Archived Shows
April 2006

04/1/06
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This is not the time of year to sow a new lawn in the North; but what can you do for bare earth besmirched with little bits of green? And what should Southerners be doing to insure an attractive turf? Mike McGrath will reveal the secrets of Springtime lawn care for all of you!

04/8/06
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Have you received the email warning about termite-infested mulch heading our way from Katrina damaged trees? Mike McGrath will reveal the truth behind those rumors; and explain how your current mulch may already be inviting local termites to dine on your domain. Plus: Mark Tebbitt from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden joins us to discuss the amazing diversity in the surprisingly wide world of begonias. Tebbitt has written "Begonias; Cultivation, Identification and Natural History."

04/15/06
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Many gardeners mulch badly; using the wrong materials in the wrong way. Bad mulch can harm or kill plants and even ruin the paint job on a house or car! Mike McGrath will discuss the downsides of wood and rubber mulches, and reveal the best options for preventing weeds and improving the look of your landscape. Plus: How Australians are turning toads into beer!

04/22/06
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Are you looking to brighten up your house with some ravishing tropical plants? House plant expert Ellen Zachos joins us to talk about colorful tropical beauties that are not difficult to care for. Her new book is "Tempting Tropicals : 175 Irresistible Indoor Plants." During the Question of the Week, Mike will discuss pruning summer-blooming plants. He'll go over the easy but terrifying advice for butterflybush, and help you cut through the confusion you encounter when you try to figure out when to prune hydrangeas.

04/29/06
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Are bees buzzing around in your landscape, scaring you and your family? Or are they boring holes into your house and other structures? Mike McGrath will explain how to deal with wood-boring carpenter bees and scary Springtime ground nesting bees. He'll also explain why these native creatures are not only harmless, they are extremely beneficial to your garden!