Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley

This episode brings back our frequent guest, Kristopher Williams, of PRISM (Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management). Eight PRISMs exist across New York State and work to prevent or minimize the harm caused by invasive species on our environment, economy, and health and welfare of residents. PRISMs are intended to coordinate invasive species management functions including coordinating partner efforts, recruiting and training citizen volunteers, identifying and delivering education and outreach, establishing early detection monitoring networks and implementing direct eradication and control efforts. Regional partnerships with nonprofits, municipalities, conservation groups and volunteers are devised to cast the widest net for control over an enemy that recognizes no artificial borders. The Capital Region Prism ranges from the Catskills to the Adirondacks, encompassing eleven Counties and three million acres. Kris is our go-to expert about all things invasive. We previously have talked to him about invasive plants, insects and diseases. Today we asked Kris to tell us some of the success stories about his long career as an environmental advocate. Our earlier conversations with Kris have aired in episodes 23, 24 and 31, in case you want to look a little deeper into his work. The team has five core members and sixteen seasonal members on staff. Their mission is to coordinate all available resources, public and private, along with volunteers, to combat the multitude of invasive problems and organize alternatives. Their mission includes massive public lands and advisory status for privately owned properties. They act as the glue, Kris says, to hold all entities together. PRISM delivers science and educational programs for maximum impact, and always keeps in mind the different objectives of local and statewide groups. Tim asked Kris for some success stories, since we have discussed so many problems in the past. Kris listed some of the lasting beneficial effects: The conversation drifted to the emotional part of treatment of invasives. Most of them got here because they were introduced for a particular feature, and then “escaped” because they were prolific and had no natural enemies. There are also “sleeper” invasives, a new designation. These are known invasives that are still being sold to the public. Unfortunately sixty-one per cent of all invasives are still being sold. There is a patchwork of states regulating and actively banning sale of certain plants. One success story Kris talks about is the Grassland Bird Trust. Washington County had a 20,000 acre trust facing the issue of dealing with invasives. A management plan was devised and a board established. Kris detailed the progress over several years as a management system was put into place and assessed for success year by year. Tim asked about what happens with much smaller efforts, and Kris described available training in IPM (integrated pest management) and land management as well as other volunteer-led controls, with consultation with PRISM staff. Basic measurements to assess success include removal, restoration, and adapting responses to predetermined thresholds. There's a lot of issues associated with invasive species management. Stay tuned for more in the next episode (Part 2). Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guest: Kristopher Williams Photo: Grassland Bird Trust Production Assistance: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadows, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas Resources

In this episode, Tim and Jean sit down with Rosemary Mix, president of the Capital District chapter of Wild Ones. That's a national organization that was an outgrowth of Douglas Tallamy''s idea for a “Homegrown National Park” whereby individuals planted their gardens with native plants to make a network of pollinators and a healthier ecology nationwide. The idea became the “Wild Ones” organization in 1977 at a native landscape conference. There are now over 100 chapters in 36 states, with nineteen thousand members. The pandemic resulted in a huge boost in membership, and a lively website encouraged more growth. The local group holds an annual plant sale at Thacher Park, a seed swap in November, and a series of educational programming via zoom all winter. Membership in the local group also offers “cozy chats”, informal gatherings to talk 'natives' during the winter, a speakers bureau, and meet and hike sessions. They are working on creating a demonstration garden at Guilderland Unity Lutheran Church. The planned design is posted on-line at the national website. There are many designs available on the website with guidance available, from lists of plant sources, designers, criteria for good design, and ideas beyond gardens. Planters, pots and other containers can serve to grow natives, and natives are not just annuals and perennials. There is advice on native trees and shrubs. The website even discusses the differences of opinion between mere enthusiasts and “purists” who shun nativars, cultivars or even combining native and introduced plants. To visit an established native garden, Rosemary suggests contacting the Sobro Conservancy in Saratoga, which has rescued a vacant lot and made it a pleasant entry to the city. Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guest: Rosemary Mix Photo by: Wild Ones Production Assistance: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connolly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas

In this episode, Tim and Jean host Kyle Bradford from the Hawthorne Valley's Farmscape Ecology Program. Kyle gave a presentation to the Master Gardener Volunteers of Columbia and Greene Counties on the subject of ants. It was so well received that several MGVs urged the podcast team to invite Kyle to be a guest on the podcast. Kyle holds a MS in Conservation Biology from Antioch University New England and a BS in Environmental Science from the University of Vermont. His career led him to an internship at Hawthorne Valley Farmscape Ecology Program in Columbia County. From there he spent time on the west coast, and eventually returned to become a part of the staff at Hawthorne Valley. Along the way he developed an interest and expertise in ants, and is a contributor to the field guide to the Columbia County ecology and habitats on the subject of ants. Kyle tells us that the field of ants is enormous, regardless of the small size of the individual members. Ants are on every continent except Antarctica, and thrive in every environment from desert to swamp.The biomass of all the ants on the planet exceeds the sum of the biomass of all the wild animals and birds. Some species are known to be endangered, even though we still don't know all the species of ants that exist. Kyle describes the endangered ants as specialized parasites, dependent on another species that may be at risk. They have an important place in biodiversity, being food for various woodpeckers and flickers, and bears. They serve as seed dispersal agents for many wildflowers, which have a special method of rewarding the ants for carrying the seeds away called elaiosomes. They forage and recycle nutrients from dead plants and animals, as well. They use many other tools for survival, including kidnapping other species of ants and enslaving them. Some species herd aphids and feed on the honeydew they produce. There are some populations appearing in Columbia County that were previously known only in Wisconsin and Michigan, with the means of traveling this far east still unknown. They appear in similar environmental habitats, but how they traveled is a mystery. Kyle suggests that Columbia County has a large variety of climate, soil and terrain diversity, which makes it possible for an unusual diversity of flora and fauna to exist in good health. Kyle has considerable experience in New England studying ants, and recommends the Field Guide to the Ants of New England. He adds that since the guide was published, many “new” species have been discovered. Many may have been relocated by virtue of human activities, but many may have been by “hitchhiking” with other species, becoming “temporary parasites,” using “social perfumes.” The methods are many and varied. Apparently because ants are “eusocial,” it's easier for them to take advantage of one another. Kyle discussed the “Manhatt-ant” and the pavement ant, both imports and very adaptable. The Manhattants are getting lots of attention in New York and have interesting adaptive skills. And these are only some of the types of ants living among us. Kyle has several favorites and tells wonderful stories about them and their lifestyles. Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guest: Kyle Bradford Photo by: Kyle Bradford Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas Resources

