- 19
- Episodes
- 4
- Ratings
- 2024
- First episode
About John Mini Podcast
Welcome to the John Mini Podcast where we explore all things urban horticulture, indoors and out, through the perspectives of those who made it a career. Join us for casual yet informative conversations about indoor horticulture and gardening, outdoor urban landscaping, shifts and trends in the industry, and project spotlights. This is an official podcast of John Mini Distinctive Landscapes (John Mini). At John Mini, our purpose is to make places beautiful by bringing nature to the places where people live, work and play.
- Publisher
- Mark Mini
- Category
- business · science · society & culture
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- Yes
- First episode
- 22 Mar 2024
- Latest episode
- 1 Aug 2025
Latest episodes
19 episodes in the feed.
1 Aug 2025
Native Plants in the Landscape Trade
An educational conversation with the Chris Giovanni at John Mini Distinctive Landscapes. Chris shares discusses the importance of native plants and their role in the landscape trade. Our conversations ranges from the importance of native plants, a framework for how to categorize native and non-native plants, and the direct and indirect impacts our plant selection has on the environment. We close out the episode with ideas to integrate natives into a client's vision and resources for you...
18 Apr 2025
Intro to Integrated Pest Management in Urban Horticulture
An educational conversation with the Chief Horticulturalist at John Mini Distinctive Landscapes, Andrew Engel. Andrew introduces some misconceptions and misuses of Integrate Pest Management (IPM). He provides an overview of what is Integrated Pest Management - mostly from the lens of urban landscape horticulture. We close out the episode with some principles and considerations for an urban horticulturalist. Thank you for taking the time to listen. If you have any questions, ideas for fu...
14 Feb 2025
The Winter Garden Palms Part 4: A Case Study on the Possibilities of Indoor Landscapes
Welcome back to our four-part project spotlight on the famous Winter Garden Palm trees. The Winter Garden is an iconic atrium in downtown New York City within Brookfield Place. The project centers on sixteen 37’ Washingtonia Robusta palm trees and their journey across the country, a project over 3 years in the making. First and foremost, thank you to our client Brookfield Properties, and in this case, specifically Brookfield Place and their partner CBRE. Brookfield invests in wha...
3 Jan 2025
Highlights from NALP’s Elevate: The Outdoor Landscape and Horticulture Event of the Year
I’m joined by Matt Wessol, the Director of Outdoor at John Mini Distinctive Landscapes. Matt oversees our outdoor urban landscape operations. His team is responsible for the care of some of New York’s most iconic landscapes. Matt and I reflect on our recent trip to the National Association of Landscape Professionals’ Elevate Conference and Expo. It is the premier event for the outdoor landscape and horticulture trade. We share highlights and trends from the event, including shifts ...
16 Dec 2024
The Winter Garden Palms Part 3: A Case Study on the Possibilities of Indoor Landscapes
John Mini explores the Winter Garden Palms' three-year journey, revealing the possibilities of indoor landscapes through a groundbreaking case study with Brookfield Place and CBRE.
15 Nov 2024
The Winter Garden Palms Part 2: A Case Study on the Possibilities of Indoor Landscapes
Welcome to this four-part project spotlight on the famous Winter Garden Palm trees. The Winter Garden is an iconic atrium in downtown New York City within Brookfield Place. The project centers on sixteen 37’ Washingtonia Robusta palm trees and their journey across the country, a project over 3 years in the making. First and foremost, thank you to our client Brookfield Properties, and in this case, specifically Brookfield Place and their partner CBRE. Brookfield invests in what has becom...
1 Nov 2024
The Winter Garden Palms Part 1: A Case Study on the Possibilities of Indoor Landscapes
Welcome to this four-part project spotlight on the famous Winter Garden Palm trees. The Winter Garden is an iconic atrium in downtown New York City within Brookfield Place. The project centers on sixteen 37’ Washingtonia Robusta palm trees and their journey across the country, a project over 3 years in the making. First and foremost, we thank our client Brookfield Properties, and in this case, specifically Brookfield Place and their partner CBRE. Brookfield invests in what has become an...
