Stories from the Garden

Dr. A's Top Picks for the Garden: Muhly Grass

Dr. Allan Armitage is back in the garden to spotlight Muhlygrass (Muhlenbergia capillaris)—a spectacular ornamental grass that puts on an unforgettable show in late summe

Dr.A's Top Picks for the Garden: Strawflower

Discover the Resilient Beauty of Granvia Strawflowers! Looking for a garden plant that brings bold color, unique texture, and serious resilience? Meet Granvia straw flo

Stories from the Garden: Culver's Root

What Is a Culver? The Story Behind Culver’s RootDr. Allan Armitage shares the story behind the common name of Culver’s root, a native plant with a surprisingly rich medic

Stories from the Garden: Pokeweed

Dr. Allan Armitage shares the story of pokeweed, a fast-growing plant with striking red stems and berries, a complicated place in Southern food history, and a reputation

Dr. A's Top Picks for the Garden: Pot Mums

Fall chrysanthemums get dismissed as “throwaway” plants, but Dr. Allan Armitage makes the case that pot mums are one of the easiest ways to get instant color on your deck

Dr. A's Top Picks for the Garden: Butterfly Bush

Join Dr. Allan Armitage as he explores his favorite plant, the butterfly bush, highlighting its varieties, growth habits, care tips, and the impact on pollinators. Perfec

My Favorite Things

Unlock a world of beauty, history, and inspiration with Dr. A’s favorite picks this month. From the delicate blooms of the annual Delphinium to a hidden gem like Edinburg

Dr.A's Top Picks from the Garden: Amsonia

In this episode, Dr. Allan Armitage shares one of his favorite native perennials—the beautiful and dependable Blue Star Flower (Amsonia). While its soft blue spring bloom

Dr. A chats with Lis Friemoth of The Garden Hoe

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Allan Armitage and Lis Friemoth of The Garden Hoe explore the joys and challenges of gardening. They discuss the importance of patience

Re-Release! A First Listen: The Common-Sense Gardener with Dr. Allan Armitage

Join beloved horticulturist, storyteller, and garden sage Dr. Allan Armitage for an exclusive first listen to his upcoming book The Common-Sense Gardener. In this special

A Guide to Growing Asters in Your Garden

Discover how to successfully grow asters in your garden with expert tips and insights. Ideal for gardeners of all levels looking to enhance their floral displays. Asters

Dr. A's Top Picks for the Garden: Spirea ‘Double Play Candy Corn’

In this episode, we dive into the vibrant world of Spirea, specifically the standout variety known as 'Double Play Candy Corn.' Join us as we explore why this stunning pl

Stories from the Garden, A few of my favorites things

In this episode of Stories from the Garden, Dr. A reviews some of his favorite things. We have bounced back to February of 2023, and I wish I more space for all the wonde

Buttonwood and the New York Stock Exchange, you say?

In this fascinating episode, we explore the surprising ways plants quietly shape human history. Horticulturist and storyteller Allan Armitage shares one of his favorite e

Dr. A's Top Picks from the Garden: Epimedium

We have discussed where it got its name, but now let’s talk about why it’s one of my top picks for the garden, especially for areas of dry shade. You look puzzled…dry s

Stories from the Garden: Boneset

Got a broken bone or a bone-breaking fever? Learn how Boneset got its common name, and maybe a little more!

My Favorite Things

In this episode of Stories from the Garden, Dr. A reviews some of his favorite things. We have bounced back to July 2023, and I still love my Helenium; I'm often recommen

Stories from the Garden: Fireweed

In this episode of Stories from the Garden, Dr. A explores one of nature’s most hopeful plants: fireweed. If you’ve ever traveled through areas that have experienced wil

Stories from the Garden-Impatiens

In this episode, Dr. A turns our attention to impatiens—plants often found in moist areas, especially along streams, and growing naturally in many parts of the world. Wh

Dr. A's Top Picks for the Garden: Purple Fennel

Fragrance in the garden isn’t limited to blooms alone. Dr. Allan Armitage reminds us that many plants offer scent through foliage as well as flowers. Fennel is a perfect