Learn more about planting native midwestern plants from Nebraska-based host Stephanie Barelman. If pollinator habitats, conservation, and nature-driven wonder are in your wheelhouse, this is the podcast for you. Come with us as we navigate how to make colorful spaces for humans and wildlife; and talk with experts, aspiring gardeners, and thinkers. You won't want to miss this excellent and helpful content.
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Nebraskan Trees and Shrubs for Bored Suburbanites with Guest Heather Byers
Season 2 · Episode 26
Thursday, August 29, 2024 • Duration 56:02
Nebraskan Trees and Shrubs for Bored SuburbanitesEpisode Introduction
In today’s episode, Nebraskan Trees and Shrubs for Bored Suburbanites, we chat with Heather Byers, owner of Great Plains Nursery, about keystone species, the best time of year to plant trees, and beautiful and native options for woody plants humans, pollinators, and yes, even squirrels can enjoy.
Host Stephanie Barelman
Stephanie Barelman is the founder of the Bellevue Native Plant Society, a midwest motivational speaker surrounding the native plants dialogue, and host of the Plant Native Nebraska Podcast.
Guest Heather Byers
Heather Byers is a native tree enthusiast and, along with her husband Brian, owner of Great Plains Nursery near Weston, NE. She graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2006 with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Horticulture Production and shortly after started the business with a passion for growing and planting native trees and shrubs and sharing the importance of native plants for the ecosystem.
Episode Sponsors
Today's episode is sponsored by Lauritzen Gardens:
The Plant Native Nebraska podcast can be found on the podcast app of your choice.
Episode Content
TRIGGER WARNING: We occasionally discuss plants with a more eastern or western range. But we make a point to only discuss midwestern U.S. plants. Always check BONAP or other range maps to determine the best estimates of historical nativity.
Although there are differences between Eastern and Western Nebraska, Heather stresses planting trees and shrubs with high ecological value.
Her recommendations for Eastern NE:
Oaks, baby!
Did you know that oaks support 500 species of caterpillars. And consequentially, oaks support a variety of birds such as bluejays (beautiful jerks) and species of warblers. Many different kinds of oaks to choose from such as:
Chinquapin or Dwarf Chinquapin Oak (great for smaller spaces)
Chestnut Oak
Hills Oak
Red Oak
Burr Oak
Some recommendations for Western NE:
Burr Oak
Hackberry
American...
Alternative Lawns: Not Your Grandmother's Turfgrass with Host Stephanie Barelman
Season 2 · Episode 25
Wednesday, August 14, 2024 • Duration 01:19:39
Alternative Lawns: Not Your Grandmother's TurfgrassEpisode Introduction
In today’s episode, Alternative Lawns: Not Your Grandmother's Turfgrass, we go over different options for replacing lawn, why you'll be happy to make the jump, and tried and true ways to replace and maintain your new landscape.
Host Stephanie Barelman
Stephanie Barelman is the founder of the Bellevue Native Plant Society, a midwest motivational speaker surrounding the native plants dialogue, and host of the Plant Native Nebraska Podcast.
Episode Sponsors
Today's episode is sponsored by Lauritzen Gardens:
In Rebellion Against the Neat and Tidy with Host Stephanie Barelman
Season 2 · Episode 16
Thursday, February 29, 2024 • Duration 27:19
In Rebellion Against the Neat and TidyEpisode Introduction
In today's episode, In Rebellion Against the Neat and Tidy, we go over why seemingly perfect gardens are not sustainable and address common garden myths that may prevent you and others from growing native gardenscapes.
Host Stephanie Barelman
Stephanie Barelman is the founder of the Bellevue Native Plant Society, a midwest motivational speaker surrounding the native plants dialogue, and host of the Plant Native Nebraska Podcast.
The Plant Native Nebraska podcast can be found on the podcast app of your choice.
Episode Content
Over-curated, over-groomed, over-mulched gardens are not sustainable
We need to transition from over-consumption to being sustainable producers for our local ecosystems.
Softer Landings with Heather Holm
Season 1 · Episode 15
Wednesday, October 25, 2023 • Duration 40:02
Softer landingsEpisode Introduction
In today's episode, Softer Landings, we chat with Heather Holm, pollinator conservationist and author, about leaf litter, the mighty oak, and what we can do to make more “habitable” habitats in often underutilized understory. Thanks for listening!
Host Stephanie Barelman
Stephanie Barelman is the founder of the Bellevue Native Plant Society, a midwest motivational speaker surrounding the native plants dialog, and host of the Plant Native Nebraska Podcast.