2 Oct 2024
The Role of Annual Plants in the Urban Landscape
We sit down with Scott Ahlborn, Sales & Design Representative, and Matt Wessol, Director of Outdoor. They are urban landscape professionals from the John Mini Distinctive Landscapes team in New York and together bring over 40 years of experience to the table. Scott and Matt discuss the role of annual plants in the urban landscape. In our conversation we cover; How they think about annuals in landscape design When and how to use annual or seasonal plants The emot...
16 Sept 2024
The Role of Renderings in Urban Landscape Design
In this project spotlight we sit down with Matt Spencer, designer at John Mini Distinctive Landscapes. Matt walks us through the design process of a rooftop garden in New York City. Our conversation is focused on the role of images and renderings in the development of urban landscapes. We’ll discuss the types of graphics and renderings he developed for the project and what software he utilized. We’ll cover some pros and cons of renderings to communicating landscape design.Our conversation als...
15 Aug 2024
Ornamental Horticulture Drought Experiment Part 1
We sit down with the Chief Horticulturalist at John Mini Distinctive landscapes, Andrew Engel. This is part one of a two-part episode. Andrew will walk us through an upcoming experiment with practical relevance to the world of urban horticulture and landscaping. Andrew will be testing four products and their efficacy in supporting urban plants through moments of drought. In this part, he explains how the experiment will be set up, introduces the products he'll be testing, an...
1 Aug 2024
Live from London with Plant Designs
Today, I sit down with two colleagues from Plant Designs - a London, UK based interior landscaping firm. Jodie Sinclair (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodie-sinclair-508861197/) and Callum Garner (https://www.linkedin.com/in/callum-garner-8179191ba/) share their perspective on interior landscaping. This episode was recorded in London at the end of a 3-day long program developed by John Mini Distinctive Landscapes (https://www.johnmini.com/) and Plant Designs (https://plantdesigns.co.uk/). As global leaders in interiorscaping, we meet annually to learn from each other in an endeavor to elevate the craft of indoor landscaping worldwide. In our conversation we discuss; How they found a career in interiorscaping. The role of indoor landscapes in cities and how these spaces have the potential to reconnect people with nature Shifts in why clients invest in interior landscapes and how awareness of mental health is driving this investment. The fun challenges of working with a live product Thank you for taking the time to listen. If you have any questions, ideas for future episodes, or feedback. Please email us at Podcast@JohnMini.com (mailto:Podcast@JohnMini.com). And a big thank you to all our clients at John Mini Distinctive Landscapes. You allow us to make our passion our profession. A special shout out to Keith Behringer (https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-behringer-7621991b/), teammate at John Mini Distinctive Landscapes, for producing our podcast’s theme music. Till next episode, if you are looking for some urban landscape inspiration, be sure to explore our website and portfolio at www.johnmini.com (http://www.johnmini.com/).
15 Jul 2024
Why are indoor landscapes important - Part 1
In this recurring episode we sit down with professionals in our field to hear their perspective on the importance of indoor landscapes and horticulture in the built environment. We are joined by Liana Hutcheon (https://www.linkedin.com/in/liana-hutcheon-30b33955/) and Jack Harris (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-harris-81298a9/) from the John Mini Distinctive Landscapes (https://www.johnmini.com/portfolio) team. Together their experience working on interior landscapes is just shy of 50 years. They’ll share why indoor landscapes are important and the many roles an interiorscape can serve. We’ll discuss shifts over past decades, how indoor plants moved beyond a trend and into an integral part of interior design, an indoor landscape’s connection to the concept of biophilia, and how interiorscapes speak to a client’s brand and values. This latter point is a particularly interesting take. In our conversation we reference the theory of biophilia. As discussed in the episode, we want to accurately reference when and who developed this theory. The term ‘biophilia’ was first used by the social psychologist Erich Fromm. However, the hypothesis of biophilia was later popularized in Edward O. Wilson’s book ‘Biophilia’, published in 1984. Thank you for taking the time to listen. If you have any questions, ideas for future episodes, or feedback. Please email us at Podcast@JohnMini.com (mailto:Podcast@JohnMini.com). And a big thank you to all our clients at John Mini Distinctive Landscapes. You allow us to make our passion our profession. A special shout out to Keith Behringer (https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-behringer-7621991b/), teammate at John Mini Distinctive Landscapes, for producing our podcast’s theme music. Till next episode, if you are looking for some urban landscape inspiration, be sure to explore our website and portfolio at www.johnmini.com (http://www.johnmini.com/).
