It's the holidays, a time when we all could use a little bit of joy along with a reminder that there's always more we can do to spread that joy even further.

In this episode, Don and John talk with Kelly Krenzel, founder of the nonprofit organization Hope Blooms, whose mission it is to repurpose flowers into arrangements that are then distributed throughout the community to those who need it most.

Learn more about Hope Blooms on their website: https://hopeblooms.org/

Unlike, say, fashion or music, gardening doesn't change quickly or go through rapid trend shifts. But that doesn't mean that there aren't exciting new ways for it to captivate us.

In this episode, Don and John review the year's top trends in gardening as identified by the guru herself: Martha Stewart. Sensory gardens and food forests top the list, and there's plenty of local examples for you to see for yourself.

The Christmas season might be twinkly and bright, with electric lights and shiny wrapping paper, but there's still nothing quite as showy as a healthy poinsettia.

In this episode, Don and John talk about the lovely poinsettia plant and how to keep it healthy through the holidays. They also talk about other plants, like Christmas cactus and amaryllis, that can make a festive home.

If you have a gardener on your Christmas gift list, rest easy. Like the plants they grow, they're always thirsty for new information and techniques. That's where a good gardening book comes in.

In this episode, Don and John talk about giving the gift of gardening, especially through resources like "The Prairie Garden," a book series based in western Canada that is packed with knowledge useful for gardeners of all stripes.

(Don and John are taking a little break for the Thanksgiving holiday, so please enjoy this republished 2023 episode.)

In this episode, Don and John go over some basic tips for houseplant care, like optimal watering practices and intentional care. Plus, they discuss the importance of giving your houseplants something of a social life. Plants need friends, too.

The season may be winding down, but Don's inbox is still blooming bright with yard and garden successes from around the region.

In this episode, Don and John open up the mailbag to admire your gardening wins and answer a few questions about lawn seeding, late-season pests and more.

While our yards and gardens can be a fulfilling source of delicious products, we can't forget that there's plenty to be found out in our parks and in the wild.

In this episode, Don and John are joined by Candace Stock, a chef whose Indigenous cuisine has been enjoyed throughout the region, for a crash course on foraging for exciting flavors. Stock will also discuss an upcoming event for those interested in growing fruit trees for both food and conservation.

For more information, visit our website: https://www.inforum.com/news/minnesota/minnesota-women-in-conservation-event-to-feature-fruit-trees

Shambling horrors! Grasping tendrils! Creeping terror!

In this episode, the call is coming from inside the shed as Don and John root out the spooky side of gardening, like the things that won't die, the things that choke out the light and flowers fit for the Bride of Frankenstein.

Listen to this episode of GROANING Together...if you dare!