In this fall-themed episode, hosts Alexis, Brett, Jessica, and Ray (the "Plant People") celebrate the season with a mix of food talk, laughter, and horticultural insights. They kick things off sharing their favorite pumpkin-inspired treats— from homemade pumpkin bread to smoked butternut mac and cheese and even pumpkin tortilla chips. The conversation transitions into the episode's main topic: fall leaf color in Kentucky and beyond. The group discusses the science behind color change — how cool nights, warm days, and moderate moisture bring out the best reds, oranges, and yellows. Ray explains how a good growing season followed by a slightly dry fall concentrates sugars in leaves, leading to vibrant anthocyanin-driven reds. They also talk about the impact of Kentucky's record-dry August, wondering how it might affect 2025's color display. Listeners learn about useful resources like the ExploreFall.com foliage map and Kentucky Tourism's fall color tracker, which show when and where to find peak color. The hosts share personal sightings — from maples just beginning to turn to the rich reds of burning bush and sassafras — and discuss how elevation, frost timing, and species type influence local color patterns. The team also dives into some fascinating plant physiology, explaining how the green pigment chlorophyll fades to reveal yellows and oranges already present in leaves, while reds form later from sugar accumulation. Their side conversation about variegation and plant adaptation connects the science of leaf color to everyday gardening. The episode wraps up with everyone's appreciation for leaf-peeping season, favorite scenic drives, and plans to visit Kentucky's Red River Gorge and other colorful fall spots. Explore Fall [https://www.explorefall.com/] Kentucky Tourism Fall Color Tracker [https://www.kentuckytourism.com/kentucky-fall-foliage-map] The 2025 Fall Foliage Prediction Map [https://smokymountains.com/fall-foliage-map] Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.com Check us out on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/hortculturepodcast/]

In this lively and laughter-filled episode, the Hort Culture crew—Alexis, Brett, Jessica, and Ray—dive into the deep connections between horticulture, health, and community. The conversation kicks off with birthday cake energy and quickly blooms into a discussion about how plants and specialty crops shape lives—from personal stories about meeting spouses on farms to the way flowers boost mood and spark connection. The team explores fascinating research on the physical and mental health benefits of plants: from leafy greens supporting brain health to tree canopy reducing heat-related emergencies. They talk CSAs, farm-to-school programs, and how trying new vegetables (and flowers!) can help build lasting habits. Plus, there's a fun round of Kentucky farmers market price trivia—revealing just how much tomatoes and beans have changed over 20 years.

In this episode of Hort Culture, hosts Alexis, Brett, Jessica, and Ray welcome guest Chad Niman, Forest Product Specialist and Director at the Wood Utilization Center in Jackson, Kentucky. With cooler weather on the horizon, the crew kicks things off by sharing their favorite fall plants and fungi—before diving deep into the fascinating world of Kentucky's hardwoods. Chad walks listeners through the state's $19 billion hardwood industry, its role in sustainable building, and how species like yellow poplar, maple, sycamore, and sweet gum can support innovative products like flooring and cross-laminated timber panels. The conversation branches out to: * The environmental and health advantages of real wood versus plastic-based building materials * How wood residues like bark and sawdust could replace peat in horticultural media * The surprising uses of wood flour in everything from animal bedding to food additives * How traditional materials are being reimagined for modern construction and sustainability Plus, the team reflects on old-growth forests, changing design trends, and why connecting with natural materials just feels right. 🌲 Key topics: hardwood industry, sustainable building, mass timber, fall plants, forest ecology, wood flooring, biophilia, peat alternatives, wood residues. 🎧 Guest: Chad Niman Chad Niman, Primary Forest Products Specialist [https://forestry.mgcafe.uky.edu/directory/chad-niman] Robinson Center Wood Utilization Center [https://robinson-center.mgcafe.uky.edu/robinson-wood-utilization-center] Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.com Check us out on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/hortculturepodcast/]

