GardenDC Podcast Episode 77: Goth Gardening

In this episode, we talk with Emily Suzanne Zobel, Mikaela Boley, and Rachel J. Rhodes of The Garden Thyme Podcast, all about Goth Gardens. The plant profile is on Turtlehead (Chelone) and I share what's going on locally and in my garden.

To recreate a Yard Flamingo as a Vulture, see:
https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2016/08/diy-yard-flamingo-facelift.html

From left to right, Mikaela Boley, Emily Zobel, and Rachel Rhodes

Photo credit: Chase Potter 

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EPISODE LENGTH: 1:12:02 00:41 Meet Emily, Mikaela, and Rachel, and learn about their Garden Thyme Podcast! 03:57 “My specialty is native plants, and I’m pretty crazy about it, so that’s what I end up talking a lot about” — Mikaela 05:47 The trio and Kathy talk about “non-organic” Halloween decorations for your garden 07:22 “I leave mine up literally until I get the … strongly worded letter from the city saying if I don’t take down my decorations, I’m going to get fined” — Emily, on decorating for Halloween 07:36 All about spiders! 07:47 Orb spiders are one of the most active spiders this time of year 09:35 “[It] looks like it belongs out of Super Mario or something!” — Mikaela, on the spiny orb weaver 10:37 The “home invader” wolf spider is Rachel’s favorite autumn spider 12:17 The “not-so-good little spider,” the black widow, is the only native Maryland spider that has a venomous reaction for people 16:29 How to add poisonous plants to your Halloween garden — safely! 17:38 Rachel talks about Boneset, a perennial plant that was used to be used to treat cases of the flu, fevers, and a cold 19:11 “I can’t help with that, guys. I’m the wrong type of doctor!” — The trio talks about getting emergency calls when people accidentally consume poisonous plants or get stung 20:17 Trust Mikaela, don’t eat “even a little bit” of the spotted water hemlock 22:05 “It’s hard to figure them out, and one bite can kill you” — Emily, on mushrooms 23:00 Although “a little tricky to buy commercially and put in your garden,” there are plenty of mushrooms that are Halloween-themed, like the Deadly Angel and Dead Man’s Fingers 27:20 Mikaela talks about the Giant Hogweed, which made news when its sap was causing injury to people 30:25 “My biggest battle right now is with the White Snakeroot” — Rachel 33:00 Plants that are both spooky AND delicious! 33:16 There are plenty of dark-colored edibles, like dark opal basil, indigo tomato, and eggplant 34:59 The classic Halloween decorations — gourds, pumpkins, and squashes — come in many different and nonconventional shapes, sizes, and colors! 35:34 Costume idea: the “Promiscuous Squash” 39:33 How to use seed heads and other garden elements for spooky ornamental decoration 39:51 Ever noticed snapdragon seeds look just like miniature skulls? 43:51 Channel your inner “angst” with black walnut ink 44:51 Dark-colored corn and fruits have “anthocyanins,” which is an antioxidant, so you can be on theme AND have a healthy snack 47:58 All about gothic flowers to plant for Halloween 48:07 Types of celosias to choose from, such as the cockscomb, which resembles a brain! 49:09 Rachel’s newfound favorite is the jumbo diamondhead 53:47 Mums, although know for their bright, joyful colors, can be sprayed a dark color for the spooky season 54:58 “No pun intended, it has roots in the history of pagan and Christian storytelling” — Mikaela, on the significance of yew tree plantings in cemeteries 58:33 Snakes are great pest control and are “a sign of a really good, healthy ecosystem” — Emily 1:00:48 You may find other creatures in your garden this time of year, like moths and racoons, but don’t panic — they’re not there to hurt you, and they can help spook up your garden! 1:04:33 You can contact the Garden Thyme Podcast trio by email (umegardenpodcast@gmail.com) or on Facebook 1:05:57 Learn about the turtle beak-shaped flower of the Turtle Head in this week’s Plant Profile! 1:07:38 Garden updates: blooming toad lily, lettuce seedlings sprouting, and tomatoes and peppers slowing down  

1:08:30 Upcoming events: Homestead Gardens talk, American Irish Society regional meeting, Daylily Society annual event, Tudor Place extended hours

Episode Credits: Host and Producer: Kathy Jentz Interview Edits: Charlotte Crook Show Notes: Melena DiNenna

The episode is posted at: https://anchor.fm/gardendc/episodes/Episode-77---Goth-Gardening-e182bh4

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