**Asters: The Hidden Gems of the Fall Garden**

This hour of Let's Garden is a must-listen for anyone who loves the beauty and diversity of asters. Join Scott as he chats with Mark Wessel, Chief Horticulturist at Gardens Alive, and Kelly Norris, award-winning author and designer, about the fascinating world of asters. From their unique characteristics to their importance in the ecosystem, this conversation is packed with valuable insights and practical tips for gardeners of all levels.

Asters are often overlooked, but they're a vital part of the fall garden, providing a burst of color and attracting pollinators. Kelly Norris shares his expertise on the different types of asters, including the aromatic aster, which is deer-resistant and perfect for adding a pop of color to your garden. Mark Wessel also recommends some of his favorite asters, including the frost duster, which is a great choice for its unique foliage and ability to thrive in dry conditions.

The conversation also touches on the importance of local ecosystems and the role that asters play in supporting pollinators and other wildlife. Kelly Norris emphasizes the need to look to local sources, such as botanic gardens and trials, to get a better understanding of which asters will perform well in your specific region.

**Asters: The Hidden Gems of the Fall Garden**
This hour of Let's Garden is a must-listen for anyone who loves the beauty and diversity of asters. Join Scott as he chats with Mark Wessel, Chief Horticulturist at Gardens Alive, and Kelly Norris, award-winning author and designer, about the fascinating world of asters. From their unique characteristics to their importance in the ecosystem, this conversation is packed with valuable insights and practical tips for gardeners of all levels.
Asters are often overlooked, but they're a vital part of the fall garden, providing a burst of color and attracting pollinators. Kelly Norris shares his expertise on the different types of asters, including the aromatic aster, which is deer-resistant and perfect for adding a pop of color to your garden. Mark Wessel also recommends some of his favorite asters, including the frost duster, which is a great choice for its unique foliage and ability to thrive in dry conditions.
The conversation also touches on the importance of local ecosystems and the role that asters play in supporting pollinators and other wildlife. Kelly Norris emphasizes the need to look to local sources, such as botanic gardens and trials, to get a better understanding of which asters will perform well in your specific region.

Let's Garden with Scott Beuerlein Saturday's 6am to 9am Eastern

Let's Garden with Scott Beuerlein Saturday's 6am to 9am Eastern

Let's Garden with Scott Beuerlein

Let's Garden with Scott Beuerlein 10/24/2026 Hour 3

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/98a2599f-cd9b-4f2a-9be4-b22c00e585f2/clips/a46548bc-4ad7-49e2-8e47-b4ed00d75252/transcript

Pumpkins are one of the oldest cultivated plants, with a rich history dating back to around 7,000 B.C. in Mesoamerica. This hour of Let's Garden explores the fascinating world of pumpkins, from their classification as a member of the Cucurbita genus to their versatility in cooking and decoration.

Join Scott and his guest Mark Wessel, chief horticulturist at Gardens Alive, as they delve into the world of pumpkins. They discuss the different species, including the pepo types, which include zucchini and crookneck squash, and the maxima species, which are considered the finest winter squash. They also talk about the importance of pollination, the role of bees in pumpkin production, and the impact of diseases like powdery mildew.

The conversation also touches on the world of pumpkin breeding, with Mark sharing his expertise on the different types of pumpkins, including heirloom and processing varieties. They discuss the challenges of growing pumpkins, including the need for high fertility and the importance of selecting the right variety for your climate.

If you're interested in learning more about the fascinating world of pumpkins, be sure to tune in to this hour of Let's Garden. Barry Rupp from Rupp Seeds joins the conversation, sharing his insights on the latest trends in pumpkin breeding and the importance of selecting the right variety for your garden.

Pumpkins are one of the oldest cultivated plants, with a rich history dating back to around 7,000 B.C. in Mesoamerica. This hour of Let's Garden explores the fascinating world of pumpkins, from their classification as a member of the Cucurbita genus to their versatility in cooking and decoration.
Join Scott and his guest Mark Wessel, chief horticulturist at Gardens Alive, as they delve into the world of pumpkins. They discuss the different species, including the pepo types, which include zucchini and crookneck squash, and the maxima species, which are considered the finest winter squash. They also talk about the importance of pollination, the role of bees in pumpkin production, and the impact of diseases like powdery mildew.
The conversation also touches on the world of pumpkin breeding, with Mark sharing his expertise on the different types of pumpkins, including heirloom and processing varieties. They discuss the challenges of growing pumpkins, including the need for high fertility and the importance of selecting the right variety for your climate.
If you're interested in learning more about the fascinating world of pumpkins, be sure to tune in to this hour of Let's Garden. Barry Rupp from Rupp Seeds joins the conversation, sharing his insights on the latest trends in pumpkin breeding and the importance of selecting the right variety for your garden.

Let's Garden with Scott Beuerlein 10/24/2026 Hour 2

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/98a2599f-cd9b-4f2a-9be4-b22c00e585f2/clips/2a7c9ad0-4377-4a0b-84ed-b4ed00c6e630/transcript

This week on Let's Garden is a treat for plant enthusiasts, as Scott is joined by Mark Wessel, Chief Horticulturist at Gardens Alive, to discuss their favorite plants of the season. From asters to holly, the conversation is a treasure trove of gardening tips and tricks. Mark shares his expertise on a variety of plants, including the calico aster, which is a favorite among bees, and the deciduous holly, which produces stunning clusters of shiny red berries. The two also dive into the world of perennials, discussing the benefits of plants like bulb fennel and the challenges of growing monkshood.

