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

In this inspiring episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Garden Gossip" Show, nationally recognized gardening expert Pam Penick talks about her brand-new book, "Gardens of Texas: Visions of Resilience from the Lone Star State," out now through Timber Press. Pam shares insights on creating climate-resilient, waterwise, and wildlife-friendly gardens, drawing from two decades of experience as a garden writer, speaker, designer, and advocate for sustainable landscaping.

Through the stunning, photo-rich pages of Gardens of Texas, Pam takes readers on a tour of 27 diverse gardens across the Lone Star State, demonstrating how gardeners can adapt to droughts, heat, floods, and freezes while still cultivating beauty and biodiversity. The conversation explores native plants, local soil types, crevice gardens, heirloom varieties, seed swaps, and the importance of local nurseries—with lessons that extend far beyond Texas.

Pam also reflects on how gardening connects us to nature, promotes ecological health, and serves as a creative response to climate change. Whether you’re a novice gardener or a seasoned plant lover, her insights offer both inspiration and practical wisdom for growing with purpose in any environment.

Learn more about Pam and her work at: https://www.penick.net/digging/

Get the book: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/pam-penick/gardens-of-texas/9781643263748/

Listen to more Garden Gossip episodes on: https://garden-gossip.podbean.com/

Celebrate the magic of fall and the richness of Hispanic Heritage Month with us as we journey through the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Travel with Terri" Show, travel writer Terrie Guthrie explores the spectacular Autumn at the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden: ¡Mundo México! event, running from Sept. 20 through Nov. 2, 2025.

The conversation highlights how the Dallas Arboretum, a premier fall attraction, has been transformed with over 110,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash to create an unprecedented celebration of Mexican living culture, contemporary art, and biodiversity. We delve into the stunning pumpkin village, creative art installations, and the importance of this event in fostering community engagement and creating lasting family memories. Discover why this immersive cultural experience positions Dallas as a national destination for cultural tourism.

Key Takeaways: - The Dallas Arboretum is a beloved year-round destination. - The event features a festival-wide transformation with over 110,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash. - ¡Mundo México! celebrates Mexican culture, art, and biodiversity. - The pumpkin village is a main highlight, showcasing creative pumpkin houses inspired by Mexican regions. - The gardens feature plants and art installations that tell cultural stories. - Family-friendly events at the Arboretum are designed to create lasting memories. - The festival has helped position Dallas as a national destination for cultural tourism.

For more information and to plan your visit, check out the official Dallas Arboretum website: https://www.dallasarboretum.org/

Follow Terri’s adventures: https://travelwithterri.net/ https://www.instagram.com/travelwithterri/ https://www.youtube.com/@travelwithterri https://www.facebook.com/travelwithterrifromtexas

🎙️ Listen to Travel with Terri weekly: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/

🎧 Also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station, Garden Gossip, and Big Daily Blend podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In celebration of National Literacy Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Books & Authors" show with Books Forward features author Liz Parker, who discusses her upcoming novel, "Witches of Honeysuckle House" (October 21, 2025, Alcove Press). A must-read for "practical Magic" fans, this enchanting story blends curses, sisterhood, and the power of plants with themes of generational trauma, family, and community.

Liz shares insights into the 13-year curse central to the story, the sentient house that shapes the narrative, and how her background in herbalism informs the magic woven throughout the book. She also talks about intention in witchcraft, the significance of plants, and her goal of helping readers reconnect with the natural world.

📘 More about Liz and her books: https://www.lizparkerwrites.com/

⏱️ Chapters / Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Witches of Honeysuckle House 02:07 – The Curse and Its Significance 04:29 – Sisterhood and Generational Trauma 06:28 – Exploring Spells vs. Curses 07:59 – Themes of Family and Community 09:51 – The Impact of Generational Trauma 11:22 – The Role of Plants and Nature 13:35 – The Author's Journey to Writing 17:17 – The Magic of Belief and Imagination 18:53 – The Sentient House and Its Personality 20:50 – Witchcraft and Family Legacy 22:20 – Herbalism and the Power of Plants 29:52 – The Connection Between Plants and Humanity 32:11 – Conclusion and Future Works

🔔 Learn more about Books Forward: https://booksforward.com/

This episode of Big Blend Radio shines a spotlight on North East Trees, an award-winning urban greening nonprofit committed to building climate resilience and advancing environmental equity in underinvested communities throughout Los Angeles.

Featured Guests: 🌳 Joe Laskin – Director of Development, North East Trees – https://www.northeasttrees.org/ 🌿 Cheryl Leutjen – Author of “Love Earth Now” and “Madness on the Brink of Eco-Apocalypse," and Board Director, North East Trees – https://cherylleutjen.com/ Recognized as a 2025 Nonprofit of the Year by the California Association of Nonprofits, North East Trees is making a lasting difference through urban forestry, biodiversity enhancement, and workforce development programs. From planting over 100,000 trees to transforming schoolyards into green spaces, the organization demonstrates how trees can heal communities, foster connection with nature, and combat climate change.

📺 Learn more in this PBS special: Combatting Climate Change with Trees – https://www.pbs.org/video/combatting-climate-change-with-trees-tcffrw/

This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Parks & Travel", "Quality of Life", and "Garden Gossip" Channels. Keep up with all Big Blend Radio shows at: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork *** Images by Alex Michel, courtesy of North East Trees

In celebration of Parks & Recreation Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Jo Goes Everywhere!” travel podcast with writer and photographer Jo Clark explores the stunning coastal treasures of South Carolina. Tune in to learn about the natural beauty, wildlife, and historical significance of Huntington Beach State Park, Brookgreen Gardens, and Atalaya Castle.

Jo shares fascinating stories—from the architecture of the castle to the legacy of rice plantations—and offers helpful travel tips, including seasonal events, scenic highlights, and community conservation efforts. Whether you're a nature lover, history buff, or art enthusiast, this episode is full of inspiration for your next adventure!

📖 Read Jo's Article: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/exploring-the-treasures-of-south-carolinas-coast/

🗓️ “Jo Goes Everywhere!” airs every 2nd Sunday at 7pm EST on Big Blend Radio. 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: https://jogoeseverywhere.podbean.com/

🌍 Follow Jo's Travels: http://www.haveglasswilltravel.com/ https://recipestravelculture.com/

🎙️ Also featured on: Big Blend’s Vacation Station, Parks & Travel, Garden Gossip & Big Daily Blend channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

This episode of Big Blend Radio features travel writer Linda Kissam, “Food, Wine & Shopping Diva,” who shares her recent visit to the stunning Point Defiance Rose Garden in Tacoma, Washington. From the garden’s rich history and environmental significance to its natural beauty and community value, this conversation is a tribute to the Pacific Northwest’s floral charm. Discover how the region’s climate helps roses thrive, how nature and public spaces foster well-being, and why the garden is a perfect place for everything from peaceful picnics to family outings.

📖 Read Linda’s article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/point-defiance-rose-garden-in-tacoma/

🎧 Follow Linda’s podcast: https://lindakissam-foodwinetravel.podbean.com/

🌐 Follow Diva Linda’s adventures: https://allingoodtaste.info/

🎙️ Also listen on Big Blend’s Garden Gossip podcast channel: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork