Steve, Danielle, and special guest assistant editor Carol Collins, sit down to discuss plants that really got them fired up from the recent FG Plant Sale. Some are little-known cultivars, some are brand-new varieties. There were several interesting shade plants that captured the attention of the podcast hosts, including one with such cool texture it made Danielle squeal. Some options were so unique, none of the staff had ever heard of them, let alone seen them in person.  Find out what plants were worth the FG staff spending an entire paycheck on in this new episode.

A cart full of plants is ready to roll toward the register at the third annual Fine Gardening Super Cool Plant Sale.

The morning was filled with folks that purchased early-bird passes in order to shop a full hour before the general  public was let in the gate.

Perhaps the cutest member of the FG Plant Sale Team, Sonic the Pomeranian was on hand to provide smiles to the weary FG staff, including his dog-mom Christine Alexander, FG’s web producer.

Peter and Steve discuss the best plants for dry shade, which is a condition that Peter is plagued with. (They were asked to look “natural” for the photo—clearly they listened.)

Editors’ Favorites – Plant Lists

STEVE

‘Jeannine’ allium (Allium moly ‘Jeannine’, Zones 3-8)

‘Royal Flush’ epimedium (Epimedium × youngianum ‘Royal Flush’, Zones 5-8)

Nordic dragonhead (Dracocephalum ruyschianum, Zones 3-7)

‘Summer Crush’ betony (Stachys ‘Summer Crush’, Zones 4-9)

DANIELLE

‘Cornelius’ agave (Agave ‘Cornelius’, Zones 9-10)

Hardy gloxinia (Incarvillea delavayi, Zones 5-7)

‘Pixie Periwinkle’ baptisia (Baptisia australis ‘Pixie Periwinkle’, Zones 4-9)

‘Fairy Hair’ goat’s beard (Aruncus ‘Fairy Hair’, Zones 3-7)

CAROL

‘Eldorado’ feather reed grass (Calamagrostis × acutiflora, Zones 4-9)

‘Chocolate Ball’ sedum (Sedum hakonense ‘Chocolate Ball’, Zones 4-9)

‘Cherries Jubilee’ baptisia (Baptisia ‘Cherries Jubilee’, Zones 4-9)

‘Purple Rooster’ bee balm (Monarda ‘Purple Rooster’, Zones 4-9)

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STUNNING BIRDBATH: Quality birdbath is sure to attract feathered friends and create a charismatic ambiance for your garden, patio, deck, yard, or other outdoor space. SHALLOW SHAPE: Shallow and wide bowl assures that multiple small birds can drink and bathe safely at the same time BEAUTIFUL DESIGN: Luxurious and antique styling adds a touch of elegance to your garden or yard. DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Polypropylene material resists rust and damage from the elements while the sturdy base prevents the birdbath from tipping over. IDEAL SIZE: Birdbath measures 20" L x 20"W x 28"H, the perfect size for your yard, and includes a one-year manufacturer's warranty from date of purchase.

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isYoung Birdlook® Smart Bird Feeder with Camera

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Upgraded Dual Granary Bird Feeder. G11 Smart Bird Feeder with Camera – The upgraded dual granary design allows for separate food dispensing, giving birds the freedom to choose while preserving the food’s original taste. With a 2L extra-large capacity, it reduces the need for frequent refills. The drainage design ensures the food stays dry and prevents spoilage from rain. Ideal as a camera bird feeder for birdwatching enthusiasts. 2K HD Camera & Close-Up Bird Watching. Experience clear bird watching with the G11 smart bird feeder. This bird feeder with camera features a 170-degree wide-angle lens and a 1296P HD camera, ensuring vibrant images and videos. With AI-powered recognition, it can identify over 16,000 bird species (subscription required, first month free) and provides extensive birding knowledge. Its unique design helps attract more birds to your backyard. App Alerts & Super Night Vision. The smart bird feeder camera detects motion within 0.5 seconds and sends instant notifications through the "VicoHome" app. With a 2.4G Wi-Fi connection, you can view real-time updates on bird activity right from your app. The video bird feeder also features night vision, ensuring vibrant images and videos even in low light conditions. Ideal for wild bird feeders, this advanced functionality enhances your bird-watching experience day and night.

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Attracting Beneficial Bugs to Your Garden, Revised and Updated Second Edition: A Natural Approach to Pest Control

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This revised and updated edition of Jessica Walliser’s award-winning Attracting Beneficial Bugs to Your Garden offers a valuable and science-backed plan for bringing balance back to the garden. With this indispensable gardening reference—now updated with new research, insights, and voices—learn how to create a healthy, balanced, and diverse garden capable of supporting a hard-working crew of beneficial pest-eating insects and eliminate the need for synthetic chemical pesticides.

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