Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley

Annuals, a term dating back to the 14th century, are plants that complete their life cycle in one growing season or single year. That means, they germinate, flower, set seed and die in one season. Annuals are loved because they bloom throughout the spring and summer. Typically, smaller than perennials, they don’t have time to focus on gaining height but rather expend their energy on flowering since they only last a single season. They come in a wide variety of beautiful colors and shapes. After the first frost, they’ll die off and typically won’t regrow the following year, although you might find that some of their seeds may germinate. Master Gardener Volunteer, Maureen Mooney, joins the podcast, Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, in an informative discussion about popular annual flowers that grow in New York State. As part of the 101 series, this episode is geared towards new gardeners as well as those who have lots of experience under their belts. Whether used in containers or garden beds, most annuals thrive in full sun. They can be grown from seed or purchased as plants to add lots of color in your garden. Less expensive than perennials, they are great plants to experiment with, as you can replace them the next season in different spot or replant them in a different color to change things up. Maureen talks about many of her favorites including zinnias, celosia, larkspur, and others that also make great flowers for a cutting garden. Hosts: Jean Thomas and Annie Scibienski Guest: Maureen Mooney Photo by: Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden, and Annie Scibienski Resources

While you may have heard about ‘gleaning’, do you actually know what it is? In a gardening and nature context, gleaning is about the gathering of leftover grain or other product after a harvest. Long Table Harvest, which serves Columbia, Dutchess and Greene Counties, is a non-profit organization that enables sustainable food surplus redistribution by connecting local farm surpluses with emergency food sites and community based organizations. Unfortunately, the current state of food insecurity is such that food pantries and other sites continue to report record high usage, upwards of 50% increases since 2020, which has been attributed both to the pandemic and the current imbalance in the cost of living relative to wages. When Long Table Harvest was established in 2016, they stepped into an emergency food system that was lacking in quality fresh food options. Since then, they have provided a unique food distribution service to a variety of sites -- providing fresh produce, meat and dairy from predominantly organic growers to improve options and accessibility. Their gleaning program, launched in 2016, is based on strong partnerships with area farms which provide reliable weekly distributions of fresh fruits, vegetables and proteins to food pantries, youth programs, senior living centers, subsidized housing, and community organizations. They work with over 64 farms from June through November, to pick-up already harvested produce, and then distributing tens of thousands of pounds of food to over 30 recipient sites on the same day to maintain peak freshness. Gleaning in the winter months is more sporadic, with the occasional distribution of storage vegetables. A seedling program helps residents grow their own food and a meat and cheese program rounds out the types of food that is distributed. Learn from co-founder, Aravah Berman-Mirkin, and gleaning coordinator, Sarah Grinberg about their work and its impact on local food pantries and the community. Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Annie Scibienski Guests: Aravah Berman-Mirkin and Sarah Grinberg Photo by: Tim Kennelty Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski Resources

Oaks (trees or shrubs in the genus Quercus of the beech family Fagaceae) are a favorite tree in New York. The mighty oak has earned this reputation due to its towering size, its historical, timber and ecological value, as well as its role in American (and human) culture. A symbol of strength and endurance, the oak is a key hardwood forest tree that can live for several hundred years. It is also a critical host tree for many types of pollinators. Its acorns and leaves contain tannic acid which helps to guard against fungi and insects. But did you know that it can take up to 17 years before an oak tree bears its first crop of acorns? While the Quercus family is native to the Northern Hemisphere, there are about 500 existing species of oaks but only 16 are native to New York State. Locally, they can be typically categorized into white oaks (quercus alba), whose acorns form in a single season, and black oaks (which include red oaks), which take two seasons to form their acorns. Other parts of the country and the world host other varieties including the evergreen live oak which can be found in the southern United States. Because of their longevity (outliving humans), oaks are known as witness trees. Learn from the Nature Calls: Conversations of the Hudson Valley podcast team as they share stories about oak trees and provide examples of what some of these trees have witnessed throughout history. But then, there’s more. Melons are the topic of discussion on the Patch to Plate segment with Annie Scibienski. This category includes watermelons, honeydews, and cantaloupes. A great resource, Vegetable Varieties of New York State, published by Cornell University, provides a list of vegetables and fruits (including melons) that are rated highly to grow well in New York State. Get your taste buds watering with descriptions of recipes for watermelon salad, watermelon pickles, and grilled cantaloupe. There’s a lot to take in on this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley. Enjoy! Hosts:Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guests: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Annie Scibienski, and Jean Thomas Photo by: Tim Kennelty Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski Resources

