Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Garden Gossip

Have you ever scrolled past a gorgeous old stone house in Italy and thought, “I could live like that”? Our guest Debbie Levitt did more than dream. An American who now lives full-time on the island of Sardinia, Debbie is an Italian citizen who calls herself the Italian Inpat: an immigrant who came to Italy and found home, not an American who left.

In this candid conversation on Big Blend Radio, Debbie shares what it really takes to make the move. She talks about how two days added to a 2017 vacation turned into a self-employment visa, five suitcases and a new life, and why she kept her move easy to undo for the first two years.

You’ll hear about: - The difference between an “expat” and an “inpat” - The visa paths Debbie mentions, from self-employment to investment, retirement and digital nomad visas - Why citizenship takes years, and what Debbie understands about recent changes to citizenship by ancestry - Paperwork stories, including the flight to Rome to swear she is really herself - Why a geometra (a local surveyor) belongs on your team before you buy, and how zoning can surprise you - The truth about one-euro houses: distressed properties, hidden costs and villages with no grocery store - The residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) wait - Everyday life in rural Sardinia, from the village butcher to the driving school saga

Today closes out Italian American Heritage Month, and we’re marking it with the real story of moving to Italy.

Debbie shares her personal experience and general information. This is not legal or immigration advice, so check current rules with an immigration attorney or official sources.

Links: - Debbie Levitt, Italian Inpat (the first call is free): https://ItalianInpat.com  - Follow Big Blend Radio on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BigBlendRadio 

On this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "English Connection" Podcast, Glynn Burrows takes us beyond our garden for a wander through England's forests — ancient and modern, native and man-made — and what a single tree can teach us about history, health, and home. But wait....castle gardens are full of trees!  From Sherwood's legendary (and ailing) Major Oak to Thetford's man-made pine forest, from tree-ring dendrochronology to the real origin of the word "underdog," this one covers a lot of ground. Along the way: tree equity and environmental justice in American cities, why a felled tree feels like a genuine loss, cemetery bird-watching, England's Heritage Open Days, and a closing reading of Joyce Kilmer's "Trees." Read the companion article, "England's Ancient Trees: A Personal Tour of Britain's Forests," and check out Glynn's Digital Magazine at the links below. And what a great episode with today (Sept. 26) being National Public Lands Day, Johnny Appleseed Day, and Lumberjack Day! Resource Links: - Article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/englands-ancient-trees - Check out Glynn's "English Connection" Podcast & Magazine on his website https://www.englishconnection.uk/ - Glynn's new English Connection Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61594366433338 

On this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Global Adventures" Podcast, travel writer Debbie Stone takes us to the Laurel Highlands of southwestern Pennsylvania. Most people know the area for Fallingwater, Frank Lloyd Wright's most famous house, but it's actually a mecca for Wright's work.

Debbie starts at Polymath Park, a private conservation effort by Tom and Heather Papinchak. There, two Wright homes, Duncan House and Mäntylä, were taken apart piece by piece in Illinois and Minnesota and rebuilt in the Pennsylvania woods. She shares what it's like to actually spend the night in Mäntylä, living with Wright's design and his blurring of indoors and outdoors, and waking to a deer crossing the yard. She also describes dinner in a private treehouse-style dining pod at TreeTops Restaurant, with Heather Papinchak as chef.

From there it's on to Kentuck Knob, one of Wright's last projects. It has an "invisible" window, a Woodland Walk with a piece of the Berlin Wall, and a British lord as its current owner. The finale is Fallingwater, the cantilevered masterpiece built over a waterfall so the Kaufmann family could hear the water throughout the house, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Read Debbie's article: - https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/frank-lloyd-wright-laurel-highlands 

Plan your visit: - Polymath Park: https://www.polymathpark.com  - Kentuck Knob: https://www.kentuckknob.com  - Fallingwater: https://www.fallingwater.com  - Laurel Highlands: https://www.golaurelhighlands.com 

Global Adventures with Debbie Stone: - Podcast: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/global-adventures-with-debbie-stone  - Magazine: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/global-adventures-travel-magazine 

Victoria, British Columbia, offers a wonderful mix of gardens, castles, history, culture, waterfront scenery and easygoing family adventure. 

Celebrate Family Fun Month with this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wanderer's Compass" Travel Podcast, travel writers Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough continue their adventures with Ryan’s son—this time crossing the border from the Pacific Northwest to Vancouver Island.

From taking the Victoria Clipper from Seattle and exploring the Inner Harbour to discovering the world-famous Butchart Gardens, enjoying afternoon tea, visiting the Royal BC Museum and exploring Victoria’s fascinating castles, this episode shows just how much can be packed into a short getaway.

They talk about Victoria’s British and European influences, First Nations history and cultural heritage, Chinatown, the city’s walkability, family-friendly attractions, waterfront neighborhoods and the relaxed pace that makes Victoria such a memorable destination. They also share the stories behind Hatley Castle and Craigdarroch Castle—and why castle hunting doesn't have to end when you leave Europe.

For Ryan’s son, the trip offered another opportunity to learn through travel, explore history and culture, and add another country to his growing list of adventures.

- Read their companion article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/victoria-british-columbia 

- And if you missed their previous adventure, listen to "Traveling Europe Across Generations: Castles, Culture & Curiosity," featuring Ryan, his son and Joelle: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/traveling-europe-with-a-child    - Follow Wanderer's Compass: https://wandererscompass.com 

- Listen to More Wanderers Compass Podcast Episodes: https://wandererscompass.podbean.com/ 

- Check out the Wanderers Compass Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/WANDERERS-COMPASS-MAG-2026/ 

In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Lost Angel Travel Adventures” Show, travel writer Linda Ballou takes us on a vibrant journey through some of Southern California’s most stunning botanical gardens.

From the colorful tulip displays at Descanso Gardens to the expansive collections at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, Linda shares her favorite places to experience spring blooms, tranquil landscapes, and diverse plant life. Discover the scenic hillside paths of Ventura Botanical Gardens, the native plant sanctuary of Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, and the magical, world-renowned beauty of Lotusland.

As a special bonus, Linda also highlights Sacred Space in Summerlin, a peaceful meditation garden that offers a unique retreat for reflection and connection.

Along the way, Linda shares tips for planning your visits, insights on the importance of native plants and conservation, and why botanical gardens offer a meaningful way to connect with nature.

