Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley

Episode 69: Straw Bale Gardening

Episode 69: Straw Bale Gardening

Do you have rocky soil? Or problems with soil borne diseases? Straw bale gardening might be your answer. It’s a gardening approach that uses a bale of straw as the medium in which you plant. It creates relatively inexpensive raised beds. At the end of the season, you can compost the bales, so it’s the ultimate in sustainable gardening. Ideal for vegetable gardens in New York State and elsewhere, but they can also be used to grow ornamental flowers.

Straw bale gardening is an investment in time and money. But there are some things you need to consider. Join Master Gardener, Tim Kennelty, as he provides tips and tricks learned from years of experience using straw bales in his garden. He walks through the steps needed to ‘condition’ the bales so that they can successfully be used for growing. Watering and fertilizing the bales are fundamental. The location of the straw bales can be moved year to year and since it is basically soil-less gardening, the bales can even be placed on a driveway.

This gardening approach is ideal if you are limited for space or have soil issues. To learn how to get started, this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations of the Hudson Valley might be just what you are looking for!

Host: Jean Thomas

Guest: Tim Kennelty

Photo by: Tim Kennelty

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski

Resources

Episode 68: Nativars

You’ve probably heard about native plants … ones that have evolved in an ecosystem in a specific area. They can be defined as plants that have been growing in a particular habitat and region for hundreds or years, or longer. Also called indigenous, they are well adapted to the climate, light, and soil conditions that characterize their ecosystem. A native range can vary from a narrow definition (e.g., a specific county) to a broader definition for a region (e.g., a particular hardiness zone, the Northeast, or the United States).

Non-native plants, also referred to as exotic or alien, are plants that have been introduced to an area from their native range, either purposefully or accidentally. The term non-native usually refers to plants from other countries, regions, or continents. A non-native plant is not necessarily ‘bad’. Many have nicely been incorporated into the landscape, while others are considered invasive (e.g., burning bush, bush honeysuckle, multiflora rose, etc.). due to their damaging impacts on the natural environment.

Native cultivars or nativars are cultivars (a cultivated variety) of native plants. Most nativars are intentional crosses between wild, native plant species or between other nativars. These nativars are selected for a specific characteristic including flower colors or forms, size, insect or disease resistance, tolerance of certain environmental conditions, and more.

Eli Joseph-Hunter and Brianna Davis (Greene Bee Greenhouse in Cornwallville, NY) join Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley to talk about the differences between native plants, non-natives, and nativars and how these plants can be used and grown responsibly in a landscape. Echinecea, hydrangea, hellebore, and redbud are among the plants that are discussed.

Learn more about the value of native plants in your Hudson Valley landscapes while understanding the wide range of varieties that are now available.

Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas

Guests: Brianna Davis and Eli Joseph-Hunter

Photo by: Teresa Golden

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski

Episode 67: Asparagus, Vines, and Deer Repellents

Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley is back with another informative episode that's sure to captivate all nature lovers! Hear from experts with tips on how to cook asparagus, a popular springtime perennial. Then learn about some different fragrant vines that may work in your garden. Finally, explore the validity of popular myths about strong smelling soaps as deer repellents.

Up first is Patch to Plate, with Annie Scibienski, who shares her wealth of knowledge on all things asparagus. From growing to cooking and preserving, Annie provides some great tips to help you make the most out of this delicious perennial vegetable. She suggests different cooking methods, including blanching, grilling, and stir-frying, and shares some mouth-watering recipes like Pan Roasted Asparagus and Asparagus Quiche without crust. So, if you're a fan of asparagus or want to learn more about this nutritious and flavorful vegetable, don't miss this segment!

Next, Jean Thomas and Tim Kennelty are back with The Cover Up, with a focus on flowering vines. Passionflower is a beautiful climbing vine with white and purple or blue flowers. There are now hardier varieties that can survive in zone 5. While it blooms from midsummer to early fall, each flower only lasts about one day. The Kiwi vine is another interesting option that can grow up to 33 feet long and has some varieties that are hardy to zone 4. A native of China, it has green heart shaped leaves that are spirally arranged on the stem and a flower that has a slight resemblance to the kiwi bird. Both passionflower and kiwi vine can be fragrant additions to your garden if you can provide the appropriate support for them to climb.

