with Teri Knight
I was fortunate to film an episode of Garden Bite at Forget Me Not Florist in Northfield, MN and talk with houseplant expert, Mariel Wheelock! Big thanks to owner, Therese Chapman!
Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Greening up with gardening
I have a saying “The garden is no place to stress for success but to soak up some sun and renew your spirit”. I really do feel this way. Not only does gardening relieve stress but it gives us a wonderful opportunity for fresh air, some exercise and fresh produce. I love the feel of soil in my hands, the thrill of harvesting that first juicy tomato. I pop that in my mouth without … [Continue reading]
Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Clearing the Air
The aromas of holiday cooking still linger in our minds and perhaps in the drapes too if we’ve burned anything! Not that I would know about that! But in case I did, I know a way to “clear the air”.
Plants! Decades ago NASA, yes the THAT NASA, proved plants could remove volatile chemicals from the air Including formaldehyde which is found in, or used to produce, a multitude of everyday products, from fabrics and … [Continue reading]
Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Popping the bubbly
No day is more associated with Champagne than today, New Years Eve. The bubbly’s start was dubious and it’s history riddled with lawsuits.
Dom Perignon, (the guy from the Champagne region of France!) tried many times to get the fizz out of his wine. When wine has bubbles, it’s a sign that it has continued to ferment inside the bottle. The quintessential guide to Champagne – a little history and a slightly different version than … [Continue reading]
Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: More AAS winners for 2020
Last week I shared about how All America Selections was started back in 1932. They do the trials and we get the benefits! Each year they select perennials, annuals and edibles. As you start planning your gardens for next year, think about one or more of these 2020 winners!
An edible is a mini cucumber called ‘Green Light’ F1. This little beauty is an excellent mini cucumber, said many of the AAS … [Continue reading]
Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Celestial gardening
Celestial gardening sounds a bit mystical. It is. It’s also working, according to some experts. Biodynamics, it’s more scientific name, uses the movements of the moon and stars to guide planting and cultivation.
Think that’s a stretch? Consider how the moon creates ocean tides. Suddenly it’s not so “out there”. Well, celestially speaking it is! 
Biodynamic gardeners plant by the lunar calendar, they also use raised beds believing that this enlivens the soil. Herbs such as … [Continue reading]
Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Conservation Districts
The United States has 3,000 Conservation Districts. Many are called Soil and Water Conservation Districts. They work with millions of cooperating landowners and operators to help them manage and protect land and water resources on private and public lands in the United States.
The association was founded on the philosophy that conservation decisions should be made at the local level with technical and funding assistance from federal, state, and local governments and the private sector. While … [Continue reading]
I don’t know how you celebrate or exactly what you celebrate but I hope this day brings you joy and a sense of renewal.
For me, it’s Merry Christmas.
Thank you all for being a part of Garden Bite!
Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Twas the Night before Christmas – my Gardener’s version
It’s the time of year when nostalgia is embraced! Over a decade ago, I wrote my own gardeners version of Twas the Night Before Christmas. I share each Christmas Eve with my listeners and hope you enjoy it!
Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house,
not a plant was stirring not even a sprout.
The seedlings were hung by the glow of a grow light
in … [Continue reading]
Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: AAS – what is it?
All America Selections was started in 1932 by a man named Ray Hastings. He encouraged all seed companies to set up trial grounds, cooperatively test new varieties and agree to develop marketing efforts for new vegetables and flowers. He recommended a national network of trial grounds throughout North American climates where flower and vegetable varieties would be grown and assessed by skilled impartial judges. Today, home gardeners can feel confident when selecting these … [Continue reading]