
Native Plants, Healthy Planet
Science Podcasts
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick interview some of the top minds in ecology, restoration, conservation, and of course, native plants. Join them on their journey towards knowledge and understanding of some of the larger problems that our ecosystems face.
Location:
United States
Genres:
Science Podcasts
Description:
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick interview some of the top minds in ecology, restoration, conservation, and of course, native plants. Join them on their journey towards knowledge and understanding of some of the larger problems that our ecosystems face.
Twitter:
@pinelandnursery
Language:
English
Episodes
The Buzz - Finding the Sweet Spot
4/18/2025
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. Why are Tom and Fran NOT in the same room? “That’s Hot” recalls a harmless prank. “This or That” builds roadways to new worlds. “Take it of Leaf it” has a funny take. Did we give you a shoutout this week? Listen to the end of the episode for a secret. Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett.
That’s Hot – Fran’s Plant / Tom’s Plant
Read Fran’s Article / Read Tom’s Article
Check out Snarky Sparrow Shirts Here.
Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189
Have a comment? Email info@nativeplantshealthyplanet.com
Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube
Follow Fran Chismar Here.
Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good.
Visit Old store Here.
Visit New store Here!
Duration:01:27:35
Meet Arlington National Cemetery with Kelly Wilson and Greg Huse
4/11/2025
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Kelly Wilson (Horticulturalist) and Greg Huse (Urban Forester) of Arlington National Cemetery to discuss the heritage of horticulture at the cemetery. Topics include honoring those who gave their lives for this country through horticulture, the challenges of maintaining excellence, implementing ecological strategies into current and future projects, Medal of Honor Memorial Trees, and Spring Horticultural Tours of the grounds. Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett.
Follow Arlington National Cemetery Here.
Spring Horticultural Tours at Arlington National Cemetery Here.
Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189.
Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube
Follow Fran Chismar Here.
Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good.
Visit Old store Here.
Visit New store Here!
Duration:01:32:07
The Buzz - How Does Your Funding Grow?
4/4/2025
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. “That’s Hot” picks a page. “This or That” is a little more uplifting this week. “Take it of Leaf it” leads to a very interesting discussion about university funding. Did we give you a shoutout this week? Listen to the end of the episode for a secret. Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett.
That’s Hot – Fran’s Plant / Tom’s Plant
Read Fran’s Article / Read Tom’s Article
Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189
Have a comment? Email info@nativeplantshealthyplanet.com
Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube
Follow Fran Chismar Here.
Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good.
Visit Old store Here.
Visit New store Here!
Duration:01:29:19
Knowledge is Power with Dr. Jared Barnes
3/28/2025
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Dr. Jared Barnes (Associate Professor of Horticulture at Stephen F. Austin State University) to talk about inspiring people to garden. Topics include the power of knowledge and education, the rise of ecological gardening, current gardening trends, and Jared's journey into horticulture. Music by Egocentric Plastic Men.
Follow Dr. Jared Barnes Here.
Follow Seed Your Future Here.
Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189.
Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube
Follow Fran Chismar Here.
Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good. Visit Here.
Duration:01:41:56
The Buzz - No Clues Given
3/21/2025
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. “That’s Hot” picks an edible and a botanical. “This or That” has Tom and Fran realizing how much they do not know. “Take it of Leaf it” puts a round object in a square hole.. Did we give you a shoutout this week? There are secrets galore this episode as well as some pettiness! Listen to the end of the episode for a secret. Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett.
That’s Hot – Fran’s Plant / Tom’s Plant
Read Fran’s Article / Read Tom’s Article
Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189
Have a comment? Email info@nativeplantshealthyplanet.com
Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube
Follow Fran Chismar Here.
Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good.
Visit Old store Here.
Visit New store Here!
Duration:01:26:09
Native Plants Connections with Ken Parker
3/14/2025
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Ken Parker (Owner – Native Plant Guy Consulting) to talk about human interaction with native plants. Topics include reconnecting Indigenous Tribes with traditional foods and healthier eating, interesting medicinal uses for native plants, and inspirations in ecology. Music by Egocentric Plastic Men.
Follow Ken Parker Here.
Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189.
Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube
Follow Fran Chismar Here.
Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good. Visit Here.
Duration:01:37:59
The Buzz - Keep Your Cats Indoor
3/7/2025
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. “That’s Hot” picks a number and takes and interesting turn. “This or That” has Tom and Fran trying not to press the panic button and find some good and make some sense. “Take it of Leaf it” asks what kind of steward you are. Did we give you a shoutout this week? Grow Read a Book takes to the mountains! Listen to the end of the episode for a fancy secret. Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett.
