If gardening enthusiasts have questions, they can get answers thanks to two popular gardening resources provided by Iowa State University Extension & Outreach and Iowa Public Radio.
“Garden Variety” is the name of a public radio podcast based on the Garden Day show that airs Fridays as part of Talk of Iowa. The show airs every Friday during the growing season and every other Friday in the fall and winter.
Each segment will feature a different gardening topic and feature a conversation between host Charity Nebbe and horticulture experts, mostly from ISU Extension and Outreach.
Gardening enthusiasts can call in to the Garden Day show with questions and get timely answers. The show is now in its 38th year and the podcast is now in its third year, averaging more than 19,000 listeners per month.
“Both shows offer listeners a welcome respite from the daily news cycle and provide an entirely positive and warm community focused on home gardening,” Nebbe said.
“People love growing plants and the experts on the show are so knowledgeable, you're sure to learn something even if you don't have a question,” she said.
National Recognition
The Garden Variety program and accompanying Garden Variety newsletter received national recognition in July, receiving a Silver Award from GardenComm, an organization of professional communicators in the green and garden industry.
The awards recognize individuals and businesses who have achieved the highest level of talent and professionalism in garden communications.
The silver medal winners are the top performers in their respective categories and will compete for gold medals at the annual awards ceremony in Grand Rapids, Michigan on August 28.
Aaron Steele, consumer horticulture specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach, said the certification demonstrates the value of both programs to the public.
“We hear all the time about how much our listeners are enjoying these shows,” Steil said. “Some even set alarms to remember when they're on. The feedback tells us they're learning and getting value from tuning in.”
Nebbe said the partnership with ISU Extension and Outreach continues to be successful, and the horticulture experts who appear on the show are approachable and engaging.
“Listeners appreciate the warmth and kindness that experts show to those who ask questions,” Nebbe said. “Experts are eager to speak with those who ask questions and to educate their audience.”
The newsletter, delivered to nearly 10,000 subscribers, features timely tips from gardening experts as well as photos and gardening success stories from gardeners.
For more information, contact Steil at 515-294-8953 or ajsteil@iastate.edu.
