Archived Shows
December 2006

12/02/06
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Not sure what kind of Christmas tree to pick? Professor Mark Vodak of Rutgers University joins us to help you choose the perfect tree for your family's needs. He is a small-time Christmas tree grower himself, and knows how to keep trees fresh and beautiful. Later on the show: Are you worried about termites invading your home? Mike McGrath will reveal simple things you can do to protect your house from those wood-eating pests!

12/09/06
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Looking for a holiday gift for the gardener in your life? Mike McGrath will reconstruct the classic "Twelve Days of Christmas" to present you with a dozen unique, useful and ecologically sound options. There's something for everyone, from the hard-core, already chemical-free grower to newbies you're hoping to coax away from bottles and bags with big warnings on them.

12/16/06
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Noted Alaska gardener, garden writer and radio host Jeff Lowenfels joins us to talk about how he created the "Plant a Row for the Hungry" program that allows gardeners to help feed people in need. Jeff also has a new book called "Teaming with Microbes." Later on the show, Mike McGrath will reveal how gardeners who love to cook can get triple duty from a rosemary Christmas tree; and how you compulsive pruners can satisfy your hackin-away habits and get the ingredients for fresh holiday wreaths and swags.

12/23/06
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It's our annual You Bet Your Garden Christmas Spectacular! This year, we are listening to some of our favorite interviews and musical selections from previous years. Jane Pepper of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society reveals the secret origin of the holiday poinsettia, Rosie Lerner of Perdue University explains how to care for Christmas cactus, butterfly expert Rick Mikula shows us how to decorate trees with live butterflies, Paul Myer from the Morris Arboretum helps us pick the most colorful hollies for our winter landscape; and Judith Benn Hurley talks about using frankincense and myrrh for their botanical benefits. Plus: Mike McGrath will read one of his special holiday stories; and of course, lots of great holiday tunes from our musical director Kenn Kweder and his Reindeer Band!

12/30/06
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Mike McGrath takes a look back at the year 2006 with our favorite listener phone calls and gardening questions. He will also share his New Year's Resolutions for gardeners for 2007!