I Dig Your Story

idigyourstory
  • 4.9 (8)
  • Personal Journals

Unearthing the personal stories behind the plants, people, gardens, and green spaces that shape our lives.

  1. 1d ago

    Fifth Tuesdays #2

    Fifth Tuesdays #2:   In this quarterly bonus I Dig Your Story sub-pod we call Fifth Tuesdays, host Ellen Wells is answering your questions!   In this episode, Ellen answers: What’s your earliest plant memory? But Ellen, are you a good gardener? How do I keep our Wisteria from taking over our small urban yard? Do coffee grounds really help plants? Do you have a hack for bugs and other pests? Ellen also shares the latest IDYS news: The IDYS website launches this July! – www.idigyourstory.com The IDYS Substack newsletter is coming at the end of the month Request the IDYS Media Kit and learn how you can support the show Nominate someone (or yourself!) to be a guest on the show Questions? IDigYourStory@gmail.com Did you know there’s an IDYS Instagram page? Check it out at www.instagram.com/idigyourstory

    20 min
  2. Joe Lamp'l: From Plant Geek to joe gardener

    Jun 23

    Joe Lamp'l: From Plant Geek to joe gardener

    What happens when an eight-year-old sticks a broken branch in the ground and discovers it can grow roots? Mind blown! For Joe Lamp'l, that moment sparked a lifelong fascination with plants that eventually led him from a corporate career in finance to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in gardening media. Known to millions as joe gardener, Joe joins Ellen Wells on I Dig Your Story to share the story behind his career. As they talk, he reveals how a childhood obsession with plant propagation evolved into television hosting, podcasting, online education, and environmental advocacy – with only a brief diversion in a suit-and-tie job. Joe and host Ellen Wells discuss: the unexpected contact that launched his television career the challenges of producing 52 episodes of a scripted gardening show why audio remains his favorite medium the gardening practice Joe believes is most underrated and his next move into ecological gardening and native plants Their conversation goes beyond gardening to explore the nurturing of curiosity, persistence and entrepreneurial drive, and the power of following a passion.   Connect with Joe: Web: www.joegardener.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/joegardener YouTube: www.youtube.com/@joegardenerTV

    52 min
  3. Marvin Miller (Part 2): The Analyst, the Cyclist, and the Photographer

    Jun 16

    Marvin Miller (Part 2): The Analyst, the Cyclist, and the Photographer

    In Part 2 of my conversation with horticulture industry veteran Marvin Miller, we go beyond the fascinating intersections of horticulture, data, and business and discuss some of Marvin’s personal passions of travel and photography. We start with an explanation of how Marvin’s graduate research helped analyze the U.S. cut flower industry and shaped the way all of us understand market trends, industry growth, and business behavior. He also gives a behind-the-scenes look at his role at Ball Horticultural Company, where he tracks industry data, forecasts trends, helps train sales teams, and advocates for horticulture at the national level. But Marvin's story extends far beyond his professional life. We talk about his commitment to fundraising for multiple sclerosis research through long-distance cycling, his love of photography, and his adventures across Alaska—from photographing polar bears and the Northern Lights to exploring Denali National Park in every season. You'll also hear: • How market research influences the future of horticulture • Why communication matters during times of industry change • Marvin's work with American Floral Endowment, American in Bloom, and other nonprofit organizations • What motivates him to ride 100-mile cycling events for MS • His favorite photography destinations and dream travel locations • His thoughts on Alaska's cut peony industry and the power of simply saying, "How can I help?" Marvin's optimism, curiosity, and dedication to both people and plants shine throughout this conversation. Contribute to Marvin's Tour De Farms Bike MS Ride at: https://events.nationalmssociety.org/participants/Marvin-Miller-2025-2

    58 min
  4. Marvin Miller: The Making of a Horticulture Economist

    Jun 9

    Marvin Miller: The Making of a Horticulture Economist

    What happens when a kid becomes fascinated by a tiny tomato growing in the garden—and then never stops being fascinated by nature? In Part 1 of this special two-part conversation, Ellen Wells sits down with horticulture industry veteran Marvin Miller of Ball Horticultural Company to explore the roots of a career that would eventually influence everything from supermarket flower departments to consumer buying habits. Marvin shares stories of growing up in Baltimore, learning from family gardeners and neighborhood mentors, reclaiming a property known as Harmony Acres, and discovering that horticulture could become more than a hobby. He also explains how his interest in both plants and economics led to groundbreaking consumer research that helped make mixed bouquets a supermarket floral staple. In this episode, you'll hear: • Why Marvin calls himself an "extreme gardener" • The influence of immigrant family traditions and neighborhood gardening • What Harmony Acres taught him about plants and hard work • Why he chose Purdue University to study horticulture • How agricultural economics became part of his career path • The research that helped shape modern supermarket floral sales