That’s Hot – Fran’s Plant / Tom’s Plant
Read Fran’s Article / Read Tom’s Article
Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189
Have a comment? Email info@nativeplantshealthyplanet.com
Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube
Follow Fran Chismar Here.
Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good.
Visit Old store Here.
Visit New store Here!
Duration:01:25:30
How to Love a Forest with Ethan Tapper
2/28/2025
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Ethan Tapper (Owner - Bear Island Consulting and Author of How to Love a Forest) to talk about his book How to Love a Forest. Topics include Ethan's journey into forestry, the challenges of stewardship, signs of a healthy forest, being a steward of wildlife, and learning to write a book. Music by Egocentric Plastic Men.
Follow Ethan Tapper Here.
Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189.
Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube
Follow Fran Chismar Here.
Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good. Visit Here.
Duration:01:21:14
Celebrating Five Years and 250 Episodes
2/21/2025
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back to celebrate five years, 250 episodes, and over a half a million downloads of The Native Plants Healthy Planet Podcast. That celebration does not come without technical difficulties. Thank you to all of our listeners who have made the journey with us and took the time to call in to our show. “That’s Hot” asks, "What is your favorite native plant?". “This or That” knocks open doors and cracks open shells. “Take it of Leaf it” spies on some good work. Listen to the end of the episode to find out who won our contest! Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett.
That’s Hot – Fran’s Plant / Tom’s Plant
Read Fran’s Article / Read Tom’s Article
Kickstarter Pollinator Camera Article Here.
Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189
Have a comment? Email info@nativeplantshealthyplanet.com
Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube
Follow Fran Chismar Here.
Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good.
Visit Old store Here.
Visit New store Here!
Duration:01:54:16
The Philadelphia Flower Show with Andrew Bunting
2/14/2025
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Andrew Bunting (Vice President of Horticulture) from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. Topics include how gardening has changed over the years as well as the view on native plants, PHS and the wonderful work and programs they offer, how they incorporate native plants into urban gardens as well as the internationally renowned Philadelphia Flower Show, and what the future holds for the PHS. Music by Egocentric Plastic Men.
Follow The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society - Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / YouTube
Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189.
Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet - Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube
Follow Fran Chismar Here.
Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good. Visit Here.
Duration:01:43:34
The Buzz - Split on the Split
2/7/2025
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. “That’s Hot” is an oldie but a goodie. “This or That” leads to some difficult discussions. “Take it of Leaf it” has Tom and Fran on opposite ends. Did we give you a shoutout this week? Grow Read a Book is a surprise! Listen to the end of the episode for a secret. Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett.
That’s Hot – Fran’s Plant / Tom’s Plant
Read Fran’s Article / Read Tom’s Article
Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189
Have a comment? Email info@nativeplantshealthyplanet.com
Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube
Follow Fran Chismar Here.
Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good.
Visit Old store Here.
Visit New store Here!
Duration:01:19:03
Mt. Cuba Center Vernonia Trials with Sam Hoadley
1/31/2025
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick welcome back Sam Hoadley (Horticultural Research Manager) from the Mt. Cuba Center about the results of their newly published Vernonia trials. It's time to get excited about Vernonia! They discuss which Vernonia performed well and which ones performed better, surprise value of many of the Vernonia species, How species rated in the trials as well as the buzz generated by this timely research. Find out what trials are next! Music by Egocentric Plastic Men.
Follow Mt. Cuba Center - Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / YouTube / Vernonia Trials
Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189.
Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet - Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube
Follow Fran Chismar Here.
Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good. Visit Here.
Duration:01:25:09
The Buzz - The Gift that Keeps on Giving
1/24/2025
Happy New Year! Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. We've been exhibiting and speaking. Find out how it's been going. “That’s Hot” takes to the trees. “This or That” deals with fire and rain. “Take it of Leaf it” leaves Tom and Fran collecting their thoughts. Did we give you a shoutout this week? Listen to the end of the episode for a follow up to Tom’s secret. Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett.
That’s Hot – Fran’s Plant / Tom’s Plant
Read Fran’s Article / Read Tom’s Article
Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189
Have a comment? Email info@nativeplantshealthyplanet.com
Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube
Follow Fran Chismar Here.
Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good.
Visit Old store Here.
Visit New store Here!