Learn about the basics of Making a New Garden Bed with Master Gardener Tim Kennelty, based in Columbia County is an avid gardener, naturalist forest owner, and co-founder of the podcast, Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley. Tim delivers numerous presentations on multiple gardening topics and is known for his love of native plants. Tim suggests that you start with assessing what you want to plant (vegetables, annuals or perennials) and the amount of time, energy, and money you’re willing to invest with a new garden bed. Checking out your neighbors’ gardens, or visiting public gardens, at different times of the year, can give you lots of ideas as to what you want to plant and the look you’re trying to achieve. If you are starting with a perennial garden, just realize that it may take up to 3 years for it to look ‘mature’. Remember the adage that in the first season the plants ‘sleep’, the second they start to ‘creep’ and the third year they ‘leap’. The garden will look good during this time period but make not look like a garden that has been established for several years. Keeping it simple is the best bet for a new gardener to avoid becoming overwhelmed. The key is to ensure that you pick a spot that has the appropriate sunlight, soil, and access to water to ensure success. Start small until you better understand the basics of the plants you want to use and the growing conditions on your property. Tim suggests that you test the soil to understand what kind of plants would thrive best in your soil. He also discusses different ways to prepare the soil, with methods that require a varying degree of time, energy and materials. Once the bed is prepared, Tim also talks about the merits of buying plants, or growing them from seed, as well as the need to think about the protecting your garden from any pets and/or wild critters that visit your yard. Planting either host or nectar plants for pollinators is clearly an option, as is planting ones that are deer or woodchuck resistant (unless you are willing to invest in a fence). Design elements like color, size and texture are also important considerations when selecting plants. Plant calculators might be helpful to figure out how many plants to buy to fill the area you’ve prepared. Tim offers tips on watching the weather to determine when to plant your garden bed. Wait until the soil warms up (trees/shrubs in late April, perennials in early May, and annuals in late May) before putting new plants into the ground. And, importantly, don’t forget about maintenance of the garden beds which includes watering, weeding, and potentially mulching staking, and deadheading spent flowers. The off season is a great time to assess what worked, get new ideas, and plan for the following season. Until then, learn all about the basics of starting a new garden bed on this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley. Host: Jean Thomas Guest: Tim Kennelty Photo by: Tim Kennelty Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski Resources

Everyone loves flowering bulbs (e.g., tulips, daffodils, gladiolas, etc.) but many may not know how to go about ordering and planting them. Timing is critical for spring flowering bulbs that need to have a cold period before they bloom. Thus, they need to be planted in the fall. Summer flowering bulbs (including tubers and rhizomes), that are typically not cold hardy, are planted in the spring. They need to be lifted and stored indoors as they won’t survive our New York winters. Some (like cannas and begonias) may benefit from being started indoors in the spring. Planning is important for both types in order to determine how many bulbs to plant. Bulbs selection or fencing is key if you have a lot of wildlife. They should be planted at a depth that is triple their height. And don’t plant them in a row if you want them to look ‘natural’. Deadheading their stems (not their leaves) is key after flowering so that the bulbs focus on storing energy to rebloom the following year. Careful planning by placing them with other plants can help to screen the bulbs once they finish flowering. Join Master Gardener Jean Thomas on this Nature Calls 101 podcast episode to gain confidence to successfully include bulbs in your garden landscape. Host: Tim Kennelty Guest: Jean Thomas Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden, Annie Scibienski Resources