    51 min

  5. Jun 2

    Jennifer Brennan: Translating Plant Science for Everyday Gardeners

    Jennifer Brennan has spent her career helping gardeners succeed—and proving that horticulture can be both educational and fun. In this episode of I Dig Your Story, host Ellen Wells talks with horticultural consultant Jennifer Brennan about her journey from a college greenhouse job and a dorm room overflowing with plants to becoming one of the most trusted gardening educators in the Chicago area. Along the way, Jennifer shares how she helped introduce Hello Kitty to the United States, why she returned to horticulture after a detour into sales, and how she built a career translating plant science into practical advice for everyday gardeners. Jennifer also discusses the biggest mistakes gardeners make, the challenge of combating misinformation on social media, and why listening skills are just as important as plant knowledge. In this episode: • How a greenhouse job for extra pocket money sparked a lifelong love of plants • The surprising career detour that eventually led back to horticulture • Why watering is the most misunderstood gardening skill • The importance of chemistry and science in plant care • How to handle social media’s unfortunate gardening advice • The reward of helping gardeners succeed Connect with Jennifer Brennan: info@jenniferbrennanhorticulture.com

    53 min
  6. Jazmin Albarran: Encouraging Careers in Horticulture

    May 26

    Jazmin Albarran: Encouraging Careers in Horticulture

    How do we inspire the next generation to choose horticulture careers if they don’t even know the industry exists?   We are celebrating Women in Horticulture Week with Seed Your Future Executive Director Jazmin Albarran. In this episode of I Dig Your Story, Ellen Wells talks with Jazmin about women in horticulture, workforce development, and the challenge of helping students, parents, and educators understand the breadth of opportunities available in the green industry.   Jazmin shares how her background in psychology, youth development, and communications unexpectedly led her into horticulture—and why she now believes the industry offers some of the most meaningful and fulfilling careers available.   The conversation explores: Why horticulture is often an “accidental career” The growing role of women in industry leadership How Seed Your Future is connecting students with horticulture careers The importance of social media in reaching younger generations Why horticulture needs future leaders in technology, automation, business, marketing, and science   Katie Dubow, president of Garden Media Group, makes a special appearance to talk about the reasons GMG began Women in Horticulture Week in 2020 and how we can participate in lifting up women during this week of recognition.   Learn more: Seed Your Future - https://www.seedyourfuture.org I Am Horticulture Campaign - https://www.seedyourfuture.org/greenpro_under_40 Women in Horticulture LinkedIn Group - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/16299029/

    46 min
  7. Michelle Opela: A Journey from Sea Turtles to Plant Pests

    May 19

    Michelle Opela: A Journey from Sea Turtles to Plant Pests

    What do sea turtles, corpse flowers, aphids, and philodendrons have in common? For Michelle Opela, they’re all part of a career journey that somehow led to horticulture. In this episode of I Dig Your Story, Michelle shares how she went from marine biology adventures in Alaska and Australia to becoming deeply involved in Integrated Pest Management (IPM), biological controls, and plant health in the horticulture industry. Michelle also shares some of her pest and disease expertise. She breaks down complicated topics in a way home gardeners and industry pros alike can understand, including how to spot plant problems before bringing them home, why beneficial insects aren’t always simple for consumers to use, and the growing pressure to produce “perfect” plants. We also talk about: Growing up obsessed with insects in rural New York Working aboard fishing vessels in the Bering Sea Tagging sharks and sea turtles in Australia Beginner-friendly biological controls Fungus gnats and dramatic houseplants Michelle’s obsession with corpse flowers and other unusual plants Most importantly, Michelle reminds listeners that every gardener deals with pests eventually — and that it doesn’t make you a bad plant parent. Mentioned in This Episode Cornell University NOAA Fisheries Costa Farms BioWorks Learn More BioWorks Costa Farms

    59 min

  8. May 12

    Delilah Onofrey: From "Flower Child" to Industry Storyteller

    For three decades, Delilah Onofrey has helped tell the stories of the horticulture industry, first as editor of Greenhouse Grower and now as Marketing Director for Suntory Flowers. In this episode of I Dig Your Story, Delilah joins Ellen to talk about growing up among heirloom flowers in a historic Cleveland-area home, discovering journalism at Kent State University, and unexpectedly building and loving a lifelong career in floriculture. They discuss: The evolution of her time in horticultural trade journalism Why community beautification matters How a trip to Japan changed her career path How friendships and relationships shape business and opportunities Plus, Delilah shares her love of music in our Lightning Round.  Whether you work in horticulture or simply love hearing how careers evolve through curiosity and connection, this episode is full of warmth and perspective as only Delilah can deliver.   Find Delilah and Suntory Flowers: Home - Suntory Flowers - www.suntoryflowers.com (trade site) Home - Suntory Garden Club - www.suntorygardenclub.com (consumer site) Facebook - www.facebook.com/SuntoryFlowers Instagram - www.instagram.com/suntoryflowers.na/   Can't Miss Video! Delilah unveils a special Rolling Stones "time capsule": https://youtu.be/JyR-G1hB7Uw

    38 min
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4.9
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Unearthing the personal stories behind the plants, people, gardens, and green spaces that shape our lives.

Information

  • Creator
    idigyourstory
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    I Dig Your Story

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