Gardening Simplified

Newsradio WOOD 1300 and 106.9 FM (WOOD-AM)

Introducing Gardening Simplified, a new radio show and podcast from Proven Winners ColorChoice Shrubs.

Hosted by life-long gardeners Rick Vuyst and Stacey Hirvela, the Gardening Simplified show is designed to share our love of plants and gardening. Whatever your skill or experience level, you’ll find something interesting, useful, and just plain fascinating in every episode.

Listen in PodNod RSS feed Show website

205 episodes
Updated Yesterday

Episodes205

Newest first

March 14 · 43 min
Understanding Invasive Plants
The National Invasive Species Council and the Invasive Species Advisory Committee define an invasive species as “a species that is non-native to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or...
March 7 · 43 min
Been There, Killed That, Want it Back
The more you garden, the more plants you kill, it’s an obligatory part of the journey. But just because a plant dies, doesn’t mean it isn’t worth another shot. Stacey and Rick discuss reasons why a first attempt may not be successful, but how you can...
February 28 · 43 min
Plants That Help Save Energy
We all know the benefits that come with gardening, but something we don’t often think about is how plants can help to save energy. Casting shade, providing windbreaks, and saving on water bills are just some of the ways you can utilize plants to help...
February 21 · 43 min
How to Have Seed Starting Success
Seed germination is the fundamental biological process by which a dormant seed wakes up and develops into a new, functional seedling under favorable conditions. We explain these ideal conditions and the best practices for creating and maintaining...
February 14 · 45 min
An In-Depth Look at Island Beds
What is an island bed? An island bed is a freestanding garden, usually surrounded by grass and can be viewed from all sides. Hear design tips, including how to incorporate texture, color, and structure in these beds. And, of course, we give plant...
February 7 · 48 min
Plants Make Great Gifts! Knowing How to Pick the Right Plants
A reminder that flowers are symbols for expressing complex emotions and feelings. Flowers engage multi-sensory sight, touch, and aroma experiences! We recommend flowers year-round for you! In segment four, we interview Dr. Jessica Turner-Skoff about...
January 31 · 43 min
The Charm of Cottage Gardens and How to Create Your Own
Known for their whimsical and wild aesthetics, cottage gardens are a great for mixing texture and color. Not to mention, pollinators love the variety provided by this gardening style. Learn about plants that are perfect for cottage gardens, no matter...
January 24 · 42 min
2026 Houseplant of the Year and Tips for Making Terrariums
Houseplants have gained traction in recent years, and for good reason! Bringing nature inside can help boost moral and give us plant lovers something to appreciate during off seasons. Hear all about the 2026 houseplant of the year and how to create...
January 17 · 46 min
2026 Annuals of the Year
Annuals are the cherry on top in garden design. Not only do they provide color and landscape solutions, but they inspire creativity and leave room for gardeners to experiment. Hear all about the 2026 annuals of the year!
January 10 · 56 min
2026 Perennials of the Year
While we all dream and scheme for gardening season, hear all about the 2026 Perennials of the Year from Proven Winners. Cayla Olson, from Walter's Gardens and Proven Winners perennials, joins us to deep dive into these exciting perennials.
January 3 · 44 min
2026 Shrubs of the Year
New Year, new plants! Hear all about the 2026 Shrubs of the Year from Proven Winners ColorChoice shrubs.
Dec 27, 2025 · 42 min
Celebrating Plants and a New Year
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.
Dec 20, 2025 · 44 min
The Botany Behind Christmas
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.
Dec 13, 2025 · 44 min
Jack Frost in the Garden | All About Frost and Freezes
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.
Dec 6, 2025 · 45 min
Pushing the Boundaries in the Garden
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...
Nov 29, 2025 · 44 min
The Beauty and Benefits of Broadleaf Evergreens
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...
Nov 22, 2025 · 44 min
The Botany of Thanksgiving
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...
Nov 15, 2025 · 45 min
Captivating Conifers | A Guide to Understanding Conifers
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...
Nov 8, 2025 · 44 min
Optimistic Orange | Using the Color Orange in the Garden
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.
Nov 1, 2025 · 43 min
What We Learned in 2025
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...

Gardening Simplified

Understanding Invasive Plants

Been There, Killed That, Want it Back

Plants That Help Save Energy

How to Have Seed Starting Success

An In-Depth Look at Island Beds

Plants Make Great Gifts! Knowing How to Pick the Right Plants

The Charm of Cottage Gardens and How to Create Your Own

2026 Houseplant of the Year and Tips for Making Terrariums

2026 Annuals of the Year

2026 Perennials of the Year

2026 Shrubs of the Year

Celebrating Plants and a New Year

The Botany Behind Christmas

Jack Frost in the Garden | All About Frost and Freezes

Pushing the Boundaries in the Garden

The Beauty and Benefits of Broadleaf Evergreens

The Botany of Thanksgiving

Captivating Conifers | A Guide to Understanding Conifers

Optimistic Orange | Using the Color Orange in the Garden

What We Learned in 2025