Did you know that Jewel Weed is a wonderful first aid plant to treat skin irritations (including poison ivy) or that Aloe Vera can be applied to minor burns? Yarrow is a meadow plant that the native peoples used to treat arthritis and to staunch bleeding, among other things. Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa) can be used to reduce swelling and can be applied to bee stings. Plantain is a favorite plant, even though it is not native, as it can used to extract the stinger from a bee sting. Elderberries can be used to strengthen the immune system, but they have to be cooked. This week, Barbara Huey joins the podcast, Nature Calls:Conversations from the Hudson Valley. Barbara is from Land Stewardship Design and her topic is native Medicinal Plants.Her parents influenced her love of nature and her time at Sage Mountain cultivated her interest in medicinal plants. She focuses mostly on plants that can be applied externally, typically for first aid, but cautions that they don’t replace the need to see health care workers. It is important to note that while medicinal plants aren’t cure-alls and they aren’t perfect, many herbs and teas offer harmless subtle ways to improve your health. However, many carry the same risks and side effects as manufactured medicines. Many of them are sold with unfounded promises. Pay attention to what the evidence says about each herb’s effectiveness as well as potential interactions or safety issues. Avoid using herbs for infants and children and for those who are pregnant and breastfeeding. Note that most herbs haven’t been tested for safety for those who are vulnerable, and trying herbs isn’t worth the risk. The USDA Plant ID database is the ‘go to’ resource Barbara Huey uses to identify native plants in New York and the northeast. Medicinal properties are considered secondary properties of these plants that can be bred out with newer cultivars, so the native species are always preferred. But bear in mind that more is not necessarily better when using plants for first aid. Medicinal plants provide considerable value to pollinators within the landscape. Learning about these plants can also help to increase awareness of the importance of native plants. Listen in to learn how these plants can be used and what to watch out for when considering their use for medicinal purposes. Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guest: Barbara Huey Photo By: Teresa Golden Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski Resources

Are you interested in ensuring the beauty and safety of your landscape, and improving your property, while promoting the wellbeing of the environment? Planting trees might be a great place to start. But where should you begin? Careful tree selection, planting and maintenance is the answer. Caleb White from New Leaf Tree Services joins the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast with an informative discussion on when to engage a tree service and what to expect. Ideally, a new property owner can request a visit to better understand what is currently on the landscape, learn about the health of the existing trees, and understand what could be done to achieve a homeowner’s goals. Unfortunately, a storm event might result in uprooted trees or fallen tree limbs that require more immediate attention from a tree service to help with tree removal and/or pruning. Both situations are quite common in the Hudson Valley. Tree services often have a certified arborist on staff who is specially trained to deal with the art and science of planting, caring, maintaining, and diagnosing trees, shrubberies, and other woody plant life. These professionals have spent time and effort mastering their craft to properly and effectively manage the growth and development of trees. Caleb, who is an arborist, talks about what to look for in selecting new trees for your landscape, especially in light of climate change. He has a clear preference for native species that better suit New York’s ecology and support the insects, birds, and other wildlife. Ornamental options are okay when planted for specific reasons. Did you know that evergreens don’t like to be planted closely together? Something to consider when looking for screening on your property. Learn about the benefits of some of Caleb’s favorite trees including Red Maples, Oaks, American Linden and Eastern Redbud. Once the tree has been selected and sourced from a reputable nursery, having it properly planted is key to surviving its first year. Consider using biochar and having the soil inoculated at planting time to provide trees with the nutrients that will enable them to thrive. Proper watering is absolutely fundamental. Have you heard about a tree diaper? Existing trees also need maintenance. A tree service can evaluate the trunk structure, branch structure, cavities, bird activity, etc. to assess the health of the tree and evaluate any existing or potential risks to the home or landscape. Using a service with the proper equipment can help ensure that and canopy pruning, ornamental pruning or tree removal is done safely while also being gentle with the landscape. Listen to this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley to become better informed should you want/need to consider using a tree service in the future. Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guest:Caleb White (New Leaf Tree Services) Photo By: Teresa Golden Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski Resources

