The Plantastic Podcast

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1. Tessa Pinner on English Garden Charm in the South (#58)

   25 oktober 2026 · 1 uur 19 min

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   TESSA PINNER BIO

   Tessa Pinner is a garden designer, horticulturist, and artist whose work blends classical design principles with the romantic charm of English gardens. Drawing on a background in fine art, sculpture, and luxury events, she creates gardens that marry thoughtful structure with lush, diverse planting—beautiful, practical spaces designed to be lived in and loved. After completing formal horticulture training and spending five years with a high-end landscape design and construction firm, Tessa launched her independent consulting practice in 2023.

   A lifelong student of the arts and sciences that inform garden creation, Tessa has pursued fine garden training at Great Dixter in England and Chanticleer Garden in Pennsylvania. Her approach is rooted in the belief that gardens are not simply compositions to admire, but living places where beauty, ecology, and everyday life meet.

   Tessa is also the cohost of The Garden Gab Podcast, where she and fellow Southern garden designer Molly Hendry explore gardening, design, and the pleasures of cultivating a beautiful life. Together, they are leading a garden tour of England in 2027, inviting fellow garden enthusiasts to experience some of the country’s most inspiring gardens firsthand.

   Tessa lives in Greenville, South Carolina, with her husband and three young sons. You can learn more about her garden design and consulting work at www.tessapinner.com and join the conversation at The Garden Gab Podcast.

   THE PLANTASTIC PODCAST

   The Plantastic Podcast is a monthly podcast created by Dr. Jared Barnes. He's been gardening since he was five years old and now is an award-winning professor of horticulture at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX. To say hi and find the show notes, visit theplantasticpodcast.com.

   You can learn more about how Dr. Jared cultivates plants, minds, and life at meristemhorticulture.com. He also shares thought…

2. Dr. Noel Kingsbury on Naturalistic Planting Design (#57)

   5 september 2026 · 54 min

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   DR. NOEL KINGSBURY BIO

   Dr. Noel Kingsbury is internationally known as a writer about plants, gardens, and the environment. Best known for promoting a naturalistic approach to planting design, he has written some 25 books on plants and gardens, four in collaboration with Dutch designer Piet Oudolf. He has also written for Gardens Illustrated, The Daily Telegraph, The Guardian, The Garden, Hortus, The New York Times, and many other publications.

   He does planting design and consultancy, mostly for landscape architects in the public sector, with his main current project being the Queen Elizabeth II Garden in London's Regent's Park, as part of the HTA Landscapes team. He does an increasing amount of teaching and lecturing, and is also available as a garden/planting designer and horticultural consultant for private garden work too.

   Research is key to his approach. In the mid-2000s he undertook PhD research with the Landscape Department at the University of Sheffield, into the ecology and behavior of ornamental perennials, followed up with further research into long-term performance, documented at perennialdirectory.org.

   He's become increasingly involved in education — his first career was in fact in adult education, and he's passionate about improving how knowledge and skills are communicated within horticulture. He teaches for Learning with Experts. And with Annie Guilfoyle, he runs Garden Masterclass, which has built up a major profile since 2020 as a provider of online education for garden and landscape professionals and keen amateurs. With naturalistic experts, he also runs the popular Naturalistic Planting Design Course for Garden Masterclass.

   He's also keen that those interested in gardens and landscape engage with the world beyond the garden walls, and he dabbles in art, society, politics, philosophy, economics, and the wider natural environment.

   THE PLANTASTIC PODCAST

   The Plantastic Podcast is a monthly podcast cre…

3. Haven Kiers on Managing Biodiverse Landscapes (#56)

   23 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 29 min

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   HAVEN KIERS BIO Lees meer

   Haven Kiers is an associate professor of landscape architecture at UC Davis. She received a BA from Brown University and an MLA from UC Berkeley. Her research focuses on urban/suburban landscape projects and their design effectiveness at both the practical (construction and maintenance) and psychological (aesthetic and therapeutic) levels. Through studies that investigate the intersection of reconciliation ecology and aesthetics, her work examines the environmental benefits, technological progress, and level of cultural acceptance of sustainable design. She explores the idea that ecological concepts such as xeriscaping and biodiversity can also be viewed as amenities – concepts that aesthetically enhance the landscape while simultaneously promoting sustainability and engaging the community. Her research explores three, often contradictory, aspects of landscape design: (1) the potential to change long-engrained conceptions of what sustainable design looks like, (2) the creation of aesthetically pleasing, drought tolerant habitats for plants and wildlife, and (3) the maintenance required to keep urban landscapes engaging and ecologically productive.