Welcome back to the It's All Greek Retrospective series that contains previously aired short segments about gardening acronyms, jargon, and botanical nomenclature. In this third and last part of a series, Master Gardener Jean Thomas covers plants that have been named after people, a discussion about soil pH, and a range of acronyms. The first short segment covers the popularity of naming plants for people. It's been going on since people began naming plants at all, dating back to at least four centuries BC. Two causes are usually to blame; either the ego of the “discoverer” or the desire to flatter someone powerful. There are often great stories to uncover. One of the most interesting is the name of the Christmas standard, the Poinsettia (not poinTsettia). Dr, Joel Poinsett was the first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico and an avid plant collector. His life story is a colorful one, but the only reason anyone remembers his name is because of the seasonal flower. Actually, the history of the flower and its interaction with humans is equally interesting. Some other names every gardener is familiar with are: Forsyth because this gentleman (1737-1804) was a respected palace gardener in England and was honored with the name of the familiar Forsythia; Kasper Wister (died in 1818) was a famous botanist in Pennsylvania and honored with the name of the popular Wisteria. Wister and Forsyth were honored by the English botanist Thomas Nuttall (1786-1859), who spent over thirty years cataloging plants in the U.S., and had the power to assign formal names to plants. The familiar Magnolia x soulangeana was named by and for Pierre Magnol and m. Soulange-Boudin, and developed from two Chinese species. Many familiar shrubs bear the species names (like Sargentii( C.S. Sargent), Fortuneii (R. Fortune), Thunbergii ( Carl Peter Thunberg)), named for contemporaries and students of Linnaeus. Many plant and animal names honor the interesting Pere Armand David with the appelation “davidii.” The familiar Fuchsia (Dr. Fuchs) and Dahlia (Dr. Dahl) are good herbaceous examples. The large Lobelia group (415 species) was named by Linnaeus himself for Dr. Mathias De Lobile. The conversation then moves on to one of the great topics discussed by gardeners without a real understanding of the mechanism. The pH of soil is crucially important and measured and adjusted fanatically by gardeners. The way the chemistry works is described, starting with the litmus papers we dealt with in school science classes. Cations and anions are the active ions that determine how soil makes nutrition available to plants. A scale is used, with one end called acid and the other end called alkaline. The place on the scale tells the soil's description as to what kinds of nutrients are best assimilated. “Acid” soil is best for blueberries and Rhododendrons and “Alkaline” soil is better for Lilacs and Spirea. Gardeners assiduously “adjust” the soil with amendments like sulfur or wood ash, remembering that this takes several seasons to effect. Jean closes this segment with an aside about names where she wonders about Monkshood, Begonias and Darth Vader. The final segment moves on to acronyms, which translates to “names from the extremities.” It refers to new names for things created from the initials of word describing the things. Like Scuba, Laser, and Yahoo. There is also another related usage of initials called initialism, where the actual letters are sounded out, not merged into a new word. For instance, AT&T or DEC. Both of these practices are twentieth century phenomena. Further discussion of acronyms leads us to AVID, CRISP and PRISM, all popular programs in New York, devised by Cornell and the NY Department of Conservation. In a nutshell, the ideal acronym is an invented word that should either help recognize its subject or be catchy enough to be memorable and relatable to its subject. Host: Jean Thomas Guest:Jean Thomas Photo By: Jean Thomas Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven...

In this episode, part 2 of the “It's All Greek Retrospective” series, Master Gardener Jean Thomas talks about jargon and acronyms with the help of some examples from our own New York gardens. These previously aired short segments have been grouped together as they all focus on a common topic: helping to better understand gardening nomenclature. From the Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptrostroboides) to the vast Iris family, nicknames and descriptions abound. The Latin name of the Dawn Redwood is great and grand, but when translated, it turns out to be fancy words that repeat themselves. Iris fanciers discuss the German or the Russian or the Dutch or the Japanese types and rave about their standards and their falls. 'Standards' are the three upright and 'falls' are the three down-facing petals. Part of the fun is peeking into the mythology surrounding Iris. Did you know that the Harpies, famously terrible, were related to the famously beautiful goddess of the rainbow? The next two segments focus specifically about other perennials we know and love. Echinacea is named for a hedgehog (which has no population in North America where the Echinacea was “found”). Hemerocallis is Latin for “Beauty for a Day,” although we commonly call it the “Daylily.” Hostas also have identity issues, being often called Funkias in Europe. Peonies have a long history in China as well as some wild mythological rumors in Greece about Zeus and his shenanigans. And while the Greeks are being discussed, there is a wonderful story about the famous doctor Asclepias and how the milkweed got its formal name. The very last segment of this episode delves into the common Rudbeckia and Phlox, both of which have a habit of traveling because of their prolific seed production. Then the episode goes to the Dutch... language, that is. The Dutch nation has always been at the forefront of garden development and production. , And the Hudson Valley of New York State has a special connection going back four centuries. Food names, place names and historical characters call the Hudson Valley home, like the Roosevelts and Van Burens and even Sojourner Truth in her unique way. Listen, learn, and enjoy! Host: Jean Thomas Guest:Jean Thomas Photo By: Jean Thomas Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski Resources

