In this episode, Dr. A turns our attention to impatiens—plants often found in moist areas, especially along streams, and growing naturally in many parts of the world.

While familiar garden impatiens may seem ordinary at first glance, Dr. A reminds us that these plants, like so many others, have fascinating stories to tell.

In this episode, Dr. A shares one of his favorite kinds of garden tales: the story behind a plant’s name. Today’s spotlight is on Epimedium, a tough, graceful ground cover native to Japan that thrives in shade, fills space beautifully, and surprises gardeners with delicate spring flowers and handsome foliage. But Epimedium’s real intrigue lies in its colorful common names—and the folklore behind them.