Bloomers in the Garden

08/20/22 No More Nutgrass, Blueberry Film, Squirrels & Fruit Trees, Poison Ivy & Aloe, Seeing Leaf Spots

1. Carolynn called the Bloomers in the Garden Hotline and is having problems with Nutgrass! 2. Richard called the Bloomers in the garden hotline and had an excellent question about Blueberries! 3. Carol a regular listener called the Bloomers in the Garden Hotline and continues to battle a formidable foe! 4. Elizabeth called the Hotline and had two questions One on Poison Ivy and a second about growing aloe! 5. "What's Buggin You" Bacterial leaf spots occur in many trees and deciduous...

08/13/22 Fall Veggies & Roses, Summer Crabgrass, Mosquitoes, & Grubs

1. Are you ready to replant your Garden? Bloomers just received our first delivery of fresh fall vegetable seedlings! 2. Peter from Teaneck NJ Contacted the Bloomers in the Garden Hotline and his Crabgrass is Taking Over! Listen to our advice! 3. How are your Roses looking?? Fall is the second spring and with a little maintenance your roses will look incredible! 4. Mosquitoes have been more aggressive than ever! We're going to discuss what you can do in our 4th Segment! 5. In our "Wh...

08/06/22 Spotted Lantern Fly, Rejuvenating Lilacs & Problems w/ Peppers

1. Ann Called the Bloomers in the Garden Hotline (609)685-1880 and is having a hard time getting Grass Seed to grow in a unique spot. 2. Pat texted the Hotline for a neighbor who's having problems with an aging lilac. 3. Jimmy D called the Bloomers in the Garden hotline (609)685-1880 and has been getting coffee grinds by the bucketful. Jimmy asked about their use in his garden. 4. Bruce called the hotline (609)685-1880 and is having garden problems with his Peppers and Cucumbers. 5. ...

July 30, 2022 Gardening Makes You Healthy

07/30/23 Bloomers in the Garden  1. How gardening makes us more healthy. 2. Visiting Botanical Gardens, Arboretums and parks is a great way to get inspiration and motivation to get you growing! 3. Ideas on how to have a low maintenance landscape! We'll tell you all about it In our 3rd segment! 4. This years award winning plants and garden trends you'll see in 2023! 5. What's Buggin You" ?! People who try to plant in the smallest bed possible! We'll share with you design technics ...

July 30, 2022 Gardening Makes You Healthy

07/30/23 Bloomers in the Garden  1. How gardening makes us more healthy. 2. Visiting Botanical Gardens, Arboretums and parks is a great way to get inspiration and motivation to get you growing! 3. Ideas on how to have a low maintenance landscape! We'll tell you all about it In our 3rd segment! 4. This years award winning plants and garden trends you'll see in 2023! 5. What's Buggin You" ?! People who try to plant in the smallest bed possible! We'll share with you design technics ...

July 23, 2022 How to Water, Home Made Repellent, Summer Planting. Skunks

1. Holy Hannah it's been ungodly hot this week! We'll give you some helpful watering tips for your home during our 1st segment ! 2. Bruce called the Hotline and has a home remedy repellent! We'll tell you all about it in our 2nd segment. 3. The Spotted Lantern Fly is making it's way up North. John from Jersey City called the hotline and has his hands full! We're going to do some "Myth Bustin" in our third segment! 4. Sumer Planting can be a challenging time but all you need to do is "J...

July 16, 2022 Deer Resistant Plants & Perennial Party

1. Deer populations are growing in suburban and urban areas. They now graze on our ornamental landscapes. We'll share the plants that are the most resistant to deer foraging. 2. Hummingbirds are the brightest thing in the garden next to flowers. Attracting these flying jewels is easy and rewarding. 3. It's a Perennial Party!! We're going to highlight all of the extraordinary perennial plants blooming and available right now! 4. We always talk about pollinator and Butterfly Gardens in t...