As summer winds down and fall kicks into gear, the Hort Culture crew—Alexis, Brett, Jessica, and Ray—sit down to unpack the busy transition season for lawns, landscapes, and gardens in Kentucky. From wrapping up summer crops to preparing for fall planting, the team dives into the balancing act of deciding when to terminate tomatoes and peppers, the importance of cover crops, and how sustainability goes beyond just environmental concerns to include economic and personal well-being . They share practical fall to-dos: planting trees and dividing perennials, reseeding cool-season lawns, mulching landscapes, and making time for soil testing . The conversation also highlights the ecological role of leaving some garden debris for pollinators, while sprinkling in personal stories about amaryllis care, cover crop mixes, and the "team termination" debate over worn-out summer veggies . Listeners will walk away with a clear picture of what tasks make the biggest impact in September and October, plus a reminder to enjoy the season—even if it means pulling a few tired plants early to make way for new growth next year. Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.com Check us out on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/hortculturepodcast/]

In this episode, the team welcomes John Duvall, horticulturalist at Eastern Kentucky University and president of the Kentucky Maple Syrup Association, for a deep dive into the sweet world of maple syrup. John shares the basics of syrup making—from tapping trees, collecting sap, boiling, filtering, and bottling—to the surprising challenges that come with the process. He highlights the heritage of maple syrup in Kentucky, once nearly lost but now experiencing a revival, and discusses how weather patterns, tree species, and even soil contribute to flavor. The conversation explores the differences between sugar and red maples, the potential of other trees like walnut and sycamore, and the unique taste that Kentucky syrup offers compared to northern states. Along the way, John shares personal stories (including a first-year mishap that earned him the title of "official sugar maker") and explains how syrup makers balance tradition with modern techniques like reverse osmosis. Listeners also learn about the Kentucky Maple Syrup Association's efforts to grow awareness, from beginner workshops in October to the annual Kentucky Maple School on November 1st in Clark County, plus Kentucky Maple Days in February, where farms open their doors for tours and tastings. Whether you're a backyard hobbyist, a curious cook, or someone dreaming of tapping your own sugar bush, this episode offers a rich taste of the science, tradition, and community that make Kentucky maple syrup special. Kentucky Maple Syrup Association [https://kymaplesyrup.com/] Kentucky Maple Days [https://ky-maplesyrup.ca.uky.edu/ky-maple-days] Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.com Check us out on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/hortculturepodcast/]

In this episode of Hort Culture, Alexis, Brett, Jessica, and Ray dive into the art and heritage of seed saving. Together they explore the practical side of harvesting and storing seeds—from tomatoes and beans to peppers and flowers—while mixing in the deeper cultural roots behind the practice. They unpack the difference between heirlooms and hybrids, self- vs. cross-pollinated plants, and why choosing the healthiest specimens matters. Along the way, listeners get hands-on tips for drying, labeling, and storing seeds, plus fun detours into plant oddities like vivipary (seeds sprouting inside fruit) and the secret life of green bell peppers as they ripen red. Beyond the garden, the crew reflects on the historical and cultural significance of seed saving—from Kentucky's proud heirloom traditions to immigrant communities carrying seeds across continents as a way of preserving heritage. The episode highlights seed saving not just as a gardening skill, but as a way of keeping stories, biodiversity, and family traditions alive. It's equal parts botany lesson, garden how-to, and cultural reflection, served up with the group's usual humor and gardener confessions. Seed Saving Basics [https://extension.psu.edu/seed-saving-basics] Seed Saving in Georgia Gardens: A starter guide for schools, communities, and homes [https://fieldreport.caes.uga.edu/publications/C1242/seed-saving-in-georgia-gardens-a-starter-guide-for-schools-communities-and-homes/] Saving Your Own Seed [https://onslow.ces.ncsu.edu/2023/01/saving-your-own-seed/] Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.com Check us out on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/hortculturepodcast/]

In this late-summer conversation, Brett, Jessica, and Ray reflect on the ups and downs of Kentucky's growing season—from soggy spring fields to dry summer lawns. The team swaps stories of favorite seasonal treats (popsicles, cider donuts, and cheeseburgers), then dives into the real-world challenges growers and homeowners faced this year. Topics include: * Weed wars in a wet spring – why mowing sometimes beat cultivation for managing crabgrass. * Tree troubles – diagnosing stress in mature trees vs. uncovering girdling roots in young plantings. * Fruit frustrations – winter injury, fluctuating temperatures, and a tough season for peaches, blackberries, and strawberries. * Tomato trials – delayed ripening, leaf roll, and how environmental stress shows up differently across cultivars. * Lawns across Kentucky – brown patch in wetter areas vs. drought stress and crabgrass explosions further south. * Farmers' market quirks – why produce prices don't always follow supply-and-demand logic. The hosts wrap up with a reminder to support local orchards and agritourism farms this fall—whether for apples, cider, hayrides, or those elusive cider donuts Brett is still chasing. Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.com Check us out on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/hortculturepodcast/]

This week on Hort Culture,  we welcome two special guests—Zoey and Kallise, summer interns at the Mercer County Extension Office. Fresh off their last day on the job, they share the whirlwind of experiences that shaped their summer: from planning Cloverbud Camps, to assisting  with youth programs like international cooking classes and heritage day camps. The conversation highlights just how much extension work overlaps across program areas—horticulture, 4-H, family and consumer sciences, and agriculture. Listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at county fairs, campfires, home visits, and even a memorable day spent recipe-testing fried apple pies. Along the way, everyone opens up about hobbies (from vintage bikes to quilting), surprising lessons learned, and the personal connections to plants and gardening that continue to grow. For students curious about extension careers—or anyone who wants a taste of the dynamic work happening in local offices—this episode is both inspiring and down-to-earth. University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Internship Program [https://ces-personnel.ca.uky.edu/internship-program] Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.com Check us out on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/hortculturepodcast/]

In this late-summer conversation, Alexis, Brett, and Ray reflect on the nostalgia of print magazines, book fairs, and the "adult book fair" season of seed catalogs. The crew dives into the realities of August in the garden—plants looking tired, leaf spot showing up, and the challenge of keeping things alive through heat and humidity. They explore how August serves as a natural transition point: a pause between the frenzy of spring planting and the rush of fall preparation. From buying discounted shrubs and busted soil bags to ordering cover crops, garlic, and seeds before they sell out, the team shares practical tips for both home gardeners and commercial growers. Discussion also turns to disease management strategies, irrigation struggles, and the importance of recordkeeping—reminding listeners that now is the perfect time to take notes, review finances, and plan rotations for next year. As always, the hosts mix humor and storytelling with hands-on advice, wrapping up with a reminder that sometimes the best thing you can do in August is step back, breathe, and prepare for what's ahead. Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.com Check us out on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/hortculturepodcast/]

In this episode of Hort Culture, the team is joined by Dr. Jonathan Larson, University of Kentucky Extension Entomologist, for a fascinating discussion on the complex and often surprising relationships between insects and plants. From pollinators that fuel our food supply to pests that challenge our landscapes, Dr. Larson shares insights on how these interactions shape both natural ecosystems and home gardens. The conversation dives into beneficial insects, pest management strategies, and practical tips for gardeners looking to support pollinators while protecting their plants. Whether you're curious about native bees, biological control, or just want to understand what's really happening when bugs meet blooms, this episode offers expert knowledge with plenty of real-world takeaways. Entomology at the University of Kentucky [https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/] Arthro-Pod Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/arthro-pod/id920537000] Firefly Festival [https://visitowensboro.com/event/firefly-festival-know-glow/] Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.com Check us out on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/hortculturepodcast/]

In this reflective episode, Brett and Ray take a deep dive into how Kentucky agriculture—and Extension work—has transformed over the past few decades. Starting with a lighthearted chat about summer, fall cravings, and the buzz (and hype) around AI, the conversation shifts into a second chapter of Ray's career story, following the earlier "Hands in the Dirt, Head in the Clouds" episode. Ray shares first-hand memories from his early days in Extension in the mid-1990s, when answering a client's question meant sifting through filing cabinets, making long phone calls, and sometimes hauling around a Motorola "bag phone." The discussion traces how technology, from networked computers to AgDiscs and eventually the internet, changed how agents work and how clients access information. A major focus is the seismic impact of the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement and the 2004 end of the tobacco quota system—events that reshaped Kentucky farming and spurred a search for alternative crops and markets. Ray and Brett explore both the opportunities and challenges of this transition, from diversification efforts and Kentucky Proud branding to the hard realities of marketing perishable crops. Throughout, they connect past changes to present questions about AI's role in Extension—its potential as a tool, its limits, and the enduring importance of research-based information and human expertise. The episode blends history, personal experience, and forward-looking perspective on how agricultural outreach adapts to waves of technological and economic change. Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.com Check us out on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/hortculturepodcast/]

