The "Annual" Report - Big Bloom Energy

Snip Happens: The Chelsea Chop Explained

Have you ever looked at a perfectly healthy perennial and thought, "You know what this plant needs? A haircut!" Well, you're not alone—and you're not crazy. In this episode of the Shrubby Buddies Podcast, Matt and Tim dive into the world of the Chelsea Chop, one of the most useful (and nerve-wracking) pruning techniques in the gardener's toolbox. Learn why cutting back your plants in late spring can lead to stronger stems, more compact growth, fewer flops, and blooms that last longer into the season. We'll cover which plants respond best to the Chelsea Chop, when to do it, how much to remove, and why a little tough love can pay off in a big way. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or someone who breaks into a cold sweat every time you pick up a pair of pruners, this episode will help you chop with confidence. So grab your shears, take a deep breath, and remember: sometimes the best way to help a plant grow is to cut it back.

The "Annual" Report - Big Bloom Energy

Annual flowers are the rockstars of the gardening world — bringing instant color, bold textures, wild foliage, and nonstop blooms from spring until frost. This week the buddies dive headfirst into the wonderful world of annuals and break down how to actually use them successfully in the landscape, containers, hanging baskets, and beyond. We talk sun lovers, shade warriors, drought-tolerant champs, and thirsty drama queens while exploring why matching the right plant to the right location matters more than anything. From massive tropical foliage and fine textured fillers to vibrant flower colors that absolutely scream across the landscape, we cover how to combine annuals for maximum visual impact all season long. Whether you’re looking to build eye-popping containers, soften hardscapes, attract pollinators, or just flex on your neighbors with ridiculous curb appeal, this episode is packed with practical tips, design inspiration, and plenty of plant nerd nonsense along the way. So grab your flats, charge up the hose wand, and join us in Studio 6b as we celebrate the annual flowers that make summer landscapes absolutely explode with color. Love y’all harder, plus 2!!!

Enough with the Gardening Nonsense Already!

This week on the Shrubby Buddies Podcast, we’re getting a few horticultural pet peeves off our chests. From phrases we can’t stand hearing to common plant nonsense that just won’t die, we break down why some of these sayings miss the mark — and offer a better way to look at the bigger picture. Consider this your friendly intervention from two plant nerds from Zone 6b.

With the First Pick in the 2026 Perennial Draft, the Shrubby Buddies Select:

Cultivating a perennial border is a lot like building a football team — you need the right pieces, the right roles, and a lineup that actually works together. In the wake of the recent NFL Draft, join the Buddies as they build their dream perennial border by drafting top-tier plant prospects based on bold traits, dynamic attributes, and serious garden performance. From powerhouse bloomers to defensive groundcovers, this draft class is stacked.

Erect Panicles in Front, Nuts in the Back: The Lowdown on Buckeyes

From natives to hybrids—and even a shrub—let’s dive into the wild world of the Aesculus genus. Buckeyes are some of our personal favorites, and we’re hoping to make you bonkers for conkers too. Aesculus glabra, bro.