🌿 Garden Websites & Article Links: Descanso Gardens: https://www.descansogardens.org  The Huntington: https://www.huntington.org  Ventura Botanical Gardens: https://www.venturabotanicalgardens.com  Santa Barbara Botanic Garden: https://sbbotanicgarden.org  Lotusland: https://www.lotusland.org  Sacred Space: https://lostangeladventures.com/f/top-secret-sacred-space  Southern California Gardens Article: https://nabbw.com/expert-columns/linda-ballou-shares-her-five-favorite-southern-california-botanical-gardens/

📖 Explore the NEW “Lost Angel Travel Adventures” Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/podcast-retrospective/ 

🌍 Follow Linda’s Books & Adventures: https://www.LindaBallouAuthor.com  https://www.LostAngelAdventures.com 

🎧 New episodes air every 3rd Wednesday at Noon PST: Big Blend Radio: https://lost-angel-travel-adventures.podbean.com 

In this shared Big Blend Radio "Pet Connection" episode for Pet Poison Prevention Month, we sit down with co-host Angela Laws from TrustedHouseSitters.com, to uncover the hidden hazards lurking in our homes and gardens. 

From common kitchen staples like chocolate to beautiful but deadly lilies, Angela shares expert insights on how to pet-proof your environment. Whether you are a long-time pet owner or a dedicated pet sitter, this conversation provides the practical tools and awareness needed to prevent emergencies and keep our furry friends thriving.

Read more from the Trustedhousesitters.com Blog: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/blog/search/?q=poison 

Explore the inspiring history of The Dawes Arboretum, a remarkable living museum of trees founded in 1929 by husband-and-wife conservationists Beman Dawes and Bertie Dawes.

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Nature Connection Podcast, historian Leslie Wagner shares how the Dawes family transformed farmland into one of America’s most beloved arboretums. Hear how their early experiments in tree planting and reforestation—including planting 50,000 trees by 1929—helped shape a lasting conservation legacy.

In celebration of Women's History Month, the conversation also highlights the contributions of Bertie Dawes, whose passion for gardening, landscape beauty, and documentation helped shape the arboretum’s early character and lasting horticultural legacy.

From environmental education and youth engagement to bird habitat preservation and seasonal beauty, discover how The Dawes Arboretum continues to inspire conservation, community connection, and a deeper appreciation for the importance of trees.

🌿 Learn more about the arboretum: https://www.dawesarb.org/ 

🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend," "Garden Gossip," Parks & Travel," and "Women Making History" Podcast. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Spring brings vibrant color and fresh adventures to California’s Sequoia Country in Tulare County. In this episode, we explore wildflower viewing, native plant gardens, spring festivals, and scenic outdoor destinations that showcase the region’s natural beauty.

Learn about wildflower hotspots, meadow landscapes, and family-friendly trails, along with conservation efforts that protect native plants and strengthen local ecosystems. The conversation also highlights community celebrations and unique events that bring residents and visitors together each spring.

From the Tule River Parkway and Dry Creek Preserve to blooming meadows in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, discover how spring transforms the landscape into a colorful playground for hikers, photographers, gardeners, and nature lovers.

Featured guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council include: * Holly Streit – Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks: https://nps.gov/seki/index.htm  * Suzanne Bianco – Visit Visalia: https://www.visitvisalia.com/  * Cathy Capone - Tule River Parkway Association https://www.tuleriverparkwayassociation.org/ 

PLAN YOUR ADVENTURE: https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/ 

NEW! CHECK OUT THE "CALIFORNIA SEQUOIA COUNTRY" DIGITAL PODCAST MAGAZINE: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/lhko/#p=1 

THIS EPISODE is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend", "Vacation Station," "Parks & Travel," "Nature Connection" and "Garden Gossip" Podcast Channels. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork  

Photos: VisitVisalia.com & Big Blend Media 

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "English Connection" Podcast, historian and custom tour guide Glynn Burrows invites you to explore the enchanting world of England’s gardens, farms, and countryside. From iconic roses and fragrant spring blooms to historic estates and sustainable gardening practices, this engaging conversation reveals why England is a true paradise for garden lovers and slow travelers alike.

Along the way, Glynn shares insights on garden design traditions, wildlife conservation, farm-to-table experiences, and the cultural and spiritual connections people have with green spaces across the English landscape. Whether you’re planning a spring getaway, love botanical gardens, or simply enjoy armchair travel, this episode offers inspiration and practical insights for experiencing England’s natural beauty.

🔗 Read Glynn’s article: https://vacationstationtravel.substack.com/p/springtime-in-england  📖 Explore his digital magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/English-Connection/#p=1  🎧 Follow the English Connection podcast (airs every 4th Saturday): https://english-connection.podbean.com/ 

This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Garden Gossip" and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels.👉 Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Garden Gossip" Podcast, we welcome gardening expert Charlie Nardozzi, author of the new book “The Continuous Vegetable Garden” publishing February 3, 2026  (Quarto). With National Seed Swap Day (January 31) around the corner, this timely conversation highlights how seed saving, self-sowing vegetables, and perennial edibles are key to creating a low-effort, high-yield garden that sustains itself season after season.

Charlie shares practical, repeatable techniques that reduce the need for constant replanting and indoor seed starting, while extending harvests well beyond summer — even into winter. We talk about soil health, lasagna gardening, growing mushrooms at home, and why letting nature do its thing creates a resilient garden ecosystem.

From balcony containers to backyard beds, this episode shows how thoughtful planning, seed sharing, and working with nature can lead to abundant harvests, better flavor, and a deeper connection to the food you grow.

Learn more about Charlie Nardozzi: https://www.gardeningwithcharlie.com/ 

This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend" and "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" Podcast Channels. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Garden Gossip" Podcast, we chat with Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation, about 2026 Backyarding Trends and how outdoor spaces are evolving into purpose-driven, high-performance landscapes.

The TurfMutt Foundation, which advocates for the care and use of backyards, parks, schoolyards, and other green spaces, predicts 2026 will be the year of intentional design, year-round use, and pet-friendly landscapes. The era of the purely aesthetic lawn is over—today’s yards are strategic investments that support wellness, biodiversity, community connection, and everyday living.

Kris discusses the rise of the 365-day landscape, right-sized outdoor zones, precision tech-guided gardening, dog-friendly “barkitecture,” pocket forests, and the growing “prosumer” mindset in outdoor tools. 

We also explore native plants, coexisting with wildlife, the role of parks and community green spaces, and how backyarding supports family bonding and quality of life.

Learn more about Turf Mutt Foundation: https://www.turfmutt.com/ 

As part of our "Get a Balanced Life" programming, this episode is also featured on our "Nature Connection," "Pet Connection," "Big Daily Blend," and "Quality of Life" podcast channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Garden Gossip" Podcast, we welcome Matt Mattus, Senior Director of Horticulture for the American Horticultural Society, to discuss their new book, “Essential Guide to Ecological Gardening: Techniques and Know-How for Gardening with Nature.” Released January 6, 2026 by Cool Springs Press, an imprint of The Quarto Group, this authoritative guide explores gardening as a living ecosystem rather than a collection of isolated plants.

