Neko Case and Rebecca McMackin on Ecological Horticulture | LABS
In this special live-recorded episode of Sing for Science Labs at the Museum of Science in Boston, host Matt Whyte sits down with Grammy-nominated musician and nature devotee Neko Case alongside ecological horticulturist and native plant advocate Rebecca McMackin to explore the science and soul of horticulture, biodiversity, and land stewardship.
Together, they dive into their shared passion for gardening with native plants, supporting pollinators, fighting invasive species, and reimagining our relationship with the natural world. Neko opens up about her rural Vermont homestead, her emotional connection to gardening, and how growing heirloom tomatoes transformed her mental and physical well-being. Rebecca brings her expert perspective on ecological gardening as activism, her work at the American Horticultural Society, and why letting your garden “grow wild” can restore critical insect and bird populations.
You’ll also hear about the deep ties between ecological science and creativity, from the poetic way flowers evolve to attract pollinators, to how soil and scent inspire music and memoir. With references to Braiding Sweetgrass, indigenous ecological knowledge, and their mutual love for bees and butterflies, this episode is a powerful blend of science, sustainability, and storytelling.