Plant Connection: A Plant Podcast to Reconnect You With Nature, One Plant At A Time

Three hundred years ago, an entire English village rose up to save an ash tree. Listen to see how the authorities worked to find a solution.Ash trees are a common sight across much of the temperate world, so it’s no surprise that many cultures have developed deep lore and cultural affection for them.In this episode, we explore how ash trees have shaped mythology, craft, and aviation.Covered in this episode:The story of Richard Patchett, a carpenter and church warden who exchanged nearly a year’s wages to compensate the church congregation for the loss of a beloved ash tree.How ash figures in Norse, Celtic, and Native American mythology.The surprising reason the Wright Brothers used ash wood in the first airplane.The ongoing loss of ash to the emerald ash borer. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to Plant Connection on your favorite podcast platform so you don’t miss the next one.LEARN MOREFollow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rootstemleafblog/Root Stem Leaf - https://www.rootstemleaf.com/LISTENPlant Connection - https://plant-connection.captivate.fm/Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6ZDb9ovKXRTomKYnyqF8RvApple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-connection-a-plant-podcast-to-reconnect-you/id1801774758

Episode DescriptionRedbud offers both beauty and healing, and it does it all with style.In this episode, we explore how controversy rocked one state as it debated whether to make red bud the official state tree.Covered in this episode:The story of Governor E. Marland’s quandary over whether to sign the bill.The healing properties of redbud.How to grow redbud in your garden. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to Plant Connection on your favorite podcast platform so you don’t miss the next one.LEARN MOREFollow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rootstemleafblog/Root Stem Leaf - https://www.rootstemleaf.com/LISTENPlant Connection - https://plant-connection.captivate.fm/Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6ZDb9ovKXRTomKYnyqF8RvApple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-connection-a-plant-podcast-to-reconnect-you/id1801774758

Rhubarb has been a shockingly important plant throughout history.In this episode, we explore how rhubarbs’ medicinal qualities made it one of the most valuable plants in Europe for hundreds of years, leading to one doctor risking his life to bring some back to his home in Scotland.Covered in this episode:The story of Dr. James Mounsey smuggling rhubarb from Russia to Scotland.The mythical roots of rhubarb.How to grow rhubarb in your garden. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to Plant Connection on your favorite podcast platform so you don’t miss the next one.LEARN MOREFollow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rootstemleafblog/Root Stem Leaf - https://www.rootstemleaf.com/LISTENPlant Connection - https://plant-connection.captivate.fm/Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6ZDb9ovKXRTomKYnyqF8RvApple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-connection-a-plant-podcast-to-reconnect-you/id1801774758

Episode DescriptionThe flowering cherry tree is an icon of spring beauty.In this episode, we explore how one woman worked for decades to bring that beauty to a little corner of her city, to the delight of generations of visitors.From the mountains and gardens of Japan to the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC, join me as we explore the unlikely journey to a cherry tree garden along the Potomac.Covered in this episode:The tireless persistence of Eliza Scidmore.Where flowering cherries come from.What flowering cherries can symbolize.How to grow flowering cherries in your garden.If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to Plant Connection on your favorite podcast platform so you don’t miss the next one.LEARN MOREFollow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rootstemleafblog/Root Stem Leaf - https://www.rootstemleaf.com/LISTENPlant Connection - https://plant-connection.captivate.fm/Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6ZDb9ovKXRTomKYnyqF8RvApple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-connection-a-plant-podcast-to-reconnect-you/id1801774758

The rhododendron is a beautiful and celebrated flower, but people and animals also need to be careful around them.In this episode, we explore the fascinating story of rhododendrons. There are over 1,000 species of rhododendrons worldwide, and festivals are held to celebrate them.Rhododendrons are also the source of “mad honey”, which was said to have been left deliberately in the mountains to weaken Roman soldiers.From ancient legends to modern-day celebrations, from hidden dangers to tips for growing them in your own garden, this is a story of beauty, caution, and cultural legacy that come together through one remarkable plant.Covered in this episode:Exploring the rhododendron’s history.Are rhododendrons poisonous?How rhododendrons were used as a trap set for Roman soldiers.Rhododendron festivals and the blooms of Roan Mountain.The difference between rhododendrons and azaleas.How to grow rhododendrons in your garden.If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to Plant Connection on your favourite podcast platform so you don’t miss the next one.LEARN MOREFollow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rootstemleafblog/Root Stem Leaf - https://www.rootstemleaf.com/LISTENPlant Connection - https://plant-connection.captivate.fmSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6ZDb9ovKXRTomKYnyqF8RvApple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-connection/id1801774758CREDITSResearch - Shannon VanceProduced by Claricast.

Every day, around five billion cups of tea are drunk around the world. But few people know about the flower that their tea comes from.In this episode, we explore Camellia sinensis - the flowering plant behind so many varieties of tea, from green to black to oolong. We take a look back more than 4000 years ago to uncover the story of Emperor Shennong, the Chinese ruler said to have discovered tea by accident, and follow how the plant spread across the world.The Camellia flower has become a symbol for numerous movements, and tea is a staple drink across continents for its flavor and health benefits.If you’d like to know a little more about the flower behind the world’s most consumed drink (behind water), grab yourself a cup of tea, and take a listen to this episode.Covered in this episode:The history of tea.How tea spread across the world.The health benefits of drinking tea.How the camellia flower made its way to America.The symbolism that the camellia flower has become known for.How to grow camellia at home.And more…If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to Plant Connection on your favourite podcast platform so you don’t miss the next one.LEARN MOREFollow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rootstemleafblog/Root Stem Leaf - https://www.rootstemleaf.com/LISTENPlant Connection - https://plant-connection.captivate.fmSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6ZDb9ovKXRTomKYnyqF8RvApple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-connection/id1801774758CREDITSScript - Jacob Ashton (https://jacobashton.net/)Research - Adriana GogolinProduced by Claricast.

Witch hazel is an individualist. It blooms in winter when almost nothing else will. And that’s not the only surprise it’s hiding up its sleeve.In this episode, we explore the fascinating story of witch hazel - a distinctive woodland shrub with flame-colored flowers that appear in late autumn and winter, earning it the nickname “winter bloom.”But beyond its striking characteristics, witch hazel also has an interesting history. One that led to its use around the world for its healing properties.We travel back to the mid-1840s, when Theron T. Pond found his attention captured by witch hazel. That curiosity would eventually help shape the products of the T.T. Pond Company, known today as Pond’s.You’ll also discover where the plant got its name (it’s not from the supernatural!) and a whole lot more.Covered in this episode:The origin story of witch hazel and Pond’s.How witch hazel survives its winter bloom.The industrial rise of witch hazel as a healing tonic.Surprising historical uses, from dowsing rods to traditional remedies.Where the name “witch hazel” comes from.The plant’s unique, explosive seed dispersal.How to grow witch hazel at home.And more…If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to Plant Connection on your favourite podcast platform so you don’t miss the next one.LEARN MOREFollow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rootstemleafblog/Root Stem Leaf - https://www.rootstemleaf.com/ LISTENPlant Connection - https://plant-connection.captivate.fm Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6ZDb9ovKXRTomKYnyqF8Rv Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-connection/id1801774758 CREDITSScript - Jacob Ashton (https://jacobashton.net/)Research - Adriana GogolinProduced by Claricast.

Long before borders were drawn in North America, one tree carried a message of peace and solidarity.That tree was the white pine.In this episode, we explore the story of the white pine and its deep cultural significance across North America, from the Great Peacemaker’s journey between tribes with a message of friendship, to the white pine tree that may have been sitting in your home at Christmas time.We uncover how this tree became a foundation of American life - shaping homes, ships, and settlements, and how its near destruction has come about multiple times throughout history.Listen now to explore how a single tree came to shape a continent, and why its story still matters today.Covered in this episode:How the white pine became a symbol of unity and peace.The origin of the phrase “bury the hatchet”.How the white pine shaped early American life and industry.The story of The Pine Tree Riot.The fungus that wiped out over half of mature North American white pines in the 1900s.How to grow a white pine tree.And more…If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to Plant Connection on your favourite podcast platform so you don’t miss the next one.LEARN MOREFollow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rootstemleafblog/Root Stem Leaf - https://www.rootstemleaf.com/ LISTENPlant Connection - https://plant-connection.captivate.fm Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6ZDb9ovKXRTomKYnyqF8Rv Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-connection/id1801774758 CREDITSScript - Jacob Ashton (https://jacobashton.net/)Research - Adriana GogolinProduced by Claricast.

