Archived Shows
January 2006

01/07/06
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Looking for something new to do in your landscape? How about building a labyrinth! Unlike a maze, labyrinths have no dead ends or tricks; all paths lead to the center. Unique and beautiful, they are thought to help people achieve a meditative state. We'll discuss labyrinth building and meaning with PA community garden coordinator Doreen Pasekoff, who recently created a classic outdoor turf labyrinth. During the Question of Week, a veterinary toxicologist will reveal the surprising truth about poisonous houseplants, and Mike will explain how you can keep your cats from nibbling on them.

01/14/06
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Mushroom expert Paul Stamets joins us to explain how seemingly humble fungi can be used to filter water, destroy pest insects like termites and fire ants, and create new medicines. Paul is the owner of the mushroom company "Fungi Perfecti" and his new book is "Mycelium Running." During the question of the Week, Mike will explain how gardeners can safely use wood ashes in their landscape.

01/21/06
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We'll celebrate the beginning of seed catalog season with Burpee Seed Company president George Ball. He'll tell us what's new on the market, and share his favorite picks for unique tomato varieties and bush beans! Plus, the Question of the Week: Cotton plants are very ornamental, with beautiful flowers and seedpods preceding that dramatic burst of white. But if you garden in a climate warm enough to see cotton appear, you probably aren't supposed to be growing it; and if you live where nobody cares, you might not have a long enough season! Mike will deliver all the details about planting your own patch of ornamental cotton.

01/28/06
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Can bats control the population of pesky summertime mosquitoes? Mike McGrath will deliver an authoritative answer that will change everything you thought you knew about bats. He'll also explain how to attract these beneficial creatures to your landscape. Plus; the real story behind plants and global warming; and chemical-free answers to all your gardening questions.