July 09, 2022 Gerbera Daisies & Pruning Tips

1. Bob sent us an email asking how to prune his Deodara Cedar? 2. Bern asked us about getting more flowers on his hydrangea! 3. Getting Gerbera Daisies to rebook Again! 4. YES!!!!! You can still Plant! 5. Spotted  Lantern Fly is changing colors again!! We'll tell you what they look like now.

7.02.22 Daylily Days & Bad Bugs

1. Maureen listened to last week's show about Butterflies. Low & Behold she texted us about a caterpillar she found on her parsley! 2. How to use daylilies in the landscape, how to care for them, and what are some of our favorite varieties. 3. There are several insects you need spray now or you'll be stuck with them for the rest of the year. 4. Chris called the hotline and her houseplants are invaded by Fungus Gnats.  5. The one unwanted guest that seems to crash your 4th of July par...

Bloomers in the Garden 6.25.22 Grasses & Butterflies

Using Ornamental Grasses so they don't look like weeds • What Butterflies will visit your Garden • Butterfly Bush Nativars • Milkweed AKA Butterfly Weed • "What's Bugging You? Colorado Potato Beetle

June 18, 2022 Pollinators Hydrangeas Asparagus Lantern Fly Bloomers in the Garden

What is a Pollinator? • Hydrangea Hybrids • Growing Asparagus • Spotted Lantern Fly Controls

Bloomers in the Garden 2022 Philly Flower Show

Philadelphia Flower Show June 11-19, 2022! Preview and almost 200 year History with Sam Lemheny the Chief of Shows and Events for Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.  

Bloomers in the Garden 06.04.22

Who is Cameron Bonsey, HBO Empire Falls, Coast of Maine Cannabis Soil, Future Products

05/28/22 Bloomers in the Garden Tomatoes-Hanging Baskets-Tropicals-Carpenter Bees-Powdery Mildew

1. A quick Primer on growing tomatoes in your garden. 2. Maintaining Hanging baskets thru the summer. 3. Patio Tropical Plants on your porch, patio or pool. 4. Preventing and controlling Carpenter Bees. 5. Controlling Powdery Mildew Disease on your plants.

Bloomers in the Garden Radio

Emerald Ash Borer, Spotted Lantern Fly Early Control, Why do I get Cracked Tomatoes, My Roses have Rose Rosette Virus, Bagging Bagworms for good!

BITG 5.07.22 New Knockout Roses, Cut Flower Garden, Cherry Laurel, What's Buggin Julio

Bloomers in the Garden May 14, 2022

Vertical Vegetable Gardening, Fruit Tree Thief, Pruning Lilacs, Ground Cover Suggestions, 

04/23/22 Playing Chicken w/ Mother Nature

1. A lot of us got fooled by Mother Nature last week! It felt like planting weather then dropped to 29°. May 15th is the frost free date and we'll explain what that means. 2. When soft plants freeze and begin to turn black that doesn't necessarily mean they are dead. In our 2nd segment we'll share some technics that my save those damaged plants. 3. If you're a fan of Hot Peppers you may have heard of the Scoville Scale. It is the way you can judge how hot a pepper is without having to ta...

Bloomers in the Garden April 16, 2022

1. Happy Easter!! Did you get any Easter Flowers? Julio and I will discuss how to take care of the most popular Easter flowers! 2. How is it possible that there are Blue Mt. Pinks? We're going to discuss Mt. Pinks also known as Creeping Phlox 3. Mt. Cuba Center in Delaware has been a home for conservation and preservation since the 1930s. Mt. Cuba did a two year trial on Cone Flowers. We'll discuss their findings 4. Vinnie of Paramus NJ called the Hotline and had anothe...

What's Buggin' You & Green Manure

Bloomers in the Garden April 9th, 2022 1. Controlling Fleas & Ticks in and around the House 2. Tiny Ants in the House? 3. Hardy Camelias! 4. Jim Called about using Green Manure! 5, Jim White Butterfly Cabbage Looper!

