Stories from the Garden

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 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!

Revisting Stories from the Garden, Monarda

Spring has been a whirlwind around here, but I’ll be back soon with more stories and legends from the garden. In the meantime, join me for a fascinating detour into the history of one of the garden’s brightest stars: Monarda. You may know it as Bee Balm and assume the name comes from its irresistible appeal to bees and butterflies—and while pollinators certainly love it, the real story behind the name is far more surprising. In this episode of Stories from the Garden, we’ll uncover the history, folklore, and botanical twists behind this vibrant native plant that has charmed gardeners for generations.

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 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.

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 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

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 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