Ep 037 – Today we move from the lovely and delicious (edible flowers) to the strange and stinky (skunk cabbage). In our main segment we are all about drizzle and downpours as Ellen and C.L. discuss rain chains, rain barrels, rain gauges and rain gardens. We discuss the design and functional advantages to elevating containers and finish with a question about when to fertilize bulbs.

Ep. 036 This episode of Plantrama was recorded live at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show in Seattle. We talk about great plants and products, provide cocktail hour recipes and give garden design tips gained from the displays at this flower show. Thanks to our good friends at Smart Pots for sponsoring our appearance.

Ep 035 – In this episode we talk about rhubarb and Japanese knotweed (the forager’s rhubarb?), what is meant by “curb appeal” and how to get it, The Invasion of The Garden Gnomes (should you be afraid?) and chickweed. C.L. challenges Ellen to create a chickweed cocktail. See the final beverage in our show notes: it’s practically a spring tonic!

Ep 034 – Ellen and C.L. discuss ideas for landscaping around a house with plants that have edible parts. We talk about how people grow houseplants from pits and seeds saved from supermarket fruit, plus discuss those cheery florist primroses you find in supermarkets and garden centers at this time of year.

Ep 033 – Ellen Zachos and C.L. Fornari talk about foraging for spring mustards and cresses, and if there is any truth to the saying that we “plant peas on St. Patrick’s Day.” Next we give tips for keeping Cymbidium orchids alive and bring them back into flower. In our main segment we talk about cold frames and other ways of getting a jump on spring planting. Other topics include care of shamrocks sold as gift plants in March and how early pansies can be planted.

Ep 032 – In this episode Ellen shares her tips for making jams, we talk about how to keep a lemon cypress alive, and discuss scale infestations on indoor and outdoor plants. C.L. and Ellen give suggestions about how to know when to start your seeds indoors, and we answer Corey’s question about keeping greenhouse gift plants alive until they can be planted outside.

Ep 031 – Ellen and C.L. explain how to grow your own micro-greens and what to look for if you suspect you have spider mites on your indoor plants (and how to treat them if you do). We talk about the basics of pruning shrubs and trees, and how to support the birds during the winter.

Ep 030 – In this episode we talk about “the Swiss Army Knife of plants,” the Sansevieria, and the science, art and dinner of seeds. Learn about the 2,000 year old seed that germinated, and why it’s to the vegetable gardener’s benefit to plan for what they want to grow this spring. Find out why advance planning may not be in the forager’s best interest.

Ep 029 – Yes, it’s a New Year’s miracle…Ellen and C.L. are in agreement in this episode! We love foraged pesto, winter squash soup, growing indoor plants for “breathing room,” amaryllis and orchids, orchids, orchids.

Ep 028 – From indoor edibles and Cyclamen to a tree that’s a part of American history, this episode touches on a variety of plants. Ellen and C.L. talk about Calamondin oranges, paperwhite Narcissus, Cyclamen wild and tame, and the Franklinia tree.