Leave the Leaves

In this episode of GardenDC: The Podcast about Mid-Atlantic Gardening, we talk with entomologist Max Ferlauto about his research on the benefits of leaving the leaves. The plant profile is on Showy Skullcap Flower and we share what's going on in the garden as well as some upcoming local gardening events in the What's New segment. We close out with the Last Word on "Helping Holiday Plants" from Christy Page of GreenPrints.BTW, YOU can become a listener supporter for as little as $0.99 per month! See how at: https://members.spotify.com/to/gardendc-the-podcastIf you liked this episode, you may also enjoy listening to:~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 255: Tick-Free Gardeninghttps://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2025/09/gardendc-podcast-episode-255-expert.html~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 141: Nature's Best Hope with Doug Tallamyhttps://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2023/03/gardendc-podcast-episode-141-natures.html~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 156: Gardening for Wild Beeshttps://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2023/07/gardendc-podcast-episode-156-gardening.htmlShow Notes will be posted after 11/25/2026.We welcome your questions and comments! You can leave a voice mail message for us at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gardendc/message Note that we may use these messages on a future episode.And be sure to leave us a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform plus share us on social media with #GardenDC, so other gardeners can find us too!Episode Credits: Host and Producer: Kathy JentzMusic: Let the Sunshine by James MulvanyRecorded on 11-7-2026.

In this episode of GardenDC: The Podcast about Mid-Atlantic Gardening, we talk with Seth Young about President Lincoln's Cottage. The plant profile is on Bat-faced Cuphea and we share what's going on in the garden as well as some upcoming local gardening events in the What's New segment. We close out with the Last Word on "Putting the Garden to Bed" from Christy Page of GreenPrints.BTW, YOU can become a listener supporter for as little as $0.99 per month. See how at: https://members.spotify.com/to/gardendc-the-podcastIf you liked this episode, you may also enjoy listening to:~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 285: Thomas Jefferson's Flowershttps://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2026/05/gardendc-podcast-episode-285-thomas.html~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 175: Herstory of DC Gardenshttps://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2023/12/gardendc-podcast-episode-175-herstory.html~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 153: An American Garden Storyhttps://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2023/06/gardendc-podcast-episode-153-american.htmlShow Notes will be posted after 11/15/2026.We welcome your questions and comments! You can leave a voice mail message for us at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gardendc/message Note that we may use these messages on a future episode.And be sure to leave us a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform plus share us on social media with #GardenDC, so other gardeners can find us too!Episode Credits:Host and Producer: Kathy JentzMusic: Let the Sunshine by James MulvanyRecorded on 10-31-2026.

In this episode of GardenDC: The Podcast about Mid-Atlantic Gardening, we talk with Krystal Duran, author of More Than Just A Plant*. The plant profile is on Montauk Daisy and we share what's going on in the garden as well as some upcoming local gardening events in the What's New segment. We close out with the Last Word on "Seed Saving" from Christy Page of GreenPrints.BTW, YOU can become a listener supporter for as little as $0.99 per month! See how at: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/gardendc/subscribeIf you liked this episode, you may also enjoy listening to:~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 15: Orchidshttps://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2020/06/gardendc-podcast-episode-15-orchids.html~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 76: Horticultural Therapyhttps://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2021/09/gardendc-podcast-episode-76.html~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 81: Beginner Houseplantshttps://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2021/10/gardendc-podcast-episode-81-beginner.htmlShow Notes will be posted after 11/11/2026.We welcome your questions and comments! You can leave a voice mail message for us at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gardendc/message Note that we may use these messages on a future episode.And be sure to leave us a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform plus share us on social media with #GardenDC, so other gardeners can find us too!Episode Credits:Host and Producer: Kathy JentzMusic: Let the Sunshine by James Mulvany*You can order Krystal's book at https://link.amazon/B0eUCWHRgThis link is to our Amazon affiliate account and we may earn a few pennies from these sales, but it wil not impact your purchase price.Recorded on 10-24-2026.

In this episode of GardenDC: The Podcast about Mid-Atlantic Gardening, we talk with Michael Judd of Morris Orchard Natural Burials. The plant profile is on American Strawberry Bush and we share what's going on in the garden as well as some upcoming local gardening events in the What's New segment. We close out with the Last Word on "Pumpkin Ideas" from Christy Page of GreenPrints.BTW, YOU can become a listener supporter for as little as $0.99 per month! See how at: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/gardendc/subscribeIf you liked this episode, you may also enjoy listening to:~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 136: Home Compostinghttps://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2023/02/gardendc-podcast-episode-136-home.html~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 269: The Future is Nutshttps://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2026/01/gardendc-podcast-episode-269-future-is.html~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 95: Willowshttps://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2022/03/gardendc-podcast-episode-95-willows.html~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 25: Paw Pawshttps://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2020/08/gardendc-podcast-episode-25-michael.html~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 187: Mad About Mulcheshttps://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2024/03/gardendc-podcast-episode-187-mad-aShow Notes will be posted after 10/31/2026.We welcome your questions and comments! You can leave a voice mail message for us at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gardendc/message Note that we may use these messages on a future episode.And be sure to leave us a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform plus share us on social media with #GardenDC, so other gardeners can find us too!Episode Credits:Host and Producer: Kathy JentzMusic: Let the Sunshine by James MulvanyRecorded on 10-17-26.

