Including the typical segments you’ll hear in every episode of the Plantrama podcast

:15 Introduction by Janet Endsley, NWFGS Program Director

2:14 Ellen and C.L. introduce each other. (One of us is a cat person, and another a dog person…)

4:04 What’s For Dinner?

The Merry Woodsman Cocktail

In a cocktail shaker full of ice, combine two ounces of spruce tip infused vodka with 3/4 ounces of elderflower liqueur, and 1 1/2 teaspoons ginger syrup. Shake for 30 seconds, then strain and pour into a martini glass. Add 1 1/2 ounces of seltzer and garnish with a spruce tip.

Nasturtium Leaf Hors d'oeuvres

Pick some of the largest leaves and add the filling of your choice. Suggestions include cream cheese mixed with herbs, goat cheese with olives, hummus, or finely chopped egg salad. Add a nasturtium flower and either fold or roll the leaves, place on a plate garnished with more nasturtium flowers and serve.

7:02 Eat/Drink Grow: Ellen and C.L.’s Essential Plant Picks for 2018

Saffron Sentinel Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas) large shrub/small tree (Zone 4)   For sun to part-shade; yellow flowers; tart, red fruit; red fall foliage; to 20’ tall 

Bobo Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Ilvobo’) dwarf hydrangea shrub (Zones 3-8)  For full sun to part shade; long lasting white flowers that age to pink. Bone hardy and good in containers too.

Monarda ‘Bee-Happy’ perennial (Zone 4) Sun - part-shade; mildew resistant; red flowers; to 18” tall; edible.

Variegated Spreading Salmon Sunpatiens annual grows to 18-24” tall and wide. Sun/Pt Shade.

Davis Showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa ‘Davis’) perennial (Zone 4)  For sun to part-shade; wildlife resistant; drought tolerant; multiple edible parts

Pepper Mad Hatter F1 – unique, early & delicious. Not spicy. Stake to support pepper-laden branches. Sun

Malabar spinach, Basella alba annual vine/vegetable. This is a pretty plant for garden or container.  Full sun; attractive, fast-growing vine; heat tolerant edible green

King Tut Papyrus (Cyperus papyrus) annual except in zones 10 and 11. Dramatic! Tall! Graceful! And totally deserving of three exclamation points! Sun, gardens or containers, average moisture.

19:08 Insider Information: Tools For Success

Ellen and C.L. use all of these tools

Smart Pot Grow bags in many sizes and shapes. Portable, long lasting! www.SmartPots.com  C.L. grows potatoes and so much more in these, plus lines large containers such as metal troughs. There are even Smart Pots that create instant raised beds, round or rectangular. Unfold, fill & plant!

Cobra Head Weeder Versatile weeder and planting tool. www.CobraHead.com

Wireless Deer Fence Different and effective way to control Bambi. www.WirelessDeerFence.com

Gardener’s Supply Cart Easier than a wheelbarrow, endlessly useful. www.Gardeners.com 

26:40 For The Plant Noob (aka beginner, newbie, Plant Geek 101) Ellen and C.L. have walked through the Northwest Flower and Garden Show looking for the “news you can use.” Here are some of the garden design tips that they found in the displays this year.

 Larger groups of plants look better than singles, unless the single plant is large. Sometimes more is more. Groupings and swaths make a better visual display. Want Wow? Plant more.

 Odd numbers are visually appealing. The human brain likes to see odd numbers, so planting in groups of one, three, five, seven or more usually looks better. If you have two plants, put them very far apart or use them to frame something such as a path, set of stairs, or birdbath.

 Contrast is important. A well-designed garden contains plants with contrasting foliage colors and/or textures and different sizes and shapes. Contrast the textures of foliage with solid structures or stone. Consider using contrasting colors or shapes/sizes of flowers.

 We love landscapes that visually say “leisure” or “tribe gathering.” The reason furniture, firepits and fireplaces are appealing in a garden is that they remind us of relaxation. But don’t just add these to your landscape…use them! Sit with a cup of tea or a cocktail and watch the natural world. Invite friends over, put aside digital devices, and reconnect with nature and each other.

 33:10 Audience Questions