Guest Heather Holm
Heather Holm is a pollinator conservationist and award-winning author of four books: Pollinators of Native Plants (2014), Bees (2017), Wasps (2021), and Common Native Bees of the Eastern United States (2022). Both Bees and Wasps have won multiple book awards including the American Horticultural Society Book Award. Heather’s expertise includes the interactions between native pollinators and native plants, and the natural history and biology of native bees and predatory wasps. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, Minneapolis Star Tribune, and many local publications. Heather is a National Honorary Director of Wild Ones and also serves on the boards of several non-profits: Friends of Cullen Nature Preserve and Bird Sanctuary and Friends of Minnetonka Parks.
Native Edible Plants Part 3: Nuts, Blossoms, and Fruits with Bob Henrickson
Season 1 · Episode 14
Wednesday, October 11, 2023 • Duration 01:03:01
Native Edible Plants Part 3: Nuts, Blossoms, and FruitsEpisode Introduction
In today's episode, Native Edible Plants Part 3: Nuts, Blossoms, and Fruits, we chat with Bob Henrickson from the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum about rabbit holes, unripe black walnut liqueur and even more native plants to add to your edible garden.
Host Stephanie Barelman
Stephanie Barelman is the founder of the Bellevue Native Plant Society, a freelance garden designer, and host of the Plant Native Nebraska Podcast.
Guest Bob Henrickson
Bob Henrickson attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and graduated with a B.S. in Wildlife Biology in the School of Natural Resources. Currently, Bob is the Horticulture Program Coordinator with the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, Inc., a private, non-profit organization and program of the Nebraska Forest Service. Bob is also a Nebraska Certified Nurseryman and a Certified Arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture. Bob has hosted a live, call-in gardening talk show called How’s it Growin’ on a community radio station in Lincoln since 2000. He is passionate about native plants, herbs, dried flowers, vegetable gardening, wild mushrooms, and wild edible plants.
Thank you, Bob, for providing some rich and interesting content for this episode!
Patience, Mistakes, and #gardengoals with Host Stephanie Barelman
Season 1 · Episode 12
Tuesday, September 12, 2023 • Duration 19:45
Patience, Mistakes, and #gardengoalsEpisode Introduction
In today's episode, Patience, Mistakes, and #gardengoals, we go over common mistakes beginner and even intermediate gardeners can make; the virtues of serenity, patience, and open-mindedness in the garden; and how your best-laid plans can come true.
Host Stephanie Barelman
Stephanie Barelman is the founder of the Bellevue Native Plant Society, a midwest motivational speaker, and host of the Plant Native Nebraska Podcast.
The Plant Native Nebraska podcast can be found on the podcast app of your choice.
Episode Content
#gardengoals
Don't be rigid
Do have fun
Don't fall on the sword of perfectionism
Native Edible Plants Part Two: Vegetables, Alliums, and Greens with Bob Henrickson
Season 1 · Episode 11
Thursday, September 7, 2023 • Duration 01:12:37
Native Edible Plants Part Two: Vegetables, Alliums, and GreensEpisode Introduction
In today's episode, Native Edible Plants Part Two, we go over some benefits of homegrown food, what native prairie plants make interesting and excellent veggies, some extra benefits these plants provide.
Host Stephanie Barelman
Stephanie Barelman is the founder of the Bellevue Native Plant Society, a midwest motivational speaker, and host of the Plant Native Nebraska Podcast.
Guest Bob Henrickson
Bob Henrickson attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and graduated with a B.S. in Wildlife Biology in the School of Natural Resources. Currently, Bob is the Horticulture Program Coordinator with the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, Inc., a private, non-profit organization and program of the Nebraska Forest Service. Bob is also a Nebraska Certified Nurseryman and a Certified Arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture. Bob has hosted a live, call-in gardening talk show called How’s it Growin’ on a community radio station in Lincoln since 2000. He is passionate about native plants, herbs, dried flowers, vegetable gardening, wild mushrooms and wild edible plants.
Thank you, Bob, for providing some rich and interesting content for this episode!
Prairies, Pragmatism, and Pollinators with Benjamin Vogt
Season 1 · Episode 10
Tuesday, August 15, 2023 • Duration 58:33
Prairies, Pragmatism, and Pollinators- Discussing Prairie Up with Benjamin VogtEpisode Introduction
In today's episode, Prairies, Pragmatism, and Pollinators, we chat with Benjamin Vogt of Monarch Gardens about reconciliation ecology, the humble dandelion, and messy landscapes.
Host Stephanie Barelman
Stephanie Barelman is the founder of the Bellevue Native Plant Society, a midwest motivational speaker, and host of the Plant Native Nebraska Podcast.
