Host Craig McManus discusses the transformative power of gardening and the incredible impact they have on our lives with guest Jennifer Jewell.

Jennifer is a garden advocate, author, and award-winning podcast and radio host, shares examples of how gardens influence our lives.

She addresses the role of seed banks in preserving plant diversity, biodiversity threats from current agriculture practices, and the potential of gardeners to act as agents of positive change.

She emphasizes embracing and valuing plant diversity as we interact with our gardens. They also discuss Jennifer's newest book, What We Sow, which explores the personal, ecological, and cultural significance of seed.

She is the host of the national award-winning radio and podcast program "Cultivating Place: Conversations on Natural History and the Human Impulse to Garden.

The Impact of Gardeners

Jennifer believes that gardens and gardeners are not only sources of aesthetic beauty but influential agents of change. They have the power to plant seeds of transformation, both literally and figuratively, contributing to environmental, social, cultural, and economic benefits.

The Power of Seed

Seeds, according to Jennifer, hold the key to transforming ecosystems and sustaining life. The conversation will shed light on some threats she believes to biodiversity posed by current agricultural practices. Conscious actions, such as building and supporting seed banks, is one way to countering these threats.

The Role of Seed Banks

We'll explore the critical role seed banks play in preserving plant diversity and safeguarding biodiversity. These repositories store a wide variety of seeds, ensuring the propagation of genetic variations and acting as a crucial measure against the loss of biodiversity.

Gardening for Community and Connectivity

Jennifer will highlight how gardens extend beyond individual spaces, connecting us to our wider communities. They break down barriers, build connections, and foster a deeper understanding of our shared environment. Intentional gardening becomes a platform for educating and inspiring others about ecological conservation and the importance of biodiversity.

Lessons in Gardening

Drawing from her extensive experience, Jewell emphasizes that there isn't a one-size-fits-all style of gardening. Gardens should be designed with an understanding of local conditions, contributing positively to ecosystems.

But first, let's get to know our guest a bit better.

Jennifer Jewell is not only the host of the award-winning program "Cultivating Place" but also an accomplished author with notable works such as "The Earth in Her Hands" and "Under Western Skies." Her newest book, "What We Sow," explores the personal, ecological, and cultural significance of seeds. Jennifer's passion lies in elevating the way we think and talk about gardening, empowering gardeners and celebrating the interconnectedness between places, environments, cultures, and individuals.

This Episode page: The Garden Question Podcast

00:03 Introduction to The Garden Question Podcast

00:41 Exploring the Power of Gardens with Jennifer Jewell

02:00 The Role of Seed Banks in Preserving Plant Diversity

02:31 Gardens as Platforms for Education and Inspiration

02:37 Jennifer Jewell's Contributions to Gardening

03:25 The Power of Gardeners in Effecting Change

08:22 The Impact of Home Gardens on Communities

13:55 The Role of Gardening in Addressing Homelessness

22:40 The Power and Threats to Seeds

26:04 The Importance of Seed Diversity

26:41 The Threats to Seed Biodiversity

30:01 The Impact of Modern Agricultural Practices on Seed Diversity

38:45 The Potential of Small Diversified Farms

42:13 Understanding Seed Banks

42:26 The Journey of Cultivating Place

43:09 The Role of Women in Seed Keeping

44:08 The Importance of Seed Banks

45:44 The Ancient Concept of Seed Banks

46:45 The Evolution of Seed Banks

49:38 The Strategic Plan of Seed Banks

51:50 Exploring the Size and Variety of Seed Banks

53:52 The Importance of Genetic Diversity in Seed Banks

55:28 Introducing the Book 'What We Sow'

55:53 The Impact of COVID-19 on Seed Supply

01:00:42 The Evolution of the Cultivating Place Podcast

01:04:18 Gardening Mistakes and Lessons

01:12:07 The Influence of Family in Gardening

01:14:03 The Joy of Gardening

01:18:48 Connecting with Cultivating Place