   You can learn more about Haven from her Keeping Up guide, her UC Davis faculty page, her website sheepmowers.org, and her Instagram @ucdavis_sheepmowers.

   THE PLANTASTIC PODCAST

   The Plantastic Podcast is a monthly podcast created by Dr. Jared Barnes. He's been gardening since he was five years old and now is an award-winning professor of horticulture at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX. To say hi and find the show notes, visit theplantasticpodcast.com.

   You can learn more about how Dr. Jared cultivates plants, minds, and life at meristemhorticulture.com. He also shares thoughts and cutting-edge plant research each week in his newsletter plant•ed, and you can sign up at meristemhorticulture.com/subscribe. Until next time, #keepgrowing!

4. Jeff Epping on Creating Great Gravel Gardens (#55)

   13 juli 2026 · 1 uur 12 min

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   JEFF EPPING BIO

   Jeff's passion for plants and gardening is reflected in his 35-year career as an award-winning horticulturist and garden designer. During his 28 years as Director of Horticulture at Olbrich Botanical Gardens, he transformed a lawn-laden landscape into a nationally acclaimed public garden, known for its artistic and innovative, plant-driven designs and ecologically sound gardening techniques. Alongside that role, he also ran his own design and consulting business for 25 years and continues to do so today. Epping Design & Consulting specializes in eco-conscious gardening guidance and designs for projects ranging from small private gardens to large public landscapes and expansive business campuses.

   Jeff shares his expertise through classes, workshops, tours, and lectures. His insightful writing has been featured in leading gardening publications like Fine Gardening, Martha Stewart Living and Better Homes and Gardens, and his work has been recognized by The New York Times and The Washington Post, among others. Beyond print, he's also contributed to radio, television, online videos, and podcasts. He has received prestigious awards from both the American Public Gardens Association and the Perennial Plant Association, honoring his significant contributions to horticulture.

   Jeff's new book, published by Timber Press, entitled The Gravel Garden: Visionary, Drought-Defying, Naturalistic Designs, is available now from bookstores.

   You can learn more about Jeff by visiting his website jeffepping.com.

   THE PLANTASTIC PODCAST

   The Plantastic Podcast is a monthly podcast created by Dr. Jared Barnes. He's been gardening since he was five years old and now is an award-winning professor of horticulture at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX. To say hi and find the show notes, visit theplantasticpodcast.com.

   You can learn more about how Dr. Jared cultivates plants, minds, and life at meristemhorticultu…

5. Heather Holm on Pollinators and Native Plants (#54)

   10 juni 2026 · 1 uur 21 min

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   HEATHER HOLM BIO Lees meer

   Heather Holm is a pollinator conservationist and award-winning author of four books: Pollinators of Native Plants, Bees, Wasps, and Common Native Bees of the Eastern United States . Both Bees and Wasps have won multiple book awards including the American Horticultural Society Book Award. She is the founder and chair of Minnesota Native Bees, an online field guide illustrating the native bees of Minnesota and beyond. Heather’s expertise includes the interactions between native pollinators and native plants, and the natural history and biology of native bees and predatory wasps. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Minneapolis Star Tribune, and many local publications. Heather is also an accomplished photographer and her pollinator photos are frequently featured in print and electronic publications.

   In her spare time, she is an active community supporter, writing grants, and coordinating and participating in volunteer ecological landscape restoration projects of fire-dependent ecosystems. The latest project is a 13-acre oak savanna restoration that will provide thriving habitat for pollinators, birds, mammals, and passive, nature-based opportunities for people. ​

   You can learn more about Heather at her website pollinatorsnativeplants.com, and check out her Minnesota bee field guide nonprofit at beesmn.org

   THE PLANTASTIC PODCAST

   The Plantastic Podcast is a monthly podcast created by Dr. Jared Barnes. He's been gardening since he was five years old and now is an award-winning professor of horticulture at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX. To say hi and find the show notes, visit theplantasticpodcast.com.