04.02.22 Bloomers in the Garden

Bloomers in the Garden Radio April 2, 2022 1. Sam Lemheney: Chief of Shows and Events @ PHS 2. Moving the Show Outdoors After Covid 3. Personal Impact Stories from the Flower Show 4. PHS Member Benefits & Volunteer Opportunities  5. 2022 Philadelphia Flower Show Events & Highlights

03/26/22 Bloomers in the Garden

03/26/22 Bloomers in the Garden 1. Shotgun Hole Disease on Laurel 2. Why Put Eggshells & Coffee Grounds in Garden Soil? 3. Garden Critters: Deer, Moles, & Rabbits 4. Moss Lawn Problems 5. Protecting Sprinkler Heads from Power Thatcher

03/19/2022 Bloomers in the Garden

March 19, 2022 Bloomers in the Garden Radio  1. Early Spring Flowering Trees 2. Cool Season Vegetables 3. Kentucky Governor's Mansion Grounds Keeper Texts the Hotline & Guest Steve Leyland from VPG  4. Debbie Called the Hotline asked about Raking Her Lawn before feeding. 5. Power Equipment to help Seed Your Lawn

March 12, 2022 - pH Testers, Chickweed Feed, Dog Doo, Winter Weeds, Pest Invasion

It all starts in the soil. Learn where to find a pH test kit for your soil and how to use it. The weeds are starting to emerge. Learn how to control early cool season lawn weeds. Dogs may be nice pets but to your lawn they can be dangerous pests. We'll tell you what you can do about your doggie poo and wet spots that may be killing your lawn. What if you have weeds that have overwintered your garden? We'll give you ideas on how to control those weeds! 

March 05, 2022 - The Truths and Myths of the 4 Step Lawn Care Program

It's that time of the year where the weather is getting warmer, the days are getting brighter and more work is starting to emerge in your lawn and garden. On today's episode, we discuss the truths and fictions of the 4 Step Lawn Lawn Care Program that may be finding its way into your mailbox. Listen in and we'll guide you to make the right steps for a beautiful, healthy lawn!

February 26, 2022 - Lawn Care, pH, Crabgrass, Bare Spots

Today's episode of Bloomers in the Garden is all about lawn care. We're digging deep in this episode to set you up for the best results.  From pH to crabgrass to fertilizers, we'll tell you what methods work and which ones to stay away from!

February, 19 2022 - Pruning, Hellebores, Early Perennials, Soil, Grow Avocados

It's just about time to start pruning your flowering shrubs now, so you get a better bloom in the summer. It's time to start planing! Hellebores are one of our favorite early flowering perennials. Continuing the theme of early perennials, english daisies, pansies and more are ready to be planted too! If you want to grow something it all starts with soil. Learn how to get the best results. We got a caller asking about how to grow avocados.

February, 12 2022 - Tim Blocksom, Centerton Nursery, Perennial Powerhouse, Brands, Whats to Come?

Today we have a special guest from Centerton Nursery, Tim Blocksom. Through three generations of dedication and innovations, Centerton is one of the best nurseries, making selecting plants easy for the homeowner. Learn how Tim got started and what he witnessed through the growth if this family nursery. From Blue Label Shrubs to Caterpillar Caterpillar Candy, Centerton Launched some widely renounced brands. Learn how Centerton became so innovative in their techniques.

February 05, 2022 - Night Forms, Fruit Tree, Gold Medal Plants, Hellebores, Houseplants

Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, NJ has extended their "Night Form" mind bending sight and sound experience through April 3rd. It's time to start pruning your fruit trees. Every year the Pennsylvania Horticulture Society selects plants that are outstanding and label them as Gold Metal Plants. Hellebores are a one of a kind flowering plant and an early bloomer! Paul called the hotline asking about how to care for struggling houseplants in the winter.

January 15, 2022 - April Van Ness of the Garden State African Violet Club

Today's episode all started with a call on the Bloomers in the Garden Hotline from our listener Chris about African Violets.  So, we bring onto the show Vice President of the Garden State African Violet Club, April Van Hess.  April is here to tell us all about these popular potted houseplants as well as the number of African Violet Clubs that exist throughout the region and the country! 

