Stories from the Garden

Dr. A launches a new Common-Sense Gardening series with practical tips for getting the most out of your garden safely and simply. From plants that thrive as temperatures cool to salvias that bring a late-season payoff, discover how to keep your garden going through fall.

In this episode:

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What’s happening in gardens in October

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Plants that shine in cooler weather

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Forsythia sage and Mexican bush sage

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Fall gardening challenges in colder zones

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What’s next: bulbs, soil, and weed management

In this episode, Dr. Allan Armitage discusses the anemone, a perennial plant that garners mixed feelings among gardeners. He highlights its adaptability to various climates, its beauty, and the challenges it presents, particularly with deer. Dr. Armitage emphasizes the importance of understanding the plant's growing conditions and shares tips for incorporating anemones into gardens effectively.

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 summer and fall.

Think clouds of pink, movement in the breeze, and a garden that really comes alive in September.

Why consider Muhlygrass?

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Stunning pink blooms

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Incredible late-summer and fall interest

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Deer- and rabbit-resistant

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Low-maintenance once established

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Best suited to warmer climates

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Looks especially impressive planted in groups of six or more

And if pink isn't your thing, check out 'White Cloud' for a beautiful white-flowering alternative. As Dr. A says, “This thing just stops traffic.”

Discover the Resilient Beauty of Granvia Strawflowers!

Looking for a garden plant that brings bold color, unique texture, and serious resilience? Meet Granvia straw flowers!

In this episode, Dr. Allan Armitage shares why straw flowers remain a timeless garden favorite—and what makes Granvia stand out. With large, vibrant blooms and impressive tolerance to heat and humidity, Granvia is a great choice for gardeners looking for beauty without a lot of fuss.

Why add Granvia to your garden?

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Large, eye-catching flowers

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Excellent heat and humidity tolerance

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Great for containers

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A beautiful choice for spring and fall gardens

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Adds color when other plants may be struggling

As summer winds down and fall approaches, it’s a perfect time to give Granvia a try!

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 medicinal history. This short episode explains how plant names often carry human stories, and why Veronicastrum virginicum ended up being associated with Dr. Culver rather than its appearance or habitat.

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 for being both beautiful and dangerous. He also connects the plant to folk knowledge, political misunderstanding, and the song “Poke Salad Annie.”

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, porch, or front door.

If you want a plant that looks great fast, comes in a huge range of colors and container sizes, and basically performs the second you bring it home, this short episode is for you. Dr. A shares why he still buys pot mums, how he uses them in containers, and what to expect if you decide to keep them around after the season.

Perfect for gardeners looking for fast fall container color, low-maintenance seasonal plants, or a straightforward answer to the question of what actually looks good right now. If you’ve ever walked past a rack of mums and wondered whether they’re worth it, this episode gives you the honest answer.

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. Perfect for gardeners looking for an easy-to-grow, attractive plant for any landscape.

• Why butterfly bush is a gardener's favorite
• Varieties of butterfly bush: Cascade series, Pugster series, and dwarfer Buzz series
• Growing tips: pruning, hardiness zones, sunlight, and size management
• Benefits for pollinators, especially butterflies
• Cultural and landscape considerations for inclusion in gardens

• Dr. Armitage shares his personal experiences and reasons for favoring butterfly bush
• Explanation of different species and cultivars, including Budlia dividiae and the Cascade and Pugster series
• Tips on pruning for size control and flowering times
• Hardiness zone recommendations (zones 5 to 8)
• The plant’s adaptability to sun and shade and its pollinator-friendly qualities

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 Edinburgh’s Botanical Gardens—discover how self-seeding plants can transform your garden into a cottage paradise. Plus, step into the fascinating story of Bella Costa Green, a Black librarian in the 1920s who defied societal limits to curate JP Morgan’s legendary collection—an inspiring tale of resilience and secrecy that redefines legacy.

Perfect for gardening enthusiasts, history buffs, travel lovers, or anyone craving stories that inspire and entertain. If you’re seeking practical tips, captivating tales, and a fresh perspective on meaningful places and people, this episode is your monthly dose of wonder. Don’t miss out—tap play now and start exploring the best of the world with Dr. A!

