Dr. Allan Armitage shares the story of pokeweed, a fast-growing plant with striking red stems and berries, a complicated place in Southern food history, and a reputation for being both beautiful and dangerous. He also connects the plant to folk knowledge, political misunderstanding, and the song “Poke Salad Annie.”

Fall chrysanthemums get dismissed as “throwaway” plants, but Dr. Allan Armitage makes the case that pot mums are one of the easiest ways to get instant color on your deck, porch, or front door.If you want a plant that looks great fast, comes in a huge range of colors and container sizes, and basically performs the second you bring it home, this short episode is for you. Dr. A shares why he still buys pot mums, how he uses them in containers, and what to expect if you decide to keep them around after the season.Perfect for gardeners looking for fast fall container color, low-maintenance seasonal plants, or a straightforward answer to the question of what actually looks good right now. If you’ve ever walked past a rack of mums and wondered whether they’re worth it, this episode gives you the honest answer.

Join Dr. Allan Armitage as he explores his favorite plant, the butterfly bush, highlighting its varieties, growth habits, care tips, and the impact on pollinators. Perfect for gardeners looking for an easy-to-grow, attractive plant for any landscape.Why butterfly bush is a gardener's favoriteVarieties of butterfly bush: Cascade series, Pugster series, and dwarfer Buzz seriesGrowing tips: pruning, hardiness zones, sunlight, and size managementBenefits for pollinators, especially butterfliesCultural and landscape considerations for inclusion in gardensDr. Armitage shares his personal experiences and reasons for favoring butterfly bushExplanation of different species and cultivars, including Budlia dividiae and the Cascade and Pugster seriesTips on pruning for size control and flowering timesHardiness zone recommendations (zones 5 to 8)The plant’s adaptability to sun and shade and its pollinator-friendly qualities

Unlock a world of beauty, history, and inspiration with Dr. A’s favorite picks this month. From the delicate blooms of the annual Delphinium to a hidden gem like Edinburgh’s Botanical Gardens—discover how self-seeding plants can transform your garden into a cottage paradise. Plus, step into the fascinating story of Bella Costa Green, a Black librarian in the 1920s who defied societal limits to curate JP Morgan’s legendary collection—an inspiring tale of resilience and secrecy that redefines legacy.Perfect for gardening enthusiasts, history buffs, travel lovers, or anyone craving stories that inspire and entertain. If you’re seeking practical tips, captivating tales, and a fresh perspective on meaningful places and people, this episode is your monthly dose of wonder. Don’t miss out—tap play now and start exploring the best of the world with Dr. A!Read more here: https://www.allanarmitage.net/musings/2023/maySign up for my newsletter and never miss my monthly My Favorite Things newsletter, plus all the updates on books, events and more.

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 growThe differences between these two popular speciesWhich variety performs best in northern versus southern gardensWhy fall color can vary depending on your climateHow these long-lived plants bring beauty to gardens throughout multiple seasonsWhether 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 perennialsFall color in the perennial gardenThanks 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!

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.

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

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

In this episode, we dive into the vibrant world of Spirea, specifically the standout variety known as 'Double Play Candy Corn.' Join us as we explore why this stunning plant is a must-have for any garden enthusiast. From its eye-catching foliage to its effortless adaptability, we’ll discuss how 'Double Play Candy Corn' brings a splash of color and charm to your outdoor space. Tune in and discover why this gem deserves a place in your garden!

In this episode of Stories from the Garden, Dr. A reviews some of his favorite things. We have bounced back to February of 2023, and I wish I more space for all the wonderful Baptisia; I'm often recommending books, shows and gardens to visit.Find the full list of all my favorites  and follow along with me on Stories from the garden for a little more deep dives into the best of the best.https://www.allanarmitage.net/armitages-favorites