In 1969, one Brooklyn woman was fighting to protect a single magnolia tree. And her determination reshaped an entire neighbourhood.In this episode, we explore the magnolia tree, its 100-million-year+ history, and the  story of Hattie Carthan, who protected the Lafayette Avenue Magnolia of Bedford-Stuyvesant through grassroots action. Being one of the oldest flowering trees on Earth, the magnolia tree predates bees and sharks, and we discover how the tree has managed to survive all these years. From its dinner-plate-sized blossoms to its medicinal uses and global popularity as an ornamental tree, the magnolia has been a symbol for thousands of years.Listen now to explore the full story and reconnect with this wonderful plant.Covered in this episode:The history of one of the earliest flowering trees - the magnolia tree.How Hattie Carthan protected the Lafayette Avenue Magnolia.Why magnolias are among the earliest flowering trees to evolve.The powerful impacts that the presence of trees has on us.The founding of the Magnolia Tree Earth Center.Medicinal and dietary uses of the magnolia.How to grow a magnolia tree.And more…If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to Plant Connection on your favourite podcast platform so you don’t miss the next one.LEARN MOREMagnolia Tree Earth Center - https://magnoliatreeearthcenter.org/ Follow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rootstemleafblog/Root Stem Leaf - https://www.rootstemleaf.com/ LISTENPlant Connection - https://plant-connection.captivate.fm Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6ZDb9ovKXRTomKYnyqF8Rv Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-connection/id1801774758 CREDITSScript - Jacob Ashton (https://jacobashton.net/)Research - Adriana GogolinProduced by Claricast.

Norway Spruce trees are a common sight in the festive season as Christmas trees. But this tall, conical tree isn’t just for Christmas. It’s a tree that has shaped music history.In this episode, we explore the extraordinary journey of the Norway spruce, back to the 1600s, including its role in crafting the world’s most valuable violins, which can sell for over $20 million.Master luthier Antonio Stradivari’s work with the Norway spruce has led to its wood being referred to as ‘tone wood’. We uncover why this tree’s wood is so sought after, as well as how it made its way to the U.S. as the Christmas tree we know and love.We also look at the ecology and resilience of Norway spruce forests, the wildlife that depends on them, and the surprising ways humans have used the tree for food.Covered in this episode:How the Norway spruce became the tree behind the $23 million violin.The centuries-long craftsmanship behind growing the Norway spruce.The history of the Christmas tree.Norway spruce as habitat and food source.How Norway spruce made its way to the U.S.What gives the spruce tree its unique aroma?And more…If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to Plant Connection on your favourite podcast platform so you don’t miss the next one.LEARN MOREFollow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rootstemleafblog/Root Stem Leaf - https://www.rootstemleaf.com/ LISTENPlant Connection - https://plant-connection.captivate.fm Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6ZDb9ovKXRTomKYnyqF8Rv Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-connection/id1801774758 CREDITSScript - Jacob Ashton (https://jacobashton.net/)Research - Adriana GogolinProduced by Claricast.

There is a tree in Massachusetts that has outlasted generations.Walking past it, it might seem like any other tree. But the Endicott Pear Tree has faced a trip half way around the world and centuries of harsh weather, and still produces fruit.In this episode, we uncover the remarkable tale of John Endicott, one of the first European settlers, and the pear tree he brought to the New World.We explore how the European pear became established in North America. The pear tree came to mind when thinking of its inclusion in The Twelve Days of Christmas carol, so we’ll also look into why that partridge was in a pear tree! This episode has a bunch of stories you’ll want to share around the table over the holidays.Covered in this episode:How the John Endicott Pear Tree became the USA’s longest standing tree.Why the pear tree is included in The Twelve Days of Christmas.How the European pear first entered North America.How to grow a pear tree at home.Why Detroit is home to so many pear trees.And more…If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to Plant Connection on your favourite podcast platform so you don’t miss the next one.LEARN MOREFollow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rootstemleafblog/Root Stem Leaf - https://www.rootstemleaf.com/ LISTENPlant Connection - https://plant-connection.captivate.fm Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6ZDb9ovKXRTomKYnyqF8Rv Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-connection/id1801774758 CREDITSScript - Jacob Ashton (https://jacobashton.net/)Research - Adriana GogolinProduced by Claricast.

