Gardening Simplified Newsradio WOOD 1300 and 106.9 FM (WOOD-AM)

Let's talk hedges! Whether they're evergreen or deciduous, used to screen off an ugly view or to add structure to your landscape, they're incredibly useful. Plus, learn about a fast-growing arborvitae for hedges, growing ferns indoors, and an interview from a professional composter.

This week we talk about one of the feistiest little birds out there, the hummingbird! Learn how you can help support hummingbirds - from plants to use in your garden to food you can easily make yourself. Our plant on trial this week is not only great for hummingbirds, but for our fellow gardeners in those hot USDA zones (looking at you, 8-10!). In branching news, hear about “The Age of the Brussels Sprouts.”

Spring is in the air and in the studio! Today we talk all about tomatoes, including best practices for selecting and growing. Instead of putting just one plant on trial today, we’re putting 64 plants on trial in our Shrub Madness competition. Learn what Shrub Madness is all about, how you can participate, and hear about the awesome plant prizes. We’ve talked about eating in bed, but today we talk about what people are eating in their showers.

Specimen plants are those that transform your landscape from one that merely exists to one that grabs everyone's attention. We discuss our favorites, those that have been little more than fads, and those that have truly stood the test of time, like the oak tree that Olympic champion Cornelius Johnson planted outside his Los Angeles home. Plus, we talk spring emergence of bulbs and Mr. Mustard Ural false-spirea, answer listener questions on lilacs, and the latest on Central Park's escaped owl, Flaco.

It's the fragrance show! Join us as we discuss the phenomenon of fragrance, our favorite fragrant plants (including today's plant on trial, Scentara Double Blue lilac). Finally, we start "planning for canning" with The Canning Diva, Diane Devereaux.

Whether you call them indoor plants or house plants, we've got the tips to keep them looking their best - although that may involve mayonnaise (seriously!). We also talk about a super cold tolerant native shrub that blooms all summer, gardening with your partner, and a California woodpecker who has been very, very busy.