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Garden Talk

For Wisconsin gardeners — from first-time growers to lifelong green thumbs — Garden Talk is WPR’s weekly call-in show for practical advice, expert answers and the real questions that come with growing in Wisconsin. Hosted by lifelong gardener Jill Nadeau, this trusted WPR tradition brings listeners warm conversation, useful ideas and a community rooted in gardens across the state.

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Drought-defying gravel gardens; Fruit diseases to watch for; The art of bonsai

We talk about the practicality and beauty of gravel gardening with Jeff Epping. Then check in with Plant Pathologist Leslie Holland about what fruit diseases she’s seeing this season. In the last thirty we talk about how to create and care for bonsai with expert Kevin Stoeveken.

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Amazing daylilies; Late summer gardening

We chat with two local daylily experts from the Wisconsin Daylily Society. What’s not to love about a plant that’s rugged, adaptable and comes in a rainbow of colors? And then Diana Alfuth is back with advice on how to get your garden to thrive in the late summer.

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Consider black currants; Tomato tutorial

We talk about why black currants are making a comeback in our gardens with Lily Hislop of the Savanna Institute. Then Lisa Johnson explains why your tomatoes may not be […]

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New perennials to try; Don’t overlook irises

Melinda Myers is back with suggestions for new perennials that aren’t so new that you can’t find them anywhere. And then, they may not be new, but don’t forget about the benefits of irises in your garden.

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Fruit growing advice; Wilting doesn’t always mean lack of water

There are lots of options if you want to bring fruit into your landscape. We talk with UW fruit experts Amaya Atucha and Christelle Guedot about what to know before you grow. In the second hour of the show Bruce Spangenberg is back to tell us why a wilting plant may not need more water.

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Growing medicinal herbs; Disease resistance roses; Tree and forest health problems

Tea as medicine has been around for thousands of years - well talk with a Wisconsin farmer about growing herbs for tea. We also look at the latest research on roses and catch up on summer tree issues.

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Plant disease update; Evergreen privacy screen; Chaos gardening

Dr. Death, Brian Hudelson is back to tell us what plant diseases are lurking in our garden. Then at the top of the hour we’ll look at the best way to grow a fence. Finally we’ll look at a new trend, are you ready to lose control?

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Outdoor living spaces; Effective landscape lighting

Now is the time of year to really enjoy your yard. We share some updates on the latest in patio design with the owner of Hawks Landscape in Wauwatosa. And then we talk with Woody Kerwin about how and where to use lighting.

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Why we garden; Wisconsin native ecosystems

Gardening expert Patti Nagai is back and gets a bit philosophical about gardening. She also talks about keeping your garden looking good into summer. Then Susan Carpenter talks about what's happening in the UW Arboretum Native Gardens.

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Keeping pollinators in mind; Outdoor living for indoor plants

Nationally known gardening expert Melinda Myers joins us to talk about how to tweak your garden to make it more pollinator friendly. Then in the last thirty Tovah Martin joins us to talk about how to transition indoor plants outdoors.

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When your garden gets thirsty; The Vicars of Vegetables reunite!

Horticulture educator Vijai Pandian is back to talk about what we can do to get through those phases. And in the second hour of the show, long-time guests Irwin Goldman and Jim Nienhuis are getting together for one more time.

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