It’s hard to imagine a fruit more familiar than the apple.It’s been with us for centuries, and many of us have memories centred around the apple tree. But we rarely hear about where the apple came from and why it became such an icon.In this episode, we trace the apple’s journey from the wild crabapple to the thousands of domesticated varieties that fill our shops today.You’ll discover how explorers shaped the fruit we know so well and how much of what we think we know about apples is true.Covered in this episode:The history of the apple from crabapple to the thousands of varieties we enjoy today.The fascinating story of the Wolf River apple and how it became so iconic.Does the ‘apple a day’ saying have real meaning?Uses for apples that you might not have thought of.And more…If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to Plant Connection on your favourite podcast platform so you don’t miss the next one.LEARN MOREThe Fruits and Fruit Trees of America (Book) - https://books.google.co.uk/books/about/The_Fruits_and_Fruit_Trees_of_America.html?id=TOOEEQAAQBAJ The Illustrated History of Apples in the United States and Canada (Book) - https://www.jakkawpress.com/book/the-illustrated-history-of-apples-in-the-united-states-and-canada Follow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rootstemleafblog/Root Stem Leaf - https://www.rootstemleaf.com/ LISTENPlant Connection - https://plant-connection.captivate.fm Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6ZDb9ovKXRTomKYnyqF8Rv Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-connection/id1801774758 CREDITSScript - Jacob Ashton (https://jacobashton.net/)Research - Adriana GogolinProduced by Claricast.

In 2007, a 170-year-old horse chestnut tree in Amsterdam became the centre of a global campaign.The local government saw it as a risk to surrounding buildings and condemned it. But the public stood in their way.Because this wasn’t just any tree. It was the symbol of hope that Anne Frank wrote about in her diary.In this episode of Plant Connection, we explore how the horse chestnut tree (Aesculus hippocastanum) became a symbol of hope.But that’s not all. The tree has provided entertainment for children, food for insects and many more uses for hundreds of years.Covered in this episode:Why the horse chestnut tree sparked international action.A surprising eco-friendly use for conkers you can try at home.What the horse chestnut tree reveals about our changing climate.The history of playing conkers.The WWI campaign that saw children collecting conkers.And more…If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to Plant Connection on your favourite podcast platform so you don’t miss the next one.LEARN MOREFollow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rootstemleafblog/Root Stem Leaf - https://www.rootstemleaf.com/ LISTENPlant Connection - https://plant-connection.captivate.fm Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6ZDb9ovKXRTomKYnyqF8Rv Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-connection/id1801774758 CREDITSScript - Jacob Ashton (https://jacobashton.net/)Research - Adriana GogolinProduced by Claricast.

No thanksgiving feast would be complete without pumpkin pie.No Halloween would be complete without a front yard decked with jack-o'-lanterns.But the pumpkin had a rocky start to its popularity.In this episode of Plant Connection, we follow the fascinating journey of the pumpkin, from overlooked and unfashionable to a beloved cultural icon of both Halloween and Thanksgiving.We’ll trace its rise through folklore, food traditions, and the cookbook that changed everything.The pumpkin wasn’t always loved, so how did it become the face of October and November?Covered in this episode:The story of the world’s largest pumpkin.How pumpkins found their way into Halloween and Thanksgiving.How pumpkins and zucchinis look so different while being part of the same species.The origin story of the jack-o'-lantern (which used to be a turnip!).Avoiding the environmental impacts of pumpkin farming in October.How to grow pumpkins at home.And more…If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to Plant Connection on your favourite podcast platform so you don’t miss the next one.LEARN MOREFollow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rootstemleafblog/Root Stem Leaf - https://www.rootstemleaf.com/ LISTENPlant Connection - https://plant-connection.captivate.fm Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6ZDb9ovKXRTomKYnyqF8Rv Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-connection/id1801774758 CREDITSScript - Jacob Ashton (https://jacobashton.net/)Research - Adriana GogolinProduced by Claricast.