Tomatoes are often the reward for growing a summer garden. Native to South America, Mexico and Central America, the first evidence of its use for domestic cooking is from the Aztecs and other peoples in Mesoamerica. Tomatoes can be consumed either raw or cooked, and in many dishes, sauces, salads and drinks. While tomatoes are actually fruits (botanically classified as berries), they are commonly used as a vegetable ingredient. Miriam Rubin, joins Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley to talk about this popular garden staple. Miriam is a food writer, columnist, recipe developer, chef, and cookbook author. In her book Tomatoes, she explores the tomato’s rich history in southern culture. Listen in to learn about why tomatoes grow better in the South, or what makes a tomato an heirloom. In addition to describing the history of hybrid tomatoes including why they were developed; she also dishes about the best tomatoes to grow in the Hudson Valley. This is a podcast episode not to be missed! Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guest: Miriam Rubin Photo by: Tim Kennelty Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden, Annie Scibienski

Corn on the cob, fresh-picked from the garden, farm stand or farmer’s market, is a delightful summertime treat. Many Americans think of it as an American barbecue staple, but corn is actually a global food. Master Gardener Annie Scibienski is back with another From Patch to Plate segment. This time she talks about corn and everything that goes well with it. The long list of options will make your taste buds clamor for it. Fire-roasted corn salad anyone? Do you know the difference between an acronym versus an initialism? Both are formed by using the first letter of each word in a phrase. The difference is that acronyms are pronounced as a word, while initialisms are spoken as a list of letters. Master Gardener Jean Thomas provides various examples of each type on It’s All Greek To Me. She also demystifies ecological acronyms like AVID, CRISP and PRISM. Talking about differences, how can you tell if you have fruit flies or fungus gnats flying around your home? Master Gardeners, Jackie Hayden ad Dede Terns-Thorpe, provide the answers on this Pests and Pathogens segment. (Hint: If they are flying around your house plants, they are probably fungus gnats.)They also provide suggestions on how to get rid of them. So enjoy your New York summer with this latest episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley. Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guests: Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas, Jackie Hayden, Dede Terns-Thorpe Photo by: Tim Kennelty Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski Resources

Do you consider yourself a bird watcher? Or are you actually a birder? If you want to know the difference, listen to Author and Master Gardener Volunteer Kathryn Schneider on Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley. This episode is all about birds. She provides an overview on essential tools for anyone interested in learning more about our feathered friends that you can find throughout New York State. Binoculars are extremely helpful in bird identification. However, many people don’t know what they should look for in a pair of binoculars that are best suited for bird watching. Kathryn provides some tips, including where to get the best prices for a pair of binoculars. She also provides clues to help with bird identification including their size, shape, location and even their feet! Are there advantages of a field guide versus a phone app? As is typical, it all depends on where you are and what you want to discover. Kathryn recommends an app that was developed by Cornell University, and helps to identify birds by their color, shape and even their songs. This one is popular with many Master Gardeners. She closes out this discussion talking about the critical importance of food for birds’ survival and how you can help. Expand your bird watching horizons with this latest podcast episode. Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guest: Kathryn Schneider Photo by: Tim Kennelty Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden, Annie Scibienski Recording: Resources: Cornell: All About Birds (Cornell); Merlin Bird ID App

