This hour of Let's Garden is a must-listen for anyone struggling with the challenges of late summer vegetable gardening. With the unpredictable weather patterns this year, many gardeners are facing issues with fungal diseases, pests, and crop failures. Join Scott as he discusses these problems with his guests, Mark Wessel, Chief Horticulturist at Gardens Alive, and Jenna Bonerant from Growfully with Jenna.

This hour covers a range of topics, from the impact of excessive rain on vegetable crops to the best ways to control pests like squash bugs and cucumber beetles. Mark shares his experiences with the challenges of gardening in his area, including the effects of drought and flooding on his plants. Jenna offers her expertise on edible gardening, discussing the importance of soil quality and the benefits of growing your own fruits and vegetables.

One of the standout topics of this hour is the discussion on how to prevent fungal diseases in vegetables, particularly in the case of tomatoes. Mark shares his insights on the importance of soil quality and the role of excess moisture in promoting fungal growth. Jenna also weighs in on the topic, discussing the benefits of using natural methods to control pests and diseases.

If you're struggling to keep your vegetable garden thriving this summer, this hour is a must-listen.

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This hour of Let's Garden is a fun and informative conversation between Scott and his guest Mark Wessel, a certified arborist and landscape technician. They dive into the world of plants, discussing some of their favorite annuals and perennials, including the vibrant tithonia, the ornamental okra, and the beautiful woodland peony. Mark shares his expertise on how to care for these plants and highlights their unique characteristics.

The conversation also touches on the importance of weeding, particularly with invasive species like morning glories, which can quickly take over a garden. Mark shares his experience with these pesky plants and offers tips on how to control them. Additionally, they discuss the need to start thinking about autumn and winter plantings, including kales, cabbages, and ornamental peppers.

As the conversation unfolds, Mark and Scott also discuss the importance of deadheading, checking soil moisture, and protecting gardens from rabbits. With the changing seasons, it's essential to be proactive in preparing for the next phase of gardening.

Join Scott and Mark as they explore the world of gardening and share their expertise on how to care for a variety of plants. Tune in to this hour of Let's Garden to learn more about these topics and get ready for the upcoming gardening season.

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Scott and his guests share their top picks for annuals that not only add visual appeal to your garden but also provide benefits for the environment. From pollinator-friendly plants like verbena and cosmos to low-maintenance options like dill and sweet alyssum, the guests discuss the importance of choosing plants that are both beautiful and functional. They also touch on the benefits of using annuals to fill gaps in your garden, providing a constant source of nectar for pollinators and adding color and interest throughout the growing season.

The conversation is filled with expert advice and personal anecdotes, making it a valuable resource for gardeners of all levels. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, you'll find something to take away from this episode. The hosts also discuss the importance of considering the ecological benefits of your garden, from providing habitat for beneficial insects to supporting local pollinators.

Don't miss this hour of Let's Garden to learn more about the importance of beauty and function in your outdoor space. 

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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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