On this sunny pre-solstice edition of Conversations with Alaskan Gardeners, Margaret Tharp and David Lundrum share exciting new arrivals at Landscape Alaska, including hardy hybrid Japanese maples, colorful dwarf conifers, blooming peonies, hydrangea trees, lilacs, and fruit-producing blueberry varieties. They discuss lessons learned from Juneau’s harsh winter, offer tips for recovering damaged plants, and highlight natural pest-control solutions like beneficial insects and nematodes. Listeners also get a preview of Father's Day and Summer Solstice sale specials, advice on protecting arborvitae from snow damage, and an invitation to visit the nursery and experience one of Juneau's most beautiful garden destinations.

Winter damage has left many Juneau gardeners facing tough decisions, but there’s still plenty to celebrate in the garden. On this episode of Conversations with Alaskan Gardeners, Dave Lendrum of Landscape Alaska explains why some plants may not recover after the harsh winter and shares advice on choosing more resilient varieties for the future. He explores the fascinating world of plant breeding, highlights standout performers like Mun’s Moonrise maple, PJM and Olga Mezitt rhododendrons, and climbing hydrangeas, and offers a glimpse into the artistry of bonsai and the latest trends shaping modern gardens in Southeast Alaska.

On this episode of Conversations with Alaskan Gardeners, Margaret Tharp and David Lindrum of Landscape Alaska talk through the realities of gardening in a cold Juneau spring.

They discuss the arrival of spectacular Japanese maples, including standout varieties like Orange Dream, Inaba-shidare and Crimson Prince, along with tips on choosing plants that bring long-term beauty to Southeast Alaska landscapes.

The conversation also covers a pruning workshop at Landscape Alaska, how to handle winter-damaged plants, hydrangeas, roses, flowering trees, arborvitaes, dwarf conifers, vegetable starts, pansies, Roseanne geraniums, azaleas, lilies and more.