In this episode of Hort Culture, the team welcomes Powell County Extension Agent Jason Vaughn to dive deep into the evolving culture of American lawns—from golf courses to backyards. Jason shares his journey from mowing lawns in Clark County to managing some of the most prestigious golf courses in the U.S. The conversation explores the "business in the front, party in the back"approach to lawn care, affectionately dubbed the "mullet lawn philosophy." Listeners will learn about: * The real reason raising your mower height is a game changer * Why fall is the best season for weed control * Common lawn myths (including the overuse of lime) * The case for wild blackberries over cultivated ones * How home lawn care differs from professional turf management * And why sometimes, the lawn is worth keeping—especially for play, aesthetics, or just zoning out with a mower From clover-friendly backyards to the newest trends in golf course design (think wild, low-input fescues), this episode blends practical advice with personal stories and humor. Whether you're a lawn purist or a prairie convert, there's something here to help you rethink your green space. Tips and Recommendations for Maintaining Home Lawns [https://ukturf.ca.uky.edu/tips-and-recommendations-maintaining-home-lawns] Turf Care Calendar for Cool-Season Lawns in Kentucky [https://publications.ca.uky.edu/files/AGR55.pdf] Turfgrass Science University of Kentucky [https://ukturf.ca.uky.edu/] Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.com Check us out on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/hortculturepodcast/]

In this flavorful and thoughtful episode, Alexis, Brett, and Ray kick things off with a nostalgic ode to summer fruits—watermelon, cantaloupe, and peaches—and the sensory memories they stir. The team shares light-hearted stories that transition seamlessly into a deeper conversation about branding, authenticity, and storytelling in agriculture. What does it mean to create a brand that feels both personal and professional? How do farmers and producers balance authenticity with marketing strategy? The hosts explore how their own approaches to branding—whether through daily social media posts or curated seasonal photo shoots—reveal not just products, but values and lived experiences. With examples from Wild Roots and reflections on photography, audience perception, and storytelling structure, this episode offers practical insights for anyone trying to craft a compelling brand in the food and farming space. Whether you're a seasoned grower or a budding entrepreneur, the message is clear: your story matters—and how you tell it makes all the difference. Marketing & Promotion Resources [https://ccd.uky.edu/resources/marketing] Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.com Check us out on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/hortculturepodcast/]

In this lively and laughter-filled midsummer episode of Hort Culture, the crew is joined by Emma Lee, UK Extension Agent from Estill County and the voice behind the popular UK Houseplant Education videos. The gang dives deep into the world of houseplants—dispelling myths, sharing war stories, and celebrating the trials and triumphs of indoor gardening. Emma shares the origin of her houseplant video series, created as part of her graduate work and fueled by her newfound obsession with foliage. From low-maintenance starter picks like Tradescantia and heartleaf philodendron to the surprisingly dramatic Calathea, the crew debates plant preferences and pet peeves. Succulents? Not as simple as social media makes them seem. Other topics include: * The social media-fueled rise of trendy houseplants * Why some plants just aren't for you—and that's okay * Emma's bioactive frog tank turned Calathea haven * Bonsai tangents and plant pricing bubbles * "Plants don't read the books": what really works at home Whether you're team succulent or team "please stop mixing cactus with peace lilies," this episode offers a down-to-earth and refreshingly honest take on houseplant culture. Show Notes & Resources: * University of Kentucky Houseplant Education [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567332444862] * Resources for Home Growers: Houseplants [https://horticulture.ca.uky.edu/growers/home/houseplants] * Indoor Plants [https://www.rs.uky.edu/consumer/extension_pdfs/ho103.pdf] * Caring for houseplants in the winter [https://exclusives.ca.uky.edu/2021/hort/caring-houseplants-winter]