Are you bewildered by botanical names, typically in Latin, the jargon, or the acronyms surrounding gardening and most other outdoors activities? This series, It's All Greek Retrospective, consists of previously aired podcast segments that provide some insightful descriptions in an attempt to untangle such language puzzles so we can all use the terms as intended... to describe things more accurately. In this first of three episodes, Master Gardener Jean Thomas discusses a variety of issues and questions about language. Some of the terminology we pretend to understand is reviewed in the first segment. Things like GMO and IPM are decoded, and what is it when scientists talk about a plant's habit? What does it mean if a tomato is described as determinate? And the whole idea of using Latin can be a puzzle. Jean explains all of these, The second segment goes more deeply into the whole idea of Latin as the international scientific language. Why Latin? And the credit that goes to Carl Linnaeus for devising the system known as binomial nomenclature. Like any other system, it gets bogged down with “improvements.” Taxonomy is the name for the whole system described by binomial nomenclature, and the history of the science of taxonomy is fascinating. For instance, minerals don't get included because the final decision was that only living things can be included. Basically, the assigning of a formal Latin name means that the plant described is always the same plant, not just another with a similar popular name. The third segment delves into how particular use of names can describe color as part of the formal identity. Often the formal name can give a physical description, but also can describe a dominant color. The history buffs enjoy such items as the origin of the phrase “royal purple” and how it came from the ancient Phoenicians and the rare dye they developed from a particular type of sea snail. This is a digression from plants, but a great example of the use and history of language. Another issue cropping up recently is the use of DNA. Scientists keep reallocating plants to different species and categories according to DNA interrelations that were previously unknown. Clarifications can be confusing. We hope you find this episode both enlightening and informative. Host: Jean Thomas Guest: Jean Thomas Photo by; Jean Thomas Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski Resources

In this episode, Master Gardener Volunteer Nicole Schmitt of Hannacroix Hill Farm chats with Tim and Jean about her career as a flower farmer. Like so many stories in recent years, her interest in flower gardening came about as a result of the pandemic. Constrained in many ways, Nicole moved to a farm with a few acres and began to achieve many goals. In a previous episode, Tim and Jean talked with Nicole about her mini-farm, which incorporates the flower farm. The flower growing evolved from a hobby garden to a business when she introduced herself to her new neighbors at Hannacroix Hill Farm by going to their doors with home-grown bouquets. The hobby became a dream and then a mission. Nicole pursued her career adamantly, studying online classes and joining professional organizations. She even went through the rigorous Master Gardener Volunteer training. Nicole undertook the project very seriously. As she says, “setting up is NOT cheap.” A phenomenal amount of preparation and equipment was mandatory. Preordering seed and plugs must be coordinated and planned to coincide with harvest times. Different crops must not only be chosen for color and hardiness, but timed for holidays and special occasions. Some species are very difficult to grow, or have extremely long growing seasons. The grower must know a great deal about individual floral crops, and plan their care accordingly. Cool weather flowers are treated differently than tulips or sunflowers. The grower must always give thought to coordinating multiple kinds of flowers simultaneously, since the goal is most often to produce mixed bouquets for the markets. Given the need for extensive planning, much thought must be given to the growing areas. Nicole uses outdoor row planting to the maximum, but also extends the growing seasons with a hoop house and a high tunnel structure, and starts seeds under lights indoors, along with hydroponic systems and bulb forcing. Like any other type of gardening, the flower farmer must be alert for insect and disease pests. Hannacroix Hill Farm practices organic methods as much as possible. IPM (Integrated Pest Management) is the main system of keeping the crops healthy. Minimal chemicals are used, so constant watch is essential, along with as much sustainable soil regeneration as can be done to maintain the health of the soil. Fortunately, the “other” farm produces unlimited compost and reduces the need for additional fertilizer from outside sources. The work is constant and unrelenting, with the aim to be self-sustaining as much as possible. Nicole describes this as the “grit” work that produces the luxury. Constant research and study go into the effort. Things like introducing more native plants and more perennial plants for repeat harvests are worked into the repertoire, and local demand is always considered. Harvesting processes can vary widely among flower crops. Flowers are sold mostly retail through CSAs, at farm stands and farmer's markets, with a growing call from restaurants for table vases, which florists are beginning to fill some of the gaps from imported flowers. Other flower farmers are popping up everywhere. Many join associations to learn from and support the community of growers. Greene County has about twenty association members, but there may be many more. To find a flower farmer in your own area, Nicole advises that you go online to the association of cut flower growers website at localflowers.org and find an organization member in your zip code. Or, of course, go to a nearby farmer's market. Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guest: Nicole Schmitt Photo by: Jean Thomas Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas Resources

