicolor design.

  13. How to Make a Meadow Garden | 203

    Meadow gardening has been gaining popularity, and rightfully so! They’re fantastic for wildlife, plant diversity, and not to mention, they’re beautiful! Learn about ways you can create your own meadow garden and plants that Stacey and Rick recommend for these types of landscapes.

  14. Gardens That Shaped the US | Part 4 | Middle of Summer Garden Check | 202

    We’re getting back to our usual routine, but before we do, we’re going to highlight Stacey’s number 1 bucket list garden to visit! On top of that we discuss a few other fantastic gardens along the west coast. In segments three and four, hear about things you may notice in your garden this time of...

  15. Gardens That Shaped the US | Part 3 – Chicago to California | 201

    We’re breaking away from our usual routine to talk about notable gardens across the United States that were pivotal in shaping the country into what it is today. Learn about fascinating history, groundbreaking landscape design, and of course, plants! This is part three of this series where we…

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  16. Gardens That Shaped the US | Part 2 – South & Midwest | 200

    We’re breaking away from our usual routine to talk about notable gardens across the United States that were pivotal in shaping the country into what it is today. Learn about fascinating history, groundbreaking landscape design, and of course, plants! This is part two of this series where the…

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  17. Gardens That Shaped the US | Part 1 - Northeast | 199

    We’re breaking away from our usual routine to talk about notable gardens across the United States that were pivotal in shaping the country into what it is today. Learn about fascinating history, groundbreaking landscape design, and of course, plants! This is part one of this series where the…

    more

  18. Surviving Heat and Humidity | Best Plants and Practices | 198

    Sometimes the weather can feel too hot to handle! Luckily, these plants won’t break a sweat under these tough conditions. Learn all about plants that grow well in hot and humid landscapes and ways to help your garden beat the heat.

  19. Homing in on Hibiscus | 197

    The hibiscus plant family includes several hundred species of plants that are native to warm temperate, subtropical, and tropical regions throughout the world. In this episode, Stacey and Rick explain the different types of hibiscus, how to grow them, and all of the amazing features they provide.

  20. Understanding Fertilizer and Soil Amendments | When to Use and When Not to | 196

    Fertilizer can be confusing - when should you use it and what type should you use? Stacey and Rick break down the basics of fertilizer, understanding NPK, fertilizer ratios, and the plants that benefit most from the extra boost.

  21. All About Beneficial Insects | 195

    Ever wonder if that bug in your yard is a friend or a foe? IPM, or Integrated Pest Management, is the best way to manage pests in the garden while being environmentally sensitive. It’s important to become familiar with the various insects that visit your garden so you can be aware of their role…

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  22. How to Have Color in the Shade | 194

    Gardening in the shade can be difficult, and trying to have color in shade can be even more so. Don’t worry, we’ve got you! Hear all about plants that provide color and brighten up those tough areas.

  23. Yellow in the Garden | Flowers & Foliage | 193

    Bees love yellow and we love yellow! Yellow is a great color for brightening up the landscape and giving a cheerful appearance to any garden bed. In this episode, Stacey and Rick list a ton of plants with yellow flowers or yellow foliage that you can use in your garden.

  24. All the Pots-abilities! Container Gardening 101 | 192

    Containers are a great way for you to experiment with new plants, color schemes, and design elements. Not to mention, they have fantastic space saving capabilities! Whether you like to go all out on containers, or have one cherished pot, we’ve got plant and care recommendations when it comes to...

  25. Eat (And Grow) More Plants! | 191

    There’s no better feeling than being able to go out to your own garden and harvest food you’ve grown yourself. Not only is it rewarding, but beneficial for you and the wildlife around you! Learn about some of the tasty and useful plants that you can incorporate in your landscape.

  26. New Plants to Look for in Garden Centers | 2026 | 190

    Incredible flowers, improved disease resistance, and foliage for every taste and space – whew! In this episode Stacey and Rick talk about plants you’ll want to keep an eye out for in garden centers in 2026.

