
Episode 153: Compact Plants for Tight Spaces
Super Cool Plants - Formerly Known as Let's Argue About PlantsShow Notes
Every gardener wishes they had 25 acres to garden on, right? Well maybe not, but most of us do dream of a healthy amount of ground to build beds and borders to our hearts' desire. The reality of homeowners today, however, is that land is expensive and typical suburban lots have decreased in size steadily since the 1970s. And smaller lots mean smaller gardens. That isn't an issue though, if you select plants that are polite and "stay in their lane" as the kids say. On this episode Danielle and Carol talk about compact plants that are prefect for tighter spaces. We've got several perennials, one annual, and even a few well-behaved shrubs that made the list. Filling your tiny plot with these beauties will enable you to have a wide variety of colors and textures without sacrificing an enormous amount of precious square footage.
Julie Lane Gay lives and gardens in Vancouver, British Columbia, where she previously owned a nursery specializing in climbers and perennials.
Danielle's Plants
Creeping variegated gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides 'Radicans Variegata', Zones 8-11)
'Prairie Moon' rattlesnake master (Eryngium yuccifolium 'Prairie Moon', Zones 3-8)
Spicy Devil ® ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'ZLENATALIE', Zones 3-7)
'Jack of Diamonds' brunnera (Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack of Diamonds', Zones 3-8)
Carol's Plants
Ivory Halo® dogwood (Cornus alba 'Bailhalo', Zones 3-7)
'Rainbow Bouquet' dwarf strawflower (Helichrysum bracteatus 'Rainbow Bouquet', annual)
Let's Dance Sky View® hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla × serrata 'SMNHSME', Zones 4-9)
'Summer Beauty' allium (Allium tanguticum 'Summer Beauty', Zones 4-9)
Expert's Plants
'Brunette' baneberry (Actaea simplex 'Brunette', Zones 3-8)
'Firepower' heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica 'Firepower', Zones 6-9)
'Adirondack' crabapple (Malus 'Adirondack', Zones 4-8)
Solitary clematis (Clematis integrifolia, Zones 4-7)
More from Super Cool Plants - Formerly Known as Let's Argue About Plants
There are many different types of shade, and when low light levels combine with other soil or climate challenges it can be tricky to find suitable plants. Fortunately, the guests on this episode have a great list of shade plants that perform well in a variety of shady situations. Listen along to see if any of their problem-solving plant choices are worthy of adding to your wish list. Irvin Etienne is curator of herbaceous plants and seasonal garden design at Newfields in Indianapolis. Hayes Jackson is an urban regional extension agent with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and the liason for Longleaf Botanical Garden in Anniston, Alabama.
Trade in those thirsty water hogs for some of these water-wise options
Plants We Covet The heart wants what it wants, but when it comes to which plants we can grow Mother Nature sometimes gets the final say. On this episode, our expert guests dive into the plants that have eluded them, why they can't grow them, and what makes these plants so hard to resist. Whether you are a northern gardener who loves frost-sensitive species, a Pacific Northwesterner who longs for spiky desert plants, or a Midwesterner who bemoans the limitations of clay soil, you'll find this episode very relatable. Episode Experts: Amanda Thomsen is a talented horticulturist, garden designer, author, and the owner of Aster Gardens, a plant shop in suburban Chicago. Loree Bohl is the creator of the Danger Garden blog and website, and author of Fearless Gardening: Be Bold, Break the Rules, and Grow What You Love. She gardens in Portland, Oregon.
In this episode of Super Cool Plants, we explore the power of plants to calm, comfort, and restore. From soft, touchable foliage to gentle fragrances and soothing color palettes, our panel of horticultural experts shares their favorite selections for creating a more sensory-friendly garden. Looking to design a peaceful retreat, engage more deeply with your outdoor space, or simply take the edge off a busy day? Well, we've got plants that deliver on those needs. Expect recommendations that appeal to all five senses—rustling grasses, velvety leaves, aromatic blooms, and more—along with practical tips for weaving them into your landscape. Tune in for a thoughtful, plant-filled conversation that just might change how your garden feels.