Garden Hotline

Michelle Reeser West is joined by Dave Gunn, owner of St. Louis Esthetic Pruning, to break down the art and science behind proper tree and shrub pruning. With a background at the Missouri Botanical Garden and years of hands-on field work, Dave explains how structural pruning improves tree health, safety, and long-term growth. The conversation covers when to prune, how to shape trees for both function and aesthetics, and common mistakes homeowners make when cutting back plants. Dave also shares insights from his diverse career path and how it shaped his approach to horticulture, education, and landscape design.

Michelle Reasor-West (@stlplantnerd) breaks down the impact of extreme spring weather swings alongside Daria and Flo from the Missouri Botanical Garden. From sudden freezes damaging magnolias, daffodils, and early blooms to how gardeners should respond, the conversation centers on patience and letting plants recover naturally. They discuss whether to cover plants during late frosts, how to handle visible damage, and why leaving leaves and natural cover in place can actually help protect your garden. Listener questions also cover hydrangea leaf spots, pruning timing, mulch options, and managing invasive grass.

Michelle Reasor-West, Director of Horticulture for Poynter Landscape and Nick Speed, Founder of Ujima discuss vegetables and answer your gardening questions.

Jean Ponzi joins Michelle Reasor-West on Garden Hotline to talk about sustainable gardening practices, native plants, and how gardeners can support pollinators and local ecosystems. Ponzi shares insights from decades of environmental education, offering practical tips for soil health, habitat-friendly landscaping, and making your garden more resilient.

Michelle Reasor-West of Poynter Landscape is joined by Margaret Cartaya, a colleague of Michele's at Poynter, and they answer all of your gardening and lawn questions. They are also joined by Marguerite Holloway, who is a professor at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism and has written for the New York Times and the New Yorker. She joins to discuss her book titled, "Take To The Trees."

Michelle Reasor-West, Director of Horticulture for Poynter Landscape and Ro Kicker from Ro’s Wigglers discuss soil and gardening and answer your questions. Plus, Joey Santore calls in to discuss his upcoming visit to speak in St. Louis.

A mid-February lawn and garden outlook focusing on patience with early spring warmth and how strong fall fertilizing and watering is already showing up as greener turf. Jeff Kendall of Horseman Brothers and Glenn Cramer of GR Robinson Seed & Service break down what homeowners should be doing right now, including cleanup from last fall, cutting back perennials and ornamental grasses, and preparing for pre-emergent herbicide timing as soil temperatures rise. They also discuss mower tune-ups, year-to-year record-keeping, and how unusual weather patterns like heavy April rain or a warm September can shift lawn plans. The show covers crabgrass control with pre-emergents, product differences, and timing strategies, along with why fall seeding is still preferred over spring seeding. Listeners get guidance on new sod lawns, soil testing, watering requirements, knotweed control, and when to use 2,4-D. There is also advice on shady lawns, groundcovers, peony transplants, dormant seeding, grapevine pruning, deer pr

Michelle Reasor-West, Director of Horticulture for Poynter Landscape is joined by Daria McKelvey, Kemper Center for Home Gardening at the Missouri Botanical Garden answering your questions.

Michelle Reasor-West, Director of Horticulture for Poynter Landscape is joined by Dean Gunderson, Chief Programs Officer and Megan Moncure, Director of Engagement both of Seed St. Louis to answer all of your questions.

Michelle Reasor-West, Director of Horticulture for Poynter Landscape is joined by Dan Zarlenga from the Missouri Department of Conservation to talk about birds and gardening.

Michelle Reasor-West, Director of Horticulture for Poynter Landscape and Jean Ponzi, Green Resources Specialist with Missouri Botanical Garden answer your gardening questions.

Michelle Reasor-West, Director of Horticulture for Poynter Landscape is joined today by Wendi Martin, wholistic horticulturalist & master naturalist for purple martin coaching, together they answer your gardening questions.

Michelle Reasor-West, Director of Horticulture for Poynter Landscape, answers your questions and concerns regarding all of your gardening needs!

Michelle Reasor-West, Director of Horticulture for Poynter Landscape answers your gardening questions.

Michelle Reasor-West, Director of Horticulture for Poynter Landscape provides gift ideas and answers your gardening questions.

Michelle Reasor-West, Director of Horticulture for Poynter Landscape and Community Forester Amanda Wood answer your gardening questions.

Michelle Reasor-West, Director of Horticulture for Poynter Landscape answers your gardening questions.

Michelle Reasor-West, Director of Horticulture for Poynter Landscape answers your gardening questions.

Michelle Reasor-West, Director of Horticulture for Poynter Landscape answers your gardening questions.

Michelle Reasor-West of Poynter Landscape is joined by Margaret Cartaya, a colleague of Michele's at Poynter, and they answer all of your gardening and lawn questions.