Our Relationship With Plants, Indoor Lighting, Watering and Humidity, Our Favorite Houseplants

People have always had a vital relationship with plants. Having houseplants in your home can be beneficial to your mental and physical health. Learn how to give your indoor plants the best lighting conditions. Watering your plants can be tricky and may vary depending on your humidity. Learn about some of our favorite houseplants and find which ones best suite you!  

January, 01 2022 - Tree Removal, Eco Tree, Poinsettia Care, Artificial Trees, Decor Wrap-up

Learn how to remove your Christmas tree hassle free! Listen as we tell you how to keep your tree out of the landfill. Poinsettias don't last forever. We'll tell you when to toss them and when to give them extra care. You may want to consider replacing your artificial Christmas tree. Learn some tips on how to properly take down and store all your Christmas Decorations.

December, 25 2021 - Winter Solstice, Snow is Coming, Pests, Bedding, Christmas Meaning

The winter solstice just past, learn why that is important and what it means to you. It's inevitable that snow will come. We have some simple rules to follow to protect your plants. Pests are looking for a warm spot to hide this winter. Listen as we tell you how to eliminate them. A caller asked about cutting back overgrown shrubs. Today is Christmas Day and we will share with you what this day means to us.

December, 18 2021 - Longwood Gardens, Winter Bird Feed, Gifts for Gardeners, Subtropical Plants, Using Grow Lights

Longwood Gardens hosts a spectacular Christmas lights show, listen as Len tells you about his experience. Winter is a vital time to stock up your bird feeder. With the lack of food to find, it may be some birds only resource. The holiday season is here and we're here to help you find the perfect gift for that special gardener in your life. Len and Julio get a caller asking about growing subtropical plants in a cold environment. Another caller asked about using LED lights to supplemen...

December, 11 2021 - Poinsettia Care, Amaryllis, Christmas Tree Prices, Rose Thorns, Lawn Color

Last week we told you the history of poinsettias, now we're going to give you a refresher on how to care for them. Amaryllis is another beautiful plant with a unique history and growing style. Christmas tree prices have never been higher. Listen to learn why. Why are roses so thorny? Is your lawn changing color? You have weeds not grass!   

December, 04 2021 - History of Poinsettias

Poinsettias are an essential winter flowering plant with an amazing history. Originating in Central America where it was utilized by the Aztecs and eventually brought to America where it became popular with the help of John Bartram of Philadelphia and showcased at the first Philadelphia Flower Show. 

November, 27 2021 - Wreaths and History, Garland Decorating, Swag Greens, Using Balled and Burlap, Tree Trouble

Learn how wreathes came to be a Christmas classic. Using fresh greens brings the best out of Christmas.  Listen to our buyers guide to everything fresh evergreen. Learn how to tackle a balled and burlap Christmas tree.  Expect trees to be in short supply, listen to learn why!

November, 27 2021 - Wreathes and History, Garland Decorating, Swag Greens, Using Balled and Burlap, Tree Trouble

Learn how wreathes came to be a Christmas classic. Using fresh greens brings the best out of Christmas.  Listen to our buyers guide to everything fresh evergreen. Learn how to tackle a balled and burlap Christmas tree.  Expect trees to be in short supply, listen to learn why!

November, 20 2021 - Best of Bloomers in the Garden

Enjoy a compilation of Bloomers best episodes throughout the years!

November, 13 2021 - Mower Maintenance, Lantern Fly, Fall Camelias, Fig Tree Winterizing, Bloomers Preview Party

Learn some final fall lawn care tips before winter. Spotted Lantern Fly egg masses are still around! Learn how to remove them. Fall Blooming Camelias are perfect for any landscape. Learn how to winterize your fig tree. Bloomers Preview Party is this Friday November, 19th!  

November, 06 2021 - Cold Weather Prep, Winterize Your Pond, Lawn Care, Ornamental Trimming, Leaf Maintenance

It's getting colder and colder outside! Lean what to expect and how to care for your garden.  Do you have a pond or a water garden? Learn how to get it ready for the winter. Is your lawn turning yellow? Lawn renovation starts now! Don't prune just yet! In a couple of weeks some of those trimming may have an ornamental use! What to do with all those fallen leaves in your garden? Should they stay or should they go?

