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On this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "English Connection" Podcast, Glynn Burrows takes us beyond our garden for a wander through England's forests — ancient and modern, native and man-made — and what a single tree can teach us about history, health, and home. But wait....castle gardens are full of trees!  From Sherwood's legendary (and ailing) Major Oak to Thetford's man-made pine forest, from tree-ring dendrochronology to the real origin of the word "underdog," this one covers a lot of ground. Along the way: tree equity and environmental justice in American cities, why a felled tree feels like a genuine loss, cemetery bird-watching, England's Heritage Open Days, and a closing reading of Joyce Kilmer's "Trees." Read the companion article, "England's Ancient Trees: A Personal Tour of Britain's Forests," and check out Glynn's Digital Magazine at the links below. And what a great episode with today (Sept. 26) being National Public Lands Day, Johnny Appleseed Day, and Lumberjack Day! Resource Links: - Article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/englands-ancient-trees - Check out Glynn's "English Connection" Podcast & Magazine on his website https://www.englishconnection.uk/ - Glynn's new English Connection Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61594366433338

On this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Global Adventures" Podcast, travel writer Debbie Stone takes us to the Laurel Highlands of southwestern Pennsylvania. Most people know the area for Fallingwater, Frank Lloyd Wright's most famous house, but it's actually a mecca for Wright's work. Debbie starts at Polymath Park, a private conservation effort by Tom and Heather Papinchak. There, two Wright homes, Duncan House and Mäntylä, were taken apart piece by piece in Illinois and Minnesota and rebuilt in the Pennsylvania woods. She shares what it's like to actually spend the night in Mäntylä, living with Wright's design and his blurring of indoors and outdoors, and waking to a deer crossing the yard. She also describes dinner in a private treehouse-style dining pod at TreeTops Restaurant, with Heather Papinchak as chef. From there it's on to Kentuck Knob, one of Wright's last projects. It has an "invisible" window, a Woodland Walk with a piece of the Berlin Wall, and a British lord as its current owner. The finale is Fallingwater, the cantilevered masterpiece built over a waterfall so the Kaufmann family could hear the water throughout the house, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Read Debbie's article: - https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/frank-lloyd-wright-laurel-highlands  Plan your visit: - Polymath Park: https://www.polymathpark.com  - Kentuck Knob: https://www.kentuckknob.com  - Fallingwater: https://www.fallingwater.com  - Laurel Highlands: https://www.golaurelhighlands.com  Global Adventures with Debbie Stone: - Podcast: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/global-adventures-with-debbie-stone  - Magazine: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/global-adventures-travel-magazine

Victoria, British Columbia, offers a wonderful mix of gardens, castles, history, culture, waterfront scenery and easygoing family adventure.  Celebrate Family Fun Month with this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wanderer's Compass" Travel Podcast, travel writers Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough continue their adventures with Ryan’s son—this time crossing the border from the Pacific Northwest to Vancouver Island. From taking the Victoria Clipper from Seattle and exploring the Inner Harbour to discovering the world-famous Butchart Gardens, enjoying afternoon tea, visiting the Royal BC Museum and exploring Victoria’s fascinating castles, this episode shows just how much can be packed into a short getaway. They talk about Victoria’s British and European influences, First Nations history and cultural heritage, Chinatown, the city’s walkability, family-friendly attractions, waterfront neighborhoods and the relaxed pace that makes Victoria such a memorable destination. They also share the stories behind Hatley Castle and Craigdarroch Castle—and why castle hunting doesn't have to end when you leave Europe. For Ryan’s son, the trip offered another opportunity to learn through travel, explore history and culture, and add another country to his growing list of adventures. - Read their companion article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/victoria-british-columbia  - And if you missed their previous adventure, listen to "Traveling Europe Across Generations: Castles, Culture & Curiosity," featuring Ryan, his son and Joelle: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/traveling-europe-with-a-child    - Follow Wanderer's Compass: https://wandererscompass.com  - Listen to More Wanderers Compass Podcast Episodes: https://wandererscompass.podbean.com/  - Check out the Wanderers Compass Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/WANDERERS-COMPASS-MAG-2026/

