Hello, you’re dialed in to The Garden Question Podcast where we discover designing, building and growing “Smarter Gardens that Work”. I’m your host Craig McManus.

In this episode, we’re exploring a corner of garden history with our special guest who uncovers stories from the past—Carol J. Michel.

Carol takes us on a fascinating journey into the world of historic garden writing. Shining a light on some lesser-known female authors she lovingly calls the ‘Lost Ladies of Garden Writing’.

We’ll explore how these forgotten authors blended gardening, life philosophy, and emotional insight, along with the surprising ways their work remains relevant today.

From tracking down rare lost ladies to uncovering the stories of remarkable women like Ida D. Bennett and Anna Bartlett Warner, Carol’s passion for preserving these voices offers a captivating window into the roots of gardening wisdom. 

It’s not all research and reflection—Carol’s wit and love for humor in horticulture come through as she shares personal anecdotes, experiences from her own garden, and exciting projects like her blog, ‘May Dreams Gardens’ and her Substack newsletters. Lost Ladies of Garden Writing Substack

Carol’s credentials are as deep as the roots she tends: she’s an award-winning author of five gardening humor books, two children’s books, and co-host of ‘The Gardenangelists’ podcast.

With degrees in horticulture and computer technology, Carol spent over 30 years working in healthcare IT while making a life in her garden. In 2021, she was honored as a GardenComm Fellow by Garden Communicators International. 

From beginner to expert, you’ll always find inspiration listening to The Garden Question Podcast. Grab your favorite garden trowel or just settle in with a cup of tea.

Time Stamps and Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Garden Question Podcast

00:23 Meet Carol J. Michael: Historian of Garden Writing

02:38 Uncovering the Lost Ladies of Garden Writing

04:28 Fascinating Stories of Historic Garden Authors

18:26 The Relevance of Historic Garden Writing Today

23:19 Carol's Gardening Insights and Tips

26:58 Fall Gardening Tips and Oak Tree Care

27:19 The Garden Angelus Podcast: How It All Began

28:39 From Horticulture Degree to Healthcare IT

30:31 Battling Garden Pests: Rabbits and Deer

35:39 Gardening Inspirations and Influences

37:05 Learning from Gardening Mistakes

43:31 Unusual Plants and Winter Sowing

47:43 Connecting with Carol J. Michael

48:11 Conclusion and Podcast Information