  27. Annual Garden Review | How Plants Performed | 189

    An annual review of the plants in your landscape is similar to an annual review of workers at a place of employment. You're the boss. Which plants excelled? Which plants are put on the chopping block? Learn about factors that Stacey and Rick use to determine if a plant is going to stay in their...

  28. Knowing How to Pair Plants | 188

    Good companions bring out the best in each other. That doesn’t mean they have to be similar, but that they support and boost-up one another. Learn how to pair plants like a pro in this episode!

  29. The Habits of Rabbits | Rabbits in the Garden | 187

    Sharing space with wildlife is a necessity, and frequently a purpose, of a garden. Observing little animals is magical until you see them munching on your favorite flowers. Although rabbits are small, they can do a lot of damage! Hear about ways to help garden and coexist with these hoppy little...

  30. Embracing the Beauty of Unruly Gardens | 186

    Some gardeners prefer their landscape to be tidy and well-kept, while others like their garden a little on the wild side. In this episode Stacey and Rick discuss what makes for an unruly garden and plants that can be the perfect rowdy contenders. In segment four, we interview Eric and Christopher...

  31. Zone-Pushing | Pushing the Limits with Plants | 185

    Zone-pushing is attempting to plant and grow a plant that is one or two zones different from your current planting zone. It refers to pushing the boundaries of what is considered an appropriate planting location. Learn what plants are good contenders for zone-pushing, and ways you can create...

  32. Understanding Invasive Plants | 184

    The National Invasive Species Council and the Invasive Species Advisory Committee define an invasive species as “a species that is non-native to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.” Stacey…

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  33. Been There, Killed That, Want it Back | 183

    The more you garden, the more plants you kill, it’s an obligatory part of the journey. But just because a plant dies, doesn’t mean it isn’t worth another shot. Stacey and Rick discuss reasons why a first attempt may not be successful, but how you can learn and move forward from it.

  34. Plants That Help Save Energy | 182

    We all know the benefits that come with gardening, but something we don’t often think about is how plants can help to save energy. Casting shade, providing windbreaks, and saving on water bills are just some of the ways you can utilize plants to help conserve energy. The best part? You can buy…

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  35. How to Have Seed Starting Success | 181

    Seed germination is the fundamental biological process by which a dormant seed wakes up and develops into a new, functional seedling under favorable conditions. We explain these ideal conditions and the best practices for creating and maintaining them. Plus, learn (and listen to) Stacey’s…

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  36. An In-Depth Look at Island Beds | 180

    What is an island bed? An island bed is a freestanding garden, usually surrounded by grass and can be viewed from all sides. Hear design tips, including how to incorporate texture, color, and structure in these beds. And, of course, we give plant recommendations!

  37. Plants Make Great Gifts! Knowing How to Pick the Right Plants | 179

    A reminder that flowers are symbols for expressing complex emotions and feelings. Flowers engage multi-sensory sight, touch, and aroma experiences! We recommend flowers year-round for you! In segment four, we interview Dr. Jessica Turner-Skoff about plant poaching, its impacts, and how you can…

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  38. The Charm of Cottage Gardens and How to Create Your Own | 178

    Known for their whimsical and wild aesthetics, cottage gardens are a great for mixing texture and color. Not to mention, pollinators love the variety provided by this gardening style. Learn about plants that are perfect for cottage gardens, no matter where you live!

  39. 2026 Houseplant of the Year and Tips for Making Terrariums | 177

    Houseplants have gained traction in recent years, and for good reason! Bringing nature inside can help boost moral and give us plant lovers something to appreciate during off seasons. Hear all about the 2026 houseplant of the year and how to create your own lively terrarium.

  40. 2026 Annuals of the Year | 176

    Annuals are the cherry on top in garden design. Not only do they provide color and landscape solutions, but they inspire creativity and leave room for gardeners to experiment. Hear all about the 2026 annuals of the year!