Pecan pie, praline, pecan brittle.It’s hard to imagine a time when pecans weren’t a beloved staple, particularly in the American South. But pecans are one of the most recently domesticated food plants.In today’s episode of Plant Connection, I dig into the surprising history of the pecan tree - an unassuming native plant that quietly propagated across America.We begin in the mid-1800s with a man named Antoine, an enslaved horticulturist tasked with the challenge of creating a pecan cultivar with large, reliable, easily crackable nuts.The story goes far deeper than desserts, and I’m sure you’ll come away with some stories to tell over your pecan pie over the holidays.Covered in this episode:The surprisingly recent history of the pecan tree.How pecans spread across America.The Indigenous pecan etymology.The medicinal and ecological roles the pecan tree plays.How plant grafting works.How to grow a pecan tree from seed.If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to Plant Connection on your favourite podcast platform so you don’t miss the next one.LEARN MOREFollow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rootstemleafblog/Root Stem Leaf - https://www.rootstemleaf.com/ LISTENPlant Connection - https://plant-connection.captivate.fm Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6ZDb9ovKXRTomKYnyqF8Rv Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-connection/id1801774758 CREDITSScript - Jacob Ashton (https://jacobashton.net/)Research - Adriana GogolinProduced by Claricast.

With its flexible yet tough shoots, arrowwood (or Viburnum dentatum) was the perfect plant for making arrow shafts.But that’s not all.The Cherokee and other tribes made use of arrowwood for both survival and medicinal purposes, and that’s why I wanted to look into its history in this episode of Plant Connection.And the story of arrowwood doesn’t end in the past.With over a hundred species, some producing edible fruits, arrowwood has been great for all sorts of uses for hundreds of years. I want to share some of this fascinating plant’s story today.Covered in this episode:How tribes used arrowwood for arrows, food, and medicine.The healing properties of arrowwood teas.Why birds and mammals depend on arrowwood.Arrowwood as a cultural symbol.How to grow arrowwood viburnum in your garden.If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to Plant Connection on your favourite podcast platform so you don’t miss the next one.LEARN MOREFollow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rootstemleafblog/Root Stem Leaf - https://www.rootstemleaf.com/ LISTENPlant Connection - https://plant-connection.captivate.fm Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6ZDb9ovKXRTomKYnyqF8Rv Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-connection/id1801774758 CREDITSScript - Jacob Ashton (https://jacobashton.net/)Research - Adriana GogolinProduced by Claricast.

Most of us know blueberries as the sweet “superfood” we toss into smoothies or onto our pancakes.But the story of the blueberry runs much deeper, touching myth, history, survival, and children’s literature.In this episode, I take you into the world of the wild blueberry (or Vaccinium angustifolium if we want to get technical) - a low bush plant that carries a rich legacy.From Robert McCloskey’s ‘Blueberries for Sal’ to Native American legend and dietary staple, this humble fruit has been feeding bodies and imaginations for generations.In this episode:The story of the classic children’s book, Blueberries for Sal.What’s the difference between wild blueberries and regular blueberries?Why some people call blueberries “starberries”.The role of blueberries in pemmican and their history as sustenance and medicine.Where bears play their role when it comes to growing blueberries.Why blueberries are more than just a trendy “superfood”.How to grow blueberries at home.If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to Plant Connection on your favourite podcast platform so you don’t miss the next one.LEARN MOREFollow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rootstemleafblog/Root Stem Leaf - https://www.rootstemleaf.com/ LISTENPlant Connection - https://plant-connection.captivate.fm Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6ZDb9ovKXRTomKYnyqF8Rv Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-connection/id1801774758 

What comes to mind when you think of the hawthorn? Maybe it’s a positive memory of one in your garden sharing its beauty all year round - or maybe it’s the sharp sting of a thorn!In this episode, we explore why the many varieties of hawthorn have captured human imagination for centuries, and why it continues to offer protection and wonder to those who know where to look for it.Hawthorn is a small but mighty tree, packed with meaning across cultures, particularly in America and Western Europe. From its edible fruits (haws) to its ferocious thorns that grow to up to two inches or more - it’s a plant worth covering. Let’s dive into these rich stories, cultural traditions, and practical uses of the hawthorn, and why this humble tree might be the most magical plant in your landscape.Covered in this episode:Why our first encounter with hawthorn can shape how we see it.How Native American tribes used hawthorn for food, medicine, and tools.The folklore linking hawthorn to fairies, protection, and wishes.Why cultures have avoided cutting hawthorns down - even when making way for roads.How you can grow hawthorn in your own garden and the varieties to know.And more…If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to Plant Connection on your favourite podcast platform so you don’t miss the next one.LEARN MOREFollow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rootstemleafblog/Root Stem Leaf - https://www.rootstemleaf.com/ LISTENPlant Connection - https://plant-connection.captivate.fm Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6ZDb9ovKXRTomKYnyqF8Rv Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-connection/id1801774758 