Finally, Devon Russ debunks some myths about deer repellents in Hits and Myths. As many gardeners know, deer damage can be a significant problem, and there are many so-called remedies out there. Devon explores the effectiveness of strong-smelling soap and concludes that it's not a magic bullet. Instead, she recommends using deer repellents that contain eggs or creating a simple homemade egg and water spray. She also suggests that gardeners might want to consider using a protective cage or fence. So, if you want to protect your garden from deer damage and learn the truth about deer repellents, you won't want to miss this segment!

So, whether you're a seasoned gardener or just love nature, this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley is packed with useful information and fascinating stories that are sure to entertain and educate. Tune in now and join the conversation!

Hosts: Jean Thomas and Annie Scibienski

Guests: Annie Scibienski, Tim Kennelty, Jean Thomas, Devon Russ

Photo by: Tim Kennelty

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden, Annie Scibienski

Episode 66: What’s New in Perennials (Part 2)

Just as perennials are long-lasting and recurring plants, Joe Behn, wholesale perennial grower of Behn’s Best Perennials, is back again! He re-joins a lively conversation with Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas about flowering perennials. This time, they cover some of the newer perennial plant choices for the second half of the flowering season – late summer into fall. Joe shares his knowledge of the unique features of these plants, including their hardiness, and discusses his personal favorites. Don't miss this chance to hear from a local Hudson Valley expert in the industry and discover the latest trends in the world of perennials in New York State.

Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas

Guest: Joe Behn

Production Support: Teresa Golden, Linda Aydlett and Annie Scibienski

Resources

Episode 65: What’s New in Perennials (Part 1)

The word perennial can have two meanings. As an adjective, it can mean long lasting or continually recurring. As a noun, it refers to plants that have a life cycle lasting more than two years. They may die back seasonally, but even in their dormant phases, their root systems are living and will continue growing when conditions are right. While perennials can last many years, that doesn’t mean it’s a stagnant topic. New cultivars are developed, tested and released every year.

In the first of a two-part episode, wholesale perennial grower, Joe Behn of Behn’s Best Perennials, joins the podcast, Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, in a lively discussion about the newest flowering plants that have captured the attention of gardeners in New York State. He shares valuable insights on the hottest new cultivars, their ability to resist deer, rabbits and drought conditions, and even some plants that are incredibly robust. In this episode, the discussion focuses on perennials that will bloom in spring and summer.

Tune in and take some notes as you learn about these exciting new flowering plants.

Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas

Guest: Joe Behn
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Teresa Golden, Linda Aydlett and Annie Scibienski

Resources

Episode 64: Spuds, Shade and Sedges

Are you looking for inspiration to connect with nature and improve your gardening skills? In this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, Master Gardener Volunteers from Cornell Cooperative Extension share their expertise on potatoes, dry shade gardening, and ground covers and vines.

Looking for something different to make with potatoes? In Patch to Plate, Annie Scibienski's tips for preparing potatoes will have your mouth watering for a healthy and delicious meal. She recommends avoiding foil and microwaves when cooking and suggests adding herbs or other ingredients for added flavor.

Next up, in Made in the Shade, Barbara Bravo's recommendations for drought-tolerant plants that thrive in dry shade are a game-changer for those struggling to cultivate their gardens. Epimedium, brunnera, liriope, hellebores and carex are all options that may work for you.

And finally, in The Cover Up, Jean Thomas and Tim Kennelty discuss the benefits of sedges, bearberry and trailing arbutus as ground covers and vines that support pollinators and provide shelter for insects and birds.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to learn from these experts and take your gardening skills to the next level. Tune in to Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley and discover new ways to connect with the natural world around us.

Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas

Guests: Annie Scibienski, Barbara Bravo

Photo by: Tim Kennelty

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski

Resources

Episode 63: Nature and Mental Health

Anxious? The combination of the recent pandemic, world events, plus the looming impacts or climate change have all resulted in many mental health challenges in many individuals. Mindfulness is a technique that helps to improve mental health. Mindfulness can be described as the awareness that emerges through paying attention, in the present moment, nonjudgmentally to an unfolding experience, moment by moment. A broader focus on nature-based mindfulness has been proven to be very beneficial to reducing anxiety.