Matt explains how ecological gardening goes far beyond popular trends like “leave the leaves,” focusing instead on thoughtful daily decisions that support biodiversity, soil health, pollinators, and wildlife. We talk about designing gardens that are both beautiful and ecologically sound, managing invasive species, reducing lawns, fostering native plants, and adapting gardens to environmental change.

The conversation also highlights ways to engage children in gardening, the vital role insects play in the ecosystem, and how small, practical steps can make a meaningful difference. Whether you garden in a backyard, community space, or container garden, this episode offers inspiration and actionable guidance for working with nature, not against it.

Websites & Resources: * American Horticultural Society: https://ahsgardening.org/  * Matt Mattus: https://growingwithplants.com/  * The Quarto Group: https://www.quarto.com/ 

 In celebration of National Bird Day (Jan. 5), this episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels. Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Garden Gossip, gardener and author Sandra Mao us to talk about her vibrant new book, “Vibrant Harvest: Cultivating a Kaleidoscope of Colors in Your Vegetable Garden.” From purple tomatoes and magenta potatoes to speckled lettuces and edible flowers, Sandra shares how colorful vegetables can transform your garden, your kitchen, and even your kids’ eating habits.

We explore the beauty and benefits of growing heirloom and hybrid varieties, seasonal planting strategies, and simple ways to get children excited about gardening. Sandra also offers practical advice on seed starting, soil prep, pest control, harvesting techniques, preserving food, and creative recipe ideas using homegrown produce.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned gardener, this inspiring conversation reminds us that vegetable gardens don’t have to be all green—they can be joyful, flavorful, and bursting with color. 

📌 Resources & Links: 🔹 Follow Sandra: https://www.instagram.com/sandra.urbangarden/  🔹 Get "Vibrant Harvest": https://www.quarto.com/books/9780760395110/vibrant-harvest  🔹 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" and "Quality of Life" podcast channels. Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Nature Connection" podcast, Dr. Amy L. Stark talks about her new illustrated children’s book, "A Magical Loveliness of Ladybugs," which encourages kids and families to reconnect with nature. Based on a true story, the book follows young Jan as she discovers her room filled with ladybugs — and along the way, readers learn how these tiny garden helpers play a big role in our environment.

Dr. Stark discusses the importance of physical books, the balance between technology and outdoor play, and how gardening can inspire family connection and environmental awareness. She shares insights on how pollinator gardens support biodiversity, how nature can ease eco-anxiety, and why stories that celebrate the natural world are essential for today’s children.

📘 Learn more about Dr. Amy Stark and her books: https://www.dramystark.com/  

This episode is part of Big Blend Radio’s programming for National Children’s Book Week (Nov. 3–9, 2025) and National Young Readers Week (Nov. 10-14, 2025), and is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend," "Quality of Life," and "Garden Gossip" Shows. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork  

In celebration of National Food Day, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Garden Gossip" Show features Rick Bickling, Master Gardener and spokesperson for the Square Foot Gardening Foundation. Rick shares how the innovative Square Foot Gardening method—developed by Mel Bartholomew—revolutionized small-space gardening with its raised beds, unique soil blend known as Mel’s Mix, and efficient planting system that makes gardening accessible to everyone.

Rick also introduces "The Square Foot Gardening Planner: A 3-Year Journal for Recording the Planning, Planting, and Care of Your Square Foot Garden" (Cool Springs Press, October 21, 2025). This official planner helps gardeners stay organized with design templates, planting logs, compost tracking, pest and disease notes, and yield records, all beautifully designed to make gardening productive and fun.

The discussion explores how square foot gardening promotes sustainability, food security, and community connection, empowering families, schools, and urban dwellers to grow their own organic produce—no matter how limited their space.

🌿 Learn more: https://squarefootgardening.org/  

🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Big Daily Blend, Quality of Life, and Eat, Drink & Be Merry Podcast Channels. Explore the full Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork  

In celebration of National Food Day, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Garden Gossip features Matthew McInnis, Co-Founder and Creative Director of North Spore, a company dedicated to empowering people to grow mushrooms at home and explore the fascinating world of fungi.

Matt shares insights into the ease and accessibility of mushroom gardening, from using North Spore’s beginner-friendly grow kits to experimenting with species like Lion’s Mane, known for its rich flavor and wellness benefits. The conversation explores how mushrooms can be grown indoors and outdoors, their vital role as decomposers that enrich soil health, and their potential as a sustainable protein source.

You’ll also hear about the educational and culinary sides of mushroom cultivation—from hands-on learning experiences for kids to restaurants growing their own mushrooms. Whether you’re an aspiring home gardener, a foodie, or an environmental enthusiast, this discussion offers plenty of inspiration to dig into the magic of mushrooms.

🌐 Learn more about North Spore: https://northspore.com/ 

🎧 This episode also appears on Big Blend Radio’s Big Daily Blend, Quality of Life, and Eat, Drink & Be Merry podcast channels. Listen to more Big Blend Radio shows: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

In this inspiring episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Garden Gossip" Show, nationally recognized gardening expert Pam Penick talks about her brand-new book, "Gardens of Texas: Visions of Resilience from the Lone Star State," out now through Timber Press. Pam shares insights on creating climate-resilient, waterwise, and wildlife-friendly gardens, drawing from two decades of experience as a garden writer, speaker, designer, and advocate for sustainable landscaping.

Through the stunning, photo-rich pages of Gardens of Texas, Pam takes readers on a tour of 27 diverse gardens across the Lone Star State, demonstrating how gardeners can adapt to droughts, heat, floods, and freezes while still cultivating beauty and biodiversity. The conversation explores native plants, local soil types, crevice gardens, heirloom varieties, seed swaps, and the importance of local nurseries—with lessons that extend far beyond Texas.

Pam also reflects on how gardening connects us to nature, promotes ecological health, and serves as a creative response to climate change. Whether you’re a novice gardener or a seasoned plant lover, her insights offer both inspiration and practical wisdom for growing with purpose in any environment.

Learn more about Pam and her work at: https://www.penick.net/digging/ 

Get the book: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/pam-penick/gardens-of-texas/9781643263748/  

Listen to more Garden Gossip episodes on: https://garden-gossip.podbean.com/ 

Celebrate the magic of fall and the richness of Hispanic Heritage Month with us as we journey through the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Travel with Terri" Show, travel writer Terrie Guthrie explores the spectacular Autumn at the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden: ¡Mundo México! event, running from Sept. 20 through Nov. 2, 2025.

The conversation highlights how the Dallas Arboretum, a premier fall attraction, has been transformed with over 110,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash to create an unprecedented celebration of Mexican living culture, contemporary art, and biodiversity. We delve into the stunning pumpkin village, creative art installations, and the importance of this event in fostering community engagement and creating lasting family memories. Discover why this immersive cultural experience positions Dallas as a national destination for cultural tourism.

