Shows
Cultivating CuriosityWater You Doing with Your Landscape?Spring has sprung, and the Florida landscape is buzzing! Join hosts Alyssa and Taylor as they chat with Michelle Atkinson—stormwater pond whisperer, irrigation detective, and all-around green industry guru. From algae explosions to irrigation implosions, Michelle dishes on how tiny tweaks in your yard can make big waves for Florida’s water. Whether you’re a pro landscaper or a curious plant lover, this episode is packed with tips, laughs, and surprising "aha!" moments. 🌱💧ResourcesMichelle's Publications: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/experts/a-atkinsonmMichelle's Blogs: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/manateeco/author/matkinson/2025-05-0256 min
Cultivating CuriosityLife in the Landscape: Exploring Ecological RelationshipsEver wondered how landscapes shape our world—and our impact on them? This episode dives into the fascinating world of landscape ecology, where science meets sustainability. We explore how patterns in nature influence biodiversity, climate resilience, and even urban planning. Whether you're a nature lover, an eco-conscious gardener, or just curious about the hidden connections in our environment, this conversation will change how you see the world around you. Tune in for expert insights, real-world applications, and a fresh perspective on the landscapes we live in!ResourcesBasil Iannone Faculty PageResidential Landscape Ecology La...2025-04-0456 minCultivating CuriosityMaster Gardener Volunteer StoriesNurturing the growth and reach of horticulture across Florida are the dedicated Master Gardener Volunteers. Through their unwavering commitment to community education, school gardens, demonstration projects, and beyond, these volunteers leave a profound mark on the state. In this inspiring episode of Cultivating Curiosity, we dive into the heartfelt, untold stories of these volunteers—celebrating not only the transformative impact of their work on the community but also how the experience has deeply enriched their own lives.ResourcesThe Florida Master Gardener Volunteer WebpageFind Your Master Gardener Volunteer Office2025-03-0732 min
Cultivating CuriosityThe Wild World of Fire Ecology w/ Dr Raelene CrandallEver wonder what's smoldering beneath Florida's pines? It's not just the heat—it's the crucial role of prescribed burns in keeping our ecosystems thriving! From wildfires to controlled burns, Florida’s landscapes are shaped by fire more than you might think. Join Alyssa and Taylor as they ignite a fiery conversation with Dr. Raelene Crandall, a fire ecology expert from the University of Florida, to explore why fire is the unsung hero of Florida’s wild world.
Resources:
Dr. Raelene Crandall Webpage
Southern Fire Exchange
Forest Management in the Interface: Reducing the Risk
FDACS...2025-02-0744 min
Cultivating CuriosityA Couple of Seed Geeks w/ Dr. Hector PérezEverything starts with seeds—whether it’s the food we eat, the air we breathe, the way ecosystems thrive, or the simple joy of seeing blooming flowers. Seeds are life! Join Alyssa and Taylor as they dive into the fascinating world of seeds and seed conservation with Dr. Hector Pérez. By the end of this lively conversation, you might just find yourself becoming a proud seed geek too!
Resources:
Dr. Hector Pérez Faculty Page
Seed Biology Lab
Seed Biology Social Media
Special Outro Music:
Track Title...2024-12-3056 minCultivating CuriosityBecoming Palm Readers w/ Dr Mica McMillanPalms are distinctly different from other trees we choose to plant in our landscapes. They are emblematic and iconic in Florida and have unique care requirements. Join us as we dive into the world of palms with Dr. Mica McMillan, Assistant Professor at the Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center. We cover the basics of what makes a palm, a palm, and discuss various challenges and opportunities for palms in landscapes.
Cultivating Curiosity Webpage
Resources
Palms for Florida Presentation by Dr. Mica McMillan
Dr. Mica McMillan Webpage
Palm Production & Maintenance
Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center
2024-12-0649 minCultivating CuriosityAgroecology: Where Ecology and Agriculture Meet w/ Dr. Zachary BrymFarming with nature - that is the foundation of Agroecology, "a field of study motivated to understand ecological, evolutionary, and socioeconomic principles and use them in an improvement process that sustains food production, conserves resources, and maintains social equality." Join us this month as Alyssa and Taylor discuss agroecology with Dr. Zachary Brym, an Associate Professor in Agroecology. His research and extension program explores how production systems can remain profitable while conserving natural resources.
Cultivating Curiosity Webpage
Resources
Introducing Agroecology
Agroecology Lab
Agroecology Infographic
2024-11-0159 minCultivating CuriosityYour Florida-Friendly Landscape w/ Claire LewisFlorida is a tapestry of diverse environments and built landscapes, all intricately woven together by our most vital resource: water. The Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program represents our statewide best management practices for landscaping, aimed at protecting both water quality and quantity. Join Alyssa Vinson and Taylor Clem as they discuss the Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program with the new director and our friend, Claire Lewis.
Cultivating Curiosity Webpage
Resources
The Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program Webpage
The Nine Principles
The Plant Selection App
Find your county extension office!
2024-10-0451 minCultivating CuriosityThe Magical World of Plant Breeding w/ THE Dr. Brooks ParrishWhat do plants, squashing things, and Indiana Jones have in common? Plant Breeding, of course!
