Garden Talk: Gardening can be murder; A new guide to perennials

Air Date:
Heard On The Larry Meiller Show
Cover of Gardening Can Be Murder
Cover of Gardening Can Be Murder

In the doldrums of winter we talk to the author of a new book that explores how mystery writers have used gardening in their stories. Then, the American Horticultural Society has a new perennial guide out and we look at selecting plants, using them in your landscape, and how to get more blooms.

Featured in this Episode

  • How poisonous poppies, sinister shovels and grim gardens have inspired mystery writers

    Gardens, plants and flowers offer many opportunities to create mood and murder in mysteries. Author Marta McDowell joins us to take a closer look at how gardens have enhanced many mystery novels.

    (Originally aired January 10, 2025.)

  • Planning, planting and tending perennials

    Plants that return every year are a staple in most gardens. We talk to AHS spokesperson and horticulturist Matt Mattus about the organization’s new guide to perennial gardening.

    (Originally aired February 14, 2025.)

Episode Credits

  • Larry Meiller Host
  • Marta McDowell Guest
  • Matt Mattus Guest
  • Jill Nadeau Executive Producer
  • Jeff Robbins Technical Director

Related Stories