1 Jul 2024
What is your favorite tool in the craft of urban landscaping and horticulture?
Have you ever thought intimately about the tools you use? The selection, care, and purpose of each tool? This deep thought is a sign of someone who is passionate about their work. In this recurring episode we highlight the importance of paying attention to the details in the craft of urban horticulture. The passionate always optimizes their process by having a clear reason why they make each decision. We sit down with Matthew Wessol (https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-wessol-26701814a/), the Director of Outdoor (https://www.johnmini.com/outdoor-landscaping) at John Mini Distinctive Landscapes (https://www.johnmini.com/portfolio). Matt discusses his favorite tool in urban landscaping, revealing the depth of thought in improving his craft. Matt has practiced outdoor urban horticulture for nearly ten years. He’s worked hard from the ground up, beginning his career as an assistant foreman in landscape installations. In his early years, he transitioned to the horticultural service side of the business where he served as a Foreman, Supervisor and Account Manager in New York City. Today, he oversees the entire outdoor division at John Mini. Thank you for taking the time to listen. If you have any questions, ideas for future episodes, or feedback. Please email us at Podcast@JohnMini.com (mailto:Podcast@JohnMini.com). And a big thank you to all our clients at John Mini Distinctive Landscapes. You allow us to make our passion our profession. A special shout out to Keith Behringer, teammate at John Mini Distinctive Landscapes, for producing our podcast’s theme music. Till next episode, if you are looking for some urban landscape inspiration, be sure to explore our website and portfolio at www.johnmini.com (http://www.johnmini.com/).
15 Jun 2024
Why are outdoor urban landscapes important - Part 1
This is our first installment exploring the importance of outdoor urban landscapes. This will be a recurring conversation where we sit down with professionals in our field to understand their perspective on the importance of outdoor landscapes and horticulture in cities. In this episode, we are joined by Keith Behringer (https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-behringer-7621991b/) and Phil Adams (https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-adams-plants/) from the John Mini Distinctive Landscapes (https://www.linkedin.com/company/428554/admin/feed/posts/) team. Together they have a combined 28 years of experience working on and providing solutions for urban landscapes. They’ll walk us through some of their early days in their career, share personal convictions on the importance of urban landscaping, and highlight shifts in construction and the market that impact the world of urban landscaping. In our conversation we reference a report by the global firm, Gensler. Here are the clarifications from our conversation. We were referencing Gensler’s ‘U.S. Workplace Survey 2022’ (https://www.gensler.com/gri/us-workplace-survey-2022). The report shows that ‘Outdoor Workspaces’ rank in the tops for a worker’s experience and a space’s effectiveness. Workplaces with ‘Outdoor Workspaces’ appear to have significant positive impact on a worker’s experience and the space’s effectiveness when compared to workplaces that do not have this amenity. At one point in our conversation, we touched on the biodiversity of New York City. If you want to geek out, here’s a pretty awesome resource from the American Museum of Natural History by Erik Kiviat & Elizabeth A. Johnson: Biodiversity Assessment Handbook for New York City. (https://www.amnh.org/content/download/59221/959699/file/biodiversity-assessment-handbook-for-new-york-city.pdf) Thank you for taking the time to listen. If you have any questions, ideas for future episodes, or feedback. Please email us at Podcast@JohnMini.com (mailto:Podcast@JohnMini.com). And a big thank you to all our clients at John Mini Distinctive Landscapes. You allow us to make our passion our profession. A special shout out to Keith Behringer, teammate at John Mini Distinctive Landscapes, for producing our podcast’s theme music. Till next episode, if you are looking for some urban landscape inspiration, be sure to explore our website and portfolio at www.johnmini.com (http://www.johnmini.com/).
