Best Conifer Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 2.50 - Cannon-Seeded Conifers and Winter Warmth 45:10

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11d ago45:10

45:10

Send us a text In the mild glow of a mid-December morning at High Ash Farm, Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin bask in unseasonably warm skies, where a jay's loping flight heralds a day of countryside revelations. Amidst the lingering half-moon and sun-kissed fields, they explore the enigmatic European larch—a deciduous conifer that defies tradition …

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Episode 75: Towards predicting flammability of Sierra Nevada mixed conifer forests: drought stress and fuel moisture are strongly linked in angiosperms but decoupled in gymnosperms 11:29

19d ago11:29

11:29

In this episode of Fire Ecology Chats, Fire Ecology editor Bob Keane speaks with Indra Boving, Joe Celebrezze, and Leander Anderegg about how plant hydration impacts tissue level flammability. Full journal article can be found at https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42408-025-00396-xBy Interview with Indra Boving, Joe Celebrezze, and Leander Anderegg

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Andrew Salter's magical Japanese-inspired conifer garden 31:26

26d ago31:26

31:26

For our latest podcast episode of How My Garden Grows, Francine Raymond visits Andrew Salter's magical Japanese-inspired conifer garden deep in the Kent countryside. It's a brave gardener who invites scrutiny in winter, but there is beauty to be found in the garden’s dying days, in tiny spots of colour, in the season's smells and sounds, and small …

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Episode 2.52 - Urban Arias and Flocking Festivities 44:50

4h ago44:50

44:50

Send us a text As the year draws to a close under grey December skies at High Ash Farm, Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin embark on a twilight quest that uncovers unexpected melodies amid urban clamour—a robin serenading from a floodlit supermarket car park in Poringland, its song piercing the roar of lorries and shoppers, a testament to avian adapt…

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Celebrating Plants and a New Year 42:56

1h ago42:56

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The New Year is often brought in with various traditions and celebrations. In this episode, we talk about the plants used in these and the symbolism of each. Plus, a few garden resolutions for the New Year. Featured plant: Persimmon.By Newsradio WOOD 1300 and 106.9 FM (WOOD-AM)

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The Crime Files Collection Vol. 4 33:18

21h ago33:18

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A compilation of tales from Neil Hunt’s nonsense pottery from February 2022 to March 2023. (Originally released to Club Parsnips subscribers on 27th Feb 2025) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Episode 2.51 - Solar Shadows and Solstice Songs 38:17

4d ago38:17

38:17

Send us a text In a festive yet contemplative midwinter visit to High Ash Farm, Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin mark the approach of the shortest day with reflections on renewable energy's double-edged sword. Amid the bustling farmyard, tales of a bygone wind pump—installed in the 1930s to harness gusts for electricity and water—spark a journey in…

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The Botany Behind Christmas 44:39

5d ago44:39

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Christmas history and traditions are heavily influenced by plants, I mean, we bring a whole tree in the house for the holiday! Learn all about the plants behind this holiday.By Newsradio WOOD 1300 and 106.9 FM (WOOD-AM)

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Episode 76: Innovation to support wildfire risk-based decision-making: examining the incident strategic alignment process 11:38

7d ago11:38

11:38

In this episode of Fire Ecology Chats, Fire Ecology editor Bob Keane speaks with Cole Buettner, Tyler Aldworth, and Michelle Greiner about investigating the use of the Incident Strategic Alignment Process (ISAP) and the value this process brings to managers. Full journal article can be found at https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42408-025-0…

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Jack Frost in the Garden | All About Frost and Freezes 44:53

12d ago44:53

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Is frost really a bad thing for plants? Find out the difference between a frost, and a freeze, and when to take action against them. Plus, hear the benefits of snow in the garden. Featured shrub, Oso Easy Ice Bay rose.By Newsradio WOOD 1300 and 106.9 FM (WOOD-AM)

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Boiled Parsnips 51: The Power Of Nine 35:24