In this episode, the team dives deep into the world of mechanical and cultural weed control. What starts as a fun discussion about corvids and birdwatching  quickly transitions into the heart of the episode—how growers manage weeds without chemical inputs. The crew explores the overlap between cultural and mechanical practices like crop rotation, cover cropping, hoeing, solarization, and high-wheel cultivators. Ray shares nostalgic stories from the 1980s of farming with mules and mechanical tillers. Brett puts modern weed control into historical and economic context, and Alexis gets excited about the future—robotic weeders, solar-powered machines, and the upcoming Kentucky Mechanical Weed Control Field Day. From stirrup hoes to camera-guided cultivators, they explore how growers of all scales can improve efficiency, reduce herbicide use, and build healthier soils. Special Mentions: * Merlin Bird App from Cornell Lab * Kentucky High Wheel Cultivator * Walk-behind tractors * Midwest Mechanical Weed Control Field Day * Electrical weed control research * The upcoming Kentucky Mechanical Weed Control Field Day on September 23rd Call to Action: Visit ccd.uky.edu [https://ccd.uky.edu/] and click on the Mechanical Weed Control Field Day (link below) tab to register. Learn about tool demos, solarization research, grant opportunities, and eat a free ice cream sandwich in exchange for your feedback! Center for Crop Diversification  [https://ccd.uky.edu/] 2025 Kentucky Mechanical Weed Control Field Da [https://ccd.uky.edu/mwcfd]y Weed Management [https://www.rs.uky.edu/consumer/extension_pdfs/agr205.pdf]

In this midsummer episode, the Hort Culture team welcomes Joe Kuosman, Lexington-based giant pumpkin grower and co-founder of West Sixth Brewing. The conversation starts with heat survival tips from the hosts (spoiler: giant hats and shade are a must), then dives headfirst into the fascinating world of giant pumpkin cultivation. Joe shares how his pumpkin passion was planted decades ago in Pittsburgh through a combination of family gardening, seed catalogs, and curiosity. He walks listeners through the evolution of giant pumpkin growing—from seed selection to fertilization, pest control, and even protecting pumpkins from sun damage and cracking. Highlights include: * Joe's personal best: a pumpkin just under 800 pounds. * Tips for beginners: start with quality seeds, don't overthink it, and enjoy the process. * The space commitment: 1,000 square feet per plant. * Kentucky's climate challenges and how growers adapt. * The wow-factor of displaying pumpkins. * How giant pumpkins become a gateway to growing other "giant" fruits and vegetables. This episode is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and quirky charm. Whether you're dreaming of a blue ribbon or just want to see a pumpkin grow 30 pounds a day, Joe's story will squash your doubts and seed your excitement. Tune in if you've ever wondered: * Can a pumpkin really weigh as much as a Toyota Corolla? * What does it take to grow a 1,000-pound pumpkin in Kentucky? * How do you turn a massive pumpkin into a community spectacle? Kentucky Giant Pumpkin Growers (Facebook) [https://www.facebook.com/groups/343008306858614/] Growing Giant Pumpkins in the Home Garden [https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1646] Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.com Check us out on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/hortculturepodcast/]

In this lively and informative episode, the Hort Culture team dives deep into the seasonal challenges facing Kentucky gardeners, particularly the rising threat of plant diseases during a historically cool and wet spring. Join Brett, Alexis, and Ray start for a chat about plant health and integrated pest management (IPM). Listeners get an in-depth look at the "disease triangle" — the key combination of a susceptible host, conducive environment, and active pathogen — and why this year's weather has been perfect for early disease outbreaks. The team shares real-world examples from tomatoes, zinnias, squash, and even bonsai trees, emphasizing the importance of timing, cultural practices, and preventative treatments. They clarify that "pesticide" is not a dirty word, breaking down the term to include both organic and conventional options, and reinforcing the necessity of following label instructions precisely. The conversation covers tools and equipment for small-scale spraying, the differences in approach between home gardeners and commercial growers, and why sometimes, even with the best practices, a plant may still succumb to disease — and that's okay. The episode closes with practical tips for identifying issues, using extension resources, scouting effectively, and leveraging tools like the UK Ag Weather app for disease alerts. Related Links & Resources: * UK Ag Weather Center App [https://weather.uky.edu] Get real-time alerts on disease and weather conditions specific to Kentucky. * Kentucky Plant Pathology Extension Publications [https://plantpathology.ca.uky.edu/extension/publications] * Homeowner's Guide to Fungicides [https://plantpathology.ca.uky.edu/sites/plantpathology.ca.uky.edu/files/PPFS-GEN-07.pdf] (University of Kentucky): * Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Basics [https://ipm.ca.uky.edu] * UK Extension Office Directory [https://extension.ca.uky.edu/county] Find your local office for help with plant diagnostics and advice. * Pesticide Safety Education Program [https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/uk-pesticide-safety-education-program-psep] – UK Extension  Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.com Check us out on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/hortculturepodcast/]