   You can learn more about how Dr. Jared cultivates plants, minds, and life at meristemhorticulture.com. He also shares thoughts and cutting-edge plant research each week in his newsletter plant•ed, and you can sign up at meristemhorticulture.com/subscribe. Until next time, #keepgrowing!

6. Shelby Radcliffe on Designing with Florida Natives (#53)

   11 mei 2026 · 1 uur 31 min

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   SHELBY RADCLIFFE BIO

   Shelby Radcliffe is a horticulturist and landscape designer whose work at Emergent Gardens blends art, ecology, and human experience. Raised in Central Florida, her early connection to natural ecosystems and photography shaped the way she observes and imagines space. After years in creative practice and small-business leadership, Shelby trained professionally in public gardens, including Wave Hill Public Garden & Cultural Center in Bronx, NY and the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington, D.C.

   She completed the University of Florida’s Environmental Horticulture Certificate Program, has volunteered with several organizations, and developed a native plant micro-nursery that became the foundation for her evolving, provocative home garden. At Emergent Gardens, her designs seek to balance beauty, function, and resilience for the benefit of living beings—now and into the future.

   THE PLANTASTIC PODCAST

   The Plantastic Podcast is a monthly podcast created by Dr. Jared Barnes. He's been gardening since he was five years old and now is an award-winning professor of horticulture at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX. To say hi and find the show notes, visit theplantasticpodcast.com.

   You can learn more about how Dr. Jared cultivates plants, minds, and life at meristemhorticulture.com. He also shares thoughts and cutting-edge plant research each week in his newsletter plant•ed, and you can sign up at meristemhorticulture.com/subscribe. Until next time, #keepgrowing!

7. Tim Boland on Lessons from Polly Hill Arboretum (#52)

   5 april 2026 · 1 uur 22 min

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   TIM BOLAND BIO Lees meer

   Tim Boland is the Executive Director of the Polly Hill Arboretum, located on the island of Martha's Vineyard in West Tisbury, Massachusetts. He holds an undergraduate degree in Horticulture and a master's in Botany, Plant Ecology, and Systematics from Michigan State University.

   Tim specializes in oaks from all over the world. He is involved in various plant conservation projects to preserve threatened oaks in North America, Europe, and Asia. He is a member of the Board of the International Oak Society (IOS) and chair of the Oak Conservation and Research Committee. He helped develop a special fund that has thus far supported 28 research projects worldwide where oak species are vulnerable to extinction.

   In addition, Tim and his conservation partners published a modern flora of Martha’s Vineyard in 2022. He also has expertise in propagating rare North American trees and shrubs. He has been involved in seven seed expeditions, mapping and collecting two species of native North American Stewartia, while also pursuing native azaleas. He is very involved in plant propagation of Martha’s Vineyard endemic plants. Throughout Tim’s career, he has bridged the gap between botany and horticulture and loves teaching aspiring students about the beauty, mystery, and utility of plants. Tim plans to retire this year after twenty-four years leading the development of new infrastructure and programs at the Polly Hill Arboretum. When asked what is next? He jokingly asserts, “I think I’ll get involved with plants!”

   To learn more about Tim and the Polly Hill Arboretum, pollyhillarboretum.org.

   THE PLANTASTIC PODCAST

   The Plantastic Podcast is a monthly podcast created by Dr. Jared Barnes. He's been gardening since he was five years old and now is an award-winning professor of horticulture at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX. To say hi and find the show notes, visit theplantasticpodcast.com.

   You can learn more about how Dr. Jared cultivates plants, m…

8. Shaun McCoshum on Natural Habitats and Wildlife Gardening (#51)

   19 maart 2026 · 1 uur 11 min

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   SHAUN MCCOSHUM'S BIO

   Shaun McCoshum is a certified, Senior Ecologist and Wildlife Biologist with over 20 years of experience restoring habitats, conducting research, and gardening. His work includes published scientific papers, books, and copious restoration plans from coast to coast including lands with bison, endangered plants, threatened pollinators, black bears, and mountain lions. His new book explores the pre-European ecology of North America and how habitats existed and explains how we can better mimic processes in our own yards to support habitat.