14d ago35:24

35:24

Numbers, Ferry, a quiz, chicken in a hot car, a pie quest, a piano engine, Crime Files, and more. (Originally recorded for Club Parsnips on 8/3/25 https://www.patreon.com/c/athleticomince) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Episode 2.49 - Inside the Hornet Cathedral & the Poisonous Yew 56:01

18d ago56:01

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Send us a text Join Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin on a frosty early-December morning as they squeeze inside a 350-year-old hollow oak to stand beneath Britain’s largest wasp species’ abandoned hornet palace – a two-foot-tall paper cathedral of perfect hexagonal brood cells and ventilation chimneys, built by a single overwintering queen who turne…

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Pushing the Boundaries in the Garden 45:43

24d ago45:43

45:43

As Stacey says, real gardening starts once you’re not afraid to make mistakes. Sure, taking risks can be scary, but it can also be so rewarding! Whether you try to push the limits of spacing or hardiness, stepping out of your comfort zone is a big part of gardening. We discuss ways to push the boundaries in the landscape and the potential benefits …

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Episode 74: Wildfire impact on the soil Funga associated to Nothofagus forests from central-western Patagonia, Argentina 12:07

26d ago12:07

12:07

In this episode of Fire Ecology Chats, Fire Ecology editor Bob Keane speaks with María Salgado Salomón about what happens when fire occurs in a Nothofagus forest, specifically considering the ectomycorrhizal fungi. Full journal article can be found at https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42408-025-00426-8…

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Episode 2.48 - Bombs, Bootlaces and Winter Orchids 43:55

25d ago43:55

43:55

Send us a text Join Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin on a crisp, overcast late-November morning in Fox’s Grove as the last leaves carpet the woodland floor and light floods in for the first time since spring. Stand beside the old ash tree that still bears the carved letters “UXB” from 1942, hold the jagged 3 kg lump of bomb shrapnel that tore throu…

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The Beauty and Benefits of Broadleaf Evergreens 44:20

1M ago44:20

44:20

Broadleaf evergreens, or as we like to call them, flowering evergreens, are powerhouses in the landscape. They give you interest, structure, privacy, and color every season. In this episode, we explore the wide variety of broadleaf evergreens and how to care for them. Featured shrub: Gem Box inkberry holly.…

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Episode 2.47 - Sluice Secrets and Jelly Jiggles 39:11

1M ago39:11

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Send us a text Join Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin on a crisp November morning venturing to Lakenham Mill on Norwich's outskirts, exploring the historic River Yare's controlled sluices, ancient mill wheels, and granaries that once ground local grains, amid discussions on recent torrential rains unleashing 220 tonnes of water per acre and innovati…

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The Botany of Thanksgiving 44:05

1M ago44:05

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There are many plants used as culinary staples when it comes to Thanksgiving. In this episode, we talk about the history, cultural impact, and nature behind these plants. Plus, you’ll never guess what Stacey picked for this week’s plant on trial, but you won’t want to miss it!By Newsradio WOOD 1300 and 106.9 FM (WOOD-AM)

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Episode 2.46 - Pathways to the Past and Countryside Connections 45:14

1M ago45:14

45:14

Send us a text Join Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin on a breezy mid-November morning at High Ash Farm, strolling along Boudica Way—a historic public footpath turned wide, welcoming trail—amid discussions on evolving access to the countryside, from ancient worker routes to modern stewardship schemes that transformed contentious paths into assets fo…

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Captivating Conifers | A Guide to Understanding Conifers 45:03

1M ago45:03

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Conifers, often mistaken for Pine trees, are and have been landscape staples throughout history. Not to mention a classic choice for the Christmas tree! We dive into what makes a conifer, a conifer, and talk about the wide variety of conifers in the world. Fun facts, care tips, and how to deal with Juglone (the chemical produced by Black Walnut tre…

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Episode 2.45 - Teasel Treasures and Skylark Symphonies 41:22