In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Lost Angel Travel Adventures” Show, travel writer Linda Ballou takes us on a vibrant journey through some of Southern California’s most stunning botanical gardens. From the colorful tulip displays at Descanso Gardens to the expansive collections at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, Linda shares her favorite places to experience spring blooms, tranquil landscapes, and diverse plant life. Discover the scenic hillside paths of Ventura Botanical Gardens, the native plant sanctuary of Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, and the magical, world-renowned beauty of Lotusland. As a special bonus, Linda also highlights Sacred Space in Summerlin, a peaceful meditation garden that offers a unique retreat for reflection and connection. Along the way, Linda shares tips for planning your visits, insights on the importance of native plants and conservation, and why botanical gardens offer a meaningful way to connect with nature. 🌿 Garden Websites & Article Links: Descanso Gardens: https://www.descansogardens.org  The Huntington: https://www.huntington.org  Ventura Botanical Gardens: https://www.venturabotanicalgardens.com  Santa Barbara Botanic Garden: https://sbbotanicgarden.org  Lotusland: https://www.lotusland.org  Sacred Space: https://lostangeladventures.com/f/top-secret-sacred-space  Southern California Gardens Article: https://nabbw.com/expert-columns/linda-ballou-shares-her-five-favorite-southern-california-botanical-gardens/ 📖 Explore the NEW “Lost Angel Travel Adventures” Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/podcast-retrospective/  🌍 Follow Linda’s Books & Adventures: https://www.LindaBallouAuthor.com  https://www.LostAngelAdventures.com  🎧 New episodes air every 3rd Wednesday at Noon PST: Big Blend Radio: https://lost-angel-travel-adventures.podbean.com

In this shared Big Blend Radio "Pet Connection" episode for Pet Poison Prevention Month, we sit down with co-host Angela Laws from TrustedHouseSitters.com, to uncover the hidden hazards lurking in our homes and gardens.  From common kitchen staples like chocolate to beautiful but deadly lilies, Angela shares expert insights on how to pet-proof your environment. Whether you are a long-time pet owner or a dedicated pet sitter, this conversation provides the practical tools and awareness needed to prevent emergencies and keep our furry friends thriving. Read more from the Trustedhousesitters.com Blog: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/blog/search/?q=poison

Explore the inspiring history of The Dawes Arboretum, a remarkable living museum of trees founded in 1929 by husband-and-wife conservationists Beman Dawes and Bertie Dawes. In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Nature Connection Podcast, historian Leslie Wagner shares how the Dawes family transformed farmland into one of America’s most beloved arboretums. Hear how their early experiments in tree planting and reforestation—including planting 50,000 trees by 1929—helped shape a lasting conservation legacy. In celebration of Women's History Month, the conversation also highlights the contributions of Bertie Dawes, whose passion for gardening, landscape beauty, and documentation helped shape the arboretum’s early character and lasting horticultural legacy. From environmental education and youth engagement to bird habitat preservation and seasonal beauty, discover how The Dawes Arboretum continues to inspire conservation, community connection, and a deeper appreciation for the importance of trees. 🌿 Learn more about the arboretum: https://www.dawesarb.org/  🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend," "Garden Gossip," Parks & Travel," and "Women Making History" Podcast. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Spring brings vibrant color and fresh adventures to California’s Sequoia Country in Tulare County. In this episode, we explore wildflower viewing, native plant gardens, spring festivals, and scenic outdoor destinations that showcase the region’s natural beauty. Learn about wildflower hotspots, meadow landscapes, and family-friendly trails, along with conservation efforts that protect native plants and strengthen local ecosystems. The conversation also highlights community celebrations and unique events that bring residents and visitors together each spring. From the Tule River Parkway and Dry Creek Preserve to blooming meadows in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, discover how spring transforms the landscape into a colorful playground for hikers, photographers, gardeners, and nature lovers. Featured guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council include: * Holly Streit – Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks: https://nps.gov/seki/index.htm  * Suzanne Bianco – Visit Visalia: https://www.visitvisalia.com/  * Cathy Capone - Tule River Parkway Association https://www.tuleriverparkwayassociation.org/  PLAN YOUR ADVENTURE: https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/  NEW! CHECK OUT THE "CALIFORNIA SEQUOIA COUNTRY" DIGITAL PODCAST MAGAZINE: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/lhko/#p=1  THIS EPISODE is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend", "Vacation Station," "Parks & Travel," "Nature Connection" and "Garden Gossip" Podcast Channels. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork   Photos: VisitVisalia.com & Big Blend Media

