Glenn Andersen at Nordic Nurseries

How annuals make it to your garden

What makes one petunia thrive all summer long while another fizzles out? Why are certain plants chosen to become the season’s top sellers? In this episode of the CLG Podcast from Canada’s Local Gardener, host Shauna Dobbie speaks with Glenn Andersen of Nordic Nurseries — the exclusive Proven Winners annuals propagator for Western Canada — to uncover the journey plants take from lab to landscape.

Glenn shares what it means to be a propagator, how new plants are selected from thousands of trials, and why Proven Winners varieties consistently outperform others in the garden. He talks about the rigorous breeding process, the global supply chain of cuttings, and what makes a plant worthy of the Proven Winners name.

You’ll hear practical insights on how to grow thriving containers, what shade really means in gardening, and which low-maintenance plants work best for pollinators. From the popularity of Supertunia Vista Bubblegum and Prince Tut papyrus to the pollinator-magnet Cuphea Vermillionaire, Glenn offers suggestions based on firsthand experience in his own home garden.

This episode is packed with garden inspiration and expert knowledge, plus a few surprising tips — like why caladiums don’t always love Canadian summers, and why non-flowering shade baskets are flying off shelves.

Whether you're a backyard hobbyist or a container gardening enthusiast, you'll come away with a better understanding of what goes into the plants you love — and how to choose varieties that truly perform.

Tune in to learn more about plant breeding, pollinator-friendly gardening, and the behind-the-scenes world of wholesale nurseries — all from a distinctly Canadian perspective.

Support the show