Gardening in the Mountains Radio Show and Podcast

03/24/2026

Listen this Saturday at 8:30am on WTZQ Radio to GIM episode 268 to hear host Steve Pettis give an update on spring wildflowers at Holmes State Forest. Steve hikes the 'Talking Tree Trail' and comments on what a local treasure we have in Holmes State Forest. Pictured are giant chickweed, cutleaf toothwort, trout lily, bloodroot, halbeard violet and trillium.

03/18/2026

This day-long gardening symposium will include GIM's very own Steve Pettis as a speaker along with such gardening luminaries as Alan Armitage. Steve will teach you techniques that you can implement this spring to make your garden a friendlier place for wildlife, including pollinating insects. Steve believes that at least part of our landscapes should mimic nature as much as possible. Healthy urban and suburban environments can be achieved by reducing lawns, practicing holistic tree health care and protection, using biorational pest control methods, and increasing biodiversity through the use of native plants in naturally designed plantings.

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03/16/2026

Be sure to listen to the show this Saturday March 21 on 95.3 WTZQ Radio at 8:30am. Steve will be talking about the spring ephemeral wildflowers that can be found in the next few weeks in our forests locally. Use this article as a handy reference for identifying the wildflowers. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Bzhb2f7jW/

Local Wildflower Guide For many hikers walking the trails and looking at plants goes hand in hand. Luckily every spring we get to follow the progression of wildflowers as we climb in elevation and…

03/13/2026

GIM host Steve Pettis, Extension Agent in Consumer and Commercial Horticulture — NC State University will be speaking at the WNC build and Remodel Expo at the WNC Ag Center on Sunday March 22 from 12:30 – 1:30 PM

Environmentally Friendly Landscaping and Native Plants

Rethinking how we manage our landscapes can make a powerful difference for local wildlife. In this informative session, Steve Pettis, Extension Agent in Consumer and Commercial Horticulture with NC State University, shares practical, environmentally friendly landscaping strategies. Discover how choosing native plants, removing invasives, supporting pollinators, and leaving fallen leaves can strengthen biodiversity and create healthier habitats for wildlife.

The WNC Build & Remodel Expo connects homeowners with trusted local builders, remodelers, and industry professionals — delivering practical guidance, credible education, and real solutions for homes in Western North Carolina.

02/13/2026

Geek out on insects with Steve this week on Episode 261 of the Gardening in the Mountains Podcast!

The Gardening in the Mountains Podcast · Episode

01/18/2026

Discover how the humble acorn fed generations and how these powerful trees shaped human culture. Join us for a fascinating look at the mighty oak's indelible mark on our world.

01/16/2026

Join us this Saturday morning on WTZQ Radio for episode 259 as we chat with Luke Costlow about his new pruning services. We also discuss native plants, permaculture, water management and more. As usual if you miss the show you can stream on the WTZQ Radio website or Spotify.

01/14/2026

Special double episodes upcoming with Duke from A Growing Concern Garden Center!

Steve Pettis, Extension Agent with N.C. Cooperative Extension - Henderson County Center and host of WTZQ's VERY popular Saturday morning program, Gardening in the Mountains recording an upcoming program with returning guest Damian Duke Domingue from A Growing Concern Garden Center.

12/31/2025

Episodes 254, 255, and 256 up on Spotify!
https://open.spotify.com/show/0SoHweLmcEXsTW7HpiuBIB

Podcast · plantdoc21 · Listen to the 'Gardening in the Mountains Podcast 'and host Steve Pettis 'Will Help Your Garden Grow Better'! Each week Steve focuses on environmentally friendly gardening and landscaping practices and holistic plant health care.

12/16/2025

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4QtyRMT2KV0JQtIGxmTVeT?si=xeuJs7QURQyalF8WFyLWcQ

The Gardening in the Mountains Podcast · Episode

12/02/2025

Epsiodes 247-251 are on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/show/0SoHweLmcEXsTW7HpiuBIB?si=f8a30a5dafb14303