1 Jun 2024
Balancing aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability in the urban landscape - Part 1
This is our first conversation in a series of episodes that explore the balance of aesthetics, sustainability and functionality in urban landscapes. We sit down with professionals in our field to understand how they balance these three considerations. The design, construction and maintenance of urban landscapes must consider the intended function, horticulture, the visual appeal and beauty, environmental considerations and more. Rarely are these considerations isolated when developing an urban landscape. They are intertwined and balanced by the professionals who design, build and care for them. In this episode, we are joined by Liana Hutcheon (https://www.linkedin.com/in/liana-hutcheon-30b33955/) and Phil Adams (https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-adams-plants/) from the John Mini Distinctive Landscapes (https://www.johnmini.com/portfolio) team. Together they have over 17 years of experience working on and providing solutions for urban landscapes indoors and out. We’ll discuss some of the many functions a landscape can serve. And, we’ll find the conversation gravitating toward sustainability despite it not always being their first or even second consideration when approaching an urban landscape. Thank you for taking the time to listen. If you have any questions, ideas for future episodes, or feedback. Please email us at Podcast@JohnMini.com (mailto:Podcast@JohnMini.com). And a big thank you to all our clients at John Mini Distinctive Landscapes. You allow us to make our passion our profession. A special shout out to Keith Behringer, teammate at John Mini Distinctive Landscapes, for producing our podcast’s theme music. Till next episode, if you are looking for some urban landscape inspiration, be sure to explore our website and portfolio at www.johnmini.com (http://www.johnmini.com/).
15 May 2024
Considering Renewal of Indoor Landscapes
In today's episode we sit down with the Chief Horticulturalist at John Mini Distinctive Landscapes, Andrew Engel, to discuss the renewal of indoor landscapes. In the episode we discuss; What is renewal of interior landscapes and why it needs to be considered. The need to renew elements of indoor landscapes, such as planting medium and the plants. How the time frame for renewal varies for each element and site. The difference in planning for renewal of interiorscapes versus a traditional outdoor landscape, while touching on the commonalities between an interiorscape and an urban outdoor landscape. When to start planning for renewal in urban horticulture. Andrew (https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-engel-918ab467/)has over 11 years of experience and practice in indoor horticulture and holds a Masters of Horticulture from RHS. His work with the John Mini team includes horticulture care at iconic indoor landscapes such as the Urban Garden Room at One Bryant Park, the Winter Garden at Brookfield Place, the Ford Foundation atrium, and New York's largest indoor living green wall. Thank you for taking the time to listen. If you have any questions, ideas for future episodes, or feedback. Please email us at Podcast@JohnMini.com (mailto:Podcast@JohnMini.com). And a big thank you to all our clients at John Mini Distinctive Landscapes. You allow us to make our passion our profession. A special shout out to Keith Behringer, teammate at John Mini Distinctive Landscapes, for producing our podcast’s theme music. Till next episode, if you are looking for some urban landscape inspiration, be sure to explore our website and portfolio at www.johnmini.com (http://www.johnmini.com/).