Shane Stevens, Natural Resource Program coordinator for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties, is our featured guest in this episode.. Shane is also Regional Director of the Master Forest Owners Program of the Catskills and the Lower Hudson. The topic is the Master Forest Owner (MFO) program. Begun in 1991, the program is a collaboration of Cornell Cooperative Extension with the US Department of Agriculture, the New York Forest Owners Association (NYFOA), and others. The purpose is to create and train a network of volunteers to help private forest owners to be better stewards of their own properties. Fourteen million acres of New York State woodlands, approximately 75% of the total state's wooded acreage, are in private hands, Cornell and others want to enable individual landowners to tend their lands responsibly. Education and access to expert and experienced resources are the best means to this goal. The benefits of knowledgeable management of privately owned woodlands include more reliable clean air and water, maintainable harvests and use of timber resources, and accessible recreational resources. The MFO program is set up to train property owners who are interested in the long term maintenance of their forest resources. Members are valued for their experience, enthusiasm, and willingness to share their expertise. There are no required minimal experience levels, and the “forest ownership” need not be large acreage. A few acres and a passion for the forest is enough, combined with a willingness to share their expertise with the public. Training has gone hybrid, and is mostly Zoom sessions, with a final in-person field day at the conclusion of training. For most counties in the Hudson Valley, this takes place at the Siuslaw Model Forest, in Acra (Greene County). Students get the chance to meet in person and bond while exploring, among other things, the teaching forest's deer exclosure test area and the shiitake mushroom growing yard. There are no required volunteer hours, but each trainee is encouraged to conduct forest visits as requested by landowners. The requests for a 'woods walk' are usually submitted online, with a questionnaire providing details about the landowners' interests and goals for their woodlands. Initial forest visits are done with an experienced MFO, but the volunteer can proceed on his or her own once he/she feels confident. The actual visit can cover a range of topics including questions about the overall health of the trees in the forest, management of invasive species, creating habitat for birds and wildlife, deer management, agroforestry, silviculture, and/or options for forest regeneration. On average, a MFO volunteer does 1-3 visits a year. Additional information or referrals are usually sent to the landowner after the visit depending on the landowner's interests. Direct referrals to individuals are not done, but lists of approved practitioners in the appropriate fields can be provided. NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has a cooperating foresters list, and mywoodlot.com and Forest Connect have rich websites. Forest Connect even has an excellent YouTube channel. There is a wide array of resources available to learn how to steward a forest. A Woods Walk with a Master Forest Owner volunteer is a great place to start. Listen in to determine if this makes sense for you to explore further. Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guest: Shane Stevens, CCE Photo by: Teresa Golden Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas Resources

In this episode, Tracey Testo-Smith, Agroforestry and Natural Resources Program Manager at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties, is our guest. The topic is a timely one, Carbon and Forests. Climate change and its ramifications have made us aware of the importance of halting excessive release of carbon as CO2 into the atmosphere. One of the main agents of sequestering and storing carbon on the planet is the planet's network of forests and woodlands. Tracey explains the importance of sequestering (gathering) and storage of carbon molecules in the tissue of plants. Trees are made up of fifty percent carbon, and as they grow and mature, they collect more molecules during their lifespan. Even after death, they hold the carbon until the stage at which they begin to decay. Even then, the carbon may be absorbed into the soil and continue to be stored there. Carbon exists in “pools” of standing live trees, the forest floor, and dead and decaying wood and leaf litter. In a healthy forest, the cycle continues for years. Forest owners, who are aware of these facts, strive to maintain healthy systems, and are encouraged to assess their property for value and balance. There are many carbon “market” programs in place to try to encourage landowners to keep a healthy carbon control in place, some regulatory, like in California, and many voluntary, both private and in cooperation with state and local governments. One in particular is the Family Forest Carbon Program, for owners with thirty or more acres of woodland. In conjunction with the Nature Conservancy, it gives smaller forest owners financial incentive to keep acreage in woodlands, and can provide long term contracts with some payments and access to forestry advice, planning, inventory and data.As owners of woodlots, Tim and Jean had many questions about specifics. Acknowledging that the most efficient carbon sequestration and storage happen in a healthy forest, Tracey addresses nine management strategies available. Among them are deer management, with deer exclosures getting considerable attention. How to recognize success can consist of monitoring the impact of such stresses as insects, diseases, population of invasives, and tracking the inventory of plants and other data. The goals are regeneration, a healthy canopy, and a balance of young and older growth plants. Tracey also has information about scorecards for keeping your forest healthy, and her office as well as many partner agencies can provide help and information. Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guest: Tracey Testo-Smith Photo by: Jean Thomas Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas Resources

In this episode, Master Gardener Volunteer Nicole Schmitt joins Tim and Jean to talk about her mini farm where she raises goats, chickens and hogs amidst an active flower farming operation. Small-scale farming is experiencing a resurgence, and Nicole has hands-on experience to share. Nicole describes how she came into Hannacroix Hills Farm, her ten acre farm based from a nineteen thirties farmhouse, by chance. Since assuming the property, she has been able to fulfill her dream of escaping suburbia and knowing exactly where her food comes from. She is also striving to have the farm support itself in an ecologically responsible manner. Her descriptions of the herd of Nubian goats, dozens of chickens, and a small group of pigs tell about the ultimate uses for each type of animal. The goats are dairy goats, and their product is for personal use, with surplus being fed to the pigs. Some of the kids are sold for livestock as 4-H projects. The pigs are a seasonal endeavor, being bought as piglets in the spring, then allowed to forage in a special fenced area until the fall, when they are sent to be butchered and sold as half and whole shares, custom butchered. All her animals are raised as near organic as possible, although regulations make it too cumbersome to qualify as officially organic with the state. Each type of animal serves as a factor in the cycle of life on the farm. Surplus dairy product from the goats feeds the chickens and pigs. The chicken waste becomes fertile compost, and the pigs roaming their fenced area are rooting up the soil and serve as disruptors to improve the ultimate quality of the soil for other farm uses. Nicole admits to being fond of her animals, more than she probably should be, but counts her emotional well-being as part of the benefits. Her chicken flock is dear to her heart. There are no favorite breeds, as she finds them all beautiful, each in their own ways. One group of hens is dedicated to egg production and another to meat production, both essential to the financial survival of the farm. In answer to Tim's question about maintaining general healthy conditions among the animals, Nicole explains that twice daily flock inspection for egg gathering keeps an eye on conditions among the birds. Likewise, the goats and pigs are monitored daily at feeding and milking times. To date, this vigilance has headed off any surprise disasters. As usual, the conversation went astray, with random questions flying. A brief discussion focused on Nicole's current stint as manager of the Coxsackie Farmer's Market. The episode closed with Nicole giving a thoughtful comment on what she would like to see in the near future with her experiment in farming and livestock rearing. Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guest: Nicole Schmitt Photo by: Jean Thomas Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas Resources