October, 30 2021 - Tribute to Co-Host Leonard Schroeder Mother Elinor Schroeder

This week's show is going to be a little different. We are going to tell a story about a family business that was started over 100 years ago, Richfield Farms located in Clifton NJ. Richfield Farms still thrives today but it's matriarch, Elinor Schroeder, passed away this week. Listen in for a story of survival focused on an incredible business woman!

October, 23 2021 - Holy Hydrangeas, Shrubs in Pots, Cover Crops, Kale and Cabbage, Garlic and Onion

Len and Julio get a caller asking about cutting back hydrangeas. Another caller is having trouble with their lilac plant. Listen in to learn what went wrong. Cover crops enrich your soil, cuts down on weeds and much more! Learn how to best use ornamental kale and cabbage in your garden. Did you know now is the best time to plant garlic and onions?

October, 16 2021- Hybrids, Tree of Heaven, Rambling Wisteria, Zoysia, Establishing Trees

Len and Julio get a caller asking about hybridization with plants and what this term means. A caller can't seem to get rid of their tree of heaven even after cutting it down. Learn how to get rid of Chinese Wisteria. A caller has an invasion of zoysia in his lawn. Learn how to tame this invasive weed. Learn how to properly plant and establish new trees.

October, 09 2021- Bulbs and Holland, What is a Bulb, Spring & Fall Bulbs, Bulb Design, Netherland Bulb Co.

On today's episode, special guest William Schilder from Netherland Bulb Company will explain and inspire you to plant bulbs in your landscape. Learn the history of bulbs and its relation to Holland. Learn what actually is a bulb. We explain the difference between spring and fall bulbs. Learn how to design spring bulbs in your landscape. William shares with us the future of Netherland Bulb Co. 

October, 02 2021 Puffball Mushrooms, Pruning Wisteria, Azalea in Full Bloom, Pansies, Spiders and Mites

It's mushrooms season and puffballs may be appearing in your lawn. Learn what these mushrooms are doing and if they are a threat to your plants. Learn how to prune Wisteria. Len and Julio get a caller with an Azalea in full bloom. Despite the name, Pansies are though flowers! Spiders or spider mites, learn to keep your garden pest free.

September, 25 2021 - Julio in the Garden Club, Fall Pruning, Lawn Care, Fall Planting, Transitioning Plants Indoors

Julio spoke at the Woodbury Garden Club, listen to what he had to say. Learn how to prune hydrangeas and other plants for fall. Len and Julio get a caller having lawn problems. Learn how to take care of your lawn and make preparations for fall weather. Did you know fall is the season for planting? Learn how to prepare your plants for transitioning indoors.     

September, 18 2021 - Planting Trees, Rose Rosette Disease, Eliminating Moss, Pitcher Plants, Fleas

A caller asks about the proper way to plant a tree. Len and Julio get a caller dealing with Rose Rosette disease, learn how he keeps them looking good and protected. Moss can be tricky, learn how to kill and control its spreading.  Carnivorous plants can be picky plants, learn how to give them an environment they will thrive in. On todays "Whats Buggin You" segment we're going to discuss fleas. 

September, 11 2021 - Re-establishing Your Lawn, Crabgrass and Bare Spots, Reusing Potting Soil, Hardy Mums, Fall Garden Cleanup

Fall is the perfect time to re-establish your lawn. Learn what to do right now. Learn how to treat crabgrass and bare spots in your lawn and how to seed. Not all soil is the same, learn when to reuse potting soil and when to buy a new batch. Len and Julio get a caller asking about mums. In "What's Buggin' You" we talk about fall leaf and garden cleanup.

September, 03 2021 - Plants as Gifts, Yellow Jackets, Spotted Lantern Flies, Cucumber Beetle, Shot Hole Disease

Len and Julio get a caller asking about plant suggestions for new gardeners. A caller is having a yellow jacket problem, listen in to learn how to take care of these pesky bees. Spotted Lantern Flies are infesting a caller's grape vine. A caller is having a tricky problem with their cucumbers.  Learn about Shot Hole Disease, many times misdiagnosed as an insect!