Master Gardener experts discuss ways we can cultivate better gardens and better lifestyles through local gardening and Limestone County extension programs.
Master Gardener Emily Clem talks with Regional Extension Agent, Allyson Schabel, about the life cycle of butterflies. They discuss different species, their host plants, and how to attract more butterflies to your garden. Common butterflies in the Southeast include swallowtails, brush-footed, sulphurs, and skippers. Peak season to see butterflies starts in late summer and continues through the fall as species like the monarchs migrate to warmer climates. Allyson references the Alabama Butterfly Atlas as a great resource for distribution, maps, photographs, gardening tips, flight charts, and more—all specific to Alabama.
Links:
https://www.aces.edu/ (https://www.aces.edu/)
https://mastergardeners-limestonecountyalabama.org/ (https://mastergardeners-limestonecountyalabama.org/)
https://www.alcpl.org/ (https://www.alcpl.org/)
Have questions about this episode? Email askalibrarian@alcpl.org
Music by Pixabay
21 Aug 2026
The Art of Bonsai
Master Gardener, Emily Clem, speaks with Phil Terry, President of Living Art Bonsai for fourteen years. With over 50 trees, he talks about the art of growing small trees in pots and the techniques he's learned over the years to create these living plant sculptures. An ancient gardening practice originating from China and Japan, successful bonsai trees tell a story. Their exposed bark, twisting trunks, and weathered appearance are meant to mimic trees in nature that have withstood storms and other harsh conditions over time. Phil details, pruning, root management, tools, nutrients and soil condition as well as picking specific trees that are suited for bonsai pots.
Links:
https://www.aces.edu/ (https://www.aces.edu/)
https://mastergardeners-limestonecountyalabama.org/ (https://mastergardeners-limestonecountyalabama.org/)
https://www.alcpl.org/ (https://www.alcpl.org/)
Have questions about this episode? Email askalibrarian@alcpl.org
Music by Pixabay
8 Jun 2026
Herbalist Nancy Williams: Herbs and Teas
Master Gardener, Soozi Pline, speaks with local herbal practitioner, Nancy Williams. Nancy grew up on her family's farm in Marion County and began learning about herbs and natural remedies as a child. She studied with Phyllis D. Light - 4th generation herbalist and health educator in North Alabama. Harvesting plants and herbs she grows on her property, Nancy makes teas, tinctures, salves, and syrup remedies. In the podcast she mentions specific plants, their benefits, and cites reading sources for further study. With her roots in traditional Appalachian healing, Nancy shares her wealth of knowledge about herbs and wellness.
Links:
https://www.aces.edu/ (https://www.aces.edu/)
https://mastergardeners-limestonecountyalabama.org/ (https://mastergardeners-limestonecountyalabama.org/)
https://www.alcpl.org/ (https://www.alcpl.org/)
Books referenced in the podcast:
Southern Folk Medicine - book by Phyllis D. Light
The Herb book - by John B. Lust
Have questions about this episode? Email askalibrarian@alcpl.org
Music by Pixabay
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