We Dig Plants

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Episode 111: Plants of the Crusades with Scott D. Appell Sep 16, 2013

Show notes

Culinary horticulturist Scott D. Appell returns to We Dig Plants to talk about the botanical effects of the Crusades! Alice Marcus-Krieg and Carmen Devito talk with Scott from his home in Puerto Rico about the ornamental and edible plants that were introduced to Europe and beyond after the Crusades. Hear what plants were revered for religious reasons, and what plants from the Middle East were discovered and used for medicinal reasons. How did the fall of the Roman Empire and subsequent geological events change agriculture in Europe? Find out how the Crusades introduced the Mediterranean to many of the foods and herbs that are associated with the area today! Learn how Europeans learned about horticulture from the Arabs, and why the Middle East developed perfumes and cosmetics before the rest of the world. This program has been sponsored by S. Wallace Edwards & Sons. Music has been provided by The California Honeydrops.

“The ancient Romans gardened for fun – horticulture versus agriculture. In the Dark Ages, nobody gardened for fun! They just grew food. But by going to the Middle East, they saw that the Arabs had a far-advanced landscape value. [25:45]

— Scott D. Appell on We Dig Plants

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Episode 110: Plant Genetics with Dr. Kim Hummer Sep 09, 2013

Show notes

Alice Marcus-Krieg and Carmen Devito are back for their fourth season of We Dig Plants! Tune into this episode to learn about some of the new and exciting editions to the weekly program, including raffles and “The Horticultural Honor Roll”! Today’s guest is Dr. Kim Hummer, a USDA researcher and specialty crop curator based in Coravallis, Oregon. Learn what plant genetics Dr. Hummer studies in the Pacific Northwest, and why it’s her duty to study and conserve these varieties. Hear how Dr. Hummer discovered a type of wild strawberry! Find out how some breeders are growing plants for transportation and flavor. Why are some geneticists experimenting with crossing different breeds in order to create unique hybrids? What’s going to be the new trendy fruit? Find out all of this and more on the return of We Dig Plants! Thanks to our sponsor, White Oak Pastures. Today’s break music has been brought to you by Pamela Royal.

“Plant breeders are trying to figure out ways to pack flavor into a fruit that needs to be transported across the country.” [22:00]

— Dr. Kim Hummer on We Dig Plants

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Episode 109: America’s Oldest Seed House Mar 11, 2013

Show notes

What Would You Plant as a Farmer in 1784? On the season finale of We Dig Plants, Celebrate 229 Years of Service to America’s Farmers & Gardeners with Barbara Melera of America’s Oldest Seed House, Landreth’s. The D. Landreth Seed Company has been providing its customers with one of the most extensive selections of fine lawn and garden seeds in the world. Their founders introduced into the United States some of the most beloved flowers and vegetables known today including the Zinnia, the white potato, various tomatoes, and their own Bloomsdale Spinach. Tune in and learn all about the history of the seed house, and get some great historical perspective on how certain plants were brought to life in the US! This program was sponsored by Hearst Ranch.

“We’re here because America has kept us here for 229 years. We’re going to do everything we can to help American citizens. Our catalog cost 4 times as much as it would if it was printed in China. It will continue to be printed in America as long as I have anything to say about it.” [16:54]

–Barbara Melera of America’s Oldest Seed House, Landreth’s on We Dig Plants

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Episode 108: Public vs. Private Gardening Mar 04, 2013

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What are the differences between public and private gardening? This week on We Dig Plants, Carmen Devito and Alice Marcus Krieg are talking with Aly Fox, Head Gardener at Groundworks, Inc., and public garden designer, Ronda Brand. Hear about Aly and Ronda’s backgrounds in horticulture, and how their training influenced their careers. Learn about the social impact of public landscape design, and the peculiarities of working for a private client. What elements are important for Ronda take into consideration when designing a public space? Hear about Aly’s gardening pet peeves, and how Japanese gardens taught Aly about sanctuary. Thanks to our sponsor, Hearst Ranch.

“Plants are so sensitive. At the same time they can be very durable, but you have to stay on top of it.” [11:20] — Aly Fox on We Dig Plants

“In the public sphere, you have to create immediate impact in those spaces. Those spaces are being used all of the time… it needs to look good the day you put it in.” [17:50] — Ronda Brand on We Dig Plants

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Episode 107: Bill Laws Feb 18, 2013

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What plants have shaped civilization and culture? This week on We Dig Plants, Carmen Devito chats with Bill Laws, writer, journalist, and author of the book 50 Plants That Changed the Course of History! Tune in to this episode to hear Carmen and Bill discuss some of the more unlikely heroic plants. Find out about the classification of onions, and how sweet peas helped spawn modern genetic research. How have economies been altered by plants like ginger and ferns? Bill talks about some plants that have proven to be dangers to humanity, and find out how grains helped establish the United States as an international superpower. This episode has been sponsored by Rolling Press.

