00:00 Introduction to the Garden Question Podcast
00:27 Meet Nina Koziol: Horticulturist Extraordinaire
01:16 The Timeless Appeal of White Gardens
02:32 Designing and Enhancing White Gardens
07:01 Creating Depth and Texture in Shade Gardens
08:53 The Importance of Flow in Garden Design
15:26 Freestanding Beds and Year-Round Appeal
19:01 Insights from Nina's Book on White Gardens
22:17 Practical Gardening Tips and Myths
28:27 The Mulch Controversy
31:53 Early Garden Memories
34:27 Pursuing Horticulture Professionally
36:39 Eccentric Gardeners and Inspirations
41:10 Valuable Garden Mistakes
43:01 Recent Learnings in Horticulture
48:17 Future Garden Plans
49:27 Favorite Plants and Final Thoughts
51:34 Connecting with Nina Coziol
Welcome to The Garden Question Podcast, where we’re all about designing, building, and growing smarter gardens that work. From the beginner to the expert, you’ll always discover valuable garden insights.
In this episode, we’re diving into the magical world of timeless white gardens and their secrets with Nina Koziol. A seasoned horticulturist, garden writer, and educator, Nina brings decades of wisdom and passion to the table. She’s penned countless articles for publications like the Chicago Tribune, Chicagoland Gardening, and The American Gardener, and has been sharing her knowledge through classes at the Chicago Botanic Garden and The Morton Arboretum since 1997.
Nina’s journey began in Chelmsford, Essex, where her grandparents' stunning garden and her mother's encouragement sparked a lifelong love for plants. Today, she tends to her own deer-filled acre near Chicago, channeling her expertise into creating spaces that captivate and connect.
In this conversation, Nina reveals the enduring charm of white gardens, their historical roots, and why they’ve seen a resurgence in recent years. She explores how reflective white flowers and light foliage transform these gardens into mesmerizing moonlit spaces, perfect for enjoying at dusk. You’ll hear about the practical benefits of white gardens, tips for shade gardening, and the role of texture and contrast in crafting a visually stunning landscape.
But that’s not all—Nina shares her favorite plant picks, common pitfalls to avoid, and personal anecdotes, including the gardening lessons that shaped her path. Plus, she introduces her book, White Gardens: Creating Magnificent Moonlight Spaces, and teases her next exciting project on kitchen gardens.
Nina’s website at beautyandthefeast.net
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