220 episodes

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick interview some of the top minds in ecology, restoration, conservation, and of course, native plants. Join them on their journey towards knowledge and understanding of some of the larger problems that our ecosystems face.

Native Plants, Healthy Planet Pinelands Nursery, Bleav

    • Science
    • 4.9 • 249 Ratings

Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick interview some of the top minds in ecology, restoration, conservation, and of course, native plants. Join them on their journey towards knowledge and understanding of some of the larger problems that our ecosystems face.

    The Buzz - Spicy Winnings

    The Buzz - Spicy Winnings

    Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  We have two winners!!! Tom and Fran announce their next contest. "Tom's Petty" makes its triumphant return.  “That’s Hot” explores the Ohio prairies.  “This or That” will shine a light on a few issues.  Tom and Fran discuss the Eastern Native Grassland Symposium and also Cultivate.  "Take it of Leaf it" is brought to you by a listener question.  Are you listening until the end for our secrets?

    • 1 hr 18 min
    Meet Homegrown National Park with Brandon Hough

    Meet Homegrown National Park with Brandon Hough

    Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Brandon Hough, Executive Director of Homegrown National Park, to discuss what's new at HNP. Topics include Brandon's journey to HNP, how HNP has changed over the years, what the future of HNP looks like and how you can help get them there.  Brandon also shares some of his favorite success stories and heroes. Did someone say New Contest!?!

    • 1 hr 36 min
    The Buzz - Habitat for All

    The Buzz - Habitat for All

    Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  Let's talk about future contests!  What does nursery need to do to get their Nursery Certificate?  Listen in to find out.  “That’s Hot” explores a plant that neither Tom or Fran picked.  “This or That” will cool your jets on and get you thinking about habitat.  “Listener Shout Outs” fixes a problem while “Grow Read a Book” highlights a problem.  Are you listening until the end for our secrets?

    • 1 hr 38 min
    Into the Weeds with Tama Matsuoka Wong

    Into the Weeds with Tama Matsuoka Wong

    Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with author Tama Matsuoka Wong to discuss how to garden like a forager. Topics include what foraging looks like in different countries and cultures, discovering your middle ground, finding value in what many consider weeds, understanding uses for native plants and not just edibility, and toasting with a native plant mocktail.

    • 1 hr 45 min
    The Buzz - Faster than a Burning Bush

    The Buzz - Faster than a Burning Bush

    Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  Who wound Fran up?  Have you entered our contest!  We have Prickly Pear updates!  “That’s Hot” explores some new mentions on the podcast.  “This or That” will leave you speeding through the tall grass.  There are a ton of “Listener Shout Outs"!  "Grow Read a Book" makes a triumphant return.  Are you listening until the end for our secrets?

    • 1 hr 19 min
    Pollinator Week with Heather Holm

    Pollinator Week with Heather Holm

    Happy Pollinator Week!  Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with author Heather Holm to celebrate our native bees and wasps. Topics include debunking popular myths about native bees and wasps, diving deep into specialist bees and parasitoid wasps, exploring soft landings and native plants, and how you can do your part helping native bees.

    • 1 hr 39 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
249 Ratings

249 Ratings

GARYPATCHES ,

Spreading the good word

(Update) It’s been in my pod-rotation for about a year now. I’d recommend it to anyone interested in native plants in the US. I appreciate the fun conversational presentation, both in the guest and buzz episodes. Thank you!
My favorite native plant to eat is black raspberry/Rubus occidentalis.

P.S. Great to hear the Big Red Barn mentioned in a recent episode! I was probably there around the same time.

Alyssa_Focus ,

I always learn so much!

Love this podcast! I’ve learned so much about native plants and beyond. The guests are interesting and knowledgable, and the topics are as diverse as the plants they promote. I especially love when they talk about the edibility of native plants. My family’s favorite has become a springtime tradition: violet lemonade! I also like violet leaves for salads when I can get them early enough. Oh! And I like to sprinkle redbud flowers on top, along with other foraged things from the yard.

Thanks for a really fun and educational podcast!

Rach Cross ,

Great show!

Just recently in the past year or so got into native plants. I live in low country SC and love finding new plants and researching them. Great educational show and so glad I found it. Hope others do to! I haven’t took the plunge in consuming plants yet. But I’m very interested in passionflower. Doing research now! Just invested in my first herbal medicine book!

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