2M ago41:22

41:22

Send us a text Join Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin on a mild mid-November morning at High Ash Farm, where autumn's unsettled chill stirs flocks of goldfinches into a dazzling display amid teasel heads and thistle margins, their yellow wing bars flashing as they feast on seeds in a biennial bounty perfect for butterflies and overwintering cover. V…

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Optimistic Orange | Using the Color Orange in the Garden 44:08

2M ago44:08

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The color orange can be associated with cheer, caution, and optimism, to name a few. Learn how incorporating orange in your landscape can add a vibrant element to your palette. Featured shrub: Berry Box pyracomeles.By Newsradio WOOD 1300 and 106.9 FM (WOOD-AM)

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Episode 73: Fire gives avian populations a rapid and enduring boost in protected forests of California 7:34

2M ago7:34

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In this episode of Fire Ecology Chats, Fire Ecology editor Bob Keane speaks with Chris Ray about how fire has affected many of the bird species that are breeding in iconic national parks like Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon. Full journal article can be found at https://fireecology.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s42408-025-00402-2…

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Episode 2.44 - Nocturnal Newts and Hare Havens 54:47

2M ago54:47

54:47

Send us a text Join Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin on a damp November evening at High Ash Farm for a nocturnal safari, starting in the bustling farmyard where torchlight reveals smooth newts feasting on wriggling worms amid leaf litter, their amphibian lives split between aquatic springs and terrestrial nights, alongside dusky slugs grazing on fu…

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What We Learned in 2025 43:44

2M ago43:44

43:44

With 2026 around the corner, Rick and Stacey share what 2025 taught them and how to take that knowledge and use it moving forward. Learn about favorite plants, popular show topics, and garden revelations in 2025. West Michigan had a near historic drought this year - hear how plants handled these tough conditions in Stacey’s garden.…

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Episode 2.43 - Stormy Sheds and Soil Secrets 47:56

2M ago47:56

47:56

Send us a text Join Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin on a blustery, rain-lashed Thursday morning at High Ash Farm amid Storm Benjamin's gales, retreating into the vast farm workshop where gleaming tractors, mowers, sprayers, and cultivators—worth fortunes in investment—await winter storage and servicing. Delve into the challenges facing young farme…

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Little Shop of Horticulture 42:59

2M ago42:59

42:59

Welcome to the Little Shop of Horticulture! Gardening is a joy, but in honor of the season, we discuss the spooky side of gardening - invasive plants, daunting diseases, and woeful weeds. Learn about the goth garden trend and the perfect plants to use to create your own eerie escape.By Newsradio WOOD 1300 and 106.9 FM (WOOD-AM)

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Episode 72: Near real-time indicators of burn severity in the western U.S. from active fire tracking 8:42

2M ago8:42

8:42

In this episode of Fire Ecology Chats, Fire Ecology editor Bob Keane speaks with Elijah Orland about using thermal imagery to better understand what leads to burn severity and how quickly we can get that information to others. Full journal article can be found at https://fireecology.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s42408-025-00407-x…

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Episode 2.42 - Mousy Mysteries and Nesting Wonders 47:56

2M ago47:56

47:56

Send us a text Join Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin on a crisp mid-October morning at High Ash Farm, where autumn's gentle bite scatters colourful leaves across the woodland floor and Rat the terrier digs with unbridled enthusiasm. Venture into the bustling sparrow hide, alive with house mice thriving in a commensal harmony amid spilled grain and …

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Timing Is Everything! | Timely Garden Tasks and Understanding Plant Growth Rates 45:12

2M ago45:12

45:12

A garden is a physical manifestation of the passage of time. We all know plants grow, but how quickly they do depend on a lot of factors. So, in this episode we break down how plant growth rates are determined. We’ll also discuss how timing tasks in the garden will make for happier plants and a happier gardener.…

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Episode 2.41 - Colourful Canopies and Shaggy Surprises 50:54