  41. 2026 Perennials of the Year | 175

    While we all dream and scheme for gardening season, hear all about the 2026 Perennials of the Year from Proven Winners. Cayla Olson, from Walter's Gardens and Proven Winners perennials, joins us to deep dive into these exciting perennials.

  42. 2026 Shrubs of the Year | 174

    New Year, new plants! Hear all about the 2026 Shrubs of the Year from Proven Winners ColorChoice shrubs.

  43. Celebrating Plants and a New Year | 173

    The New Year is often brought in with various traditions and celebrations. In this episode, we talk about the plants used in these and the symbolism of each. Plus, a few garden resolutions for the New Year. Featured plant: Persimmon.

  44. The Botany Behind Christmas | 172

    Christmas history and traditions are heavily influenced by plants, I mean, we bring a whole tree in the house for the holiday! Learn all about the plants behind this holiday.

  45. Jack Frost in the Garden | All About Frost and Freezes | 171

    Is frost really a bad thing for plants? Find out the difference between a frost, and a freeze, and when to take action against them. Plus, hear the benefits of snow in the garden. Featured shrub, Oso Easy Ice Bay rose.

  46. Pushing the Boundaries in the Garden | 170

    As Stacey says, real gardening starts once you’re not afraid to make mistakes. Sure, taking risks can be scary, but it can also be so rewarding! Whether you try to push the limits of spacing or hardiness, stepping out of your comfort zone is a big part of gardening. We discuss ways to push the...

  47. The Beauty and Benefits of Broadleaf Evergreens | 169

    Broadleaf evergreens, or as we like to call them, flowering evergreens, are powerhouses in the landscape. They give you interest, structure, privacy, and color every season. In this episode, we explore the wide variety of broadleaf evergreens and how to care for them. Featured shrub: Gem Box...

  48. The Botany of Thanksgiving | 168

    There are many plants used as culinary staples when it comes to Thanksgiving. In this episode, we talk about the history, cultural impact, and nature behind these plants. Plus, you’ll never guess what Stacey picked for this week’s plant on trial, but you won’t want to miss it!

  49. Captivating Conifers | A Guide to Understanding Conifers | 167

    Conifers, often mistaken for Pine trees, are and have been landscape staples throughout history. Not to mention a classic choice for the Christmas tree! We dive into what makes a conifer, a conifer, and talk about the wide variety of conifers in the world. Fun facts, care tips, and how to deal…

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  50. Optimistic Orange | Using the Color Orange in the Garden | 166

    The color orange can be associated with cheer, caution, and optimism, to name a few. Learn how incorporating orange in your landscape can add a vibrant element to your palette. Featured shrub: Berry Box pyracomeles.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Introducing Gardening Simplified, a new radio show and podcast from Proven Winners ColorChoice Shrubs.

Hosted by life-long gardeners Rick Vuyst and Stacey Hirvela, the Gardening Simplified show is designed to share our love of plants and gardening. Whatever your skill or experience level, you’ll find something interesting, useful, and just plain fascinating in every episode.

HOSTED BY

Newsradio WOOD 1300 and 106.9 FM (WOOD-AM)

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Gardening Simplified have?

Gardening Simplified currently has 215 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Gardening Simplified about?

Introducing Gardening Simplified, a new radio show and podcast from Proven Winners ColorChoice Shrubs. Hosted by life-long gardeners Rick Vuyst and Stacey Hirvela, the Gardening Simplified show is designed to share our love of plants and gardening. Whatever your skill or experience level, you’ll...

How often does Gardening Simplified release new episodes?

Gardening Simplified publishes regularly with 215 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

Where can I listen to Gardening Simplified?

You can listen to Gardening Simplified 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 Gardening Simplified?

Gardening Simplified is created and hosted by Newsradio WOOD 1300 and 106.9 FM (WOOD-AM).
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