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.

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205 episodes
Updated Yesterday

Episodes205

Newest first

Jun 7, 2025 · 44 min
Just Do It!
Whether it's a gardening task, plants to plant, or garden design - don't overthink it, just do it! We give our list of things to just do in the garden.
May 31, 2025 · 43 min
The Bigger, the Better! | Big Plants
Big plants hold a special fascination: watching them shoot from nearly nothing to truly epic proportions in a matter of weeks never gets old. Learn our favorite big plants! Featured shrub: Miss Violet butterfly bush.
May 24, 2025 · 44 min
You've Got a Friend in Me | Companion Plants
Combining plants is more art than science. Join us as we offer ideas and dispel myths on companion planting. Featured plant: Happy Jack Purple clematis.
May 17, 2025 · 44 min
Deserted Island Plants
If you were stranded on an island, what plants would you need for survival? That's our topic for today. Featured shrub, Flavorette Pear’d rose.
May 10, 2025 · 45 min
Hanging Baskets
Hanging baskets never go out of style! Learn how to choose the best one and care for it like a pro. Featured shrub: Fairytrail White Cascade Hydrangea.
May 3, 2025 · 43 min
White Flowers
Moon gardens have been gaining popularity and for a good reason! White flowers are great for creating an ethereal look in the garden, particularly in the early morning and evening hours. Hear about some of our favorite white flowering plants. Featured...
Apr 26, 2025 · 43 min
Goldilocks Plants – Plants That Are Just Right
Not too big, not too small, but just right! We discuss plants that not only have sought after habits, but also have multiple season interest, and tie together the landscape. Featured shrub: Wine & Spirits weigela.
Apr 19, 2025 · 54 min
Nativars
Nativars - a contraction of "native" and "cultivar" - get a bad rep from some people. But is it deserved? Find out the facts and opinions surrounding these controversial plants.
Apr 12, 2025 · 43 min
Pruning Pointers
Tis the season - for pruning! We know that's scary to some, so we're giving you the basics you need to make pruning decisions in your landscape. Featured shrub: Perfecto Mundo Double Purple reblooming azalea.
Apr 5, 2025 · 46 min
Spring Ephemerals
They're short-lived but much anticipated! Spring ephemerals are a sign of sunnier days and warmer weather, which we could really use here in West Michigan. Featured shrub: Legend of the Small fothergilla.
Mar 29, 2025 · 54 min
Spring Tasks - What to Do and When to Do It
Spring is here and with it, the return of garden tasks. Join us to learn what to do and when to do it. Featured shrub: Show Off Sugar Baby forsythia.
Mar 22, 2025 · 43 min
Plants We Hate
Every gardener has at least one plant they can’t stand. Whether it’s due to aesthetics, invasiveness, or a bad experience, some plants just aren’t for everyone. Find out what plants we hate and hear what listeners had to say about the plants that make...
Mar 15, 2025 · 45 min
Covering Ground - All About Ground Cover Plants
So much ground to cover! Learn about plants that work well and ones that are best to avoid when it comes to ground covers. Featured shrub: Spilled Wine weigela.
Mar 8, 2025 · 58 min
Plants You Can't Kill
Looking for the toughest, most durable plants for your garden or landscape? They're in this episode! Featured shrub: Low Scape Mound aronia.
Mar 1, 2025 · 54 min
The Lavender Show
Lavender is one of the most beloved garden plants - and also one of the most frustrating. That's why we're devoting an episode to growing it! Featured shrub: Bloomerang Dark Purple lilac.
Feb 22, 2025 · 45 min
Plants that Don't Mind Moving and Those That Do
We're about to enter the prime period for moving shrubs and perennials, so get the dirt on what you can - and shouldn't - move. Featured shrub: Wee Bit Grumpy hydrangea.
Feb 15, 2025 · 52 min
Life Is Too Short For Proper Spacing
Do you want more plants than you technically have room for? We're sharing where you can bend the rules a bit and ignore the plant tag. Featured shrub: Stonehenge yew.
Feb 8, 2025 · 44 min
Overachievers: Plants that do More
We're sharing our list of overachievers - plants with maximum beauty and performance but minimal maintenance and fussing. Join us for ideas for your spring planting list!
Feb 1, 2025 · 1 hr 7 min
Sprouts: The Vegetable You Can Grow Indoors
Sprouting is the fast, easy, low cost way to grow your own healthy nutritious food indoors - even in winter! Join us to learn about sprouting + microgreens. Featured shrub: Soft Serve chamaecyparis.
Jan 25, 2025 · 47 min
2025 Houseplant of the Year and Talking Tropical Plants
Warm up this winter with the 2025 Houseplant of the Year! We also talk tropical hibiscus and a mystery plant predator. Featured shrub: Bambino Variegated Orange bougainvillea.

Gardening Simplified

Just Do It!

The Bigger, the Better! | Big Plants

You've Got a Friend in Me | Companion Plants

Deserted Island Plants

Hanging Baskets

White Flowers

Goldilocks Plants – Plants That Are Just Right

Nativars

Pruning Pointers

Spring Ephemerals

Spring Tasks - What to Do and When to Do It

Plants We Hate

Covering Ground - All About Ground Cover Plants

Plants You Can't Kill

The Lavender Show

Plants that Don't Mind Moving and Those That Do

Life Is Too Short For Proper Spacing

Overachievers: Plants that do More

Sprouts: The Vegetable You Can Grow Indoors

2025 Houseplant of the Year and Talking Tropical Plants