Key Takeaways: - The Dallas Arboretum is a beloved year-round destination. - The event features a festival-wide transformation with over 110,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash. - ¡Mundo México! celebrates Mexican culture, art, and biodiversity. - The pumpkin village is a main highlight, showcasing creative pumpkin houses inspired by Mexican regions. - The gardens feature plants and art installations that tell cultural stories. - Family-friendly events at the Arboretum are designed to create lasting memories. - The festival has helped position Dallas as a national destination for cultural tourism.

For more information and to plan your visit, check out the official Dallas Arboretum website: https://www.dallasarboretum.org/ 

Follow Terri’s adventures: https://travelwithterri.net/     https://www.instagram.com/travelwithterri/   https://www.youtube.com/@travelwithterri    https://www.facebook.com/travelwithterrifromtexas   

🎙️ Listen to Travel with Terri weekly: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/  

🎧 Also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station, Garden Gossip, and Big Daily Blend podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

In celebration of National Literacy Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Books & Authors" show with Books Forward features author Liz Parker, who discusses her upcoming novel, "Witches of Honeysuckle House" (October 21, 2025, Alcove Press). A must-read for "practical Magic" fans, this enchanting story blends curses, sisterhood, and the power of plants with themes of generational trauma, family, and community. 

Liz shares insights into the 13-year curse central to the story, the sentient house that shapes the narrative, and how her background in herbalism informs the magic woven throughout the book. She also talks about intention in witchcraft, the significance of plants, and her goal of helping readers reconnect with the natural world.

📘 More about Liz and her books: https://www.lizparkerwrites.com/  

⏱️ Chapters / Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Witches of Honeysuckle House 02:07 – The Curse and Its Significance 04:29 – Sisterhood and Generational Trauma 06:28 – Exploring Spells vs. Curses 07:59 – Themes of Family and Community 09:51 – The Impact of Generational Trauma 11:22 – The Role of Plants and Nature 13:35 – The Author's Journey to Writing 17:17 – The Magic of Belief and Imagination 18:53 – The Sentient House and Its Personality 20:50 – Witchcraft and Family Legacy 22:20 – Herbalism and the Power of Plants 29:52 – The Connection Between Plants and Humanity 32:11 – Conclusion and Future Works

🔔 Learn more about Books Forward: https://booksforward.com/ 

This episode of Big Blend Radio shines a spotlight on North East Trees, an award-winning urban greening nonprofit committed to building climate resilience and advancing environmental equity in underinvested communities throughout Los Angeles.

Featured Guests: 🌳 Joe Laskin – Director of Development, North East Trees – https://www.northeasttrees.org/  🌿 Cheryl Leutjen – Author of “Love Earth Now” and “Madness on the Brink of Eco-Apocalypse," and Board Director, North East Trees – https://cherylleutjen.com/  Recognized as a 2025 Nonprofit of the Year by the California Association of Nonprofits, North East Trees is making a lasting difference through urban forestry, biodiversity enhancement, and workforce development programs. From planting over 100,000 trees to transforming schoolyards into green spaces, the organization demonstrates how trees can heal communities, foster connection with nature, and combat climate change.

📺 Learn more in this PBS special: Combatting Climate Change with Trees – https://www.pbs.org/video/combatting-climate-change-with-trees-tcffrw/ 

This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Parks & Travel", "Quality of Life", and "Garden Gossip" Channels. Keep up with all Big Blend Radio shows at: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork  *** Images by Alex Michel, courtesy of North East Trees

In celebration of Parks & Recreation Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Jo Goes Everywhere!” travel podcast with writer and photographer Jo Clark explores the stunning coastal treasures of South Carolina. Tune in to learn about the natural beauty, wildlife, and historical significance of Huntington Beach State Park, Brookgreen Gardens, and Atalaya Castle.

Jo shares fascinating stories—from the architecture of the castle to the legacy of rice plantations—and offers helpful travel tips, including seasonal events, scenic highlights, and community conservation efforts. Whether you're a nature lover, history buff, or art enthusiast, this episode is full of inspiration for your next adventure!

📖 Read Jo's Article: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/exploring-the-treasures-of-south-carolinas-coast/ 

🗓️ “Jo Goes Everywhere!” airs every 2nd Sunday at 7pm EST on Big Blend Radio. 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: https://jogoeseverywhere.podbean.com/ 

🌍 Follow Jo's Travels: http://www.haveglasswilltravel.com/  https://recipestravelculture.com/ 

🎙️ Also featured on: Big Blend’s Vacation Station, Parks & Travel, Garden Gossip & Big Daily Blend channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

This episode of Big Blend Radio features travel writer Linda Kissam, “Food, Wine & Shopping Diva,” who shares her recent visit to the stunning Point Defiance Rose Garden in Tacoma, Washington. From the garden’s rich history and environmental significance to its natural beauty and community value, this conversation is a tribute to the Pacific Northwest’s floral charm. Discover how the region’s climate helps roses thrive, how nature and public spaces foster well-being, and why the garden is a perfect place for everything from peaceful picnics to family outings.

📖 Read Linda’s article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/point-defiance-rose-garden-in-tacoma/ 

🎧 Follow Linda’s podcast: https://lindakissam-foodwinetravel.podbean.com/ 

🌐 Follow Diva Linda’s adventures: https://allingoodtaste.info/ 

🎙️ Also listen on Big Blend’s Garden Gossip podcast channel: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Wander the World with Sharon,” award-winning travel writer and photographer Sharon K. Kurtz takes us on a journey through the picturesque Brandywine Valley in Chester County, Pennsylvania — the heart of America’s Garden Capital.

Explore the region’s rich heritage, from the legacy of the DuPont and Wyeth families to its thriving conservation efforts and artistic traditions. Sharon also shares insider travel tips and highlights must-see destinations like the world-renowned Longwood Gardens and Kennett Square, known as the Mushroom Capital of the World. Plus, get a taste of the area’s vibrant culinary scene and garden culture.

📝 Read the full article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/discovering-chester-countys-brandywine-valley 

🌍 More on Sharon K. Kurtz: https://sharonkkurtz.com 

📅 New episodes premiere the first Wednesday of every month at 12pm CST: https://wandertheworldwithsharon.podbean.com 

🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station & Garden Gossip channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

As part of Big Blend Radio's GARDEN PARTY Celebrations, travel writer Debbie Stone talks about artist Kevin Box’s origami-like pieces that range from small works to larger forms, the latter of which can be found in the enchanting outdoor sculpture gardens in Santa Fe, Orlando, and Tulsa. Read Debbie's story and check out the images of the art, here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/origami-in-the-garden-is-a-feast-for-the-senses/  

Big Blend Radio's "Global Adventures with Debbie Stone " Podcast airs every 4th Tuesday. Follow the podcast here: https://global-adventures-debbie-stone.podbean.com/ 

In celebration of National Garden Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio features gardening expert Bevin Cohen who discusses his new book, "HERBS IN EVERY SEASON: 48 Edible and Medicinal Herbs for the Kitchen, Garden, and Apothecary," that's out now through Timber Press. 

