Episodes
Published 03/29/24
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick welcome Taylor Collins (Land Steward/Co-founder) of Roam Ranch and Force of Nature Meats to talk about regenerative agriculture.  Discussions include the beginnings of Roam Ranch, what regenerative agriculture looks like on Roam Ranch, what does the regenerative agriculture movement look like in general, the benefits of a healthy ecosystem, and finding a higher purpose in your surroundings. Learn more about Force of Nature and Where Hope Grows!  Music by...
Published 03/29/24
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  Did you remember that we are giving away autographed books?  We practiced recycling with "That's Hot".  "This or That" has Tom and Fran minds in the invasive sewer.  Will Tom and Fran EVER answer a "Take it or leaf it"?  Are you listening to the end for our secret? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Read Fran's Article / Read Tom's Article Purchase a Thermal Pocket Printer Here. Have a...
Published 03/22/24
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick welcome back Sam Hoadley (Horticultural Research Manager) from the Mt. Cuba Center about the results of their newly published Amsonia trials.  It's time to get excited about Amsonia!  They discuss which Amsonia performed well and which ones performed better, surprise value of many of the Amsonia species, How species rated in the trials as well as the buzz generated by this timely research. Find out what trials are next!  Music by Egocentric Plastic...
Published 03/15/24
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  Happy Four Years and 200 Episodes!  Did you remember that we are giving away autographed books?  "That's Hot" is a teaser for our next guest.  "This or That" has Tom and Fran questioning EVERYTHING.  Are you listening to the end for our secret? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Read Fran's Article / Read Tom's Article Have a question or a comment?  Call (215) 346-6189 Have a comment?  Email...
Published 03/08/24
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Melissa Spearing (Seed Biologist) from the National Tree Seed Centre and Dr. Stefan Weber (National Native Seed Strategy Coordinator) from the Canadian Wildlife Federation to discuss the native plant movement in Canada.  Topics include the state of native plants in Canada, biggest threats to their natural areas, the role of the timber industry in the country, and also their journey into ecology. Intro music by Egocentric Plastic Men, outro music...
Published 03/01/24
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  We have another Giveaway - and that's not the only announcement!  "That's Hot" puts Tom and Fran in a sticky situation.  "This or That" leaves Fran and Tom so deep down a rabbit hole they almost don't find their way back.  "Grow Read A Book" makes a triumphant return.  Are you listening to the end for our secret? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Read Fran's Article / Read Tom's Article Have...
Published 02/23/24
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick bring The Native Plants Healthy Planet Podcast to a live audience at the Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve's 24th Annual Land Ethics Symposium! Tom and Fran lead a Rooted Discussion on The Past, Present, and Future of Native Plants: an Industrial Perspective.  Joining Tom and Fran are Jim MacKenzie (President of Octoraro Native Plant Nursery), John Mark Courtney (Owner of Kind Earth Grower), and Donna Dahringer (Nursery Manager of Bowman's Hill Wildflower...
Published 02/16/24
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  Pay attention because you will all have homework.  I hope you like follow up because there's lots of it!  "That's Hot" travels different parts of the county.  "This or That" will be a a billion times harder this week.  We have such wonderful listeners that "Listener Shout Outs" keeps getting larger and larger.  We have nothing but thanks for our kind Facebook group.  Are you listening to the end for our secret?...
Published 02/09/24
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Steve Castorani of North Creek Nurseries to discuss the story behind American Beauties Native Plants.  Topics include the history of the native plant movement in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, what led to the creation of American Beauties, what American Beauties represents in the market place, and the path American Beauties is taking into the future.  Intro music by Egocentric Plastic Men, outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow American Beauties...
Published 02/02/24
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  Can you say technical difficulties?  Fran thanks everyone profusely for their kind words.  There is so much follow up that follow up becomes the topic.  "That's Hot" takes Tom and Fran out of their comfort zone.  "This or That" is the long and short of it.  You are all so kind that "Listener Shout Outs" becomes a main segment.  Are you listening to the end for our secret? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by...
Published 01/26/24
Host Tom Knezick turns the tables and interviews his Co-Host Fran Chismar (Sultan of Sales - Pinelands Nursery).  Topics include Fran's history in the nursery industry, when Fran fell in love with native plants, Fran's journey into finding himself, and Rain Garden or Pollinator Garden. Intro music by Egocentric Plastic Men, outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow Fran Chismar Here Have a question or a comment?  Call (215) 346-6189. Have a comment?  Email [email protected] Follow...
Published 01/19/24
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  No Follow Up turns into listing our conference schedule.  "That's Hot" ties into "This or That" and "Take it or Leaf it".  Thank you for all of your feedback - we are listening!  Tom and Fran follow up on herbalism.  Are you listening to the end for our secret? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Ban the Sales of Invasive Plants in MD - Facebook  Buy American Dirt Here. Have a question or a...