   Shaun has kindly offered podcast listeners a discount of 30% of his new book! Use the code NHWG30 at the Princeton University Press website.

   THE PLANTASTIC PODCAST

   The Plantastic Podcast is a monthly podcast created by Dr. Jared Barnes. He's been gardening since he was five years old and now is an award-winning professor of horticulture at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX. To say hi and find the show notes, visit theplantasticpodcast.com.

   You can learn more about how Dr. Jared cultivates plants, minds, and life at meristemhorticulture.com. He also shares thoughts and cutting-edge plant research each week in his newsletter plant•ed, and you can sign up at meristemhorticulture.com/subscribe. Until next time, #keepgrowing!

9. Dr. Allan Armitage on Common-Sense Gardening (#50)

   7 februari 2026 · 1 uur 14 min

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   DR. ALLAN ARMITAGE'S BIO

   Dr. Allan M. Armitage is an Emeritus Professor of Horticulture at the University of Georgia, where he served as a faculty member until his retirement in 2014. Internationally recognized as a writer, speaker, educator, and researcher, he is one of the most influential voices in modern horticulture.

   Dr. Armitage has authored more than 70 academic research papers, over 500 industry articles, and 17 books that serve as foundational texts, professional references, and trusted companions for gardeners worldwide. His landmark reference Herbaceous Perennial Plants was named one of the best horticulture books of the past 75 years by the American Horticultural Society and is now in its fourth edition.

   His research focused on new crop introduction and evaluation and environmental physiology.He founded and led the highly respected University of Georgia Trial Gardens, a premier testing ground for heat- and humidity-tolerant plants where he released more than 20 plants to the gardening industry, including the iconic Verbena ‘Homestead Purple’ and ‘Margarita’ ornamental sweet potato.

   Dr. Armitage has received nearly every major honor in American horticulture, including the Liberty Hyde Bailey Award (American Horticultural Society) – highest lifetime honor and the Scott Medal and Award, another of the most prestigious honors in ornamental horticulture.

   Dr. Armitage remains an in-demand lecturer throughout North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and South America, and continues to write, teach, and advocate for practical, joyful gardening.

   THE PLANTASTIC PODCAST

   The Plantastic Podcast is a monthly podcast created by Dr. Jared Barnes. He's been gardening since he was five years old and now is an award-winning professor of horticulture at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX. To say hi and find the show notes, visit theplantasticpodcast.com.…

10. Rachel Lindsay on Regenerative Design (#49)

    6 januari 2026 · 1 uur 7 min

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    RACHEL LINDSAY BIO

    As Head of Site Design at Regenerative Design Group, Rachel works principally with organizations and homeowners to create productive, resilient landscapes. She draws from her experiences in organic farming, Latin-American sustainable development, and art to approach design with cultural sensitivity and environmental integrity. Rachel approaches projects of all scales through a soil, carbon, and water conservation lens, looking for opportunities to reduce the environmental impact of design installation while meeting the client’s goals and aesthetic preferences. Her projects encourage people to engage deeply with their local ecosystems and apply holistic and low-stress approaches toward gardening and landscaping. A worker-owner at RDG, Rachel was a member of the steering committee that led the ownership transition process and has been the Treasurer of the Board of Directors since its establishment in 2022.

    She holds an MS in Ecological Design from The Conway School and a BA in Anthropology from Wesleyan University. When she isn’t working, she may be found messing around in her garden, cooking with the latest harvest, or hiking with her husband and young daughter.

    Learn more about Rachel at Regenerative Design Group.

    THE PLANTASTIC PODCAST

    The Plantastic Podcast is a monthly podcast created by Dr. Jared Barnes. He's been gardening since he was five years old and now is an award-winning professor of horticulture at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX. To say hi and find the show notes, visit theplantasticpodcast.com.

    You can learn more about how Dr. Jared cultivates plants, minds, and life at meristemhorticulture.com. He also shares thoughts and cutting-edge plant research each week in his newsletter plant•ed, and you can sign up at meristemhorticulture.com/subscribe. Until next time, #keepgrowing!

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