
Show Notes
Oh, dear listeners...it's the most glorious time of the year! No, not because it's time to hang the stockings or trim the tree—because it's time to make the 2024 gardening wish lists. This year Carol and Danielle have selected the 8 plants they are pining over most. You will hear about a brand-new perennial that few, if any, have seen before. And there's also a new hydrangea with...brace yourselves...BLACK foliage! The list also includes plants that our contributors have written extensively about, and we've just now sat up and paid attention. Listen now to hear about the plants we'll be dreaming about as the flakes fly this winter. Expert guest: Jennifer Benner is content editor for Fine Gardening. She has a bachelor's degree in horticulture from The Ohio State University. Danielle's Plants 'Blue Bunchkin' baptisia (Baptisia 'Blue Bunchkin', Zones 4-9) 'Nichirin' false nettle (Boehmeria nipononivea 'Nichirin', Zones 6-9) Eclipse® bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Bailmacseven', Zones 5–9) 'Fusion of Fire' oredenia (Oredenia 'Fusion of Fire', Zones 5-8)
Carol's Plants 'Humilis' red buckeye (Aesculus pavia 'Humilis', Zones 4-8) Blackberry lily (Iris domestica, Zones 5-10) 'Hillside Sheffield Pink' garden mum (Chrysanthemum 'Hillside Sheffield Pink', Zones 4-9) Tropicanna canna Lily (Canna 'Phasion', Zones 7b to 10)
Expert's Plants 'The Blues' little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium 'The Blues', Zones 3-9) Acapulco® Salmon and Pink agastache (Agastache 'Salmon and Pink', Zones 5-9) 'Orange' 'Jelena' witch hazel (Hamamelis x intermedia 'Jelena, Zones 5-8)
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.