Published 01/12/24
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Amanda Crooke of Locust Light Farm to discuss herbalism.  Topics include how to start your journey into herbalism, Amanda's favorite plants for medicinal use and making tea, and the biggest question - does your native plantings support gnomes? Intro music by Egocentric Plastic Men, outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow Locust Light Farm - Website  Buy The Business of Botanicals Here. Have a question or a comment?  Call (215) 346-6189. Have a...
Published 01/05/24
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  Follow up makes Tom and Fran Swifties.  "That's Hot" is a berry good time. "Take it or Leaf it" begs "What's in the Bad?".  Tom and Fran discuss the Top 10 Episodes of all-time of the Native Plants Healthy Planet Podcast.  Are you listening to the end for our secret? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Register for Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserves Land Ethic Symposium Here. Learn More about...
Published 12/29/23
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick share two of their favorite episodes of The Native Plants Healthy Planet Podcast to help bring you into the Holiday Season. First is Dr. Jay Kelly (Professor of Biology) from Raritan Valley Community College. They discuss the rising deer populations and how they relate to forest health, Predator vs. Prey, what is needed for a healthy ecosystem, and native plants that deer may or may not eat. Up second is Kip Adams (Director of Conservation) from The Quality...
Published 12/22/23
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  Follow up sends Tom and Fran back to school.  "That's Hot" is a sticky situation. "Take it or Leaf it" gives a new meaning to gift basket.  "This or That" deals with your small, native plantings and the world of Elderberry.  Tom and Fran talk about shifting planting zones.  Are you listening to the end for our secret? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Read Fran's Article / Read Tom's...
Published 12/15/23
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Geoffrey Goll, President and Founding Principal, at Princeton Hydro to discuss dam removal.  Topics include the history of dams and dam removal, damage dams have done to our ecosystem, qualifying a dam for removal, the challenges and work involved into removing a dam, and favorite success stories along the way. Intro music by Egocentric Plastic Men, outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow Princeton Hydro...
Published 12/08/23
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  Guess who got their Spotify Wrapped?  "That's Hot" leaves us puzzled. "Take it or Leaf it" is fitting for Fall.  "This or That" leans heavily on human intervention.  Tom and Fran take a deep dive on true intentions.  Are you listening to the end for our secret? Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Read Fran's Article / Read Tom's Article Have a question or a comment?  Call (215)...
Published 12/01/23
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Beth Yount of Penn State Extension, Philadelphia to discuss the truth about mosquito control.  Topics include misconceptions about spraying for mosquito control, impacts to beneficial mosquitos, the watershed, and food web, natural or less impactful ways to control mosquitos, and talking points if confronted by a salesperson. Intro music by Egocentric Plastic Men, outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow Beth Yount - Website  Read Beth's Article...
Published 11/24/23
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  Did we finally give away the last book?   "That's Hot" has us in the red. "Take it or Leaf it" has us asking questions.  Tom and Fran talk about some of their favorite podcasts focusing on native plants.  Are you listening to the end for our secret? Don't discount it this time! Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave Bennett. Have a question or a comment?  Call (215) 346-6189. Follow Native Plants Healthy...
Published 11/17/23
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  It's been a while so let's do some follow up.  Is there still a signed copy of Camille Dungy's "Soil" to give away?  Listen to the secret to find out.  "That's Hot" is gigantic this week. "Take it or Leaf it" has us wondering what's in the box.  Tom and Fran get a surprise email.  Are you listening to the end for our secret? This time, you really want to listen.  Intro music by RJ Comer, Outro music by Dave...
Published 11/10/23
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Adam D'Angelo of Project Pawpaw to discuss making pawpaw more accessible.  Topics include Adam's love for pawpaw, the difficulties in getting pawpaw into markets, strengthening the supply chain, advances in breeding, and how you can get involved in the future of pawpaw. Intro music by Egocentric Plastic Men, outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow Project Pawpaw - Website / Facebook / Instagram / YouTube / TikTok  Have a question or a comment?  Call...
Published 11/03/23
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick connect with Griff Griffith of Redwoods Rising and the Jumpstart Nature Podcast to discuss how to spread the good word on native plants.  Topics include Griff's journey into ecology, different ways to start conversations about native plants, the history and importance of the Redwood forest, equity in nature, and the story about Griff's first viral video. Intro music by Egocentric Plastic Men, outro music by Dave Bennett. Follow Griff Griffith - Website /...
Published 10/27/23
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick are back with a brand new episode of The Buzz.  The wait is over as Tom and Fran announce not one, but two winners who will receive signed copies of Camille Dungy's new book Soil: The Story of a Black Mother's Garden.  "That's Hot" features the idea of a new posse. "Take it or Leaf it" wonders if you should believe everything you read.  Hey, and let's promote a new podcast that is spreading the good word.  Are you listening to the end for our secret? This...
Published 10/20/23