In this episode of GardenDC: The Podcast about Mid-Atlantic Gardening, we talk with Pamela Hubbard, author of The Contemporary Cottage Garden*. The plant profile is on Ghost Pipes and we share what's going on in the garden as well as some upcoming local gardening events in the What's New segment. We close out with the Last Word on "One Big Night" from Christy Page of GreenPrints.*You can order Pamela's book at ⁠https://amzn.to/4jMqxjJ⁠This link is to our Amazon affiliate account and we may earn a few pennies from these sales, but it wil not impact your purchase price.BTW, YOU can become a listener supporter for as little as $0.99 per month! See how at: ⁠https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/gardendc/subscribe⁠If you liked this episode, you may also enjoy listening to:~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 154: Townhouse Gardening⁠https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2023/07/gardendc-podcast-episode-154-townhouse.html⁠~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 66: Small-Space Gardening⁠https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2021/07/gardendc-podcast-episode-66-small-space.html⁠~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 113: Gardening with Children⁠https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2022/07/gardendc-podcast-episode-113-gardening.html⁠Show Notes will be posted after 10/21/2026.We welcome your questions and comments! You can leave a voice mail message for us at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gardendc/message Note that we may use these messages on a future episode.And be sure to leave us a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform plus share us on social media with #GardenDC, so other gardeners can find us too!Episode Credits:Host and Producer: Kathy JentzMusic: Let the Sunshine by James MulvanyRecorded on 10-10-2026

In this episode of GardenDC: The Podcast about Mid-Atlantic Gardening, we talk with Leslie F. Halleck, author of Home Greenhouse Revival*. The plant profile is on Cigar Flower (Cuphea ignea) and we share what's going on in the garden as well as some upcoming local gardening events in the What's New segment. We close out with the Last Word on "Growing Points" from Christy Page of GreenPrints.BTW, YOU can become a listener supporter for as little as $0.99 per month! See how at: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/gardendc/subscribeIf you liked this episode, you may also enjoy listening to:~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 83: Greenhouses for Home Gardenershttps://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2021/11/gardendc-podcast-episode-83-greenhouses.html~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 256: Perennial Secrets with Matt Mattushttps://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2025/09/gardendc-podcast-episode-256-perennial.html~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 59: Gardening with Tropical Plantshttps://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2021/05/gardendc-podcast-episode-59-gardening.htmlShow Notes will be posted after 10/15/2026.We welcome your questions and comments! You can leave a voice mail message for us at:⁠ https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gardendc/message⁠ Note that we may use these messages on a future episode.And be sure to leave us a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform plus share us on social media with #GardenDC, so other gardeners can find us too!Episode Credits:Host and Producer: Kathy JentzMusic: Let the Sunshine by James Mulvany*You can order Leslie's book at ⁠https://amzn.to/4jDK3yR⁠This link is to our Amazon affiliate account and we may earn a few pennies from these sales, but it wil not impact your purchase price. Recorded on 10-3-2026.

In this episode of GardenDC: The Podcast about Mid-Atlantic Gardening, we talk with Marta McDowell, author of Beatrix Potter's Botanical*. The plant profile is on Meadow Rue and we share what's going on in the garden as well as some upcoming local gardening events in the What's New segment. We close out with the Last Word on "Slugged" from Christy Page of GreenPrints.BTW, YOU can become a listener supporter for as little as $0.99 per month! See how at: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/gardendc/subscribeIf you liked this episode, you may also enjoy listening to:~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 171:Murder in the Garden with Marta McDowellhttps://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2023/10/gardendc-podcast-episode-171-murder-in.html~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 276: How to Botanizehttps://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2023/07/gardendc-podcast-episode-156-gardening.html~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 273: Mushrooms are Everywherehttps://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2026/02/gardendc-podcast-episode-273-mushrooms.htmlShow Notes will be posted after 9/30/2026.We welcome your questions and comments! You can leave a voice mail message for us at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gardendc/message Note that we may use these messages on a future episode.And be sure to leave us a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform plus share us on social media with #GardenDC, so other gardeners can find us too!Episode Credits:Host and Producer: Kathy JentzMusic: Let the Sunshine by James MulvanyRecorded on 9-26-2026*You can order Marta's book at https://amzn.to/4jqGvQtThis link is to our Amazon affiliate account and we may earn a few pennies from these sales, but it wil not impact your purchase price.

When we launched this podcast back in March 2020, our goal was simple: to help you grow your best garden in the unique Mid-Atlantic climate – but our listenership quickly grew worldwide and includes gardening enthusiasts from every part of the planet and growing zone. We couldn't have reached this milestone without you, our dedicated listeners. But most importantly, we wouldn't be here without the incredible wealth of knowledge shared by our past guest experts.Over the last 300 episodes, we have hosted the brightest minds in horticulture. We’ve learned about native plants from local conservationists. We’ve discovered urban agriculture secrets from community leaders. Extension agents have saved our tomatoes from blight. Author experts have inspired us to redesign our shade gardens.To every researcher, author, designer, and everyday dirt-under-the-fingernails gardener who has shared their time on this show: thank you. You are the heartbeat of the GardenDC community.To celebrate, we are doing something special. I have asked some of our favorite past guests to share some nuggets of gardening wisdom with us. They’ve recorded growing tips and busted some garden myths and much more...  Note that the GardenDC podcast is taking a short break and will be back soon with new episodes. If you liked this episode, you may also enjoy listening to:~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 100: Behind the Sceneshttps://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2022/04/gardendc-podcast-episode-100-behind.html~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 200: Secrets of a Gardening Podcasthttps://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2024/06/gardendc-podcast-episode-200-secrets-of.html~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 250: Garden Hackshttps://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2025/08/gardendc-podcast-episode-250-garden.htmlBTW, YOU can become a listener supporter for as little as $0.99 per month! See how at: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/gardendc/subscribeShow Notes will be posted after 8/31/2026.We welcome your questions and comments! You can leave a voice mail message for us at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gardendc/message Note that we may use these messages on a future episode.And be sure to leave us a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform plus share us on social media with #GardenDC, so other gardeners can find us too!Episode Credits: Host and Producer: Kathy JentzMusic: Let the Sunshine by James MulvanyRecorded on 8-22-2026.

In this episode of GardenDC: The Podcast about Mid-Atlantic Gardening, we talk with Helen Yoest, author of Cultivating Native Plants for Pollinators*, all about gardening throughout the year. The plant profile is on Queen Lily Ginger and we share what's going on in the garden as well as some upcoming local gardening events in the What's New segment. We close out with the Last Word on "Truth in Gardening" from Christy Page of GreenPrints.*You can order Helen's book at ⁠https://amzn.to/4xFTstB⁠This link is to our Amazon affiliate account and we may earn a few pennies from these sales, but it wil not impact your purchase price.BTW, YOU can become a listener supporter for as little as $0.99 per month! See how at: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/gardendc/subscribeIf you liked this episode, you may also enjoy listening to:~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 141: Nature's Best Hopehttps://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2023/03/gardendc-podcast-episode-141-natures.html~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 156: Gardening for Wild Beeshttps://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2023/07/gardendc-podcast-episode-156-gardening.html~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 207: Garden Planning and Designhttps://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2024/08/gardendc-podcast-episode-207-garden.html~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 47: Pollinator Victory Gardenshttps://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2021/02/gardendc-podcast-episode-47-pollinator.htmlShow Notes will be posted after 8/31/2026.We welcome your questions and comments! You can leave a voice mail message for us at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gardendc/message Note that we may use these messages on a future episode.And be sure to leave us a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform plus share us on social media with #GardenDC, so other gardeners can find us too!Episode Credits:Host and Producer: Kathy JentzMusic: Let the Sunshine by James MulvanyRecorded on 8-15-2026.

In this episode of GardenDC: The Podcast about Mid-Atlantic Gardening, we talk with Mark Weathington, Director of the JC Raulston Arboretum, all about gardening for Hummingbirds. The plant profile is on Ostrich Ferns and we share what's going on in the garden as well as some upcoming local gardening events in the What's New segment. We close out with the Last Word on "Preventing Lettuce Tip Burn" from Christy Page of GreenPrints.BTW, YOU can become a listener supporter for as little as $0.99 per month! See how at: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/gardendc/subscribeIf you liked this episode, you may also enjoy listening to:~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 140: Daphne Shrubs and Their Relativeshttps://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2023/03/gardendc-podcast-episode-140-daphne.html~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 229: Mahonia Reexaminedhttps://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2025/02/gardendc-podcast-episode-229-mahonia.html~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 47: Pollinator Victory Gardenshttps://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2021/02/gardendc-podcast-episode-47-pollinator.htmlShow Notes will be posted after 8/21/2026.We welcome your questions and comments! You can leave a voice mail message for us at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gardendc/message Note that we may use these messages on a future episode.And be sure to leave us a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform plus share us on social media with #GardenDC, so other gardeners can find us too!Episode Credits:Host and Producer: Kathy JentzMusic: Let the Sunshine by James MulvanyRecorded on 8-8-2026.