Joining Scott are three expert guests: Sarah Geiger-Behm, a designer at Wimberg Landscaping, Jennifer Smith, a designer and educator with Wimberg Landscaping, and Heather Augustine, a professor of horticulture and agriculture at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College.

The group discusses their favorite perennials for beauty and ecological function. From the show's previous episode on trees and shrubs, they dive into the world of perennials, sharing their top picks for attracting pollinators and adding visual interest to gardens. Expect to hear about a range of plants, from goldenrod to blazing stars, and learn about their unique characteristics and benefits.

The conversation is engaging and informative, with each guest sharing their expertise and personal experiences with the plants they've chosen. You'll hear about the importance of considering factors like soil type, sunlight, and maintenance when selecting perennials, as well as the role these plants play in supporting local ecosystems.

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This hour of Let's Garden with is a fun and engaging conversation about the joys of gardening, with a dash of humor and a pinch of personality. The host is joined by co-host Sarah Geiger-Behm, and together they dive into the world of plants, discussing their favorite varieties and the benefits they bring to the garden. But it's not all serious talk - the conversation is peppered with witty banter and humorous anecdotes, making this episode a delight to listen to.

The hosts discuss their favorite plants, including the Joe Pye weed, Japanese maples, and cannas, each with its unique characteristics and benefits. They also touch on the importance of having a variety of plants in the garden, not just for their aesthetic appeal, but also for their ecological function. With a focus on annuals and perennials, the conversation is informative and engaging, making it a must-listen for gardening enthusiasts.

As the hour progresses, the hosts share their personal experiences with gardening, from the challenges of dealing with pests and diseases to the joy of watching their plants thrive. They also discuss the importance of taking care of oneself, both physically and mentally, through activities like gardening. With a lighthearted tone and a deep appreciation for the natural world, this hour is a breath of fresh air.

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**Storm Damage and Tree Care: Expert Insights**

As the recent storm season has shown us, tree damage can be devastating to homes and communities. In this episode of Let's Garden, Scott is joined by Mark Wessell, chief horticulturist at Gardens Alive, and John Butcher, CEO of Madison Tree Care and Landscape, to discuss the importance of tree care and maintenance, especially in the aftermath of a storm.

This episode covers a range of topics, from the dangers of "lion's tailing," a common pruning mistake that can leave trees vulnerable to wind damage, to the importance of regular tree inspections and maintenance. Our hosts also delve into the world of insurance and tree care, discussing the challenges of getting insurance companies to cover preventative maintenance and the risks of removing healthy trees. Additionally, they share their expertise on how to identify and mitigate risks, such as co-dominant leaders and shallow root plates, which can make trees more susceptible to damage.

With their combined expertise, Mark and John offer practical advice on how to reduce the risk of tree failure and promote healthy tree growth. They also discuss the importance of patience and understanding when dealing with tree care professionals, who are often overwhelmed with work after a storm. Whether you're a homeowner or a gardener, this hour is a must-listen for anyone looking to protect their trees and property.

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Let's Garden is a must-listen for anyone who's ever wondered what makes a garden truly thrive. Join Scott as he chats with Mark Wessel, a renowned horticulturist, about the latest trends in garden design and the importance of creating a diverse and resilient garden ecosystem.

Scott and Mark dive into the world of garden design, discussing everything from the benefits of using native plants to the art of pruning. They also explore the concept of "tagle whipping," a unique approach to urban gardening that involves removing concrete and replacing it with lush greenery. With Mark's expertise and Scott's enthusiasm, this conversation is a treasure trove of gardening tips and tricks.

From the importance of observing insect diversity in your garden to the benefits of using mulch, this episode covers it all. Scott and Mark also discuss the latest trends in garden design, including the rise of "wild meadow" gardens and the importance of creating a natural, yet refined, landscape. With their combined knowledge and passion for gardening, they offer valuable insights and advice for gardeners of all levels.

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This hour is a must-listen for anyone who's been affected by the recent storms that have ravaged the country. The conversation starts off with a lighthearted discussion about national days, where the hosts dive into the weird and wonderful world of national holidays, from National Rum Day to National Bratwurst Day. But as the hour progresses, the tone shifts to a more serious discussion about storm damage and how to protect your trees and plants.

