Inside Yew Dell: Plants, Passion & Public Gardens

In this episode of Hort Culture, the crew welcomes Jacob Stidham from Yew Dell Botanical Gardens for a wide-ranging conversation about plant passion, nursery life, and the evolving landscape of Kentucky horticulture. In addition to his work at Yew Dell, Jacob is a leader in both the Kentucky Horticulture Council and the Kentucky Nursery and Landscape Association, helping shape the future of the industry across the state.

Jacob shares stories from his early days gardening with his grandparents to his career journey through greenhouses and into botanical garden leadership. The group swaps bucket-list garden experiences—from England’s Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and the Chelsea Flower Show to botanical destinations across the U.S.—while reflecting on the power of gardens to create lifelong memories.

They dive into Yew Dell’s role as an approachable, year-round botanical garden, its growing nursery program, plant trials, and educational mission. The conversation also tackles industry trends, including the native vs. non-native debate, the importance of accurate plant education in the social media era, and the urgent need to bring more young people into horticulture through hands-on experience.

From coleus love to overwintering challenges, this episode celebrates curiosity, experimentation, and the joy of growing—while reminding listeners that sometimes the best way to learn plants is to kill a few along the way.

Yew Dell Botanical Gardens

Kentucky Nursery & Landscape Association

Kentucky Horticulture Council

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky

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