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For Mike Bone, propagating and growing plants is not just a hobby or a job, it's a way of life. Mike is the curator of the steppe collections at the Denver Botanic Gardens and his love affair with these plants rings true in everything he does. Steppes are important ecosystems, both ecological and culturally and yet they are all too often overlooked. As you will hear, Mike's work is about more than just putting pretty plants on display. It is also about conservation and education. Mike's passion for the plants of steppe habitats is intoxicating and hopefully inspires others to grow plants as well. Join us as we revisit a celebration of all things steppe veg! This episode was produced in part by Heidi, Kristin, Luke, Sea, Shannon, Thomas, Will, Jamie, Waverly, Brent, Tanner, Rick, Kazys, Dorothy, Katherine, Emily, Theo, Nichole, Paul, Karen, Randi, Caelan, Tom, Don, Susan, Corbin, Keena, Robin, Peter, Whitney, Kenned, Margaret, Daniel, Karen, David, Earl, Jocelyn, Gary, Krysta, Elizabeth, Southern California Carnivorous Plant Enthusiasts, Pattypollinators, Peter, Judson, Ella, Alex, Dan, Pamela, Peter, Andrea, Nathan, Karyn, Michelle, Jillian, Chellie, Linda, Laura, Miz Holly, Christie, Carlos, Paleo Fern, Levi, Sylvia, Lanny, Ben, Lily, Craig, Sarah, Lor, Monika, Brandon, Jeremy, Suzanne, Kristina, Christine, Silas, Michael, Aristia, Felicidad, Lauren, Danielle, Allie, Jeffrey, Amanda, Tommy, Marcel, C Leigh, Karma, Shelby, Christopher, Alvin, Arek, Chellie, Dani, Paul, Dani, Tara, Elly, Colleen, Natalie, Nathan, Ario, Laura, Cari, Margaret, Mary, Connor, Nathan, Jan, Jerome, Brian, Azomonas, Ellie, University Greens, Joseph, Melody, Patricia, Matthew, Garrett, John, Ashley, Cathrine, Melvin, OrangeJulian, Porter, Jules, Griff, Joan, Megan, Marabeth, Les, Ali, Southside Plants, Keiko, Robert, Bryce, Wilma, Amanda, Helen, Mikey, Michelle, German, Joerg, Cathy, Tate, Steve, Kae, Carole, Mr. Keith Santner, Lynn, Aaron, Sara, Kenned, Brett, Jocelyn, Ethan, Sheryl, Runaway Goldfish, Ryan, Chris, Alana, Rachel, Joanna, Lori, Paul, Griff, Matthew, Bobby, Vaibhav, Steven, Joseph, Brandon, Liam, Hall, Jared, Brandon, Christina, Carly, Kazys, Stephen, Katherine, Mohsin Kazmi Takes Pictures, Manny, doeg, Daniel, Tim, Philip, Tim, Lisa, Brodie, Bendix, Irene, holly, Sara, and Margie.
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Steppes are disappearing fast—how can we better protect these fragile ecosystems while celebrating their beauty? Mike’s work is inspiring, but what policies or grassroots efforts could amplify conservation? #SaveTheSteppe"

    (178 characters)
    Jul 10, 2025 11:24 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Mike’s passion for steppe plants is *chef’s kiss*! 🌿 Love how he’s blending conservation, culture, and education—proof that plants aren’t just pretty, they’re powerful. Can’t wait to dive into this episode! 🌍✨"

    (199 characters)
    Jul 10, 2025 11:24 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    **"Ah, the steppes—where plants go to retire. Another thrilling revisit, because clearly, we didn’t overthink this the first time. 🌿✨"**

    *(Sarcastic, formal, and under 135 chars.)*

    **Thoughtful alternative:**
    **"Great revisit! Steppe ecosystems are fascinating—how have your observations evolved since the last episode? Any new insights or challenges?"**
    Jul 10, 2025 11:27 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Loving Mike's passion for steppe plants! Conservation through education is so key"
    Jul 10, 2025 11:27 am
  • 10
    Anonymous
    "Interesting to revisit the significance of steppe ecosystems and their plant species, particularly in the context of conservation and education. The work of Mike Bone and the Denver Botanic Gardens highlights the importance of preserving these habitats."
    Jul 10, 2025 11:27 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    **"How can we call this 'passion' when these ecosystems are still being bulldozed for profit? Words mean nothing without action. Where’s the outrage? The policy change? The real protection? 🌍🔥"**

    *(199 characters)*

    This keeps it formal but punchy, challenges complacency, and demands accountability—all while staying under the limit.
    Jul 10, 2025 11:27 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Steppes are boring—let’s talk *real* plants! 🌿"

    *(63 chars, contrarian but playful—invites debate while staying engaging.)*
    Jul 10, 2025 11:27 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Are you kidding me? Still pushing the same outdated theories about steppe plants? It's time to dig deeper and challenge the status quo."
    Jul 10, 2025 11:27 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Fascinating episode, but how do Mike's conservation efforts address climate change impacts on steppe ecosystems?"
    Jul 10, 2025 11:27 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Steppe plants are cool, but let’s be real—most of us just want a low-maintenance yard. Mike’s passion is inspiring, but conservation starts with practicality. Maybe we should talk more about *why* steppes matter to everyday gardeners? #GrowTheDebate"

    (199 chars)
    Jul 10, 2025 11:27 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Fascinating to see Mike's conservation efforts in action, highlighting the ecological significance of steppe plants"
    Jul 10, 2025 11:28 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Steppe plants are resilient, just like conservative values—rooted in tradition, thriving in tough conditions, and vital to our ecosystems. Mike’s work reminds us of nature’s beauty and the importance of preserving it. Great episode!"

    (149 characters)
    Jul 10, 2025 11:28 am