In episode 14, Kai Coggin, Poet Laureate of Hot Springs, Arkansas, and host of Wednesday Night Poetry (0:02:56), talks with Ann Wallace about her new book Mother of Other Kingdoms, published in April 2024 by Harbor Editions. Kai speaks about the many ways in which the tender act of mothering living things, whether wild or human, has enriched her life and provides sustaining lessons on finding joy and wonder through difficult times.

In Ask Randi, Dr. Randi Eckel, the native plant expert for NPSNJ and owner of Toadshade Wildflower Farm⁠ (0:35:34), explains why native Jewelweed is hard to find for sale. She then answers a listener question from Maude about how we define local when purchasing native plants. Randi also makes a special announcement about the September trip to Cape May for NPSNJ members.

Kim Correro then speaks with Rebecca McMackin (0:45:41) about the power of ecological horticulture in creating a more just and equitable world. Rebecca discusses the emotional and physical benefits of living in a thriving ecosystem and suggests that access to beauty should be a human right. She wraps up by sharing tips on the importance of knowing how to water your plants and why fall is the ideal planting season. We encourage you to sign up for Rebecca's free NEWSLETTER, which is filled with valuable information for gardeners. Don't forget to check out her TED Talk "Let Your Garden Grow Wild" with almost one million views!

To close out the episode, Kim and Ann talk with Jared Rosenbaum, botanist and co-owner of Wild Ridge Plants in New Jersey (1:09:24). We speak about cultural ecology and Jared’s YouTube series ROOTED. Each episode features one wild plant species, sparking stories about place, history, and future prospects. In the upcoming season, they span the state of New Jersey to feature Prickly Pear Cactus, Purple Milkweed, and more. Rooted is a recipient of a 2024 NPSNJ Mini-Grant.

In episode 13, Camille T. Dungy (0:03:00), a renowned poet, essayist, and memoirist, joins Ann Wallace in conversation about her book Soil: The Story of a Black Mother’s Garden, published by Simon and Schuster in 2023 and now out in paperback. Soil is a book that invites us into Camille’s native plant prairie project at her home in Colorado, but it is also about much more than that, taking us back to the year 2020 and making record not only of the story of a garden but of the context—familial, national, historical, ecological, social—from which it sprang.

In Ask Randi, Dr. Randi Eckel (0:35:00) makes a special announcement about the 2024 NPSNJ mini-grant program. She then answers a question from Tom in Connecticut, who is on a tight budget and needs help choosing colorful native plants that will bloom throughout the seasons.

Ann then speaks with Susan Darwin (0:46:48), New Jersey artist and member of the Native Plant Society, who discovered us through the annual conference while working on her New Jersey 2023 series of paintings. Susan is nearly halfway through her 10-year location series, in which she artistically explores a different place each year. Her New Jersey 2023 exhibit, featuring 20 paintings from across the state, is currently on display at Reeves-Reed Arboretum in Summit and all are invited to attend the artist reception on the afternoon of Saturday, June 29.

To close out the episode, Kim and Ann talk with Claudia West (1:03:31), a seasoned professional in her field. Claudia is a landscape designer, grower, installer, and land manager. She is also co-owner of Phyto Studio and co-author of the highly acclaimed book Planting in a Post-Wild World, which has been a valuable resource for many gardeners.

In episode 12, we reflect on the nature that is close at hand, in our backyards, neighborhoods, and nearby wild places—as our featured guests invite us into the habitats they explore, celebrate, and help preserve—and share the joy those spaces spark.

First, J. Drew Lanham (02:49)—poet, ecologist, and ornithologist—speaks with Ann about his new book Joy is the Justice We Give Ourselves, and the lessons he learned from his grandmother about seeking out joy in whatever places we might find it, as a way of living and of being. For Drew, that joy is often found in nature, in communion with birds, trees, and other wildlife whose histories and journeys inspire curiosity and connection.

Then Randi Eckel tackles an Ask Randi (0:37:47) question from Maureen in North Jersey: How can we peacefully coexist with squirrels and bunnies in our native plant gardens? Good news! There are native plants that will help.

Kim talks with Marni Fylling (0:45:15) about her book Fylling's Illustrated Guide to Nature In Your Neighborhood. It is a delightful guide to help you identify and understand the flora and fauna you may encounter right outside your door. Marni reminisces about her days exploring nature along the "100 Steps" stairway, which connects Jersey City Heights and Hoboken, NJ.

We are then joined by Marielle Anzelone, an urban ecologist and founder of NYC Wildflower Week. Marielle, a double graduate of Rutgers University, has lived among the plants of the New Jersey-New York metro area nearly all her life. She discusses her time at Rutgers and the two professors who helped guide her career. She then offers important insights and reminders of the critical role native plants play in the ecology of the Big Apple.