3M ago50:54

50:54

Send us a text Join Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin on a mild mid-October morning at High Ash Farm, where Rat scampers ahead amid grey skies and the vibrant blaze of autumn foliage—Norway maples glowing with reds and oranges from flavonoids and carotenoids, while elms, oaks, and beeches shed leaves in a seasonal symphony shaped by abscission layer…

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Working the Land | Work Smarter, Not Harder! 43:33

3M ago43:33

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Working the land is directly correlated with being a good steward of the land. Get advice on how you can work your landscape in a way that’s smarter, not harder, for both you and the land.By Newsradio WOOD 1300 and 106.9 FM (WOOD-AM)

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Episode 71: Major changes in climate, vegetation, and ecological resilience in recent decades suggest climate smart management strategies for western US dryland shrublands and woodlands 8:25

3M ago8:25

8:25

In this episode of Fire Ecology Chats, Fire Ecology editor Bob Keane speaks with Jeanne Chambers, Jessi Brown, and Sarah Barga about evaluating climate change in recent decades and how it impacts ecological resilience, vegetation trajectories, and fire regimes. Full journal article can be found at https://fireecology.springeropen.com/articles/10.11…

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Autumn's glut is turned into garlands and greengage Martinis 38:32

3M ago38:32

38:32

In the latest episode of our podcast, How My Garden Grows, Francine Raymond takes us on on tour of her own garden as the season turns. The year has been extraordinarily bountiful, which is why Francine has invited the founder of Wasted Kitchen, Katy Cox, over to make the most of the seasonal glut. Together, they discuss recipes for greengage gin, s…

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Episode 2.40 - Meandering Meadows and Goldcrest Glimpses 40:47

3M ago40:47

40:47

Send us a text Join Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin on a crisp October morning for an away day to the serene Forncett St Peter Low Meadows, an SSSI beside the River Tas, where frost lingers and fog clears to reveal plans for re-wiggling the river—restoring ancient meanders to slow flows, curb flooding, and revive oxbow lakes. Explore this unimprov…

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It’s on the House! | How to Landscape With You Home Exterior Colors 46:10

3M ago46:10

46:10

When adding a plant or designing your landscape, there’s a lot to consider! One of the most important but overlooked considerations is the color of your home’s exterior. Get tips and tricks for choosing a garden color scheme based on your house colors. Featured shrub: Blue Kazoo spirea.By Newsradio WOOD 1300 and 106.9 FM (WOOD-AM)

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Boiled Parsnips 50: General Purpose Powder 37:03

3M ago37:03

37:03

Safety tips with Mickey, ground poppadoms, a zoo visit, a BMLC function, a quiz, and an allergies song. (Originally recorded for Club Parsnips on 16/2/25 https://www.patreon.com/c/athleticomince) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Episode 70: Multi-scale assessment of wildfire use on carbon stocks in the Sierra Nevada, CA 11:16

3M ago11:16

11:16

In this episode of Fire Ecology Chats, Fire Ecology editor Bob Keane speaks with Kristin Nesbit, Scott Stephens, and Zachary Steel about how greater use of managed wildfires impact carbon stocks. Full journal article can be found at https://fireecology.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s42408-025-00389-w…

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Episode 2.39 - Foxtail Surprises and Kestrel Chases 43:29

3M ago43:29

43:29

Send us a text Join Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin on a changeable September morning at High Ash Farm, where Rat eagerly explores hedgerows amid fleeting showers and sunshine. Discover the unexpected dominance of yellow foxtail in the overwinter wild bird seed mix, its delayed dormancy creating a seed bonanza for linnets, yellowhammers, and goldf…

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Pumpkins, Squash, and Gourds | Fall Favorites Explained 44:53

3M ago44:53

44:53

So, a pumpkin is a squash, which is a type of gourd, but not all gourds are pumpkins, and not all squash are pumpkins. Wait…what? Don’t worry, we’ll explain in this episode. Learn all about these fall favorites with tips for growing, storing, and incorporating them into your fall décor. Featured shrub: Kodiak Spiced diervilla.…

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Episode 2.38 - Nocturnal Flights and Honeyed Hives 52:30

3M ago52:30

52:30

Send us a text Join Chris Skinner for a twilight woodland wander at High Ash Farm, where the evening air hums with pipistrelle bats darting acrobatically overhead, serotines weaving through the canopy, and noctules launching into the dusk—accompanied by the rustle of roosting jackdaws, rooks, and the earthy scents of fox and fungi. Shift to a rainy…

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What to Plant Now to Enhance Your Winter Garden 44:07

3M ago44:07

44:07

Winter can be a drag, but having winter interest in the garden can really brighten up a gardener’s mood. We all appreciate winter interest in the garden, but often, we forget to plan for it. Hear some timely advice on what you can plant in fall to make your winter more enjoyable.By Newsradio WOOD 1300 and 106.9 FM (WOOD-AM)

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The Littlewood Collection Vol. 2 31:18

3M ago31:18

31:18

Please enjoy the progress and growth of Dominic Littlewood in his appearances from May 2021 to Feb 2023. (Originally released via Club Parsnips in January 2025 https://www.patreon.com/athleticomince) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Episode 69: Assessing fuel treatments and burn severity using global and local analyses 8:57

3M ago8:57

8:57

In this episode of Fire Ecology Chats, Fire Ecology editor Bob Keane speaks with Astrid Sanna, Alina Cansler, and Craig Bienz about evaluating fuel treatments and fire suppression operations through the 2021 Bootleg Fire of South-Central Oregon. Full journal article can be found at https://fireecology.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s42408-025-00…

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Episode 2.37 - Sulphur Glows and Swallow Farewells 44:07

4M ago44:07

44:07

Send us a text Join Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin on a crisp September morning at High Ash Farm, where the farmyard's ancient oak hosts a luminous display of sulphur polypore—known as chicken of the woods—its vibrant, edible brackets spilling like molten gold. Bid a heartfelt farewell to the swallows in the stables, with over 100 fledglings rear…

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Landscape Designers’ Favorite Plants 43:46

4M ago43:46

43:46

Landscape designers can have a hefty list of features they require in a plant for it to be used in their projects. Durability, reliability, low-maintenance, structural, and most importantly, they have to be beautiful! Discover the plants that landscape designers love to use and why they love to use them.…

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Episode 68: Representing 3-dimensional fuels for physics-based fire behavior models: a general framework and case study in a type-converted post-fire shrubfield 9:38

4M ago9:38

9:38

In this episode of Fire Ecology Chats, Fire Ecology editor Bob Keane speaks with Niko Tutland and Andreas Wion about building 3D fuel bed models for next generation fire models. Full journal article can be found at https://fireecology.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s42408-025-00383-2By Interview with Niko Tutland and Andreas Wion

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Episode 2.36 - Hawkbit Bites and Tree Tombs 41:52

4M ago41:52

41:52

Send us a text In this captivating episode of the Countryside Podcasts, Chris Skinner and Matthew Gudgin wander through High Ash Farm’s breezy late August pastures, where September’s dawn heralds autumn’s subtle arrival. Autumn hawkbit carpets the hillside with dazzling yellow blooms, its serrated leaves hiding antioxidants and vitamin C, a medicin…

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Garden Backdrops 43:47

4M ago43:47

43:47

Description: Whether it be wood, metal, or a living fence, garden backdrops are essential to creating depth and structure in the garden. Get design tips, creative ideas, and of course, plant suggestions for creating backdrops throughout the garden. Featured shrub: Laced Up elderberry.By Newsradio WOOD 1300 and 106.9 FM (WOOD-AM)

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A pint-sized coastal plot thickly cloaked in climbers 26:34

4M ago26:34

26:34

Welcome to the first instalment of our new gardening series, How My Garden Grows, hosted by lifelong gardener and journalist Francine Raymond. "I have visited hundreds of gardens, some for work and others for pleasure, but what excites me most about gardens is their atmosphere and the stories they tell," she says. "In this series of garden get-toge…