Join Luke Vitagliano, a native of Westchester County in New York’s Hudson Valley, in a great conversation about Nature and Mental Health. As a doctoral candidate, Luke has research focused on creating and implementing a group nature-based mindfulness intervention aiming to reduce anxiety among college students. This approach can be expanded to others, children and adults alike. Learn about multiple nature-based health interventions, and how listeners can practice mindfulness on a daily basis.

Share Luke’s passion for enhancing mental health benefits and integrating mental health and wellness services with the great outdoors on this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley.

Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas

Resources

Episode 62: Raising Chickens

Interest in raising chickens has grown in recent years. This interest can be grounded in harvesting their eggs or their meat or simply for home-grown entertainment. If you're wanting to learn more about starting to raise your own backyard chickens, this is an episode that you don't want to miss!

With over 20 years of experience in owning, operating, and consulting for small farms, livestock, and poultry, Nicole Childrose, ,Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of History at Columbia-Greene Community College. She is deeply inspired by home, family, friends, tenderness, and love for animals, excitement about nature, and passion for everything with a history that has a story to be told. She shares her passion for raising chickens and offers valuable advice on how to care for them, from establishing a routine to proper feeding and watering to keeping the coop clean and secure and good neighbor relations. Nikki also emphasizes the importance of research so that you're informed and well-prepared before starting your flock.

Nikki's passion for chickens is sure to inspire and motivate you to start your own backyard flock, so if you're ready to take the plunge and start raising chickens at home, tune in to this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley and get started today!

Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas

Guest: Nikki Childrose

Photo by: Tim Kennelty

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski

Resources

Episode 61: Food, Forest, and a Little Language

One more time, we’re providing a potpourri of interesting topics in an episode. If you're interested in cooking with fresh, locally sourced produce and are looking for creative ways to use winter vegetables, you'll love Patch to Plate, hosted by Annie Scibienski. In this episode, Annie shares an easy recipe for sweet potato and black bean salsa that can be used in everything from salads to pasta dishes.

And for those who want to expand their knowledge of gardening and botany, It's All Greek to Me is a must-listen. While plants are rooted in soil, their names are more often as not rooted in Latin. Host Jean Thomas takes a deep dive into the world of Latin plant names and the fascinating stories behind them. You'll learn how plants like the poinsettia and magnolia got their names and the individuals they were named after, including botanists and doctors.

Lastly, if you care about preserving the environment, don't miss Pests and Pathogens. Hosts Jackie Hayden and Dede Terns-Thorpe discuss the emerald ash borer, an invasive species that has caused significant damage to the ash tree population in North America. Jackie and Dede cover everything from the beetle's life cycle to the measures being taken to prevent further spread.

With topics ranging from creative recipes for winter vegetables to the fascinating stories behind plant names, and the impact of invasive species on our ecosystem, this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley has something for everyone.

Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas

Guests: Annie Scibienski, Dede Terns-Thorpe, Jackie Hayden

Photo by: Tim Kennelty

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski

Episode 60: American Eels

Did you know that there are 800 species of eels? They are an important element of the natural food web as well as a source of food and bait. Eels are born in the ocean but live most of their lives in fresh water, before returning to the ocean to spawn. The American eels are born in the seas around Bermuda, before they start a year-long migration to the Hudson River. They can be found along the Atlantic coast including the Chesapeake Bay up to the Saint Lawrence River region.

Join Kelsey Jean West from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Dutchess County in a fascinating discussion about eels, including a research project that counts the eels that migrate up to the Hudson River. There is still a lot of mystery around the eel, so the citizen science research project that has been going on for over 13 years helps the Department of Environmental Conservation make regulatory decisions to help protect this endangered species.

The Hannacroix Creek is one of twelve locations along the Hudson River where local volunteers count the glass eels (the one year old American eels in the third of six stages of maturity) as they reach their freshwater homes where they stay through adulthood. They eventually grow to be up to 4 feet long and as heavy as 17 pounds and can live anywhere between 10 to twenty years in fresh water. Then they eventually return to their birthplace in the Atlantic Ocean where they spawn at the end of their lives, and the cycle starts again.

Learn more about eels including how you can engage with this citizen science project on the podcast, Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley.

Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas

Guest: Kelsey Jean West

Photo by: Tim Kennelty

Production Support: Linda Aydlett and Teresa Golden