“Planting Seeds: How One Horticulturist Found Her Way to the Plant Jungle”
Welcome to the very first episode of Blooms and Beyond! Join host Dr. Ping Yu, PhD student Yan Zhang, and producer Rich Braman as they introduce you to a podcast that explores plant history, culture, and management through the lens of science. In this inaugural episode, discover the personal journeys that led two people into the wonderful world of horticulture - from a childhood gardenia propagation competition in rural China to thrips research powered by passion and purpose.
Listen Time: ~29 minutes
Ping’s Path to Horticulture (02:20 - 06:52)
Yan’s Research Focus (00:54 - 01:34)
What Extension Work Really Means (07:18 - 09:12)
The Science of Sun-Tracking (10:04 - 12:00)
The Art of Van Gogh (12:00 - 14:09)
From Thrips Talks to Blooms and Beyond (14:50 - 19:24)
The Vision (19:26 - 23:55)
Topics You’ll Hear About:
Mentors Who Changed Everything (25:00 - 27:54)
“Every plant has a story to tell. They didn’t just magically show up today in your garden or nursery. They have been selected, hybridized, shipped long distances. Somewhere along the line, they have crazy stories to tell.” — Dr. Ping Yu
“Every time I saw sunflower, I would have the courage to carry on with whatever struggle that I may have. Life is worth living and there’s always hope. Just keep going on.” — Dr. Ping Yu
“My experience taught me how to see research as an exploration, not just about the results, but about learning from every attempt.” — Yan Zhang
“Nobody really cares about your research unless they can relate to your research.” — Dr. Ping Yu (quoting her PhD professor)
“We really do never go anywhere alone, do we?” — Rich Braman
What is IPM (Integrated Pest Management)? A comprehensive approach to pest control that combines multiple strategies:
Scientific Name Fun Fact: Helianthus annuus breaks down to:
Visit the Show:
Get Involved:
Funding: This episode is supported by the American Floral Endowment Educational Grant, whose mission is to fund educational programs to promote more young people into the horticulture industry.
Blooms and Beyond is a podcast that covers plant history, culture, and management through the lens of science. Whether you’re a commercial grower looking for management solutions, a student exploring horticulture careers, or someone who just loves plants and their stories, you’ll find something here for you. Hosted by Dr. Ping Yu from the University of Georgia, each episode features interviews with experts who bring enchanting stories, pioneering research, and practical wisdom from the world of horticulture.
Your Takeaway: When you walk away from each episode, commercial professionals should have at least one piece of advice to help with production, and plant enthusiasts should have one cool fact to share about plants. Because that’s how we spread plant power to a larger audience and make the environment a little bit better.
Host: Dr. Ping Yu
Featured Guests: Yan Zhang, Rich Braman
Producer/Technical Host: Rich Braman
Support: American Floral Endowment Educational Grant
Episode Release Date: November 17th, 2025 Episode Length: 29:53
“Till next time, stay healthy and go plants!”
🌱🌻🌿
