What are the differences between public and private gardening? This week on We Dig Plants, Carmen Devito and Alice Marcus Krieg are talking with Aly Fox, Head Gardener at Groundworks, Inc., and public garden designer, Ronda Brand. Hear about Aly and Ronda's backgrounds in horticulture, and how their training influenced their careers. Learn about the social impact of public landscape design, and the peculiarities of working for a private client. What elements are important for Ronda take into consideration when designing a public space? Hear about Aly's gardening pet peeves, and how Japanese gardens taught Aly about sanctuary. Thanks to our sponsor, Hearst Ranch.

"Plants are so sensitive. At the same time they can be very durable, but you have to stay on top of it." [11:20] -- Aly Fox on We Dig Plants

"In the public sphere, you have to create immediate impact in those spaces. Those spaces are being used all of the time... it needs to look good the day you put it in." [17:50] -- Ronda Brand on We Dig Plants

This week on Straight, No Chaser, Katy Keiffer chats with Michele Simon, a public health lawyer who has been researching and writing about the food industry and food politics since 1996. She specializes in legal strategies to counter corporate tactics that harm the public’s health. She is the author of Appetite for Profit: How the Food Industry Undermines Our Health and How to Fight Back. She is also president of Eat Drink Politics, an industry watchdog consulting firm. Tune in as Katy and Michele discuss the many issues we face as Americans in trying to improve our public policy surrounding food and health. This program was sponsored by Hearst Ranch.

"We're contaminating the environment to such an extent, that it's become harder and harder for farmers who want to engage in ethical and organic practices to do so."

"Transparency isn't really something the food industry is interested in."

--public health lawyer Michele Simon on Straight, No Chaser

Lynden Miller designs gardens for the people! This week on We Dig Plants, Carmen Devito and Alice Marcus Krieg are chatting on the phone with public park garden designer, Lynden Miller. Lynden was a painter when she redesigned and restored the Central Park Conservatory Garden. Since then, Lynden has designed gardens in Madison Square Park, Wagner Park, the Central Park Zoo, and more! Listen in to hear Lynden discuss the need for parks and plants in low income neighborhoods. Learn about the importance of park and garden maintenance, and learn why lawns are not ideal for recreational parks in New York City. Hear about the parallels between parks and libraries! How have Lynden's garden designs bled out into the streets? Tune into We Dig Plants to find out! This program has been sponsored by Whole Foods.

"After thirty years, I'm not that interested in creating gardens. I want to do things for the less well-served parts of the city that don't have great parks." [8:10]

"The two things that add to the quality of life- that don't require a lot of money- are parks and libraries. And the city just cuts the heck outta em!" [26:10]

-- Lynden Miller on We Dig Plants