"Herbs in Every Season" offers gardeners, herbalists, cooks, and homesteaders a new way of looking at herbs throughout the year, and from every angle. The photographed guide features information on gardening, cooking, and integrating herbs as part of a holistic wellness routine. Herbalists will learn how an herb’s growth habits inform its medicinal capabilities, and gardeners will gain insight into herbs as integral culinary plants for the kitchen garden, pollinator plants for perennial borders, and key ingredients for a home apothecary. 

Bevin Cohen is an author, herbalist, gardener, seed saver, and educator. He is the owner of Small House Farm, the founder of Michigan Seed Library Network, and offers workshops and lectures. More at: http://www.smallhousefarm.com/ 

Celebrate Spring, National Garden Month and Poetry Month with Part 2 of Big Blend Radio's Spring Garden Party 2025. 

FEATURED GUESTS - EVA ELDRIDGE is a travel writer, editor, publishing expert and avid gardener. Hear about some of her favorite local plants and botanical gardens in Tucson, Arizona. Visit: https://evaeldridge.com/ 

- DEBBIE STONE is a travel writer and photographer based in Santa Fe, New Mexico who talks about Origami in the Garden that features beautiful sculptures by artist Kevin Box. Read her story about it, here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/origami-in-the-garden-is-a-feast-for-the-senses/ 

- HEIDI SANDER is a travel writer, author and award-winning poet who talks about how Stratford, Ontario is a destination for North American theatre and garden lovers. Her Stratford Gems book series is a poetic travel book that has highlighted some of the special gardens in Stratford through a unique artistic blend of photography and poetry. More: https://heidisander.com/ 

- JOHNNY SCHAEFER & KIMI YNIGUES - Kimi is a freelance floral designer based in Boise, Idaho who talks abour floral design, and the healing power of flowers. Johnny  @hearjohnny  is an award-winning singer-songwriter based in Pasadena, California who cohosts Big Blend Radio every 1st Sunday. More: https://hearjohnny.com/    

MORE GARDEN PARTY FUN: - Listen to our “Sounds of Spring” Music Playlist on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yc4udexf  - Listen to Part 1 of our Spring Garden Party, here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/spring-garden-party-2025/ 

Celebrate National Garden Month with this special Big Blend Radio SPRING GARDEN PARTY (Part 1) featuring guest co-host Johnny Schaefer and special guests: Barbara Redding, Terri Guthrie, Joelle Machia & Ryan Slough, Julie Suman, Rose Palmer, Michelle Fedosoff, and Amy Nesler. Part 2 of this Garden Party podcast features ”Gardens, Flowers, Art & Poetry” airs on Monday, April 7 at 11am PT / 2pm ET on BigBlendRadio.com.

Listen to our “Sounds of Spring” Music Playlist on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yc4udexf 

FEATURED GUESTS: – JOHNNY SCHAEFER  @hearjohnny   – Southern California based award-winning singer-songwriter and co-host of Big Blend Radio’s “Big Daily Blend” Podcast every 1st Sunday. Visit: https://hearjohnny.com/ 

– BARBARA REDDING – Freelance travel writer and photographer based in Austin, Texas. Visit: https://barbararedding.com/ 

– TERRI GUTHRIE – Travel journalist and photographer based in Dallas, Texas. Visit. https://travelwithterri.net/ 

– JOELLE MACHIA & RYAN SLOUGH – Travel writers, photographers, founders and publishers of https://www.wandererscompass.com/ 

– JULIE SUMAN – Travel writer and photographer based in Maryland. Visit: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/julie-dee-suman-travel-writer-and-photographer/ 

– MICHELLE FEDOSOFF – Travel writer and photographer based in British Columbia. See her bee garden story on her site: https://sitesandbites.org/published/f/finding-zen-in-the-middle-of-chaos 

– ROSE PALMER – Award-winning travel writer and photographer based in Pennsylvania. Visit: https://quiltripping.com/ 

– AMY NESLER – Stewardship & Communications Manager at San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau in Washington. Visit: https://www.visitsanjuans.com/ 

On this episode of Big Blend Radio, Linda Kissam "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva," talks about Agritopia, a culinary haven in Gilbert, Arizona, that invites food lovers to experience farm-to-table dining like never before. 

With its community gardens, artisanal eateries, and vibrant farmer’s market, this unique planned urban farming development blends agriculture with gastronomy, creating a feast for the senses. Read Linda's article about the unique housing, attractions, and amenities in Agritopia: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/a-foodies-guide-to-agritopia-in-gilbert-arizona/ 

Travel writer Linda Kissam appears on Big Blend Radio every first Saturday. Follow her podcasts here:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1LoD5wiSJu4NM4KZxuJYoj 

Follow Diva Linda's adventures here: https://allingoodtaste.info/ 

This episode is also being shared and featured on Big Blend Radio's "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" channel and "Garden Gossip" Channel. Check out our network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Celebrate Daffodil Day (March 22) and the start of the spring travel season with this episode of Big Blend Radio's "English Connection" show with Glynn Burrows who talks about his adventures in Anglesey, Wales. 

You can read Glynn's article about the daffodils, beautiful scenery, and historic sites like Beaumaris Castle in Anglesey, here:  https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/anglesey-wales-daffodils-scenery-and-historic-sites/ 

Glynn Burrows is the owner of Norfolk Tours in England. He appears on Big Blend Radio every fourth Saturday covering England as a travel destination as well as family history research. Follow his podcasts here:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm2IK_1Zfh-xJ9eEVYhqqC3Z 

Learn more about Norfolk Tours at https://norfolk-tours.co.uk/ 

This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend," "Way Back When," "Garden Gossip," and "Vacation Station" shows. Check out our network of podcasts here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Celebrate National Backyard Day (March 19)  and the Start of Spring with this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Pet Connection" Show that focuses on ways to create a backyard that is pet-friendly. Hear about toxic plants, fencing tips, and basic needs like shade and water, and more. 

