The Queen City Green podcast is the guide for green thumbs, novice gardeners, and nature enthusiasts in the Charlotte region. Gain inspiration and insights on how to infuse elements of the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden experience into your own space and lifestyle. In addition to discovering the latest blooms and happenings at The Garden, tune in for captivating discussions with environmental non-profit leaders from across the Carolinas. Learn about their impactful work, how it intersects with initiatives at The Garden, and how you can play a role in preserving and protecting our natural spaces right here in your own backyard.
Host John Searby, CEO of Daniel Stowe Conservancy, interviews Andrew Baysden of Crescent Communities about Crescent’s history and the River District master-planned community. Baisden shares his background in master-planned communities and explains Crescent’s evolution from Duke Energy’s land-and-timber roots to a diversified real estate company now owned by a Japanese timber firm.
The World of Ginseng
Hosts Jason Bonham and Dylan Wrubel welcome horticulture staff members Sachaly Rosario Rivera and Emma McGee to discuss ginseng, including its “all-healing” origins, slow life cycle, pollinators, cultivation methods, medicinal uses, high prices, and poaching that drives strict harvest regulations. They share folklore, history of U.S. export to China, and conservation resources like United Plant Savers. The group also debates most frustrating plants to work with, plus updates on conservatory bed renovations.
Growth and Green: Merging Healthcare and Horticulture
Host John Searby of the Daniel Stowe Conservancy interviews Blair Primis, Chief Growth Officer at OrthoCarolina, about community-focused partnerships and building brand relevance beyond traditional advertising, and to introduce OrthoCarolina as sponsor of Daniel Stowe’s race series, highlighted by a July 18 Summer Nights evening race through the gardens.
Eucalyptus and Beyond
Hosts Jason Bonham and Dylan Ruble talk with horticulturists Chloe Linton and Karen Kottkamp on eucalyptus at Daniel Stowe, covering species diversity, leaf changes, bark, flowers, oils, and uses. They discuss eucalyptus fire risks and invasiveness in California and Florida, adaptations to resprout after fire, and animals that feed on it.
The Guardian of Lost Hollow
Host John Searby interviews Charlotte artist and illustrator Brett Blumenthal about collaborating on “The Guardian of Lost Hollow,” a children’s book inspired by the Adventure Trail’s secret-room dragon at Daniel Stowe Conservancy. The book launches Memorial Day weekend at the garden's Butterfly Festival, with preorders and related merchandise online.
Grape Varieties and Wine Making
Hosts Jason Bonham and Dylan Wrubel welcome horticulture team members Lindsey Bargar and Allyssa Boerngen to discuss grapes and wine. They cover viticulture basics, China’s grape production, wine vs table grapes, fermentation and barrel effects, wine tasting techniques, and grape domestication.
Allergy Tips for Outdoor Lovers
Host John Searby welcomes Dr. Roopen Patel of Carolina Asthma and Allergy Center to discuss enjoying Daniel Stowe Conservancy despite spring allergies. Dr. Patel explains common Charlotte pollens, avoidance steps, OTC medicines, and when to seek professional testing.
Trailblazing Gaston County
Host John Searby interviews Ashton Lamb of the Carolina Thread Trail about the 1,600‑mile regional trail plan and how it’s built through partnerships, grants, and technical support. They highlight trail benefits, including transportation, health, and economic returns. The focus is Gaston County’s Matthews Belk South Fork River Corridor: a 23‑mile segment toward a 60‑mile route from Lake Wylie to Hickory, with paddling access, towns, and parks. They review progress, gaps, Spencer Mountain, connections through McAdenville and Cramerton, and the Daniel Stowe Conservancy connector, plus ways to support, visit, donate, and celebrate National Trails Day.
Milkweed, Monarchs, and More
Hosts Jason Bonham and Dylan Wrubel are joined by Janet Manuel and Cassy Hallman from Daniel Stowe Conservancy to discuss Trailhead’s tastings and then spotlight milkweed (Asclepias): its latex, toxins, specialized pollination, flowers, and silky seed pods, plus historical uses like WWII life-jacket stuffing. They explain milkweed’s role as a keystone host plant for monarchs and highlight Carolina-native species and conservation through Stowe’s new regional seed bank and nursery. They warn against tropical milkweed because it spreads OE parasite and disrupts monarch migration.