In this engaging summer episode of Hort Culture, the crew welcomes Trevor Terry, Executive Director of the Kentucky Horticulture Council, for a spirited and insightful conversation that blends passion, policy, and plant nerdiness.  After kicking things off with lighthearted chatter about their favorite warm-weather drinks (kombucha and icy watermelon blends included), Trevor dives into his unconventional journey from humanities grad to horticulture leader — including a Derby weekend epiphany and the entrepreneurial spirit that led him to help launch Kentucky Fresh Harvest, the state's first high-wire, high-tech tomato facility. Trevor shares his excitement about the growth of protected agriculture in Kentucky — from 1.4 million sq. ft. in 2017 to nearly 14 million sq. ft. today — and what that means for the future of food production in the Commonwealth. The group also unpacks the impact of shifting federal funding, disease challenges like Neopestalotiopsis in strawberries, and the surprising scale and potential of Kentucky's cut flower industry. Whether you're into tomatoes, spreadsheets, or just love a good horticulture underdog story, this episode is packed with laughs, insights, and a powerful reminder of the resilience and innovation driving Kentucky agriculture forward. Tune in to hear: * Trevor's origin story and tomato tech breakthroughs  * Why controlled environment ag isn't just hype in Kentucky  * Big data meets backyard gardening  * The power of unified voices in horticulture advocacy  Episode-Related Links: * Kentucky Horticulture Council (KHC) [https://kyhortcouncil.org/] Learn more about KHC's mission, grower resources, grants, trainings, and member associations. * USDA Census of Agriculture [https://www.nass.usda.gov/AgCensus/] Data source discussed regarding growth in protected ag and cut flowers. * University of Kentucky Horticulture Extension [https://horticulture.ca.uky.edu/] Trusted info on fruit, vegetable, and ornamental production in Kentucky. * Kentucky Department of Agriculture [https://www.kyagr.com/] Programs and support for growers, including Kentucky Proud. * Kentucky Center for Ag & Rural Development (KCARD) [https://www.kcard.info/] Business development assistance for Kentucky farms and agribusinesses. Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.com Check us out on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/hortculturepodcast/]

In this nostalgic episode, Brett and Ray hold down the fort while their co-hosts are away, turning the podcast into a "man cave" for the day. What starts as a lighthearted check-in on their recent challenge to "sit under a tree" turns into a conversation tracing Ray's agricultural roots in eastern Kentucky. Ray shares vivid memories of his childhood growing up on a farm in the eastern foothills—years spent with cattle, square bales, vegetables, and tobacco. He reflects on the sights, smells, and experiences that shaped his deep connection to the land and growing things, from running barefoot through hay fields to handpicking truck loads of beans with his siblings. Listeners get an intimate portrait of life in Appalachian Kentucky during the 1980s and '90s, the central role of tobacco in rural economies, and Ray's unexpected return to agriculture via Berea College. With humor, humility, and insight, Ray describes the lessons learned—like knowing what you can and can't control—that have guided his path into Extension work. This episode is a time capsule of Kentucky's farming heritage and a tribute to the labor, love, and land that define it. Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.com Check us out on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/hortculturepodcast/]

In this episode of Hort Culture, Alexis, Brett, and Ray dive into a heartfelt and often hilarious conversation about how plants intertwine with memory, grief, celebration, and personal identity. What begins with snack talk and Brett's possum joke evolves into a rich discussion about the power of plants to mark life's most meaningful moments—from memorial trees and generational houseplants to the sensory triggers tied to loved ones and childhood. The crew shares stories of plants passed down through families, the emotion of planting in memory of someone, and the surprising ways a smell, flower, or species can evoke someone's presence. They explore the symbolism of trees and flowers associated with different people in their lives, including themselves—Alexis as a witch hazel, Ray as a serviceberry or hemlock, and Brett as an atlas blue cedar or beech. This episode is a tribute to how deeply rooted plants are in who we are and how we remember. If you've ever gifted a plant, inherited one, or found comfort in tending to one, this one's for you. Topics covered: * The humor and chaos of recording a podcast about plants * Memorial and celebration plants * Generational plants and heirloom species * Sensory memory and plant associations * The hosts' personal "plant alter egos" Quote of the Episode: "We come from snacks and to snacks we shall return." Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.com Check us out on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/hortculturepodcast/]