“We can’t go on using our fossil fuels as we have. I think the history of these plants is only half-written. There’s going to be a time when we once again look at how these plants can help us. [20:30] — Bill Laws on We Dig Plants

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Episode 106: Mycophiliac Eugenia Bone Feb 11, 2013

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We Dig Fungus! On today’s episode of We Dig Plants, Alice Marcus Krieg and Carmen Devito are joined by Eugenia Bone, author of Mycophilia. Tune into this episode to hear Eugenia talk about the similarities between fungi and animals, and the pervasiveness of fungi in our ecosystem. Learn how plants often depend on fungi for nutrients through symbiosis! How have fungal infections of food supplies caused mass hysteria in the past? Also, did you know that most plants are inhabited by fungi? Learn more about mycology on this week’s installment of We Dig Plants! This program has been brought to you by Fairway Market.

“You have more in common with a mushroom than the bacteria in your own gut.” [9:35]

“There are no terrestrial plants without fungi. The two have been symbiotic for as far back as archeological study.” [18:15]

— Eugenia Bone on We Dig Plants

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Episode 105: Orchids with Dave Horak Feb 04, 2013

Show notes

Learn the delicate art of orchid growing on this week’s episode of We Dig Plants. Alice Marcus Krieg and Carmen Devito call up orchid expert Dave Horak of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and the Greater New York Orchid Society. Learn about the origins of the Greater New York Orchid Society, and why public perceptions of the plant have changed over the years. Hear why orchids are able to grow in most climates! How have orchid prices and overexposure popularized different varieties and species of the plant? What are some of Dave’s favorite places to check out and purchase orchids? Find out on today’s We Dig Plants! This episode has been sponsored by Fairway Market.

“On average, more than one orchid species is discovered everyday. It’s staggering how many new species keep coming to light out in the wild as new areas are opened up.” [10:50]

— Dave Horak on We Dig Plants

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Episode 104: Public Parks with Lynden Miller Jan 28, 2013

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Lynden Miller designs gardens for the people! This week on We Dig Plants, Carmen Devito and Alice Marcus Krieg are chatting on the phone with public park garden designer, Lynden Miller. Lynden was a painter when she redesigned and restored the Central Park Conservatory Garden. Since then, Lynden has designed gardens in Madison Square Park, Wagner Park, the Central Park Zoo, and more! Listen in to hear Lynden discuss the need for parks and plants in low income neighborhoods. Learn about the importance of park and garden maintenance, and learn why lawns are not ideal for recreational parks in New York City. Hear about the parallels between parks and libraries! How have Lynden’s garden designs bled out into the streets? Tune into We Dig Plants to find out! This program has been sponsored by Whole Foods.

“After thirty years, I’m not that interested in creating gardens. I want to do things for the less well-served parts of the city that don’t have great parks.” [8:10]

“The two things that add to the quality of life- that don’t require a lot of money- are parks and libraries. And the city just cuts the heck outta em!” [26:10]

— Lynden Miller on We Dig Plants

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Episode 103: Joe Wolfson Jan 21, 2013

Show notes

Joe Wolfson brings Southern cuisine to Connecticut at Terrain! This week on We Dig Plants, Alice Marcus Krieg and Carmen Devito are chatting with Joe about taking the garden into the kitchen! Hear why Joe decided to move up North from South Carolina. Has the North affected Joe’s cooking? Hear about Joe’s farm-to-table mentality, and how his formal training has helped him better understand food and seasonality. Learn about Terrain’s garden center, and find out what herbs Joe prefers in the kitchen. Curious about Joe’s secret grits recipe? Find out on this week’s episode of We Dig Plants! This program has been sponsored by Route 11 Potato Chips.

“You’re cooking from the soul, and you’re cooking from the heart. But if you put a fish in hot oil, you need to know why it reacts a certain way.” [6:05]

“There are so many parallels between the South and Italy when you really think about it.” [32:15]

— Joe Wolfson on We Dig Plants

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Episode 102: Why Grow That When You Can Grow This? Jan 14, 2013

Show notes

Andrew Keys is talking about regional climates and gardening with Alice Marcus Krieg on this week’s episode of We Dig Plants. Andrew is the author of the new book Why Grow That When You Can Grow This?, which is about alternatives for less versatile, popular plants. Tune into this episode to learn what grows heartily in the Northeast, and some healthy counterparts for exotic plants. Learn what trees and shrubs are suitable for your region! Hear about a few plant varieties that cover most of the continent of North America. Looking for something aromatic in the garden? Check out this week’s episode of We Dig Plants! This program has been brought to you by Hearst Ranch.

“Daphne is one of the funny ones because even scientists can’t agree with what’s wrong with it. Everyone knows about the “daphne death” – it just declines, and then it’s gone!” [19:30]

— Andrew Keys on We Dig Plants

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