The Pollinator Powerhouse of Mountain Mint
In this episode of 'Shovel and Spade,' Jason Bonham and Dylan Wrubel discuss the mountain mint plant's benefits and its ecological impact. Joined by Katherine Baxter and Emma McGee, they explore garden scents, both pleasant and off-putting, and share personal stories.
Reimagine Your Lawn: Sustainable Landscaping with Your Lawn Stewards
Host John Searby talks with Aaron and Annie Crites of Your Lawn Stewards. They discuss their journey from corporate life to starting an eco-friendly lawn care business focused on biodiversity and sustainability. They also talk about their partnership with the Daniel Stowe Conservancy and share practical advice for transforming traditional lawns into environmentally friendly spaces.
Public Health and Conservation: How a Healthy Environment Means Healthy People
Hosts Ryan Cater talk with Piedmont Promise's newest team member, Alexis Thompson, to talk about the overlap between conservation and public health.
The Power of Nonprofit Innovation with Next Stage's CEO Josh Jacobson
John Searby hosts Josh Jacobson, CEO of Next Stage. They discuss shared environmental initiatives, the importance of collaboration among nonprofits, nonprofit challenges, strategies, and Josh's unique method of supporting nonprofits.
The Secret Life of Hops
The 'Shovel and Spade' podcast, sponsored by Petty Thieves Brewing Company, discusses tasting a hazy IPA, the science of hops, and horticultural challenges faced by the hosts at Daniel Stowe Conservancy.
What’s Data Got to do with it?
Data-driven decisions are still important, especially when it comes to conservation. In this episode, Ryan Carter talks with UNCC’s Urban Institute and Data Trust about Piedmont Promise, the power and impact of shared data, and what we can do to make our region a better place with it all. The UNC Charlotte Urban Institute + Regional Data Trust is a nonpartisan research and data unit of UNC Charlotte. Data partnerships are held with each agency independent of Piedmont Promise. Neither the Institute nor the Data Trust are affiliated with the advocacy agenda of Piedmont Promise, and the views expressed by staff on this program are theirs independently. They should not be considered the official beliefs of UNC Charlotte, the Institute, or the Data Trust.
WithersRavenel and the Path to Sustainable Growth
John Searby, CEO of The Daniel Stowe Conservancy, discusses the unique partnership with guests from WithersRavenel, an engineering firm known for its sustainable and innovative projects. Guests Will Cauthen and Emily Buehrer-Douglas share their professional backgrounds and roles at WithersRavenel, emphasizing their passion for sustainable development and landscape architecture. They discuss how their work will involve redesigning stormwater management systems, enhancing biodiversity, and creating educational opportunities for visitors to the Daniel Stowe Conservancy.
Shovel and Spade: Seeds of Inspiration
In this first episode of Shovel and Spade, from The Daniel Stowe Conservancy, hosted by Jason Bonham and Dylan Ruble, we explore the world of horticulture. Joined by team members Lindsay Bargar and Michaela Karutz, this episode delves into their personal journeys into horticulture, sparked by inspirational moments from childhood and diverse career paths.
Nurturing Nature in Trail Design
John Searby, CEO of Daniel Stowe Conservancy and Catawba River Keeper, discusses initiatives to promote environmental change and outdoor activities in the Charlotte region with guests Eric Smallwood, Parks and Rec Director of Mount Holly, and Rachel Andrea, Recreation Manager at Daniel Stowe Conservancy, who share their experiences and contributions to outdoor recreation.
Unpacking the NC Legislative Session
In this episode of the Advocacy Hour podcast, hosted by Ryan Carter and Ellie Riggs of Piedmont Promise, the focus is on recent conservation efforts and legislative updates in North Carolina, and the hectic legislative session, emphasizing the progress and challenges faced with several bills.
The Butterfly Bungalow
The ladies in charge of the Butterfly Bungalow talk with host John Searby about how the butterflies get to the bungalow, how they are cared for, and just what to expect when you visit.
