Soapwort or Bouncing Bet

Why is soapwort called soapwort? And how did it earn the rather unusual name Bouncing Bet?In this episode of Stories from the Garden, Dr. Allan Armitage explores the curious history behind soapwort's common names. He explains how the plant's leaves can produce a soapy feel when rubbed with water and shares several possible explanations for the name Bouncing Bet. There are plenty of stories, but no definitive answer!Dr. A also discusses the plant itself, a cold-hardy perennial with pretty pink flowers that can be used as a ground cover or in a rock garden. But soapwort comes with a caveat: it can spread aggressively and become weedy, and it generally performs better in cooler climates than in warm ones.It's another reminder that plants often have stories as interesting as the gardens they grow in.

Why is the red poppy a symbol of remembrance? Dr. A tells the story of John McCrae, the Canadian physician and poet whose poem “In Flanders Fields” was inspired by the poppies and crosses he saw near the front in Belgium during World War I.The episode follows the poem’s journey and the efforts of a Georgia schoolteacher—known as the “Poppy Lady”—who campaigned for the red poppy to honor fallen soldiers. Dr. A also reflects on selling poppies as a child in Canada, the memorials that keep the story alive, and why it matters to take a moment to remember.

Dr. A continues his common-sense gardening series with more tips for planting temperate bulbs. These are the bulbs that need a cold winter, such as daffodils, tulips, grape hyacinths, and crocuses. You don't need a special bulb digger or a hole for every bulb.Not everything needs to be complicated. In this episode of Stories from the Garden, Dr. Allan Armitage shares his common-sense approach to planting spring bulbs. Dig a trench, toss them in close together, and let the bulbs figure out which way is up. Stop worrying about which way is up. Dr. A's common-sense bulb planting: dig a trench, toss in your crocus, mix in tulips, and cover them up. You can even layer bulbs in containers and top them with pansies. Simple and fun!

Dr. A launches a new Common-Sense Gardening series with practical tips for getting the most out of your garden safely and simply. From plants that thrive as temperatures cool to salvias that bring a late-season payoff, discover how to keep your garden going through fall.In this episode:What’s happening in gardens in OctoberPlants that shine in cooler weatherForsythia sage and Mexican bush sageFall gardening challenges in colder zonesWhat’s next: bulbs, soil, and weed management

In this episode, Dr. Allan Armitage discusses the anemone, a perennial plant that garners mixed feelings among gardeners. He highlights its adaptability to various climates, its beauty, and the challenges it presents, particularly with deer. Dr. Armitage emphasizes the importance of understanding the plant's growing conditions and shares tips for incorporating anemones into gardens effectively.

Dr. Allan Armitage is back in the garden to spotlight Muhlygrass (Muhlenbergia capillaris)—a spectacular ornamental grass that puts on an unforgettable show in late summer and fall.Think clouds of pink, movement in the breeze, and a garden that really comes alive in September. Why consider Muhlygrass?Stunning pink bloomsIncredible late-summer and fall interestDeer- and rabbit-resistantLow-maintenance once establishedBest suited to warmer climatesLooks especially impressive planted in groups of six or moreAnd if pink isn't your thing, check out 'White Cloud' for a beautiful white-flowering alternative. As Dr. A says, “This thing just stops traffic.”

Discover the Resilient Beauty of Granvia Strawflowers! Looking for a garden plant that brings bold color, unique texture, and serious resilience? Meet Granvia straw flowers!In this episode, Dr. Allan Armitage shares why straw flowers remain a timeless garden favorite—and what makes Granvia stand out. With large, vibrant blooms and impressive tolerance to heat and humidity, Granvia is a great choice for gardeners looking for beauty without a lot of fuss. Why add Granvia to your garden?Large, eye-catching flowersExcellent heat and humidity toleranceGreat for containersA beautiful choice for spring and fall gardensAdds color when other plants may be strugglingAs summer winds down and fall approaches, it’s a perfect time to give Granvia a try!

What Is a Culver? The Story Behind Culver’s RootDr. Allan Armitage shares the story behind the common name of Culver’s root, a native plant with a surprisingly rich medicinal history. This short episode explains how plant names often carry human stories, and why Veronicastrum virginicum ended up being associated with Dr. Culver rather than its appearance or habitat.

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.