29 Apr 2024
An Interiorscaper's Role in Reimagining the Workspace
Two teammates from the John Mini Distinctive Landscapes team discuss their roles in developing an award-winning landscape project for a client who set out to reimagine the typical office. Liana Hutcheon, Sales & Design lead, and Sam Barrett, Head of Design, walk us through the design development of an innovative indoor landscape for Le Truc, a creative collaborative launched by Publics Groupe worldwide. In this project spotlight, our guests highlight; Multi-disciplinary collaboration in urban horticulture and interior landscaping. How stories support the development of meaningful workspaces and collaborative settings. Why it's important to stay bold and distinctive in your craft. The commitment required for successful landscape design and the nuances of project execution. You can find pictures and a short description of the featured project here: https://www.johnmini.com/projects/jardin-of-color (https://www.johnmini.com/projects/jardin-of-color) Thank you for taking the time to listen. If you have any questions, ideas for future episodes, or feedback. Please email us at Podcast@JohnMini.com (mailto:Podcast@JohnMini.com). And a big thank you to all our clients at John Mini Distinctive Landscapes. You allow us to make our passion our profession. A special shout out to Keith Behringer, teammate at John Mini Distinctive Landscapes, for producing our podcast’s theme music. Till next episode, if you are looking for some urban landscape inspiration, be sure to explore our website and portfolio at www.johnmini.com (http://www.johnmini.com/).
15 Apr 2024
The Battle of the Buceras
In Today's project spotlight, we'll be sitting down with the Chief Horticulturalist at John Mini Distinctive Landscapes, Andrew Engel. Andrew has over 11 years of experience and practice in indoor horticulture and holds a Masters of Horticulture from RHS. His work with the John Mini team includes horticulture care at iconic indoor landscapes such as the Urban Garden Room at One Bryant Park, the Winter Garden at Brookfield Place, the Ford Foundation atrium, and New York's largest indoor living green wall. Andrew walks us through a challenging interior landscape project that features three large Terminalia Buceras trees, also known as Bucida Buceras or Black Olive trees. The trees are part of an indoor atrium and amenity space in a residential building in New York City. In this episode we discuss; The horticultural challenges of Terminalia Buceras in commercial urban landscaping. The daring role of a horticulturalist who is brought in late in the game to rescue a struggling indoor landscape. Multi-disciplinary collaboration when designing indoor landscapes. The importance of working with an indoor horticulturalist, not only during maintenance, but also during the design and installation phase of interiorscapes to effectively assess and receive recommendations for environmental needs. Thank you for taking the time to listen. If you have any questions, ideas for future episodes, or feedback. Please email us at Podcast@JohnMini.com (mailto:Podcast@JohnMini.com). And a big thank you to all our clients at John Mini Distinctive Landscapes. You allow us to make our passion our profession. A special shout out to Keith Behringer, teammate at John Mini Distinctive Landscapes, for producing our podcast’s theme music. Till next episode, if you are looking for some urban landscape inspiration, be sure to explore our website and portfolio at www.johnmini.com (http://www.johnmini.com/).
22 Mar 2024
Welcome to the John Mini Podcast
This is an episode to introduce the John Mini Podcast. In a quick 7 minutes, we explain who the team behind the John Mini Podcast is, why we launched this program, what to expect from it, and who might be interested in our future episodes. If you're interested in horticulture and plants, urban development, gardening, and landscaping please take a listen in and join us on this journey. Thank you for taking the time to listen. If you have any questions, ideas for future episodes, or feedback. Please email us at Podcast@JohnMini.com (mailto:Podcast@JohnMini.com). And a big thank you to all our clients at John Mini Distinctive Landscapes. You allow us to make our passion our profession. A special shout out to Keith Behringer, teammate at John Mini Distinctive Landscapes, for producing our podcast’s theme music. Till next episode, if you are looking for some urban landscape inspiration, be sure to explore our website and portfolio at www.johnmini.com (http://www.johnmini.com/).
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
- Apple Podcasts (US)
- 5.0 / 5
- 1 ratings
- Spotify
- 5.0 / 5
- 3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 33 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
- Quality
- 53
- Social presence
- 0
- YouTube
- 0
- Engagement
- 32
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