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 highlights one of his most guilt-free plant recommendations: purple fennel. Perfect for gardeners with limited space, purple fennel is a standout example of foodscaping—blending edible plants seamlessly into an ornamental garden. With its feathery purple foliage, graceful height, and unmistakable licorice fragrance, this plant earns its place anywhere it gets four to five hours of sun

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.