Master Gardener Volunteer for Cornell Cooperative Extension in Ulster County, Barbara Bravo, joins the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast to provide some guidance and ideas. This collection of four previously aired Made in the Shade short segments has been consolidated into a single episode that focuses entirely on shade gardening. The first segment discusses the differences between light shade, partial share and deep shade, some of the advantages of shade gardening, and things to consider when selecting appropriate plants for your garden. Next, learn about Barbara's recommendations for drought-tolerant plants that thrive in dry shade. They are a game-changer for those struggling to cultivate their gardens. Epimedium, brunnera, liriope, hellebores and carex are all options that may work for you. The third segment focuses on the wide range of options available to add some height to a New York shade garden which usually consist of low-growing plants. But structure and interest can be added with a number of shade tolerant plants such as flowering quince, giant fleece flower and goat’s beard. Ninebark is one of Barbara's favorites. Typically known as a medium shrub native to the eastern and central United States, there are ninebark cultivars that do well in shade. In addition to being a pollinator favorite, most varieties are drought tolerant too. This episode concludes with a segment on how to add contrast and texture to a summer shade garden. By incorporating plants like Ligularia ‘Britt Marie Crawford’, Hakonechloa macra ‘All Gold’, Athyrium niponicum, Dryopteris Ferns and others, your shade garden doesn’t have to be ‘boring’. Keep it going into the fall with Colchicum autumnale ‘Pleniflorum’ a/k/a Autumn Crocus, or Asarum Europa a/k/a European wild ginger. Listen to the possibilities! These tips can help you make a shade garden the focal point of your landscape. Host: Jean Thomas Guest: Barbara Bravo Photo by: Teresa Golden Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas Resources

In this episode, Master Gardener Volunteers Jean and Tim chat with Joe Behn of Behn's Best Perennials in Malden Bridge, NY. Joe has been our guest multiple times before, on episodes 9, 65 and 66. On these prior occasions, we delved into the world of perennials, as Joe is a respected wholesaler of perennials to the landscaping world. This time, we spoke to him during his winter hiatus and he described his life as being “me in my pajamas, accompanied by the dogs". For a change of perspective, Joe was asked to provide a topic other than growing and/or selecting perennials. He suggested talking about a style of gardening that goes in and out of style... making garden rooms. This is an almost inevitable response to the ever-present challenge of deer. Joe explained that the core idea of garden rooms was making walls and fences around “rooms” where deer could not penetrate. This would make it possible to garden with plants the deer would usually wipe out in one visit. Hardscaping was one focus of a wide-ranging conversation, with ideas flying fast and furious. Joe has strong opinions about the idea that a fence should be beautiful on both sides as well as impermeable to deer and other freeloaders.The conversation then ranged from plant selection, to space demands of a smaller garden, to the value of hardscaping for simplifying maintenance. And, as usual, Jean and Tim had many questions for Joe about their own gardens and plant shopping. Enjoy! Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guest: Joe Behn Photo by: National Park Service Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas Resources

In this episode, Jamie Purinton chats with Tim and Jean about some of the finer points of being a landscape architect. A landscape architect is more than a designer. To be a licensed RLA (registered landscape architect), there is an intense educational requirement followed by a lengthy internship, and culminating a three-day exam! This is because the landscape architect must be expert in engineering aspects of structures, grading, drainage and topology as well as all the design skills and plant expertise found in a landscape designer. In fact, she considers the plants to be “icing on the cake.” As you might expect, the size of the projects she is involved in can be pretty big. And so can the size of the issues she must address. Public health and environment must be considered, as well as future consequences of climate change. She has worked on many public gardens and waterfront projects, and closer to home, the Mountain Top Arboretum. The Mountain Top projects spanned several years and included work with partnerships with many of our former guests on the podcast (episode list below). Some of her favorite projects included building a bird-attracting garden and an amphitheater, with a prevailing emphasis on native plants. She states that of the many facets of her job, she has no particular favorite because it is the “pulling it together” that gives her the most satisfaction. She advises her clients to step away from a rush to manipulate the landscape, and observe what is already there. She says the High Line in New York City is an influence on many people,. There is growing appreciation of habitat among her clients, even to the point where she is planning to shift her work emphasis from larger “public” projects to individuals. Her two books express her philosophy well. “The Voices of the Land” is a collection of essays, and “Landscape Narratives: Design Practices for Telling Stories,” with M. Poettinger. The latter has become a respected textbook. So if you're curious about how large scale projects can be carried out with minimal intrusion to the environment and ecology, join Tim and Jean and listen in to this episode. Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guest: Jamie Purinton, RLA Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden,Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers,Jean Thomas Resources