Flying Trillium Gardens and Preserve is located in the southern Catskill Mountains in Sullivan County, NY. The gardens are an ongoing work by author, teacher, and landscape designer, Carolyn Summers. In addition to managed gardens, large areas of the property are preserved to protect native flora in their natural habitats, along with the wildlife that depend on them. The nature preserve is over 385 acres with natural hemlock forest, meadow and aquatic plant communities, including a rare kettle hole bog. Almost a third of the trees native to New York occur here naturally. The preserve showcases indigenous plants, including painted and red trilliums, in their native environment. Listen to Carolyn Summers as she describes the path that sparked and nurtured her interest in native plants, resulting in this delightful preserve that is open to the public right here in the Hudson Valley. Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guest: Carolyn Summers Photo by: Tim Kennelty Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski

This podcast episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley is perfect for summer! Master Gardener Annie Scibienski starts us off with a yummy segment on a wide range of ways to prepare zucchini and summer squash, some simply using your pantry staples, while others are more creative. If you’d like to know how to cook squash blossoms, make frittatas, or serve it with eggs or rice, this segment is for you. Your mouth will be watering! This is followed by a segment from Master Gardener Barbara Bravo on how to add contrast and texture to your summer shade garden. Leveraging 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! Master Gardener Devon Russ closes out this episode by dispelling the common myth that watering your garden on a hot summer day will result in leaf scorch. In reality, this condition is caused by either drought, root damage, or acidic damage. Learn about the science behind leaf scorch to keep your garden thriving. Here’s hoping that you get to enjoy a wonderful New York summer in sun and shade! Hosts: Jean Thomas and Teresa Golden Guests: Annie Scibienski, Barbara Bravo, and Devon Russ Photo by: Tim Kennelty Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski

A meadow can be defined as a piece of land covered with mostly grass and often wildflowers in it. Meadows provide cover, food, and nesting sites for birds, insects, and other wildlife. They can be thought of a way to provide food security for pollinators. These grasslands also help to absorb stormwater runoff, helping prevent flooding and soil erosion. So how can you start a meadow? How do maintain one? Are there specific native species and/or sedges that should be planted to create a meadow? What are realistic expectations when starting a meadow or trying to increase biodiversity within one? How can you best manage the appearance of a meadow? Join Caleb White and Debra Wren to get answers to these questions and more on this week’s edition of the podcast, Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley. Their focus at New Leaf Ecological Landscapes is on converting lawns and otherwise barren spaces into native meadows and wooded areas utilizing native trees, shrubs, plants, and grasses. Enjoy! Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guests: Caleb White and Debra Wren Photo by: Teresa Golden Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden, Annie Scibienski Resources

It’s been said that people who spend time in nature are generally healthier and happier. In addition, people who have positive experiences in nature are more likely to volunteer and vote with the environment in mind. The Columbia Land Conservancy (CLC) is a non-profit organization that brings people together to conserve, appreciate, and enjoy land. Columbia County, in New York State, is home to one of only two forested wildlife corridors that cross the Hudson Valley and are essential for plants and animals moving in response to climate change. If this corridor is fragmented by development, it will fail. These landscapes are essential for recreation, the economy, sequestering carbon, reducing air and water pollution, preventing fires and floods, and filtering drinking water. They’re also threatened by poorly planned development, climate change, and invasive species. For nearly 40 years, CLC has collaborated with individuals, communities, and partners to ensure Columbia County is a beautiful, livable, resilient place. CLC is the only conservation organization focused exclusively on protecting land in Columbia County. In addition to permanently protecting land with legal tools like conservation easements (which limit future development), CLC provides educational resources for land management for landowners, municipalities, and conservation-minded partners. CLC is recognized across the country for its innovation when it comes to protecting farmland and recognized by local farmers as an essential partner in land protection. CLC and its partners use a variety of tools to protect farmland, keep it affordable, support the next generation of farmers, and facilitate relationships with farmers and community members. Last year, the CLC and its partners held over 50 free and low-cost educational programs that provided opportunities for people to fall in love with the world around them. With the help of volunteers, donors, and supporters, they maintain ten Public Conservation Areas, with nearly 30 miles of trails, for recreation, reflection, and restoration. On this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, join Troy Weldy and Sara Cashen as they talk about the history of this impactful organization and how they continue to collaborate with landowners to ensure about 30,000 acres of land is conserved and protected in perpetuity. And learn about the numerous volunteer opportunities to get involved and to get to know nature better. Listen in! Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guests: Troy Weldy and Sara Cashen Photo by: Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski Resources

