00:00 Welcome to The Garden Question Podcast

00:48 Introducing Jeff Rugg: Gardening Expert

01:55 Setting Goals for Your Garden

03:31 Budgeting for Your Garden Project

06:27 Understanding Climate and Microclimates

08:46 Soil Conditions and Their Impact

15:38 Designing Your Garden: Themes and Styles

20:07 Navigating Rules and Regulations

22:38 DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

24:08 Choosing the Right Plants for Your Garden

24:55 Plant Diversity and Disease Prevention

26:18 Irrigation Systems: Do You Need One?

27:57 The Journey of a Weekly Newspaper Columnist

29:51 Creating Engaging YouTube Content

31:46 Comprehensive Gardening Guide

34:32 Common Gardening Mistakes and Myths

35:28 Personal Gardening Experiences and Future Plans

43:31 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of the Garden Question podcast, host Craig McManus engages with Jeff Rugg, an experienced educator and garden columnist, to explore the complexities of setting gardening goals.

Jeff shares his expertise on various aspects of garden planning, including understanding ecosystems, budgeting, and climate considerations.

He dives into the importance of soil conditions, maintenance planning, design styles, and the decision between DIY and professional help.

He also discusses the diversity of plant selection, the role of irrigation systems, and his extensive experience in horticulture and landscape architecture.

The episode is filled with practical tips and inspiring stories, aiming to help listeners create beautiful, environmentally connected, and low-maintenance gardens.

Jeff Rugg is an educator at heart, and for over 33 years, he has written the weekly, nationally syndicated newspaper column, The Greener View.

He taught the University of Illinois Master Gardener and Master Naturalist programs. He now teaches via the internet through his YouTube channel, Greener View, with over 300 videos and more coming. Many of the videos match the playlist of the chapters of his Greener View gardening book. This is Episode 201, Effective Goal Planning for Your Perfect Garden, with Jeff Rugg on the Garden Question Podcast an ENCORE presentation

Hello, I'm your host, Craig McManus.

The Garden Question is a podcast for people that love designing, building, and growing smarter gardens that work. Listen in as we talk with successful garden designers, builders, and growers, discovering their stories along with how they think, work, and grow. This is your next step in creating a beautiful, year-round, environmentally connected, low maintenance and healthy thriving outdoor space.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the 200th Episode!

00:29 Meet Dan Long: Clematis Expert

01:12 Understanding Clematis: Pronunciation and Varieties

04:15 Growing Clematis in the Southeast

05:13 Troubleshooting Clematis Issues

06:24 Choosing the Right Clematis for Your Garden

10:08 Clematis Hybridization and New Discoveries

11:47 Native Clematis in the U.S.

13:04 Dan Long's Plant Exploration Adventures

15:27 Debunking Clematis Myths

17:14 Clematis Care Tips and Container Gardening

20:54 Brushwood Nursery: Behind the Scenes

27:24 Dan Long's Personal Gardening Journey

33:23 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Welcome to the 200th episode of The Garden Question Podcast, where our goal has been to help you dive deep into designing, building, and growing a smarter garden that works. I appreciate you and hope that you’re always inspired by each episode whether you’re a beginner or an expert!

Today, we’re climbing to new heights—literally—with one of the most versatile and underappreciated plants in the garden: clematis. Our guest, Dan Long, is a leading authority on clematis and other climbing vines. As the owner of Brushwood Nursery and vice president of the International Clematis Society, Dan has spent decades studying, cultivating, and introducing new clematis varieties to gardeners across the U.S.

He is a past instructor at Longwood Gardens, authored several articles on the subject and for over 20 years brought a new level of understanding and enjoyment to a typically under-appreciated class of landscape plants.

In this episode, Dan untangles the mysteries of clematis, from pronunciation debates—yes, both clematis and clematis are correct—to selecting the best varieties for your garden. He shares expert advice on growing conditions, pruning techniques, and foolproof selections for the Southeast. We’ll also explore native U.S. species, exciting hybrid breakthroughs, and how container gardening can make clematis accessible to any space.

Get ready to be inspired by Dan’s passion for climbers, his insights from over 30 years in the nursery industry, and how you can bring these stunning vines into your own garden.

We are Celebrating our 200th episode by Exploring Clematis – Dan Long.

I’m your host Craig McManus.

00:00 Introduction to Water Smart Gardening

00:12 Meet Noel Johnson: The AC Plant Lady

00:51 Water Conservation Techniques

02:19 Understanding Water Usage

05:09 Choosing Drought Tolerant Plants

14:56 Soil and Composting Tips

18:48 The Importance of Mulch

20:58 Creating Microclimates

23:19 Rethinking Garden Maintenance

28:14 Choosing Organic Fertilizers for Healthier Soil

28:54 Rethinking Lawns in Drier Climates

31:26 Efficient Lawn Maintenance Tips

36:09 Smart Irrigation Solutions

39:16 Water-Wise Container Gardening

44:03 Creating a Water-Efficient Vegetable Garden

48:46 Rainwater Harvesting Techniques

51:27 Exploring 'The Water Smart Garden' Book

54:05 Connecting with AZ Plant Lady

Today, we’re diving into the art of water-smart gardening with Noelle Johnson, the AZ Plant Lady. As a horticulturist, landscape designer, and desert gardening expert, Noelle has dedicated over 25 years to helping people create stunning, drought-tolerant landscapes that thrive in hot, arid climates.

From her humble beginnings as a novice desert gardener—where even roses proved a challenge—to becoming a sought-after consultant and educator, Noelle has transformed countless outdoor spaces with her practical and sustainable approach.

In this episode, Noelle shares invaluable tips for conserving water everywhere, including the use of drought-tolerant plants, smart irrigation systems, and techniques like passive rain harvesting.

She’ll also bust the myth that water-efficient gardens are dull, proving they can be as vibrant and beautiful as they are practical. Along the way, you’ll hear about her journey authoring her must-read second book, The Water Smart Garden.

Whether you're a beginner navigating desert gardening or an expert seeking innovative solutions, Noelle’s insights will inspire you to design, build, and grow a smarter garden that works. Get ready to rethink your outdoor space and embrace sustainable gardening!