Big Blend Radio's PET CONNECTION Show is hosted by veteran pet sitters Nancy J Reid & Lisa Smith, the mother-daughter team behind Big Blend Radio & Magazines, and cohosted by Angela Laws, veteran pet sitter, and community manager at https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/  

Check out this veterinarian approved article about Poisonous Plants for Pets on the Trustedhousesitters blog:   https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/blog/pets/pretty-yet-poisonous-plants-for-dogs-to-avoid/    This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend"  and "Garden Gossip" Podcast Channels. Follow the "Pet Connection" podcast at https://pet-connection.podbean.com/ 

From gardens and historic sites to animal encounters and cultural hotspots, it's all about Portland, Oregon on this episode of Big Blend Radio's travel podcast "Journey Jukebox with Lisa." Hear about Lisa's experiences in The City of Roses including the International Rose Test Garden, Portland Japanese Garden, Pittock Mansion, The Grotto, Mississippi Studios, and Powell's Books, and the Oregon Zoo.

LINKS TO LISA'S PORTLAND ARTICLES - https://rovology.com/united-states/oregon/rediscovering-the-rose-city-portland-oregon/  - https://fwtmagazine.com/a-step-back-in-time-pittock-mansion-in-portland-oregon/ 

LINKS TO PORTLAND SITES - https://www.portland.gov/parks/washington-park-international-rose-test-garden  - https://japanesegarden.org/  - https://www.oregonzoo.org/  - https://thegrotto.org/  - https://pittockmansion.org/  - https://mississippistudios.com/   - https://www.powells.com/ 

JOURNEY JUKEBOX MUSIC PLAYLIST on SPOTIFY (updated each episode):  https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7humUf03LIW04t8LiJSSN9?si=54c7630328284648 

Portland Photos by Lisa Evans, and courtesy of Travel Portland. 

LISA EVANS is a travel writer and photographer, travel advisor, and author of "100 Things to Do in Coastal Mississippi Before You Die."  More at https://writerlisa.com/ and https://www.gosmart.travel/advisors/lisa/evans 

New episodes of Big Blend Radio’s ”Journey Jukebox with Lisa” Podcast air every 3rd Tuesday at 12pm CST. Follow the podcast from your favorite platform here:  https://journeyjukebox.podbean.com/ 

This episode is also featured on our Big Blend Radio "Garden Gossip" and "Vacation Station" Channels.  Check out our Big Blend Radio Network of podcasts here:  https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

From the Biltmore Blooms and the Asheville Orchid Festival to Art Shows and Music Events, Hiking and Chasing Waterfalls, and the Southern Conference Basketball and Wrestling Championships, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Adventures in Asheville" Podcast covers Spring Adventures in Asheville, North Carolina.

As always the show features Steve & Karen Wilson "Mr & Mrs Wild, who own and run The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast, a stunning pink lady in the Montford Historic District. More: https://www.lion-rose.com/   

Big Blend Radio's "Adventures in Asheville" Show airs every 1st Tuesday. Follow the show on PodBean: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/ 

This episode is also being shared and featured on other Big Blend Radio Network Podcast Channels including "Vacation Station" and "Garden Gossip," Check out our network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Show, author Paula Whyman discusses her memoir, "BAD NATURALIST: One Woman’s Ecological Education on a Wild Virginia Mountaintop," out now through Timber Press. 

A few years ago, Paula Whyman decided to leave her Maryland / suburban DC empty nest to find a rural getaway -- maybe a small farmhouse where she could put her interest in conservation to work. With little experience in gardening or conservation, Whyman had a crazy idea to cultivate a small native meadow to provide an acre or two where wildlife could thrive and she could explore with her poodle. Then she set foot on 200 acres of old farmland atop a Virginia mountain about 20 miles outside Front Royal, VA and her dream became a reality.

In "BAD NATURALIST: One Woman’s Ecological Education on a Wild Virginia Mountaintop," author Paula Whyman explains how she cares for her mountain-sized ecological restoration challenge with a mixture of humility and humor.  She quickly discovers it’s impossible to be a “good” naturalist. More at https://paulawhyman.com/ 

In observance of World Social Justice Day, this episode of Big Blend Radio features Leah Rothstein, a veteran community organizer, local housing program expert, and co-author of "Just Action: How to Challenge Segregation Enacted Under the Color of Law" (Liveright: June 2023), which will be released in paperback on March 4, 2025.

In 2017 Richard Rothstein wrote "The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America." The book has sold more than 1 million copies and started a revolution in the housing industry by explaining America’s troubled housing situation.  

Newly educated and informed communities across the nation began to take action.  As Richard toured the country educating local communities, the communities began reviewing their housing policies and initiating changes. Realizing direction was needed to help communities get started and move the process forward, Richard enlisted his daughter, Leah Rothstein, to co-author "Just Action." 

"Just Action" provides concrete examples of what communities can do to improve local housing policies. Paired with an active "Just Action Substack" column, challenging segregated housing is happening across the nation. Visit: https://www.justactionbook.org/ 

This episode of Big Blend Radio's 2nd Wednesday "Books & Authors" Show with Books Forward features author and writer Barbara Boyle who discusses her new memoir, "Pinch Me: Waking Up in a 300-Year-Old Italian Farmhouse.” 

From a high stress career in global advertising to a simple rural life in a barn in an Italian hill town, "Pinch Me" shares Barbara's journey of transformation through love, food and community in Piemonte. Discover how she leaves her life behind in San Francisco and takes apart a 300-year-old stone barn to build a new home, a new life, in Italy. It’s a tale filled with discoveries, disappointments, pleasures, frustrations, and triumphs. And given the gastronomic excellence of the region, she shares some special recipes as well. Get the book or learn more here: https://www.barbaraboyleauthor.com/ 

More about Books Forward at https://booksforward.com/ 

It's all about Parks, Plantations, and Gardens in Charleston, South Carolina, on this episode of Big Blend Radio's JO GOES EVERYWHERE! Podcast with travel writer and photographer Jo Clark. 

Hear all about Jo's adventures at Hampton Plantation State Historic Site, Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site, Magnolia Plantation, Middleton Place, and Hampton Park, plus, where to eat, sip, and stay. Check out her article about it all here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/winter-in-charleston-south-carolina/ 

Jo Clark is a travel writer and photographer based on South Carolina’s Grand Strand. She has a thirst for knowledge, history, great food, and wine! Her Big Blend Radio podcast "Jo Goes Everywhere!" airs every 2nd Sunday at 7pm EST. Follow the show on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/yfkjm8sd 

Thinking of moving to England or purchasing a second property or vacation spaces? This episode of Big Blend Radio's "English Connection" show with Glynn Burrows focuses on real estate opportunities in England. Check out his article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/considering-a-move-to-england/ 

Glynn Burrows is the owner of Norfolk Tours in England. He appears on Big Blend Radio every fourth Saturday covering England as a travel destination as well as family history research. Follow his podcasts here:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm2IK_1Zfh-xJ9eEVYhqqC3Z 

Learn more about Norfolk Tours at https://norfolk-tours.co.uk/ 

This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Garden Gossip" home and garden show. Check out our network of podcasts here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

On this episode of Big Blend Radio, award-winning author and journalist Simon Parkin discusses his new book, "The Forbidden Garden: The Botanists of Besieged Leningrad and Their Impossible Choice." 