Guest Benjamin Vogt
Benjamin Vogt is owner of the prairie-inspired design firm Monarch Gardens. He is author of the best-selling books A New Garden Ethic: Cultivating Defiant Compassion for an Uncertain Future, as well as Prairie Up: An Introduction to Natural Garden Design. Benjamin's design work has been featured in The American Gardener, Dwell, Fine Gardening, Horticulture, Midwest Living, The New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal. Through his business he offers a variety of resources such as consulting, design, online classes, webinars, garden guides, articles, and more.
Native Edible Plants Part One: Wildflower Teas with Bob Henrickson
Season 1 · Episode 9
Thursday, July 20, 2023 • Duration 59:46
Native Edible Plants Part One: Wildflower TeasEpisode Introduction
In today's episode, Native Edible Plants Part One: Wildflower Teas, we go over some benefits of homegrown food, what native prairie plants make interesting and excellent herbal teas, some extra benefits these plants provide.
Host Stephanie Barelman
Stephanie Barelman is the founder of the Bellevue Native Plant Society, a midwest motivational speaker, and host of the Plant Native Nebraska Podcast.
Guest Bob Henrickson
Bob Henrickson attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and graduated with a B.S. in Wildlife Biology in the School of Natural Resources. Currently, Bob is the Horticulture Program Coordinator with the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, Inc., a private, non-profit organization and program of the Nebraska Forest Service. Bob is also a Nebraska Certified Nurseryman and a Certified Arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture. Bob has hosted a live, call-in gardening talk show called How’s it Growin’ on a community radio station in Lincoln since 2000. He is passionate about native plants, herbs, dried flowers, vegetable gardening, wild mushrooms and wild edible plants.
Thank you, Bob, for providing some rich and interesting content for this episode!
Demystifying the Native Shade Garden with Host Stephanie Barelman
Season 1 · Episode 8
Thursday, June 22, 2023 • Duration 42:46
Demystifying the Native Shade GardenEpisode Introduction
In today's episode, Demystifying the Native Shade Garden, we go over why we don't need to rely on exotics for these spaces and some native Nebraska plant choices you can inject for some habitat value and beauty in low light areas.
Host Stephanie Barelman
Stephanie Barelman is the founder of the Bellevue Native Plant Society, a midwest motivational speaker, and host of the Plant Native Nebraska Podcast.
Pesticide and herbicide runoff pollutes groundwater, rivers, and streams
Kids are exposed to pesticide and herbicide residues while playing
Birds, pollinators, and other wildlife are exposed to residues while foraging and traveling which can result in disease, illness, and death . I mentioned there is plenty of research out there. Here are some of many, many articles discussing:
Let’s make less chemical and plastic waste and save ourselves time and moolah!
Mulching is unnatural and so tedious!!! Why do it every year? That’s the definition of insanity! Mulch once- you heard me- just once, and let nature do its thing by injecting in ground covers, sedges, and native grasses to inhibit weeds and create a full landscape.
Don’t deadhead, just don’t do it.
For a low maitenence garden, know your plants.
Don’t overtend them.
Wait to cut back perennials until spring.
And please for the love of all things Mother Earth, let wild plants go a little wild.
“The Green Thumb” isn’t real! And neither is half the other crap we believe.
You do not need to be Michael Jordan to play basketball, you don’t have to be some sort of crazy garden-savant to garden. It’s (actual) fake news!!!
No, native gardens DON’T require a lot of time and money.
Imagine how much time Karen next door expends mowing, mulching, weeding, trimming hedges, fertilizing, watering, and spraying chemicals on a monthly basis. You see where I’m going with this?
Also, boxwoods and hydrangeas aren’t cheap.
Start small and work from there. Repeat after me: START SMALL. You can always go full-metal-maximalist in a few year’s time.
No, native gardens DON’T increase allergy symptoms
But that monoculture of allergy-causing turf grass? Public enemy #1
No, bees and wasps will NOT sting everyone .
They may sting your daughter if she tries to pet their fuzzy little bodies. But mostly they are out to… you guessed it… find other insect prey, nectar, pollen, sleeping places, mating places, among other things that bees and wasps...
The Plant Native Nebraska podcast can be found on the podcast app of your choice.
Episode Content
Native American Ethnobotany
I again gleaned some info from Daniel Moerman’s Native American Ethnobotany
This is a great tome that may be an inspiring winter time read. Just be prepared to tuck in for a good long while.
NSA needs your membership!
Check them out at plantnebraska.org. Just last year, 15 schools were given free gardens and over 45,000 plants, shrubs, and trees were put in the ground. Pretty impressive! Definitely worthy of your support!