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "English Connection" Podcast, historian and custom tour guide Glynn Burrows invites you to explore the enchanting world of England’s gardens, farms, and countryside. From iconic roses and fragrant spring blooms to historic estates and sustainable gardening practices, this engaging conversation reveals why England is a true paradise for garden lovers and slow travelers alike. Along the way, Glynn shares insights on garden design traditions, wildlife conservation, farm-to-table experiences, and the cultural and spiritual connections people have with green spaces across the English landscape. Whether you’re planning a spring getaway, love botanical gardens, or simply enjoy armchair travel, this episode offers inspiration and practical insights for experiencing England’s natural beauty. 🔗 Read Glynn’s article: https://vacationstationtravel.substack.com/p/springtime-in-england  📖 Explore his digital magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/English-Connection/#p=1  🎧 Follow the English Connection podcast (airs every 4th Saturday): https://english-connection.podbean.com/  This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Garden Gossip" and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels.👉 Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Garden Gossip" Podcast, we welcome gardening expert Charlie Nardozzi, author of the new book “The Continuous Vegetable Garden” publishing February 3, 2026  (Quarto). With National Seed Swap Day (January 31) around the corner, this timely conversation highlights how seed saving, self-sowing vegetables, and perennial edibles are key to creating a low-effort, high-yield garden that sustains itself season after season. Charlie shares practical, repeatable techniques that reduce the need for constant replanting and indoor seed starting, while extending harvests well beyond summer — even into winter. We talk about soil health, lasagna gardening, growing mushrooms at home, and why letting nature do its thing creates a resilient garden ecosystem. From balcony containers to backyard beds, this episode shows how thoughtful planning, seed sharing, and working with nature can lead to abundant harvests, better flavor, and a deeper connection to the food you grow. Learn more about Charlie Nardozzi: https://www.gardeningwithcharlie.com/  This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend" and "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" Podcast Channels. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Garden Gossip" Podcast, we chat with Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation, about 2026 Backyarding Trends and how outdoor spaces are evolving into purpose-driven, high-performance landscapes. The TurfMutt Foundation, which advocates for the care and use of backyards, parks, schoolyards, and other green spaces, predicts 2026 will be the year of intentional design, year-round use, and pet-friendly landscapes. The era of the purely aesthetic lawn is over—today’s yards are strategic investments that support wellness, biodiversity, community connection, and everyday living. Kris discusses the rise of the 365-day landscape, right-sized outdoor zones, precision tech-guided gardening, dog-friendly “barkitecture,” pocket forests, and the growing “prosumer” mindset in outdoor tools.  We also explore native plants, coexisting with wildlife, the role of parks and community green spaces, and how backyarding supports family bonding and quality of life. Learn more about Turf Mutt Foundation: https://www.turfmutt.com/  As part of our "Get a Balanced Life" programming, this episode is also featured on our "Nature Connection," "Pet Connection," "Big Daily Blend," and "Quality of Life" podcast channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Garden Gossip" Podcast, we welcome Matt Mattus, Senior Director of Horticulture for the American Horticultural Society, to discuss their new book, “Essential Guide to Ecological Gardening: Techniques and Know-How for Gardening with Nature.” Released January 6, 2026 by Cool Springs Press, an imprint of The Quarto Group, this authoritative guide explores gardening as a living ecosystem rather than a collection of isolated plants. Matt explains how ecological gardening goes far beyond popular trends like “leave the leaves,” focusing instead on thoughtful daily decisions that support biodiversity, soil health, pollinators, and wildlife. We talk about designing gardens that are both beautiful and ecologically sound, managing invasive species, reducing lawns, fostering native plants, and adapting gardens to environmental change. The conversation also highlights ways to engage children in gardening, the vital role insects play in the ecosystem, and how small, practical steps can make a meaningful difference. Whether you garden in a backyard, community space, or container garden, this episode offers inspiration and actionable guidance for working with nature, not against it. Websites & Resources: * American Horticultural Society: https://ahsgardening.org/  * Matt Mattus: https://growingwithplants.com/  * The Quarto Group: https://www.quarto.com/   In celebration of National Bird Day (Jan. 5), this episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels. Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Garden Gossip, gardener and author Sandra Mao us to talk about her vibrant new book, “Vibrant Harvest: Cultivating a Kaleidoscope of Colors in Your Vegetable Garden.” From purple tomatoes and magenta potatoes to speckled lettuces and edible flowers, Sandra shares how colorful vegetables can transform your garden, your kitchen, and even your kids’ eating habits. We explore the beauty and benefits of growing heirloom and hybrid varieties, seasonal planting strategies, and simple ways to get children excited about gardening. Sandra also offers practical advice on seed starting, soil prep, pest control, harvesting techniques, preserving food, and creative recipe ideas using homegrown produce. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned gardener, this inspiring conversation reminds us that vegetable gardens don’t have to be all green—they can be joyful, flavorful, and bursting with color.  📌 Resources & Links: 🔹 Follow Sandra: https://www.instagram.com/sandra.urbangarden/  🔹 Get "Vibrant Harvest": https://www.quarto.com/books/9780760395110/vibrant-harvest  🔹 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" and "Quality of Life" podcast channels. Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Nature Connection" podcast, Dr. Amy L. Stark talks about her new illustrated children’s book, "A Magical Loveliness of Ladybugs," which encourages kids and families to reconnect with nature. Based on a true story, the book follows young Jan as she discovers her room filled with ladybugs — and along the way, readers learn how these tiny garden helpers play a big role in our environment. Dr. Stark discusses the importance of physical books, the balance between technology and outdoor play, and how gardening can inspire family connection and environmental awareness. She shares insights on how pollinator gardens support biodiversity, how nature can ease eco-anxiety, and why stories that celebrate the natural world are essential for today’s children. 📘 Learn more about Dr. Amy Stark and her books: https://www.dramystark.com/   This episode is part of Big Blend Radio’s programming for National Children’s Book Week (Nov. 3–9, 2025) and National Young Readers Week (Nov. 10-14, 2025), and is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend," "Quality of Life," and "Garden Gossip" Shows. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In celebration of National Food Day, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Garden Gossip" Show features Rick Bickling, Master Gardener and spokesperson for the Square Foot Gardening Foundation. Rick shares how the innovative Square Foot Gardening method—developed by Mel Bartholomew—revolutionized small-space gardening with its raised beds, unique soil blend known as Mel’s Mix, and efficient planting system that makes gardening accessible to everyone. Rick also introduces "The Square Foot Gardening Planner: A 3-Year Journal for Recording the Planning, Planting, and Care of Your Square Foot Garden" (Cool Springs Press, October 21, 2025). This official planner helps gardeners stay organized with design templates, planting logs, compost tracking, pest and disease notes, and yield records, all beautifully designed to make gardening productive and fun. The discussion explores how square foot gardening promotes sustainability, food security, and community connection, empowering families, schools, and urban dwellers to grow their own organic produce—no matter how limited their space. 🌿 Learn more: https://squarefootgardening.org/   🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Big Daily Blend, Quality of Life, and Eat, Drink & Be Merry Podcast Channels. Explore the full Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In celebration of National Food Day, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Garden Gossip features Matthew McInnis, Co-Founder and Creative Director of North Spore, a company dedicated to empowering people to grow mushrooms at home and explore the fascinating world of fungi. Matt shares insights into the ease and accessibility of mushroom gardening, from using North Spore’s beginner-friendly grow kits to experimenting with species like Lion’s Mane, known for its rich flavor and wellness benefits. The conversation explores how mushrooms can be grown indoors and outdoors, their vital role as decomposers that enrich soil health, and their potential as a sustainable protein source. You’ll also hear about the educational and culinary sides of mushroom cultivation—from hands-on learning experiences for kids to restaurants growing their own mushrooms. Whether you’re an aspiring home gardener, a foodie, or an environmental enthusiast, this discussion offers plenty of inspiration to dig into the magic of mushrooms. 🌐 Learn more about North Spore: https://northspore.com/  🎧 This episode also appears on Big Blend Radio’s Big Daily Blend, Quality of Life, and Eat, Drink & Be Merry podcast channels. Listen to more Big Blend Radio shows: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork