This episode of Big Blend Radio features photographer Steve Piacente, a reporter turned speechwriter, university professor, author, and life coach. You'll rarely find him without a camera is always at his side.  Hear about his photography, what and who inspires him, his world travels, and more, plus, check out his editorial Q&A with us here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/photographer-insider-steve-piacente/  Visit Steve's online gallery: https://www.piacentephotos.com/

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s 3rd Monday “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with IFWTWA features travel blogger Feuza Reis who shares the ins-and-outs of purchasing property in Sicily, especially through unique 1 Euro Homes project in San Piero Patti.  A small village that's home to around 2,500 residents, San Piero Patti is located approximately 2 hours from each major airport in Sicily,  1 hour from Messina, and just 20 minutes from Patti, a larger city with around 9,000 inhabitants. This hilltop area offers stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. From here, you can see the Aeolian Islands, and on a clear day, you can also see Panarea at the very bottom on the right, Stromboli. Read Feuza's article about it all in "Live in Italy" Magazine, here: https://liveinitalymag.com/buying-property-in-sicily-1-euro-homes/  Feuza Reis, also known as Fuse, combines her expertise in mid-budget travel with her deep affection for Europe in captivating stories and visuals on her blog, Fuse Travels. Originally from Brazil, Fuse's passion for travel truly blossomed six years ago when she fell in love with Italy. She plans to move to Italy in three years and brings almost four decades of travel experience to her audience. Keep up with her at https://fusetravels.com/.  Learn more about the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) here: https://www.ifwtwa.org/  Follow this Podcast Channel on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1chVylr9kzBMftUgBoLS-m

This episode of Big Blend Radio's 1st Tuesday "Adventures in Asheville" Show focuses on unique art, garden, and community experiences. Featured Guests: - Steve & Karen Wilson - Owners and innkeepers of The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast, a stunning pink lady in the Montford Historic District. More: https://www.lion-rose.com/ - DeWayne Barton - Founder of Hood Huggers International and Peace Gardens & Market, in the heart of West Asheville’s Burton Street Community, a historically African American neighborhood established in the early 1900’s. More: https://hoodhuggers.com/ - Annie Katla Bennette - Co-owner of @artgardenavl an artist owned and operated Art Gallery & Plant Shop in Asheville's River Arts District. More: https://www.artgardenavl.com/ Big Blend Radio's "Adventures in Asheville" Show airs every 1st Tuesday. Follow the show on YouTube: http://tinyurl.com/ycxwjkr7 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jennifer McGuinness joins Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" and "Garden Gossip" podcasts to discuss her latest book, "Bird-Friendly Gardening." Releasing in April 2024 through Cool Springs Press, and available on pre-order, it's the ultimate and authoritative guide for cultivating a home landscape that embraces wildlife, specifically catering to a diverse array of native plants that nourish, shelter, and sustain birds. Every individual has the power to significantly impact the lives of thousands of birds, whether they're passing through during migration or establishing a feathered haven for the next generation. Creating a bird-friendly haven for various species need not be an overwhelming task. The key lies in understanding the requirements of our avian companions and recognizing how native plants, coupled with intentional garden design, can fulfill those needs. In "Bird-Friendly Gardening," Jennifer McGuinness expertly presents this knowledge in an easy-to-follow, actionable format. More: https://frauzinnie.blogspot.com/ Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Podcast airs every 4th Friday in collaboration with Margot Carrera, a fine art nature photographer who is passionate about the environment. More: http://margotcarrera.etsy.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Just remember, during the winter, far beneath the bitter snow, that there’s a seed that with the sun’s love in the spring becomes a rose.” Bette Midler, The Rose This episode of Big Blend Radio's BIG DAILY BLEND Podcast celebrates Rose Day (February 7) with two Big Blend Radio "From the Vault" Interviews that were recorded onsite at Gardens of the American Rose Center in Shreveport, Louisiana, and, the Tombstone Rose Tree Museum in Tombstone, Arizona. ROSE GARDENS & ROSY DESTINATIONS: - American Rose Center: https://www.rose.org/ - Tombstone Rose Tree Museum: http://tinyurl.com/mvyxxtdb - Chicago Botanical Garden: http://tinyurl.com/2wzsrejz - San Benito County, California: http://tinyurl.com/bdhakpkf - Woodlake Botanical Garden: http://tinyurl.com/yube6rcm - The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast: http://tinyurl.com/4d4r3j39 - Rosevine Inn Bed & Breakfast: http://tinyurl.com/4zrepjb5 - Gene C. Reid Park in Tucson: http://tinyurl.com/bhx6ncdm - Gorgeous Gardens of England: http://tinyurl.com/uzrx6snw ROSY RECIPES: - Ruth's Rose Petal Jam: http://tinyurl.com/yhzkpmjv - Ruth's Apple Roses: http://tinyurl.com/jetr2xpy ROSY MELODIES - A Rose Inspired Music Playlist: - On YouTube: http://tinyurl.com/yckmcpu4 - On Spotify: http://tinyurl.com/t6779h52 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Big Blend Radio's BIG DAILY BLEND Podcast celebrates National Western Monarch Butterfly Day by focusing on habitat conservation for these beautiful migratory pollinators! Hear some interesting facts about the Monarch Migration, plus a Big Blend Radio "From the Vault" interview from Sara Dykman, author of “Bicycling with Butterflies: My 10,201-Mile Journey Following the Monarch Migration.” MONARCH BUTTERFLY BOOKS, PODCASTS, CONSERVATION & NON-PROFITE ORGANIZATION RESOURCES as talked about in the podcast: * Monarch Watch: https://www.monarchwatch.org/ * Monarch Joint Venture: https://monarchjointventure.org/ * NWF Spring Gardening for Wildlife: http://tinyurl.com/yfh5zv6z * US Forest Service Monarch Butterfly FAQ: http://tinyurl.com/255v85un * Lake Lure Flowering Bridge: http://tinyurl.com/4dntj5ma * Sara Dykman "Bicyling with Butterflies": http://tinyurl.com/3w4uuf26 * Kim Eierman "The Pollinator Victory Garden": http://tinyurl.com/2s42arcd * Nancy Lawson "The Humane Gardener": http://tinyurl.com/4mzsyfrv * Stephanie Rose "The Regenerative Garden": http://tinyurl.com/55kte7ca * Dr. Doug Tallemy "Nature's Best Hope - Young Readers Edition": http://tinyurl.com/yckup49c * Adrienne Edwards, PhD. and Rachel Schleiger, MS "Firescaping Your Home": http://tinyurl.com/yckwm3cj * Amy Stark "The Fairy Godmother Helps the Monarchs": http://tinyurl.com/53rvdn7d Special thanks to our Big Blend Radio "Nature Connection" cohost Margot Carrera, a fine nature photographer. View her work: http://tinyurl.com/4rruc6h5 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Big Blend Radio's GARDEN GOSSIP show features food gardening pro Christina Chung, who discusses her new book "The Layered Edible Garden: A Beginner's Guide to Creating a Productive Food Garden Layer by Layer," that comes out on Feb. 6, 2024 through Cool Springs Press. "The Layered Edible Garden" provides a modern approach to home food gardening that follows nature’s lead by growing plants in mixed communities, instead of in agriculture-centric monocultures. Say goodbye to long, straight rows of vegetable plants lined up and waiting for attacks from pests and diseases, and say hello to an interplanted polyculture paradise, filled with layers of edible plants that outcompete weeds, share resources, and grow beautifully together. More at https://fluent.garden/ and http://tinyurl.com/5x5y5prh Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In celebration of National Houseplant Appreciation Day (January 10, 2024), this episode of Big Blend Radio's BIG DAILY BLEND podcast features nature photographer Margot Carrera Margot Carrera Fine Art Photography & Design who talks with Nancy & Lisa about orchids, sacred geometry, the health and wellness benefits plants provide, and more. View Margot's photography and designer gifts at http://margotcarrera.etsy.com/ QUOTE OF THE DAY: “An orchid in a deep forest sends out its fragrance even if no one is around to appreciate it.” Confucius PUZZLE OF THE DAY is an online jigsaw puzzle of orchid blossoms. Photo by Margot Carrera: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/nature-connection-plants-and-parks/ MUSIC OF THE DAY is "Black Orchid" and "Journey Through The Secret Life of Plants" album by Stevie Wonder. Listen on YouTube: http://tinyurl.com/bdfynakn Listen on Spotify: http://tinyurl.com/4emxx4nb BOOKS OF THE DAY: "The Secret Life of Plants" by Peter Tompkins and Christopher Bird, and "Hi Cacti: Growing Houseplants & Happiness" by Sabine Palermo - interview here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/sabine-palermo-hi-cacti/ MOVIE OF THE DAY: "Adaptation" with Nicolas Cage - see: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0268126/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Garden Gossip" Show features Resh Gala, author of "Vegetable Gardening Made Easy: Simple Tips & Tricks to Grow Your Best Garden Ever." WATCH THIS PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/-vQLZcyJPFI Out now thorugh Cool Springs Press, "Vegetable Gardening Made Easy," is a smart garden know-how presented by a professional kitchen gardener who has “been there, done that” and wants nothing more than to see you succeed. Filled with over 80 quick and useful tips, and organized in an easy-to-use format that doesn’t overwhelm, each page explains and illustrates an essential piece of core advice, offering plenty of eco-friendly information to lead you to success. The format is perfect for today’s time-starved gardeners! More at https://www.reshgala.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Big Blend Radio's NATURE CONNECTION Show features Jennifer Jewell who is a gardener, garden writer, and gardening educator and advocate. Hear about her new book “WHAT WE SOW: On the Personal, Ecological, and Cultural Significance of Seeds." WATCH THIS PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/-uxFLZe3Fv8 In WHAT WE SOW, Jewell shares personal observations over the course of a year that begins at the autumn equinox, interviews prominent scientists and seed-savers, and proves how we must work hard to preserve our future by protecting the great natural diversity of seeds. Since 2016, she has written and hosted the national award-winning, weekly public radio program and podcast, Cultivating Place. https://www.cultivatingplace.com/ This episode is part of Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Series that airs every 4th Friday in collaboration with Margot Carrera, a fine art nature photographer who is passionate about the environment. More: https://www.carrerafineartgallery.com/ Follow the Nature Connection Podcast: https://shows.acast.com/bigblendradio-nature Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Big Blend Radio's NATURE CONNECTION Show features ecologists Adrienne Edwards and Rachel Schleiger, authors of "FIRESCAPING YOUR HOME: A Manual for Readiness in Wildfire Country." A must have for homeowners living in wildfire country, FIRESCAPING YOUR HOME is a hardworking guide to mitigating the risk of wildfire spreading to homes and property through the use of native plants and garden design. In addition to design recommendations and maintenance techniques, the book features an in-depth list of hundreds of native plants that have evolved to coexist with fires. Edwards and Schleiger diligently explore how and why these plants sustain wildlife and are powerful tools for defending homes from wildfires. Approachable and thorough, FIRESCAPING YOUR HOME is an essential guide to teach homeowners how to protect their property while cultivating a lush and attractive landscape. This episode is part of Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Series that airs every 4th Friday in collaboration with Margot Carrera, a fine art nature photographer who is passionate about the environment. More: https://www.carrerafineartgallery.com/ Follow the Nature Connection Podcast: https://shows.acast.com/bigblendradio-nature NOTE: This episode was recorded before the Maui Wildfires. To help Maui's recovery through donations, volunteering, and providing services, please visit https://www.mauinuistrong.info/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Big Blend Radio's GARDEN GOSSIP Show features travel writer Linda Kissam "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva" and outreach co-ordinatr Jessica Conn who discuss the visitor experience at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Phoenix, Arizona. This destination features a unique garden, tea house, tea garden, a stone garden, and a courtyard garden, making it a true Arizona Find. Read Linda's article here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/arizona-finds-japanese-friendship-garden/ WATCH THIS PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/rHdvAD0SMLQ Linda Kissam appears on Big Blend Radio every first Saturday. Follow her podcasts here: https://shows.acast.com/big-blend-radio-linda-kissam Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Saving the planet starts at home, and kids can help! This episode of Big Blend Radio features Doug Tallamy, ecologist and professor in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, and author of New York Times bestseller, "Nature’s Best Hope." Hear about how he is working to inspire the next generation of conservationists through is latest book, NATURE’S BEST HOPE YOUNG READERS’ EDITION: How You Can Save the World in Your Own Yard (Timber Press). "Nature’s Best Hope" is a guide to fighting the decline in wildlife populations through the use of native plants. Now, kids can join the Homegrown National Park movement and learn how to protect the planet through small and approachable acts of conservation in their own backyards! See: https://www.homegrownnationalpark.org/ This episode is part of Big Blend Radio's "Nature Connection" Series that airs every 4th Friday in collaboration with Margot Carrera, a fine art nature photographer who is passionate about the environment. More: https://www.carrerafineartgallery.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Travel Tulare County" Show features Manuel and Olga Jimenez who share what visitors can experience at Woodlake Botanical Garden, located in California's Sequoia Country. Maintained by Manuel & Olga Jimenez and Woodlake Pride youth volunteers, Woodlake Botanical Garden showcases San Joaquin Valley’s agricultural bounty with fruit trees, row crops, and vegetable patches, along with ornamental shrubs, roses, and flower beds. It is wheelchair accessible, and right next to Bravo Lake. It's a beautiful garden to spend time in, as well as a great place to learn about central California plants. Follow the Garden on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WoodlakeBotanicalGardens This episode is part of Big Blend Radio's 1st Thursday "Travel Tulare County" series with the Sequoia Tourism Council. More: https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Big Blend Radio's GARDEN GOSSIP Show features straw bale gardening pioneer features Joel Karsten. His book, "Straw Bale Gardens Complete, Updated Edition: Breakthrough Method for Growing Vegetables Anywhere, Earlier and with No Weeding," is out now through Cool Springs Press. WATCH THIS PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/lJDNhOC20zA Karsten’s method requires less maintenance and weeding, and because of the raised height, makes gardening more accessible for seniors who can’t do the hard physical work of gardening, he explains. The method works in any climate and for nearly every vegetable crop, and doesn’t require any soil at all, so it can be done on concrete, asphalt or even on a rooftop. More at https://strawbalegardens.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

According to FEMA, 40% of Americans live in a disaster zone or state. Add to this the fact that 80% of Americans file insurance claims caused by weather, to the tune of $152 billion a year. This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Garden Gossip" Home & Garden Show features Will Seippel, founder of WorthPoint, who shares tips for preparing your home and valuables in it in case disaster strikes. Will Seippel is the CEO and founder of WorthPoint, the world’s largest provider of information about art, antiques and collectibles. Consistently in the top 1,000 most visited websites in the US, WorthPoint receives more than 300,000 visits a day. See: https://www.worthpoint.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's all about Garden Getaways on this debut episode of Big Blend Radio's new 3rd Friday Vacation Station "Travel Writers Panel Discussion" Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). From Lowther Castle in England to Butchart Gardens in Canada, to the Holland Tulip Festival in Michigan, this show covers garden destinations and flower-powered celebrations across the country and around the world. Plus, our guest travel writers share their writing and travel backgrounds, and talk about their latest and upcoming adventures. FEATURED GUESTS - Linda Kissam "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva" - https://allingoodtaste.info/ & https://pnwtourist.com/ - Penny Zibula "Six Legs Will Travel" - https://sixlegswilltravel.com/ - Veronica Bareman "The Hip Grandma with a Camera" - https://www.veronicajunephotography.com & https://www.hipgrandmalife.com Learn more about the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association at https://www.ifwtwa.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Focusing on Gardening for Wildlife, this episode of Big Blend Radio is Part Two of our EARTH DAY PARTY that aired live on April 22, 2022 from Eugene, Oregon, with mother-daughter hosts Nancy J. Reid & Lisa D. Smith. Featured Guests: - Steve & Karen Wilson - The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast in Asheville NC - Bob & Tiffany Bertram - Tiffany’s Bed & Breakfast in Hot Springs AR - Steve & Kathy Hiatt - Bottger Mansion of Old Town Albuquerque NM - Bob & Debi Schulman of the Miller Dunham House B&B in Odessa DE Featured music is "Loving the Land" by Wally Lawder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Garden Gossip" Show, horticultural therapist and master gardener Erik Keller discusses his new book “A Therapist's Garden: Using Plants to Revitalize Your Spirit." The book is unique in portraying how gardening, nature-based arts, plants and horticulture can revitalize the spirit of people. It encompasses over 20 years of experiences seeing the healing power of horticultural therapy. More: https://grohappy.com/ Music at the start of this episode is "Lotus Blossom" by Michael and Spider. This episode was recorded during a live broadcast (April 14) in celebration of National Gardening Day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Garden Gossip" Show features popular Scandinavian garden designer, florist, and author Claus Dalby, who talks about his book, "Containers in the Garden." This beautiful book shares Claus his best-kept secrets on creating the container garden of your dreams! Season by season and color by color, you’ll learn how to plant, organize, tend, and share your potted plantings. Whether your display is on the front steps or the back patio, the simple yet bold design methods found here create unique garden features that are a joy to behold. More: https://www.quarto.com/books/9780760374658/containers-in-the-garden Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.