NOW TO THE PLANTS!
American Hazelnut Corylus americana - nutmeats
Iroquois used nutmeats crushed and mixed with bread, hominy, mashed potatoes. Ponca, Winnebago, and Omaha tribes used as a body for soup.
Tough plant, great for songbird nesting, early fall color, sweet little catkins in spring.
Look up Kay Young’s hazelnut cake recipe. Multi-season plant if there ever was one.
Shagbark hickory Carya ovata- nuts
Nutmeats were mixed into bread crushed or whole a lot like American hazelnut but I read several tribes used hickory chips made from the exfoliating bark to make hickory bark syrup.
Nuts can...
Don't worry about every little weed
Do think about what your spaces to be
Do be thoughtful
Do make a plan, but don't be afraid to deviate from it
Failures are the star-stuff dreams are made of
You know how we are all just leftover particles from dead stars?
The very beginning of human knowledge is screwing up, or at the very least, understanding how things work.
Failure= Understanding Success
We can also acknowledge beautiful things unfolding from devastating realties. Waxing philosophical now...
That being said there may be mistakes you'd like to avoid altogether:
Mistake #1: All planning and no action.
Don't plan stuff out and then not do it. Don't do that to yourself, it's not nice.
The front of your house should be the first place you look to make a statement about natural spaces and it's likely the one you frequent the most. Just remember:
Native foods are edible AND tasty AND are likely not at your supermarket
Lamb's Quarters
Related to quinoa, lamb's quarters are a forager’s superfood! This is one of the most nutritious foods on the planet. Tender leaves can be boiled like spinach or eaten raw as a green. Usually this one is weeded out, but maybe we all make a designated space for it and reap the wealth! Wilts quickly so put it in a cooler of ice immediately after harvesting.
Bob is again asking you to read Wild Seasons by Kay Young
Look up Creamed Lamb’s Quarters with Mushrooms. This article by Bob https://hles.unl.edu/weed-em-eat-em. Or roast it with sunflower oil. Just let it have a corner of your garden....
The Plant Native Nebraska podcast can be found on the podcast app of your choice.
Episode Content
Why should Nebraskans grow food at home? Can't we just eat corn and hamburgers and guzzle it down with our favorite sugary death trap?
There are many benefits to growing native Nebraska plants for food:
Access to foods high in nutrition value
Wide range of food options from diversely planted gardens give us rich diversity in diet
Other health benefits of native plants
Furthering the food movement
Endless Forage
Free
Gathering feels earned
Also (we didn't mentioned this in the episode but should have,) food gathered at home is FRESH. It hasn't been picked underripe, packaged, and shipped thousands of miles to you. It's the original farm-to-table.
Bob wants you to read Wild Seasons by Kay Young
Just go read it.
Harvest tea plants in their bud and flower stage, preferably under a full moon.
Apparently, the moon energy that causes ocean tides also has an effect on plant potency. Makes sense and also makes us sound like druids.
Tea plants! Because who doesn't like fancy home-brewed wildflower tea?
Achillea Millefolium AKA Common or Western Yarrow
Bob says this tea isn't particularly tasty, but this is...
Does the American garden need more hydrangeas, hostas, exotic ferns, lamium, astilbe, lily of the valley? No! While this is basically all that was available to the consumer for decades, it is not the truth (at all!) of what can be grown in totality here in the Midwest.
Native plant gardens create habitat!
Say it with us: back-yard-con-serv-ation.
Exotic plants are:
expensive- require teams to engineer and zhuzh
freakishly small- but seriously why is everything 2 feet or under
alien in terms of form and color- double coneflowers? all the colors of the rainbow? yeah, probably not good for pollinators.
WHAT YOU CAN PLANT IN FULL SHADE (not a complete list, just ideas people)
Snakeroot- wild and delicate (just like my daughter,) white blooms, found in the wild virtually everywhere here
American Columbine- sweet little red and yellow bell shaped flowers, attracts hummingbirds
poke milkweed- yes, a shade milkweed for monarchs!
sweet Joe pye- tall, gorgeous, fragrant, unusual (like my husband)
wild blue phlox divaricata- amazing blue in nature, graceful, looks good everywhere
the Solomon's- (Solomon's seal, Solomon's plume, starry Solomon's plume) tasteful, traditional looking, will not offend your nana's sensibilities
wild garlic- sweet and unassuming native allium, allium canadense
goldenrods- zig zag goldenrod, elm leaf goldenrod, regionally native blue stemmed goldenrod; at the end of the day you really can't have too many goldenrods