Some plants quietly impact the world around us - the natural world and the people living in it, offering food, meaning, and connection - without demanding much attention…The serviceberry is one of them.In this episode, I explore the deep-rooted beauty of this humble plant and what it has to offer.The serviceberry, also known as juneberry (amongst a few other names), is a lesser-known member of the rose family. Its delicate blooms arrive just as spring settles in, and its sweet berries feed both wildlife and humans.In this episode, we cover:Why the serviceberry is sometimes called ‘nature’s timekeeper’.The origin stories behind the name ‘serviceberry’ (and its many other aliases!).How the serviceberry can protect your garden while supporting wildlife.What the serviceberry symbolizes across cultures.And more…If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to Plant Connection on your favourite podcast platform so you don’t miss the next one.LEARN MOREFollow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rootstemleafblog/Root Stem Leaf - https://www.rootstemleaf.com/ The Serviceberry:Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World, by Robin Wall Kimmerer - https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/The_Serviceberry/uVD2EAAAQBAJLISTENPlant Connection - https://plant-connection.captivate.fm Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6ZDb9ovKXRTomKYnyqF8Rv Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-connection/id1801774758

For centuries, people have turned to nature for healing, reflection, and renewal. And the dogwood tree is one of those plants that have offered this sense of healing.This week, I explore the flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) - a tree that marks the arrival of spring with its delicate white blooms.From its role in the Charlottesville Dogwood Vietnam Memorial to its surprising historical uses, the dogwood has long been an anchor for resilience and remembrance.Covered in this episode:Why the dogwood tree has become a symbol of healing and remembrance.How the dogwood became an anchor for spring’s arrival.Legends and myths surrounding the tree’s connection to the cross.The surprising ways dogwood is used today.Tips for growing and caring for dogwood in your own space.And more…If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to Plant Connection on your favourite podcast platform so you don’t miss the next one.LEARN MOREFollow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rootstemleafblog/Root Stem Leaf - https://www.rootstemleaf.com/ LISTENPlant Connection - https://plant-connection.captivate.fm Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6ZDb9ovKXRTomKYnyqF8Rv Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-connection/id1801774758

The sugar maple is more than just a tree - it’s a symbol of community, resilience, and the gifts nature offers us.And that’s why in this first episode of Plant Connection, I’ve decided to explore the deep relationship between humans and this iconic tree.The sugar maple has long been cherished for its wonderful colors and its role in producing maple syrup. But beyond its beauty and utility, the sugar maple holds a rich history.I’ll take you on a journey of discovery as we learn more about how the sugar maple has provided for us and brought people together.Covered in this episode:The sensory experience and magic of the sugar maple through the seasons.How Indigenous communities and abolitionists used the sugar maple in powerful ways.The role of folk artist Grandma Moses in capturing the essence of rural life and community.Why paying attention to nature helps build deeper, more meaningful connections.The incredible benefits the sugar maple provides to us.And more…If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to Plant Connection on your favourite podcast platform so you don’t miss the next one.LEARN MOREFollow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rootstemleafblog/ Root Stem Leaf - https://www.rootstemleaf.com/ LISTENPlant Connection - https://plant-connection.captivate.fm Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6ZDb9ovKXRTomKYnyqF8Rv Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-connection/id1801774758

Do you ever feel stressed, stretched thin, and in need of a break from it all? You’re not alone.Welcome to Plant Connection. If you’re looking to reconnect with the world and find balance in the chaos, this podcast is for you.I’m your host, Lisa Cutshaw, a landscape architect and erstwhile plant ecologist – nature lover, farmer, hiker, seeker – and if you’re interested in exploring ways to deepen your relationship with nature and explore the many benefits that come with it, you are in the right place.In each episode, we’ll explore how plants, trees, and nature’s wisdom can help you restore a sense of peace and connection.The goal? To bring nature back into your life, no matter where you are, and help you feel more grounded, peaceful, and connected to both yourself and the world around you.Whether you’re just starting your journey into the world of plants or you’ve always been curious about our connection with nature, this is the place for you.Subscribe to Plant Connection now on your favorite podcast platform.Let’s reconnect – one plant at a time.