Shrubby Buddies

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.

Tree Abuse Hotline: The Do’s & Don’ts You Keep Ignoring

This week, we’re talking all things trees—the good, the bad, and the “why would you ever do that?” We’re diving into what you should be doing to keep your trees alive, thriving, and not silently judging you… and what you absolutely should NOT be doing (looking at you, mulch volcano people 👀). From planting way too deep, or pruning at the worst possible time, we’ve seen it all. And yeah… we’re calling it out. If you’ve ever said “it just died for no reason,” this episode might feel a little personal. But don’t worry—we’ll also give you the fixes so your trees can actually survive and maybe even thrive for once. So grab a drink, step into the garden, and let’s clean up some tree care crimes—because your trees deserve better… and honestly, they’re tired of your nonsense.