The first book to chart the history of the world’s largest collection of seeds, "The Forbidden Garden" shares the story of the Siege of Leningrad and how from 1941 to 1944, the scientists in the seed bank had to face an impossible choice each day: eat the collection to prevent starvation, or protect their life’s work to help end world hunger? More at https://www.simonparkin.com/ 

This episode is cohosted by Margot Carrera, a fine art nature photographer who is passionate about the environment.  More: http://margotcarrera.etsy.com/ 

Check out Big Blend Radio's network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Happy World Urbanism Day, aka World City Planning Day! This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Show features Sara C. Bronin who discusses her book, "KEY TO THE CITY: How Zoning Shapes Our World." 

Zoning codes have become the most significant regulatory power of local government, determining how we experience our cities. Yet zoning remains invisible. In "Key to the City," Sara reveals the impact of zoning—for good and ill—in cities across the country, from Hartford to Baltimore and Las Vegas to Chicago. Outdated zoning codes have maintained racial segregation, prioritized cars over people, and enabled great ecological harm. 

Along with being an author, Sara is an architect, attorney, Cornell University professor, and founder of the National Zoning Atlas. More at https://www.sarabronin.com/ and https://www.zoningatlas.org/ 

Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Podcast airs every 2nd Monday and 4th Friday in collaboration with Margot Carrera, a fine art nature photographer who is passionate about the environment. More: http://margotcarrera.etsy.com/ 

This episode is also being shared and featured on other Big Blend Radio Network Channels including the "Big Daily Blend," "Women Making History," and "Garden Gossip." Check out our network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

This episode of Big Blend Radio features photographer Steve Piacente, a reporter turned speechwriter, university professor, author, and life coach. You'll rarely find him without a camera is always at his side. 

Hear about his photography, what and who inspires him, his world travels, and more, plus, check out his editorial Q&A with us here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/photographer-insider-steve-piacente/ 

Visit Steve's online gallery: https://www.piacentephotos.com/ 

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s 3rd Monday “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with IFWTWA features travel blogger Feuza Reis who shares the ins-and-outs of purchasing property in Sicily, especially through unique 1 Euro Homes project in San Piero Patti. 

A small village that's home to around 2,500 residents, San Piero Patti is located approximately 2 hours from each major airport in Sicily,  1 hour from Messina, and just 20 minutes from Patti, a larger city with around 9,000 inhabitants. This hilltop area offers stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. From here, you can see the Aeolian Islands, and on a clear day, you can also see Panarea at the very bottom on the right, Stromboli. Read Feuza's article about it all in "Live in Italy" Magazine, here: https://liveinitalymag.com/buying-property-in-sicily-1-euro-homes/ 

Feuza Reis, also known as Fuse, combines her expertise in mid-budget travel with her deep affection for Europe in captivating stories and visuals on her blog, Fuse Travels. Originally from Brazil, Fuse's passion for travel truly blossomed six years ago when she fell in love with Italy. She plans to move to Italy in three years and brings almost four decades of travel experience to her audience. Keep up with her at https://fusetravels.com/. 

Learn more about the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) here: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 

Follow this Podcast Channel on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1chVylr9kzBMftUgBoLS-m 

This episode of Big Blend Radio's 1st Tuesday "Adventures in Asheville" Show focuses on unique art, garden, and community experiences.

Featured Guests:

- Steve & Karen Wilson - Owners and innkeepers of The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast, a stunning pink lady in the Montford Historic District. More: https://www.lion-rose.com/

- DeWayne Barton - Founder of Hood Huggers International and Peace Gardens & Market, in the heart of West Asheville’s Burton Street Community, a historically African American neighborhood established in the early 1900’s. More: https://hoodhuggers.com/

- Annie Katla Bennette - Co-owner of @artgardenavl an artist owned and operated Art Gallery & Plant Shop in Asheville's River Arts District. More: https://www.artgardenavl.com/

Big Blend Radio's "Adventures in Asheville" Show airs every 1st Tuesday. Follow the show on YouTube: http://tinyurl.com/ycxwjkr7

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jennifer McGuinness joins Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" and "Garden Gossip" podcasts to discuss her latest book, "Bird-Friendly Gardening." Releasing in April 2024 through Cool Springs Press, and available on pre-order, it's the ultimate and authoritative guide for cultivating a home landscape that embraces wildlife, specifically catering to a diverse array of native plants that nourish, shelter, and sustain birds.

Every individual has the power to significantly impact the lives of thousands of birds, whether they're passing through during migration or establishing a feathered haven for the next generation. Creating a bird-friendly haven for various species need not be an overwhelming task. The key lies in understanding the requirements of our avian companions and recognizing how native plants, coupled with intentional garden design, can fulfill those needs. In "Bird-Friendly Gardening," Jennifer McGuinness expertly presents this knowledge in an easy-to-follow, actionable format. More: https://frauzinnie.blogspot.com/

Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Podcast airs every 4th Friday in collaboration with Margot Carrera, a fine art nature photographer who is passionate about the environment. More: http://margotcarrera.etsy.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Just remember, during the winter, far beneath the bitter snow, that there’s a seed that with the sun’s love in the spring becomes a rose.” Bette Midler, The Rose

This episode of Big Blend Radio's BIG DAILY BLEND Podcast celebrates Rose Day (February 7) with two Big Blend Radio "From the Vault" Interviews that were recorded onsite at Gardens of the American Rose Center in Shreveport, Louisiana, and, the Tombstone Rose Tree Museum in Tombstone, Arizona.

ROSE GARDENS & ROSY DESTINATIONS:

- American Rose Center: https://www.rose.org/

- Tombstone Rose Tree Museum: http://tinyurl.com/mvyxxtdb

- Chicago Botanical Garden: http://tinyurl.com/2wzsrejz

- San Benito County, California: http://tinyurl.com/bdhakpkf

- Woodlake Botanical Garden: http://tinyurl.com/yube6rcm

- The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast: http://tinyurl.com/4d4r3j39

- Rosevine Inn Bed & Breakfast: http://tinyurl.com/4zrepjb5

- Gene C. Reid Park in Tucson: http://tinyurl.com/bhx6ncdm

- Gorgeous Gardens of England: http://tinyurl.com/uzrx6snw

ROSY RECIPES:

- Ruth's Rose Petal Jam: http://tinyurl.com/yhzkpmjv

- Ruth's Apple Roses: http://tinyurl.com/jetr2xpy

ROSY MELODIES - A Rose Inspired Music Playlist:

- On YouTube: http://tinyurl.com/yckmcpu4

- On Spotify: http://tinyurl.com/t6779h52

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Big Blend Radio's BIG DAILY BLEND Podcast celebrates National Western Monarch Butterfly Day by focusing on habitat conservation for these beautiful migratory pollinators! Hear some interesting facts about the Monarch Migration, plus a Big Blend Radio "From the Vault" interview from Sara Dykman, author of “Bicycling with Butterflies: My 10,201-Mile Journey Following the Monarch Migration.”

