Gardening Simplified

Gardening Simplified

Introducing Gardening Simplified, a new radio show and podcast from Proven Winners ColorChoice Shrubs. Hosted by life-long gardeners Rick Vuyst and Stacey Hirvela, the Gardening Simplified show is designed to share our love of plants and gardening. Whatever your skill or experience level, you’ll find something interesting, useful, and just plain fascinating in every episode.

Episodes

Trigger Plants

June 28, 2025 • 44 mins
Some plants can be considered “drama queens,” unafraid to show that they are unhappy with something in their environment. Knowing these plants and what these signs mean will help you to better understand what’s going on in your garden. Read the tea leaves with us and learn the signals these trigger plants are putting out. Featured shrub: Pinky Winky panicle hydrangea.
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Oh Deer! The Buck Stops Here | Deer and Gardening

June 21, 2025 • 50 mins
As deer populations and pressures have grown, so has the damage that they do in the garden. We talk deer resistant plants, ways to help alleviate deer damage, and interview Professor Alexandra Locher, with Grand Valley State University, on what is being done about the deer problem in Kent County, MI. Featured shrub: Sweet Emotion abelia.
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Don’t Do It!

June 14, 2025 • 44 mins
As Stacey always says, when in doubt, don't do it! Whether it’s prepping, planting, or pruning, we discuss what not to do and why you shouldn’t do it. Featured shrub: Let’s Dance Big Band  Reblooming bigleaf hydrangea.

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Just Do It!

June 7, 2025 • 44 mins
Whether it's a gardening task, plants to plant, or garden design - don't overthink it, just do it! We give our list of things to just do in the garden.
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The Bigger, the Better! | Big Plants

May 31, 2025 • 43 mins
Big plants hold a special fascination: watching them shoot from nearly nothing to truly epic proportions in a matter of weeks never gets old. Learn our favorite big plants! Featured shrub: Miss Violet butterfly bush.
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You've Got a Friend in Me | Companion Plants

May 24, 2025 • 44 mins
Combining plants is more art than science. Join us as we offer ideas and dispel myths on companion planting. Featured plant: Happy Jack Purple clematis.
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Deserted Island Plants

May 17, 2025 • 44 mins
If you were stranded on an island, what plants would you need for survival? That's our topic for today. Featured shrub, Flavorette Pear’d rose.
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Hanging Baskets

May 10, 2025 • 45 mins
Hanging baskets never go out of style! Learn how to choose the best one and care for it like a pro. Featured shrub: Fairytrail White Cascade Hydrangea.
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White Flowers

May 3, 2025 • 43 mins
Moon gardens have been gaining popularity and for a good reason! White flowers are great for creating an ethereal look in the garden, particularly in the early morning and evening hours. Hear about some of our favorite white flowering plants. Featured shrub: Oso Easy Ice Bay.
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Goldilocks Plants – Plants That Are Just Right

April 26, 2025 • 43 mins
Not too big, not too small, but just right! We discuss plants that not only have sought after habits, but also have multiple season interest, and tie together the landscape. Featured shrub: Wine & Spirits weigela.
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Nativars

April 19, 2025 • 54 mins
Nativars - a contraction of "native" and "cultivar" - get a bad rep from some people. But is it deserved? Find out the facts and opinions surrounding these controversial plants.
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Pruning Pointers

April 12, 2025 • 43 mins
Tis the season - for pruning! We know that's scary to some, so we're giving you the basics you need to make pruning decisions in your landscape. Featured shrub: Perfecto Mundo Double Purple reblooming azalea.
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Spring Ephemerals

April 5, 2025 • 46 mins
They're short-lived but much anticipated! Spring ephemerals are a sign of sunnier days and warmer weather, which we could really use here in West Michigan. Featured shrub: Legend of the Small fothergilla.
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Spring Tasks - What to Do and When to Do It

March 29, 2025 • 54 mins
Spring is here and with it, the return of garden tasks. Join us to learn what to do and when to do it. Featured shrub: Show Off Sugar Baby forsythia.
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Plants We Hate

March 22, 2025 • 43 mins
Every gardener has at least one plant they can’t stand. Whether it’s due to aesthetics, invasiveness, or a bad experience, some plants just aren’t for everyone. Find out what plants we hate and hear what listeners had to say about the plants that make their “no thanks” list.
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Covering Ground - All About Ground Cover Plants

March 15, 2025 • 45 mins
So much ground to cover! Learn about plants that work well and ones that are best to avoid when it comes to ground covers. Featured shrub: Spilled Wine weigela.
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Plants You Can't Kill

March 8, 2025 • 58 mins
Looking for the toughest, most durable plants for your garden or landscape? They're in this episode! Featured shrub: Low Scape Mound aronia.
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The Lavender Show

March 1, 2025 • 54 mins
Lavender is one of the most beloved garden plants - and also one of the most frustrating. That's why we're devoting an episode to growing it! Featured shrub: Bloomerang Dark Purple lilac.
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Plants that Don't Mind Moving and Those That Do

February 22, 2025 • 45 mins
We're about to enter the prime period for moving shrubs and perennials, so get the dirt on what you can - and shouldn't - move. Featured shrub: Wee Bit Grumpy hydrangea.
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Life Is Too Short For Proper Spacing

February 15, 2025 • 52 mins
Do you want more plants than you technically have room for? We're sharing where you can bend the rules a bit and ignore the plant tag. Featured shrub: Stonehenge yew.
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