Scott and his guest, Mark Wessel, a chief horticulturist, discuss the importance of choosing the right trees and plants that can withstand strong winds and storms. They share their expertise on some of the best trees and plants to have in your garden, including the Hickory, Sweet Gum, and Ginkgo. They also talk about some lesser-known plants, like the Cornice dramundii, a small ornamental tree with yellow berries, and the sticky false asphodel, a carnivorous plant that's found in bogs.

Throughout the hour, the hosts take calls from listeners, answering questions about plants and gardening. They also share their own experiences and tips, making this episode a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their gardening skills.

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**Celebrating Community Transformation with the Reds Community Fund**

This hour Let's Garden is a heartwarming conversation about the impact of community transformation through gardening and horticulture. Join Scott Berlin as he chats with John Butcher from Madison Tree Care and Landscape, Steve Foltz from the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, and Charlie Frank from the Reds Community Fund about their collaborative efforts to bring beauty and life to urban communities.

The Reds Community Fund has been making a significant difference in the lives of Cincinnati residents for over two decades. With a focus on community makeovers, the fund has renovated ballfields, built community centers, and created urban learning gardens. But what's truly remarkable is the way these projects bring people together and create a sense of pride and ownership in the community. From the transformation of Winton Hills to the creation of the Tree School, these projects are a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives.

One of the key takeaways from this conversation is the importance of community engagement and partnerships. The Reds Community Fund works closely with local organizations, schools, and residents to identify areas of need and create projects that benefit everyone. The result is a sense of community pride and ownership that's hard to find elsewhere. As Charlie Frank puts it, "We don't just build projects; we build relationships and a sense of community."

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This hour of Let's Garden is a must-listen for any gardener looking to tackle common issues in their yard. From invasive weeds to drainage problems, the hosts dive into the nitty-gritty of what to do (and what not to do) in the garden this time of year.

Scott is joined by John Butcher from Madison Tree Care and Landscape, and Steve Holts, director of Horticulture at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Together, they discuss the importance of addressing drainage issues, especially after a crazy rainfall, and how to tackle invasive weeds like lesser celandine. They also share their expertise on what to plant in the fall, including bulbs and perennials, and how to care for them.

The conversation is filled with practical advice and real-life examples, making it a valuable resource for gardeners of all levels. From the benefits of using vinegar to kill weeds to the importance of mulching, the hosts cover it all. They also take calls from listeners, answering questions on everything from honey shelf life to how to deal with invasive mulberry weed.

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This hour of Let's Garden is a fun and informative conversation with two horticulturists, John Butcher and Steve Foltz, about all things gardening. The hosts dive into a wide range of topics, from the importance of understanding National Days of the month to discussing their favorite plants and sharing tips on how to care for them.

The conversation starts with a lighthearted discussion about National Days of the month, where the hosts explore the various quirky and interesting holidays that take place in August. They also touch on the importance of taking care of our mental health and well-being, particularly during the back-to-school season. The conversation then shifts to a more serious note, discussing the benefits of pickleball and the importance of staying active and social.

The hosts also share their favorite plants, with John discussing the sun sugar tomato and Steve sharing his love for the scarlet oak tree. They also discuss the importance of container growth and how it can help reduce transplant shock when planting larger trees. The conversation is engaging, informative, and entertaining, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in gardening and horticulture.

If you're looking for a fun and educational conversation about gardening, be sure to tune in to this hour of Let's Garden.

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This hour is a treasure trove of valuable information, covering topics such as the devastating effects of neopestiloposis on strawberry plants, the benefits of using spinosad to control boxwood moth populations, and the importance of managing water tables to prevent costly repairs. They also discuss the latest research on boxwood resistance and the importance of proper tree planting techniques to avoid stem girdling roots.

One of the standout topics of this hour is the discussion on neopestiloposis, a disease that's affecting strawberry plants across the country. They talk to a leading expert in the field about the latest research and how to control this devastating disease. They also discuss the importance of using spinosad, a natural insecticide that's showing promising results in controlling boxwood moth populations.

If you're a gardener or homeowner looking to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to common issues in your outdoor spaces, this hour is a must-listen. Join the hosts as they discuss the latest research and tips from a leading expert in the field. From tree staking to water management, this episode covers it all. Tune in to learn more and take your gardening and home maintenance to the next level.

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