MONARCH BUTTERFLY BOOKS, PODCASTS, CONSERVATION & NON-PROFITE ORGANIZATION RESOURCES as talked about in the podcast:

* Monarch Watch: https://www.monarchwatch.org/

* Monarch Joint Venture: https://monarchjointventure.org/

* NWF Spring Gardening for Wildlife: http://tinyurl.com/yfh5zv6z

* US Forest Service Monarch Butterfly FAQ: http://tinyurl.com/255v85un

* Lake Lure Flowering Bridge: http://tinyurl.com/4dntj5ma

* Sara Dykman "Bicyling with Butterflies": http://tinyurl.com/3w4uuf26

* Kim Eierman "The Pollinator Victory Garden": http://tinyurl.com/2s42arcd

* Nancy Lawson "The Humane Gardener": http://tinyurl.com/4mzsyfrv

* Stephanie Rose "The Regenerative Garden": http://tinyurl.com/55kte7ca

* Dr. Doug Tallemy "Nature's Best Hope - Young Readers Edition": http://tinyurl.com/yckup49c

* Adrienne Edwards, PhD. and Rachel Schleiger, MS "Firescaping Your Home": http://tinyurl.com/yckwm3cj

* Amy Stark "The Fairy Godmother Helps the Monarchs": http://tinyurl.com/53rvdn7d

Special thanks to our Big Blend Radio "Nature Connection" cohost Margot Carrera, a fine nature photographer. View her work: http://tinyurl.com/4rruc6h5

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Big Blend Radio's GARDEN GOSSIP show features food gardening pro Christina Chung, who discusses her new book "The Layered Edible Garden: A Beginner's Guide to Creating a Productive Food Garden Layer by Layer," that comes out on Feb. 6, 2024 through Cool Springs Press.

"The Layered Edible Garden" provides a modern approach to home food gardening that follows nature’s lead by growing plants in mixed communities, instead of in agriculture-centric monocultures. Say goodbye to long, straight rows of vegetable plants lined up and waiting for attacks from pests and diseases, and say hello to an interplanted polyculture paradise, filled with layers of edible plants that outcompete weeds, share resources, and grow beautifully together. More at https://fluent.garden/ and http://tinyurl.com/5x5y5prh

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In celebration of National Houseplant Appreciation Day (January 10, 2024), this episode of Big Blend Radio's BIG DAILY BLEND podcast features nature photographer Margot Carrera Margot Carrera Fine Art Photography & Design who talks with Nancy & Lisa about orchids, sacred geometry, the health and wellness benefits plants provide, and more. View Margot's photography and designer gifts at http://margotcarrera.etsy.com/

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “An orchid in a deep forest sends out its fragrance even if no one is around to appreciate it.” Confucius

PUZZLE OF THE DAY is an online jigsaw puzzle of orchid blossoms. Photo by Margot Carrera: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/nature-connection-plants-and-parks/

MUSIC OF THE DAY is "Black Orchid" and "Journey Through The Secret Life of Plants" album by Stevie Wonder. Listen on YouTube: http://tinyurl.com/bdfynakn

Listen on Spotify: http://tinyurl.com/4emxx4nb

BOOKS OF THE DAY: "The Secret Life of Plants" by Peter Tompkins and Christopher Bird, and "Hi Cacti: Growing Houseplants & Happiness" by Sabine Palermo - interview here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/sabine-palermo-hi-cacti/

MOVIE OF THE DAY: "Adaptation" with Nicolas Cage - see: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0268126/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Garden Gossip" Show features Resh Gala, author of "Vegetable Gardening Made Easy: Simple Tips & Tricks to Grow Your Best Garden Ever."

WATCH THIS PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/-vQLZcyJPFI

Out now thorugh Cool Springs Press, "Vegetable Gardening Made Easy," is a smart garden know-how presented by a professional kitchen gardener who has “been there, done that” and wants nothing more than to see you succeed. Filled with over 80 quick and useful tips, and organized in an easy-to-use format that doesn’t overwhelm, each page explains and illustrates an essential piece of core advice, offering plenty of eco-friendly information to lead you to success. The format is perfect for today’s time-starved gardeners! More at https://www.reshgala.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Big Blend Radio's NATURE CONNECTION Show features Jennifer Jewell who is a gardener, garden writer, and gardening educator and advocate. Hear about her new book “WHAT WE SOW: On the Personal, Ecological, and Cultural Significance of Seeds."

WATCH THIS PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/-uxFLZe3Fv8

In WHAT WE SOW, Jewell shares personal observations over the course of a year that begins at the autumn equinox, interviews prominent scientists and seed-savers, and proves how we must work hard to preserve our future by protecting the great natural diversity of seeds. Since 2016, she has written and hosted the national award-winning, weekly public radio program and podcast, Cultivating Place. https://www.cultivatingplace.com/

This episode is part of Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Series that airs every 4th Friday in collaboration with Margot Carrera, a fine art nature photographer who is passionate about the environment. More: https://www.carrerafineartgallery.com/

Follow the Nature Connection Podcast: https://shows.acast.com/bigblendradio-nature

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Big Blend Radio's NATURE CONNECTION Show features ecologists Adrienne Edwards and Rachel Schleiger, authors of "FIRESCAPING YOUR HOME: A Manual for Readiness in Wildfire Country."

A must have for homeowners living in wildfire country, FIRESCAPING YOUR HOME is a hardworking guide to mitigating the risk of wildfire spreading to homes and property through the use of native plants and garden design. In addition to design recommendations and maintenance techniques, the book features an in-depth list of hundreds of native plants that have evolved to coexist with fires. Edwards and Schleiger diligently explore how and why these plants sustain wildlife and are powerful tools for defending homes from wildfires. Approachable and thorough, FIRESCAPING YOUR HOME is an essential guide to teach homeowners how to protect their property while cultivating a lush and attractive landscape.

This episode is part of Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Series that airs every 4th Friday in collaboration with Margot Carrera, a fine art nature photographer who is passionate about the environment. More: https://www.carrerafineartgallery.com/

Follow the Nature Connection Podcast: https://shows.acast.com/bigblendradio-nature

NOTE: This episode was recorded before the Maui Wildfires. To help Maui's recovery through donations, volunteering, and providing services, please visit https://www.mauinuistrong.info/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.