There’s a lot of food for thought in this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley. Annie Scibienski is back with another episode of Patch to Plate.This time the focus is on hardy greens like kale, swiss chard, and broccoli rabe.Get out the olive oil and garlic to enjoy these veggies.Do you know how to massage kale for a delicious salad?Interested in learning about what ingredients go well with swiss chard or broccoli rabe?If so, this episode is for you. Next Jean Thomas takes us on a journey through the fascinating world of pH in It’s All Greek to Me. This scientific concept is crucial in gardening, as it determines how accessible nutrients are to help plants thrive. Jean explains how pH is defined as "hydrogen potential" and discusses how soil acid or alkaline soil pH affects plant growth. She also shares some interesting botanical trivia, such as the origin of monkshood and a new species of begonia linked with Darth Vader! So, if you're a curious gardener or just love to learn about the natural world, you won't want to miss this segment. Finally, Devon Russ demystifies the topic of lawn thatch in Hits or Myths.Dethatching the grass every spring is a chore that no one looks forward to doing.Learn how thatch is created and what you can do to reduce the amount of thatch that can cause problems in your lawn.This segment provides some useful information that might reduce the amount of work you need to put in to enjoy a nice lawn. So, save time on your lawn and garden, make sure the pH of your soil is supporting your plants, and enjoy your summer greens! Hosts: Jean Thomas and Annie Scibienski Guests:Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas and Devon Thomas Photo by:Tim Kennelty Production Support:Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski Resources

In the second of a two-part conversation, Eli Arnow and Avalon Bunge are back to talk more about Pollinate Now!, their plans for the future of this initiative and how others can get involved. A recent DEC study confirmed that between 38 and 60 percent of the New York State pollinator species studied are at risk. Pollinator populations can be helped by, among other things, conserving habitat, controlling invasive plants, changing mowing regimes, converting lawns into meadows, and controlling deer browsing of the understory of woodlands. Restoring pollinator habitat for at-risk pollinators is the focus of Pollinate Now!, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving biodiversity and resilience for native bees and butterflies in the Hudson Valley. They are in the process of creating design toolkits to help landowners, landscape professionals and farmers implement restoration plantings across a diverse range of site types and scales. Starting with four unique designs for urban, riparian, working farms and old fields, they are striving to create a community of practice to improve biodiversity and resilience. Learn more by listening to this podcast episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley. Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guests: Eli Arnow and Avalon Bunges Photo by: Tim Kennelty Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski

A recent DEC study confirmed concerns about the health of some pollinator populations in New York State. The survey found that between 38 and 60 percent of the species studied are potentially imperiled or critically imperiled. Although the survey documented 16 bee and fly species for the first time in New York, recent sightings or records could not be confirmed for 79 pollinator species previously recorded in the state. The study found that more than one-third of the native pollinators surveyed are at risk of becoming extinct in New York. Pollinator populations can be helped by conserving habitat, controlling invasive plants, changing mowing regimes, converting lawns into meadows, paying attention to the siting and density of honey bee hives to reduce competition and spread of disease to native species, controlling deer browsing of the understory, retaining logs and snags in forests, and reducing unnecessary outdoor lights for nocturnal species. To help address some of these issues, Pollinate Now! is focused on improving biodiversity and resilience through habitat restoration in support of at-risk pollinators. They are working to provide design toolkits to help landowners, landscape professionals and farmers implement restoration plantings across a diverse range of site types and scales. Starting with four unique designs for urban, riparian, working farms and old fields, they are striving to create a community of practice to improve biodiversity and resilience. In the first of a two part conversation, listen to Eli Arnow and Avalon Bunge talk about how they got started with Polinate Now! and their plans for the future. Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guests: Eli Arnow and Avalon Bunge Photo by:Tim Kennelty Production Support:Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski

Welcome to another episode of the podcast, Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, with something for everyone. Annie Scibienski starts us off discussing the wide variety of tender greens that can be grown in spring gardens in the Hudson Valley. You probably know all about lettuce, but arugula and spinach are also great spring greens that are fun to grow, cook and eat! Gain some tips and techniques on Patch to Plate. Then listen to Barbara Bravo talk about a wide range of options to add 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 her 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. Learn more on Made In the Shade. Dede Terns-Thorpe and Jackie Hayden on Pests and Pathogens finish up this episode with a discussion about a popular pest of zucchini and other members of the cucurbit family: the dreaded Squash Vine Borer. As one of the earliest insects to show up in the garden as a moth, it can wreak havoc on a garden if not caught early. Learn some tips and tricks to help avoid and manage problems. Hosts: Jean Thomas and Teresa Golden Guests: Annie Scibienski, Barbara Bravo, Dede Terns-Thorpe and Jackie Hayden Photo by: Tim Kennelty Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski Resources

Episode 69: Straw Bale Gardening Do you have rocky soil? Or problems with soil borne diseases? Straw bale gardening might be your answer. It’s a gardening approach that uses a bale of straw as the medium in which you plant. It creates relatively inexpensive raised beds. At the end of the season, you can compost the bales, so it’s the ultimate in sustainable gardening. Ideal for vegetable gardens in New York State and elsewhere, but they can also be used to grow ornamental flowers. Straw bale gardening is an investment in time and money. But there are some things you need to consider. Join Master Gardener, Tim Kennelty, as he provides tips and tricks learned from years of experience using straw bales in his garden. He walks through the steps needed to ‘condition’ the bales so that they can successfully be used for growing. Watering and fertilizing the bales are fundamental. The location of the straw bales can be moved year to year and since it is basically soil-less gardening, the bales can even be placed on a driveway. This gardening approach is ideal if you are limited for space or have soil issues. To learn how to get started, this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations of the Hudson Valley might be just what you are looking for! Host: Jean Thomas Guest: Tim Kennelty Photo by: Tim Kennelty Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski Resources

You’ve probably heard about native plants … ones that have evolved in an ecosystem in a specific area. They can be defined as plants that have been growing in a particular habitat and region for hundreds or years, or longer. Also called indigenous, they are well adapted to the climate, light, and soil conditions that characterize their ecosystem. A native range can vary from a narrow definition (e.g., a specific county) to a broader definition for a region (e.g., a particular hardiness zone, the Northeast, or the United States). Non-native plants, also referred to as exotic or alien, are plants that have been introduced to an area from their native range, either purposefully or accidentally. The term non-native usually refers to plants from other countries, regions, or continents. A non-native plant is not necessarily ‘bad’. Many have nicely been incorporated into the landscape, while others are considered invasive (e.g., burning bush, bush honeysuckle, multiflora rose, etc.). due to their damaging impacts on the natural environment. Native cultivars or nativars are cultivars (a cultivated variety) of native plants. Most nativars are intentional crosses between wild, native plant species or between other nativars. These nativars are selected for a specific characteristic including flower colors or forms, size, insect or disease resistance, tolerance of certain environmental conditions, and more. Eli Joseph-Hunter and Brianna Davis (Greene Bee Greenhouse in Cornwallville, NY) join Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley to talk about the differences between native plants, non-natives, and nativars and how these plants can be used and grown responsibly in a landscape. Echinecea, hydrangea, hellebore, and redbud are among the plants that are discussed. Learn more about the value of native plants in your Hudson Valley landscapes while understanding the wide range of varieties that are now available. Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guests: Brianna Davis and Eli Joseph-Hunter Photo by: Teresa Golden Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski