As summer winds down, Sarah and Hanna take a breather to reflect on the wild weather, what’s thriving (and what’s struggling) in their gardens, and projects big and small. We're talking soggy lawns, giant sunflowers, raspberries, raised beds, and storm cleanup—this episode covers the full range of gardening successes and struggles.

They also answer a listener question about what to do with a shady yard (spoiler: mulch is your friend) and share what’s blooming right now in Nebraska gardens.

We've updated our show notes template! Check it out at https://plantnebraska.org/podcast

For early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/NebraskaStatewideArboretum

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Learn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

In this lively episode, Sarah and Hanna are joined by Chrissy Land from the Nebraska Forest Service to debate their favorite (and least favorite) landscape plants. From drought-tolerant natives to misunderstood troublemakers, they make their case for which plants deserve a spot in public spaces—and which are better for the home landscape. The discussion covers climate adaptability, maintenance concerns, personal bias, and the importance of matching plants to place.

For more in-depth show notes visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcast

For early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/NebraskaStatewideArboretum

Send us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.

Follow us @NebraskaStatewideArboretum on Facebook and Instagram

Learn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

This week on Growing Deeper, Sarah and Hannah welcome Dana Freeman, Urban Agriculture and Local Food Systems Extension Educator, to tackle a problem many gardeners face: Why do vegetables thrive one year and fail the next?

Learn why soil quality matters, how to water your containers correctly, and what to do when the weather doesn't cooperate. Dana shares practical solutions and fall gardening tips that will help beginners and experienced growers alike. Whether you're struggling with cucumbers or wondering if your lettuce can handle the heat, this is a can't-miss episode for home gardeners.

For more in-depth show notes, including a full list of plant mentions and links to resources, visit Bloom Box: Growing Deeper at: https://plantnebraska.org/podcast

For early access to new episodes, photos, and other behind the scenes content, join us on Patreon. For $5/month you'll receive exclusive content or early access to podcasts and other resources while supporting our efforts to Plant Nebraska. https://www.patreon.com/NebraskaStatewideArboretum

Send us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.

Follow us @NebraskaStatewideArboretum on Facebook and Instagram

Learn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org