For centuries, humans have utilized forms of plant breeding to help promote desirable traits of food crops and ornamental plants. In the present day, plant breeders can do so much more. In this month's podcast, we are joined by Dr Brooks Parrish, a recent Ph.D. graduate from the University of Florida's Environmental Horticulture Department. Dr Parrish visited with Alyssa and Taylor to share his research, his Caladium discovery, cool plant breeding techniques, and a little about genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Alyssa...2024-09-0659 minCultivating CuriosityAn Engineer in Extension w/ Dr Eban BeanIn urban or urbanizing areas, many variables influence stormwater, watershed hydrology, irrigation, and landscape maintenance. Understanding the connections between these variables is seemingly cumbersome. Luckily, UF/IFAS Extension's Dr Eban Bean, an Associate Professor and Extension Specialist in Urban Water Resources Engineering, helps us "go with the flow" through his innovative solutions in addressing our state's vital water resources. Join us for this episode, as Alyssa and Taylor discuss Dr Bean's innovative research programs in extension.2024-08-0257 minCultivating CuriosityMuch to Lichen about Lichen w/ Laurel KaminskyLichen - an enigmatic species present in all corners of the globe. Its unique relationship, a combination of fungi and cyanobacteria/algae, mistifies many. Often blamed as a disease impacting plants in our landscapes, it is rather, a vital component to our landscapes, including many insects and birds. Join us for this bonus episode, as a follow-up to Dr Matt Smith's episode, as we explore all things Lichen with Laurel Kaminisky, an assistant University Librarian with the Marston Science Library specializing in Florida's lichen species.2024-07-2637 minCultivating CuriosityFungi w/ a Fun Guy: Dr. Matt SmithFungi - one of the least understood, yet most captivating kingdoms of life. Luckily, Alyssa and Taylor are friends with Dr. Matt Smith - one of our favorite mycologists!
Dr. Matthew Smith is UF Plant Pathology's resident mushroom specialist. Since 2012, he has served over 500 agents and individuals working as a consultant on fungi-related issues. Dr. Smith seeks to address fungal biology topics in Florida and serve as an agent to enhance expertise on fungi at the state level.
Cultivating Curiosity Webpage
Resources:
Dr Matt Smith
Florida Museum of Natural History - Fu...2024-07-0549 minCultivating CuriosityPeople and Plants - Ethnobotany w/ Dr. Rick SteppHave you ever wondered about the relationship between people and plants? Ethnobotany is the study of understanding these different relationships. Join us as we speak with Dr. Rick Stepp, a professor with the Center for Latin American Studies at the University of Florida's Department of Anthropology, as we explore the historical interactions, both globally and locally, that people have with plants and the world around them.
Cultivating Curiosity Webpage
Resources:
Dr Rick Stepp
Biocultural Diversity Webpage
Ethnoecology Article
Journal of Ethnobiology
2024-06-0753 minCultivating CuriosityThe Reality of Risk versus Perception: A Discussion of Tree Risk w/ Dr. Ryan KleinTrees in urban landscapes are faced with daunting challenges; poor soil, extreme heat, no water, motorized vehicles etc. Throw hurricanes into the mix and there are many concerns about how trees fare in our communities. Our conversation today with Dr. Ryan Klein focuses on teasing out the realities and perceptions of risk related to our landscape trees.
Cultivating Curiosity Webpage
Resources:
Dr. Ryan Klein's Webpage
Dr. Klein's EDIS Publications
How to Find a Certified Arborist
2024-05-0349 minCultivating CuriosityThe Sustainable Urban Landscape w/ Dr. Gail HansenDesigning sustainable landscapes is easier said than done, but UF/IFAS Extension's Dr. Gail Hansen specializes in landscape design and planning resilient landscapes, all while making places we live truly sustainable. Our conversation today will explore the ideas of sustainable urban landscapes and Florida's future landscapes.
Dr Hansen's Webpage: https://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/landscape-design-studio/ 2024-04-0556 minCultivating CuriosityLet's Bug Out w/ Dr. Adam Dale!Yes - we're a podcast about plants, but can plants be separated by their unique interactions and relationships with insects!? No. Join us this month as we bug out over bugs with Dr Adam Dale, an associate professor in Turfgrass and Ornamental Entomology.
Want to learn more?
Check out our webpage: https://sites.google.com/ufl.edu/cultivating-curiosity/home
Dr. Dale's research website is here: https://www.dalelab.org
2024-03-0152 minCultivating CuriosityUnder the Canopy w/ Dr. Andrew KoeserJoin us as we discuss TREES! with Dr. Andrew Koeser. Dr Koeser, an associate professor at UF/IFAS Extension's Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, spends his days protecting and conserving Florida's natural resources by developing research-based sustainable urban landscape practices and how trees play a role.
Want to learn more? Check out our webpage: https://sites.google.com/ufl.edu/cultivating-curiosity/home
2024-02-0254 minCultivating CuriosityWhat is Botany w/ Marc FrankJoin us as we discuss the nuances of modern botany with our guest, Marc Frank. Marc is the UF/IFAS Extension botanist, responsible for managing the herbarium at the Florida Museum of Natural History.
Want to learn more? Check out our webpage: https://sites.google.com/ufl.edu/cultivating-curiosity/home
2024-01-051h 03
Cultivating CuriosityCultivating Curiosity - An IntroductionWelcome to Cultivating Curiosity where two extension agents with UF/IFAS Extension explore the world of horticulture and quench your and our thirst for knowledge. Join us each month as we delve into fascinating topics in the world of plants and cultivate our curiosity.
Want to learn more? Check out our webpage: https://sites.google.com/ufl.edu/cultivating-curiosity/home
2023-12-0124 min