As the conversation unfolds, Mark and Scott discuss the importance of choosing the right plants for the right place, and the need to be mindful of the needs of each plant. They also touch on the topic of foraging, with Mark sharing his experiences of foraging for wild foods like mushrooms and nuts. The episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to improve their gardening skills and learn more about the fascinating world of plants.

One of the highlights of the hour is Mark's discussion of his favorite plants, including the aster tartaricus, which produces a beautiful ground cover of green strap-like foliage and stunning lavender flowers. He also shares his enthusiasm for the deciduous holly, which is a native shrub that produces bright red berries in the fall. The conversation is engaging, informative, and full of practical advice for gardeners of all levels.

If you're looking for a gardening podcast that's full of expert advice and fascinating conversations, this episode of Let's Garden is a must-listen. Join Scott and Mark as they explore the world of plants and share their knowledge and experiences. 

This week on Let's Garden is a treat for plant enthusiasts, as Scott is joined by Mark Wessel, Chief Horticulturist at Gardens Alive, to discuss their favorite plants of the season. From asters to holly, the conversation is a treasure trove of gardening tips and tricks. Mark shares his expertise on a variety of plants, including the calico aster, which is a favorite among bees, and the deciduous holly, which produces stunning clusters of shiny red berries. The two also dive into the world of perennials, discussing the benefits of plants like bulb fennel and the challenges of growing monkshood.
As the conversation unfolds, Mark and Scott discuss the importance of choosing the right plants for the right place, and the need to be mindful of the needs of each plant. They also touch on the topic of foraging, with Mark sharing his experiences of foraging for wild foods like mushrooms and nuts. The episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to improve their gardening skills and learn more about the fascinating world of plants.
One of the highlights of the hour is Mark's discussion of his favorite plants, including the aster tartaricus, which produces a beautiful ground cover of green strap-like foliage and stunning lavender flowers. He also shares his enthusiasm for the deciduous holly, which is a native shrub that produces bright red berries in the fall. The conversation is engaging, informative, and full of practical advice for gardeners of all levels.
If you're looking for a gardening podcast that's full of expert advice and fascinating conversations, this episode of Let's Garden is a must-listen. Join Scott and Mark as they explore the world of plants and share their knowledge and experiences.&nbsp;

Let's Garden with Scott Beuerlein 10/24/2026 Hour 1

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/98a2599f-cd9b-4f2a-9be4-b22c00e585f2/clips/be117bb5-8906-4618-8c86-b4ed00b7565a/transcript

This week on Let's Garden, Scott is joined by Sarah Geiger-Behm, a landscape designer with Wimberg Landscaping, and Brian Heinz, director of horticulture at Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum. Despite Scott's lingering cold, the trio dives into a fascinating discussion about the world's largest pumpkins, which can weigh over 3,000 pounds. They explore the genetics and care involved in growing these massive gourds, including the importance of selecting the right seed lineages, preparing the soil, and hand-pollinating the flowers.

The conversation also touches on the challenges of managing flying insects around indoor plants during the fall season. Scott shares his tips for bringing tropical plants inside, including removing the top couple of inches of soil, rinsing the plants with soapy water, and using beneficial nematodes to target fungus gnats. The hosts also discuss the importance of monitoring for pests and using sticky traps to catch any unwanted visitors.

In addition to these topics, the episode covers the latest plant releases and trends. The hosts discuss the new Haskap honeysuckle, which produces edible blue fruit, and the Boreal Bliss blueberry, which is extremely hardy and has notably higher sugar content. They also talk about the potential of sunflowers as a source of meat alternatives and highlight some of the top-rated plants from the Variety Day event.

The episode wraps up with a discussion about the fall color at Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum, where Brian shares his insights on the beautiful dogwoods, maples, and hazelnut shrubs that are starting to change color. The hosts also chat about the upcoming bulb planting season and the importance of choosing the right trees for the job. 

This week on Let's Garden, Scott is joined by Sarah Geiger-Behm, a landscape designer with Wimberg Landscaping, and Brian Heinz, director of horticulture at Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum. Despite Scott's lingering cold, the trio dives into a fascinating discussion about the world's largest pumpkins, which can weigh over 3,000 pounds. They explore the genetics and care involved in growing these massive gourds, including the importance of selecting the right seed lineages, preparing the soil, and hand-pollinating the flowers.
The conversation also touches on the challenges of managing flying insects around indoor plants during the fall season. Scott shares his tips for bringing tropical plants inside, including removing the top couple of inches of soil, rinsing the plants with soapy water, and using beneficial nematodes to target fungus gnats. The hosts also discuss the importance of monitoring for pests and using sticky traps to catch any unwanted visitors.
In addition to these topics, the episode covers the latest plant releases and trends. The hosts discuss the new Haskap honeysuckle, which produces edible blue fruit, and the Boreal Bliss blueberry, which is extremely hardy and has notably higher sugar content. They also talk about the potential of sunflowers as a source of meat alternatives and highlight some of the top-rated plants from the Variety Day event.
The episode wraps up with a discussion about the fall color at Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum, where Brian shares his insights on the beautiful dogwoods, maples, and hazelnut shrubs that are starting to change color. The hosts also chat about the upcoming bulb planting season and the importance of choosing the right trees for the job.&nbsp;

Let's Garden with Scott Beuerlein 10/17/2026 Hour 3

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/98a2599f-cd9b-4f2a-9be4-b22c00e585f2/clips/17abe76a-0367-4cf8-84a2-b4e600d7cf7d/transcript

Let's Garden with Scott Beuerlein 10/24/2026 Hour 3

Let's Garden with Scott Beuerlein

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