The Thomas Cole National Historic Site is a National Historic Landmark that includes the former home, also known as Cedar Grove, and the studio of painter Thomas Cole, founder of the Hudson River School of American painting. Located in the village of Catskill, NY, Thomas Cole lived and worked there between 1833 until his death in 1848. In 1965, the property was declared a National Historic Landmark and designated a National Historic Site in 1999. It is also considered an affiliated area of the National Park Service. Cedar Grove, a Federal Era house, was restored and opened to the public in 2001. Aided by historical photographs, sketches, and a painting, Cole's 'New Studio', originally built in 1846 and demolished in 1973, was reconstructed and reopened to the public in 2016. It currently is used for traveling exhibitions that change periodically. The house and the studio are open for tours, events and workshops throughout the year. Three years later, in partnership with the Olana State Historic Site and the New York State Bridge Authority, the Hudson River Skywalk was opened, creating a pedestrian walkway across the Rip Van Winkle Bridge connecting Olana with the Thomas Cole Historic Site. There is also the Mawignack Preserve, a park along the Catskill Creek that is operated by the Greene Land Trust, which contains signage about Thomas Cole as it was one of his favorite places to paint. This was all possible through a dedicated team of volunteers led by Elizabeth Jacks, an Executive director of the site for over two decades. She joins the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley to talk about how the site’s history and how it has evolved thanks to the many partnerships that have been formed over time. During her tenure, Betsy expanded the campus from one building to six and grew the organization's operating budget tenfold. She emphasizes that historic sites are actually for the living, to help us all better understand the past and how history has helped to shape how we see the world today. Hosts: Annie Scibienski and Taly Hahn Guest: Elizabeth Jacks Photo by: Teresa Golden Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Taly Hahn, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith, Jean Thomas Resources

In this episode, co-hosts Annie Scibienski and Taly Louria welcome back Troy Weldy, president of the Columbia Land Conservancy, to give an update on a few of the exciting projects the Conservancy has been up to lately. First up, recently launched 'Let's Go CoCo' is a website with a wealth of information dedicated to helping people find places in Columbia County to connect with nature. It includes not only the recreational land tracts under the Conservancy's auspices but also an extensive list of all public lands available for recreation in Columbia County. A directory and print map lists every public site and lets you search and filter available places based on your criteria - where are good places to swim, fish or picnic, which have ADA-accessible trails, where you can bring your dog, and much more. There’s also a blog with seasonal tips for getting outside, how to enjoy nature safely and be respectful of the land, and offers ways to volunteer. Another exciting project in the works is the Taghkanic Headwaters Conservation Plan, a major land project designed to protect over 500 acres in the Taghkanic Headwaters. The land that the Conservancy is working to protect is a beautiful, ecologically important piece of forest that supports wildlife, clean water, and even the City of Hudson’s drinking supply. But the Taghkanic Headwaters conservation project isn’t just about setting land aside, it's also about how communities can come together to shape how public land is used and cared for. One of the most exciting things about this project is the vision behind it: the creation of a community forest.The concept is pretty simple: instead of one organization making all the rules the people who actually walk the trails, fish the pond, or picnic with their kids, help make decisions about how the land is used and cared for. It’s a more collaborative, inclusive approach to conservation, and it’s something the Conservancy hopes to model for future projects. Troy also shares news about other local efforts: building a trail from downtown Hudson to the Greenport Conservation Area, improving public access to green space, and working with towns across Columbia County to develop a Countywide Conservation Plan that identifies and protects the places that matter most. Whether you're a gardener, hiker, nature lover, or just curious about local conservation efforts, this episode gives a hopeful look at how we can all play a part in caring for the places we love. Hosts: Annie Scibienski and Taly Louria Guest: Troy Weldy Resources

In this episode, Kate Brittenham—an ecological landscape designer—chats with Tim and Jean about how native plant gardens can be both beautiful and practical. These kinds of landscapes do more than just look good—they support local biodiversity and give homeowners a sustainable alternative to the typical lawn. Kate grew up surrounded by native plants at Flying Trillium Gardens and Preserve, a special place in the southern Catskills created by her mother, Carolyn Summers. She shares how her design approach has shifted over time: from having to educate clients about the benefits of native plants to now working with folks who are already excited about creating ecological gardens. Kate also talks about how to strike the right balance between habitat and curb appeal, especially in suburban neighborhoods or places with HOA rules. Kate also talks about how things have really changed in recent years—more people are paying attention to pollinators, invasive plants, along with an increasing awareness of the downsides of keeping a traditional lawn. Since the pandemic, she’s seen a real shift in what clients are asking for, and it’s changed how she approaches her work. She shares practical advice for anyone looking to make their yard more habitat-friendly, from choosing the right native plants to dealing with invasives and designing with the local environment in mind. The conversation also dives into the updated edition of Designing Gardens with Flora of the American East, the book she co-wrote with her mom, Carolyn Summers. Kate brings a great mix of honesty, plant knowledge, and optimism to the conversation—something gardeners of all experience levels will really enjoy. So if you're thinking about ditching some of your lawn or just want to learn more about plants that support pollinators, listen in as Kate Brittenham shares smart, approachable advice to help you take that first step! Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guest: Kate Brittenham Image: The Cosmonaut CC BY-SA 2.5 CA Resources