Read more here: https://www.allanarmitage.net/musings/2023/may

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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 blooms are charming, the real magic of these plants comes from their graceful foliage and, for some varieties, spectacular fall color.

Dr. A compares two outstanding species that deserve a place in more gardens:

• Arkansas Blue Star (Amsonia hubrichtii) – prized for its delicate, thread-like foliage and breathtaking golden fall color, especially in cooler climates.
• Eastern Blue Star (Amsonia tabernaemontana) – featuring larger leaves, richer blue flowers, and excellent garden performance across a wide range of growing conditions.

Along the way, you'll learn:

• Why Amsonia is one of the easiest native perennials to grow
• The differences between these two popular species
• Which variety performs best in northern versus southern gardens
• Why fall color can vary depending on your climate
• How these long-lived plants bring beauty to gardens throughout multiple seasons

Whether you're looking for reliable spring flowers, outstanding fall foliage, or simply a tough, beautiful native perennial, Blue Star deserves a closer look.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Arkansas Blue Star (Amsonia hubrichtii)
• Eastern Blue Star (Amsonia tabernaemontana)
• Native perennials
• Fall color in the perennial garden

Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow gardener. For more gardening resources and Dr. Allan Armitage's books, visit alanarmitage.com.

See you in the garden!

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 in horticulture, the emotional benefits of gardening, and the camaraderie that comes from sharing gardening experiences. The conversation emphasizes that gardening should be fun rather than overly serious, encouraging listeners to enjoy the process and embrace nature's unpredictability.

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 episode, Dr. A reads the opening chapters himself—infusing every anecdote, bit of wit, and piece of hard-earned wisdom with the warmth and humor only he can deliver.

Pull up a chair, pour a cup of something warm, and settle in for a charming conversation between gardener and garden.

Grab your copy today for Mother's Day! Free Shipping on sales through May 10.

www.allanarmitage.net

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 are beloved for their vibrant colors and late-season blooms, but many gardeners have mixed feelings about these perennial plants. In this post, we’ll explore the ins and outs of growing asters, including their limitations, care tips, and some of the best varieties to consider for your garden. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting, you’ll find valuable insights on how to make the most of these charming flowers.

https://www.chicagobotanic.org/downloads/planteval_notes/no36_asters.pdf

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 plant is a must-have for any garden enthusiast.

From its eye-catching foliage to its effortless adaptability, we’ll discuss how 'Double Play Candy Corn' brings a splash of color and charm to your outdoor space. Tune in and discover why this gem deserves a place in your garden!

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 wonderful Baptisia; I'm often recommending books, shows and gardens to visit.

Find the full list of all my favorites and follow along with me on Stories from the garden for a little more deep dives into the best of the best.

https://www.allanarmitage.net/armitages-favorites

In this fascinating episode, we explore the surprising ways plants quietly shape human history. Horticulturist and storyteller Allan Armitage shares one of his favorite examples—how a simple tree became the unlikely backdrop for a moment that would change global finance.

In 1792, twenty-four brokers gathered outside 68 Wall Street to bring order to the chaotic world of securities trading. Beneath the shade of a buttonwood tree—a name many people have heard but rarely recognize—they signed what became known as the Buttonwood Agreement. That document ultimately laid the foundation for the New York Stock Exchange.

This episode uncovers the story behind the name “buttonwood,” the plant itself, and the quiet but fascinating role plants often play in shaping pivotal historical moments. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most influential witnesses in history are rooted firmly in the background.

Perfect for gardeners, plant lovers, and anyone who enjoys discovering the hidden botanical stories woven through our world.

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 shade, you wonder? Well, have a listen and learn a little more about where Epimediums will thrive.

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

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 recommending Chanticleer to visit if you haven’t been.

Find the full list of all my favorites here and follow along with me on Stories from the garden for a little more deep dives into the best of the best.

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 wildfire, you may have noticed something remarkable. Not long after the smoke clears, tall spikes of vibrant pink-purple flowers begin rising from the blackened earth. That plant is fireweed—and its name tells the story.

Fireweed earned its common name because it is often one of the first plants to return after a fire. Its seeds travel easily on the wind, and once sunlight reaches the soil in newly cleared areas, they germinate quickly. Where trees once shaded the forest floor, fire opens the canopy—and fireweed answers the call.