GardenDC Podcast Episode 216: Fierce Flora

In this episode, we talk with Susan Pell, Executive Director of the U.S. Botanic Garden, about plants that fight back. The plant profile is on Holiday Cactus (Schlumbergera spp.) and we share what's going on in the garden as well as some upcoming local gardening events and this week's garden tasks in the What's New segment. We close out with the Last Word on 12 Things to Grow in Your Greenhouse from Christy Page of Green Prints.

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If you liked this episode, you may also enjoy listening to:

~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 33: Flinging with the Garden Tourist

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2020/10/gardendc-podcast-episode-33-us-botanic.html

~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 77: Goth Gardening

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2021/10/gardendc-podcast-episode-77-goth.html

This episode is archived at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gardendc/episodes/Fierce-Flora-e2q5e21

Show Notes: 01:20 - Welcome Susan Bell, Executive Director of the U.S. Botanic Garden 01:37 - Susan updates what’s been going on with her since the 200th anniversary of the U.S. Botanic Garden in 2020 03:09 - A bit about the U.S. Botanic Garden and their new exhibit, Fierce Flora (www.usbg.gov/visit/exhibits/fierce-flora-tales-survival-and-demise) 04:36 - The location/setting of Fierce Flora 05:24 - Susan discusses how the exhibit connects to our everyday lives 06:21 - Susan talks about the multi-sensory aspect of Fierce Flora 07:11 - Is Fierce Flora appropriate for all ages? 07:47 - Susan discusses how Fierce Flora appeals to all people, even those who aren’t huge plant fans 10:10 - Selfie stations at the exhibit help educate people on plant identification 11:31 - Susan discusses the importance of understanding different plants and their benefits/purposes 12:41 - Differences between spines/spikes/thorns/prickles 14:20 - Susan discusses glochids 16:19 - Susan talks about plant hairs 17:38 - Susan discusses pointy features on seeds 19:37 - How burrs inspired the creation of Velcro 20:08 - Plant defenses against herbivores 21:20 - Kathy and Susan talk about dark leaves 24:33 - Susan discusses how plants defend themselves against other plants 26:15 - Susan talks about Carnivorous plants 29:04 - Venus fly trap 29:59 - Bladderwort 31:40 - Susan talks about toxic plants 34:10 - Kathy and Susan discuss Jimsonweed 35:35 - Autumn crocus and colchicine 35:59 - Kathy and Susan discuss the importance of knowing which plants are safe to have around babies and pet 37:02 - Dispelling the misinformation around Poinsettias and Aroids 38:41 - Plants with oxalate that have a sour taste 40:09 - Kathy and Susan talk about eating hot peppers 41:29 - Susan discusses plants in the Nightshade family 42:50 - Pokeweed 43:02 - Susan talks about the Cashew tree 44:31 - Susan discusses rashes that people get from plants 46:45 - The importance of plant identification 47:55 - How can listeners find out more about the U.S. Botanic Garden or contact Susan? (www.usbg.gov/) 50:47 - Schlumbergera (Holiday Cactus) Plant Profile 53:01 - What’s new in the garden this week? Beautiful color on the Pink Muhly grass and picking the last of the zucchinis and peppers 53:30 - Garden tips of the week? Use bulb augers to speed up your planting and pot your spring bulbs up now for earlier indoor blooms 54:17 - Washington Gardener October issue is out! (washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2024/10/) 55:07 - Upcoming local gardening events: Gardener’s Focus Program on Specialty Mums, Eco-savvy Gardening Fair, and Fall Colors Tram Tour 56:30 - 12 Things to Grow in Your Greenhouse this Winter 1:00:33 - Thank you for listening! Become a supporter

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Episode Credits:
Host and Producer: Kathy Jentz

Interview Edit and Show Notes: Zachary Intrater

Music: Let the Sunshine by James Mulvany

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