Linda Levitt, Master Gardener Volunteer, rejoins Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley with Flower Power Retrospective (Part 3) . In this episode you'll hear two previously aired short segments about flowers that have been compiled together for easier listening. In the first segment, Linda discusses how to grow popular fall flowers that include Mums, Asters and Montauk Daisies. Including these beautiful plants in your flower gardens will bring lots of fall color to your landscape. Chrysanthemums are a large genus in the Asteraceae (daisy) family. The plants can grow 2-4 feet tall with blooms that are white, yellow, or pink in the wild species, but also come in multiple cultivars with many colors and shapes of flowers. Mums are divided into garden hardy and exhibition types. Garden hardy mums can be planted in gardens while exhibition mums are more florist types and need special growing care. Garden mums are often sold in the fall but can be planted in the garden for the following year. They need organic soils in full sun but can tolerate some shade in the south. Be sure to cut the plants back in summer to encourage bushiness and a later bloom time. Use in the border, in pots, or on the patio or porch for fall color. Asters are also members of the Asteraceae family. They have daisy-like flowers and come in a variety of colors. They are easy to grow and require minimal maintenance. They typically bloom in late summer and fall, adding color as the seasons change. They have mounding as well as erect varieties and may be propagated by seeds, division, root cuttings, or stem cuttings. Deer, rabbits, and other mammals may nibble at the flower buds but they don't tend to eat the entire plant because of its pungent smell, bitter taste. The plant tolerates the nibbling, which serves as beneficial pruning. Asters are an important food and nesting source for wildlife. The Montauk Daisy (also known as the Nippon daisy) is native to Japan but cultivated as an ornamental elsewhere. This perennial tolerates light shade in hot climates. New growth may be cut back slightly in spring to maintain plant compactness and encourage bushy form. Removing spent flower heads may promote additional blooms. Divide clumps every 2-3 years to maintain vigor. It produces wonderful, long-lasting fresh-cut flowers. They are also good for drought-tolerant gardens. The second segment features Holiday plants including how to care for them. Amaryllis, Holiday Cactus and Poinsettias are all discussed. Amaryllis bulbs, native to Africa, come in various sizes. Amaryllis may be purchased as bare or planted bulbs, and are prized for their exotic trumpet-shaped flowers (typically red, white, pink, salmon, apricot, rose, or burgundy) on leafless stalks that can be 1-2 feet long. They add dramatic color to homes and gardens and make wonderful gifts to gardeners from beginners to experts. Amaryllis flowers, which can be single or double) range from 4 to 10 inches in size. The holiday cactus is a genus of succulent plants in the cactus family (Cactaceae) that are native to Southeast Brazil. This genus includes the Christmas and Thanksgiving cactus. It has fleshy stems, showy flowers and grows well as a houseplant, preferring moisture but adapting to a variety of home environments. It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, but doesn't like direct sun. Periods of lower light in the fall will encourage winter blooms. They may be propagated by stem or root cuttings.The poinsettia is native to Mexico and Guatemala. In the United States, it is typically grown as a potted plant and is popular as a decorative flower (available in shades of red, pink, and white) during the holidays. The plant grows best in part shade at temperatures of 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Water the plant when the soil surface feels dry, but do not overwater. The cup-shaped yellow "flowers" bloom in the winter through the spring and cluster above showy red leafy bracts or modified leaves. We...

Welcome to Part 2 of the Flower Power Retrospective where the conversation on previously aired short segments is focused on how to select, plant and care for all kinds of flowers. Linda Levitt, Master Gardener Volunteer, shares her knowledge and expertise focused on irises, peonies, marigolds, zinnias, and cosmos. The first segment concentrates on the iris family. These elegant flowers bring late spring or early summer color to your garden with some varieties that actually bloom again in the fall. These rugged, reliable flowers are easy to grow. The 250 to 300 species of irises grow well here in the Hudson Valley. While they tend to be deer resistant, they are great for pollinators and hummingbirds. Learn about the two major groups, those that grow from spreading rhizomes and those grown from bulbs. Irises in the rhizomatous family, which included the popular bearded iris, have multiple flowers on a stem. They are highly adaptable to a wide range of conditions, and a good selection for low maintenance mixed borders. The bulbous irises shed their leaves unlike the rhizome irises that maintain their sword like leaves if unattended. These irises you might find in a spring floral bouquet. This grouping does well in rock gardens and forcing them in pots. Most irises grow in full sun exposure for at least a half a day. Many grow in the shade but most likely will not bloom. They should be planted in late summer to early fall, early enough for the rhizomes to get established and survive over the winter. However, note that if you plant the rhizome and roots too deeply, they will not bloom. Irises do need good drainage. They look great when planted along with roses, peonies, salvias and alliums. Plant Iris is where you can watch the butterflies and hummingbirds. The second segment features a favorite flower in Hudson Valley gardens, the peony. They are elegant, long-living perennials known for their large, fragrant flowers. Blooming in late spring, they are excellent for cut arrangements. Their flowers come in shades of pink, purple, red, white, and yellow. These plants thrive in sunny spots with well-drained soil and can be stunning, low-maintenance additions to any garden. Learn about the three main types: The final segment focuses on three easy to grow annual flowers that bloom all summer. They are marigolds, zinnias, and cosmos. Marigolds are a favorite, no fuss annual, that germinate quickly from seed and will bloom in about eight weeks. They tend not to be a favorite of deer or rabbits, although there's never a guarantee. Marigolds are beneficial in repelling several types of insects, and as such are a great companion in vegetable gardens. They are an excellent choice for live bouquets, growing in containers or planting as a border along sidewalks and driveways due to their high heat tolerance. Zinnias are one of the easiest annuals to grow, offering an explosion of color and shades of orange, pink, purple, red, white, and yellow. They grow quickly and reliably and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Long strong stems make them excellent for cut flower arrangements.Cosmos are freely flowering plants that are easy to grow from seed, maturing in about two months. They may be considered slow to germinate but it will bloom quickly. The flowers sit atop a long slender stem that comes in a variety of colors and look very much like daisies. All three of these annual plants require full sun exposure and will bloom from late spring until frost, although zinnias tend to be less prolific in the heat of the summer. All three plants attract various pollinators. The marigold plants will attract butterflies, bees, ladybugs and other beneficial insects. Zinnias will attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Cosmos will attract bees, butterflies and birds. These are all easy to grow colorful additions that can be added to your garden each year. We hope you enjoy this episode and remember, take the time to smell the flowers! Host: Jean...