Duration:01:25:09
Ecological Ramblings with Mike McGraw
1/17/2025
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Mike McGraw from Princeton Hydro to discuss all things ecology speaking. Topics include the journey from a big city to wildlife biologist, the impact of deer, the documentary "Roots so Deep" and regenerative farming, and making your own ecological impact. Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett.
Follow Princeton Hydro Here.
Watch Roots so Deep Here.
Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189.
Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube
Follow Fran Chismar Here.
Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good.
Visit Old Store Here
Visit New Store Here
Duration:01:39:41
The Buzz - Top 10 Episodes of All-Time
1/10/2025
Happy New Year! Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. “That’s Hot” ironically, looks good in the snow. “This or That” talks about raking and preserving. “Take it of Leaf it” is a little general. Tom and Fran break down our Top 10 of All-Time and our Top Ten of 2024. Did we give you a shoutout this week? Listen to the end of the episode for a follow up to Tom's secret. Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett.
That’s Hot – Fran’s Plant / Tom’s Plant
Read Fran’s Article / Read Tom’s Article
Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189
Have a comment? Email info@nativeplantshealthyplanet.com
Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube
Follow Fran Chismar Here.
Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good.
Visit Old store Here.
Visit New store Here!
Duration:01:10:18
Replaying the Hits with Oliver Milman and The Insect Crisis
1/3/2025
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick share one of their favorite episodes of The Native Plants Healthy Planet Podcast. Tom and Fran spoke with Oliver Milman (Environment Correspondent at the Guardian) to talk about his new book The Insect Crisis. Topics include the state of our insect friends, the factors contributing to their decline, the obstacles we face in reversing the trend, and what you can do locally to help. Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett.
Buy a copy of The Insect Crisis Here.
Follow Oliver Milman - Website / The Guardian / Twitter
Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189.
Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube
Follow Fran Chismar Here.
Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good.
Visit Old Store Here
Visit New Store Here
Duration:01:01:05
Sneak Peek - A Native Plant Every Day Season 3
12/27/2024
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a sneak peek of Season 3 of A Native Plant Every Day. Season 3 will be a four week season debuting in 2025. Listen to hear about the exciting changes moving forward. Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett.
Follow A Native Plant Every Day Here.
Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189
Have a comment? Email info@nativeplantshealthyplanet.com
Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube
Follow Fran Chismar Here.
Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good.
Visit Old store Here.
Visit New store Here!
Duration:01:07:10
The Buzz - Leaf It! No, Take It!
12/20/2024
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. “That’s Hot” is festive for the season. “This or That” talks about urban meadows and host plants. “Take it of Leaf it” takes Tom and Fran on a long journey. Did we give you a shoutout this week? Listen to the end of the episode for a secret. Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett.
That’s Hot – Fran’s Plant / Tom’s Plant
Read Fran’s Article / Read Tom’s Article
Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189
Have a comment? Email info@nativeplantshealthyplanet.com
Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube
Follow Fran Chismar Here.
Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good.
Visit Old store Here.
Visit New store Here!
Duration:01:29:10
Meet Izel Native Plants
12/13/2024
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Claudio Vasquez and Amanda McClean from Izel Native Plants to discuss supplying native plants to the retail market. Topics include the history of Izel Native Plants, how the market and their company has changed since their inception, challenges in making wholesale native plant material available to the public and what the next ten years look like. Music by Egocentric Plastic Men, Outro music by Dave Bennett.
Follow Izel Native Plants Here.
Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189.
Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube
Follow Fran Chismar Here.
Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good.
Visit Old Store Here
Visit New Store Here
Duration:01:28:16
The Buzz - Don't Blow Me Off!
12/6/2024
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz. We have two winners!!! Are you one of them? It is the most leaf blower time of the year. Let's talk about two stroke engine bans. “That’s Hot” survives the cold. “This or That” talks soil and radiation. “Take it of Leaf it” has a lot of stipulations. Did we give you a shoutout this week? Listen to the end of the episode for a secret. Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett.
That’s Hot – Fran’s Plant / Tom’s Plant
Read Fran’s Article / Read Tom’s Article
Visit Hoppy Valley Farm Here.
Have a question or a comment? Call (215) 346-6189
Have a comment? Email info@nativeplantshealthyplanet.com
Follow Native Plants Healthy Planet – Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube
Follow Fran Chismar Here.
Buy a T-shirt, spread the message, and do some good.
Visit Old store Here.
Visit New store Here! Black Friday 10% off Code is NTVBF24
Duration:01:26:03