Welcome to another Retrospective series consisting of previously aired short segments on similar topics packaged together for easier listening. This retrospective is called Flower Power which is all about how to select, grow and care for a wide range of flowers. Master Gardener Volunteer, Linda Levitt provides lots of practical tips on how to best select, plant, and care for a wide range of flowers. The first segment focuses on the difference between Annuals, Perennials, and Biennials. Annual plants complete their life cycle, from germination to seed production, in a single growing season and then they die. They tend to have numerous and continuous blooms from spring or early summer until frost and devote more energy to see production than roots when compared to perennials. Some well known annuals include: pansies, marigolds, lantana, super bells, garden mums, Zinnias, alyssum, and nasturtium. Annuals are a great way to experiment. maintain constant color, and refresh your garden year after year. By contrast, perennial plants regrow every spring, but have a shorter blooming period. By contrast, perennial plants will continue to grow each year. Only the top portion of the plant dies annually in the fall, maintaining their growing root system allowing reblooming in the spring. These plants tend not to bloom the first year of their life. Typically a perennial plant has a root system that spreads outwards and deep and will benefit from being divided after a couple of years. Perennials should last at least three years. They have a shorter bloom time than annuals so think about pairing different perennials that bloom at different times during the growing season. And pairing with some annuals for constant color. Perennials can be planted from bulb, seed or plant. Some commonly known perennials are coral bells, purple, coneflower, daffodils, bleeding, heart and daylilies. A biennial plant completes its growth cycle in two seasons but does not bloom until the second year. It drops its seeds after blooming and in two years, you should have new blooms. Some well known examples of biennial plants are poppies, sweet William and foxglove. In the next segment, Linda talks about the beautiful and versatile Lantana plant. This is an easy care, versatile, and colorful plant that is known for its long bloom season, from late spring to first frost. There are about 150 species within the Verbena family. The plant is considered an annual plant in colder climates and a perennial plant in more tropical environments. Lantana can propagate from seed or stem cuttings and should be planted at least two weeks after the danger of frost. It thrives in hot dry spots, and in all soil types that are well drained, as long as it has enough water to get established. Lantana blooms best in full sun. As an annual it can grow three to four feet tall and one to three feet wide in just one season. Some species can grow upright and tall providing great color in your garden or then can trail, spilling over in a hanging basket or container. The tiny flowers appear in clusters called umbels that are one to two inches across in colors that range from vivid reds and oranges to muted shades of coral, pink and peach and they don't have to be deadheaded. This plant is continuously blooming with foliage that is dark green or variegated, rough, textured and oval in shape. The plants attract pollinators, butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. Some plants to consider using as companion plants include Angelonia, Pentas, sun-loving Coleus, Superbells, Petunias and Salvia. They all have similar growing conditions and will do so well with Lantana. In summary, theyare beautiful, colorful, ever-blooming plants that require little or no maintenance when planted in the right conditions. This episode concludes with another short segment covering the hellebore, which is called the 'harbinger of spring'. It provides nectar for emerging pollinators when there are so few nectar sources...

Learn more about the behind-the-scenes running of a restaurant in Round Top, NY. It's more than just the garden, and the kitchen. Julia Joern, Henning Nordanger, and Dan Hartquis are back on Nature Calls; Conversations from the Hudson Valley to finish their journey to create Julia's Local. There are plenty of business decisions that need to be made to keep a restaurant viable. It started from renovating an old house, that had lots of nooks and crannies, into an inviting place to enjoy a meal. As a non-tipping establishment, they have opted to use this approach to attract and retain a great staff. Julia's Local grows their own food in their culinary garden located on Blackhead Mountain Road on 1+ acres. Everything is started from seed. With the help of 'Tractor Dan', they have been cultivating the soil since the early summer of 2023. They grow root vegetables, peppers, garlic, kale, spinach, and berry bushes. They even have greenhouses where they grow both heirloom and sun gold tomatoes. Their raised bed gardens are used to grow herbs, nasturtiums, and other edible flowers, as well as the flowers they use on their dining room tables. But that's not all! Their garage houses multiple types of microgreens that thrive under grow lights. Learn where 'Tractor Dan' sources his seeds and how they keep the produce coming all year long. In addition to the restaurant, they offer some frozen 'small batch' offerings such as soups, stews, pot pies, that can be ordered online. It's a great option when hosting surprise guests and being able to provide them with a delicious meal. Cooking classes are also occasionally offered. So regardless of the season, enjoy learning about what it takes to run a farm-to-table restaurant and take the time to check out this local gem! Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guests: Henning Nordanger, Julia Joern, Daniel Hartquist, and JD Eiseman Photo by: Tim Kennelty Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Taly Hahn, Tim Kenelty, Amy Meadon, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Eileen Simpson, Robin Smith Resources