The Evergreen Thumb

Every gardener has decisions they would make again…and a few they probably wouldn't. In this episode, Erin Hoover reflects on the gardening choices that paid off, the ones that created more work than expected, and the unexpected surprises that have shaped her garden over the years. From self-seeding herbs that got out of control to volunteer flowers worth keeping, she shares practical lessons lear...

Gardening changes as we do. Tasks that once felt easy may take more planning, different tools, or a new approach. In this episode of The Evergreen Thumb, we talk about practical ways gardeners can adapt their spaces and routines to keep gardening comfortably and confidently over time. King County Extension Master Gardener Sally Bagshaw shares ideas for reducing physical strain, improving accessibi...

In this episode, Lisa Taylor returns to share tips on saving water while gardening. Lisa focuses on how being intentional with water use improves soil health, efficient watering techniques, and drought-tolerant practices for thriving plants. She shares some of her favorite high-quality tools to make saving water easier. Listen to learn how to build resilient gardens that thrive with less water, pe...

In this episode of The Evergreen Thumb , we talk with Master Gardener Ed Adams about growing dahlias in Western Washington, including what it takes to manage a large collection of over 600 plants. Ed shares why dahlias thrive in Sequim's unique climate and walks through practical, research-based approaches to growing them successfully. The conversation covers getting started with tubers, seasonal...

In this episode of The Evergreen Thumb , we talk with Dr. Joel Gardner from the WSU M.T. James Entomological Collection about native bees, including Dialictus sweat bees, and how new species are discovered. Joel explains how insect collections support research on pollinators and biodiversity in Washington, and why preserved specimens remain important for understanding ecological change over time....

Explore the development of a sensory garden designed to be accessible and therapeutic for neurodivergent individuals, veterans with PTSD, and others with sensory sensitivities. Learn about the design, purpose, and community impact of this innovative project.   Resources mentioned in this episode, along with a full transcript, can be found on our website .  

Slugs and snails are a constant frustration for gardeners in Western Washington, but trying to eliminate them completely isn't the goal, and it's not realistic. In this episode, we're joined by Skagit County Master Gardener Diana Wisen to talk about why these pests thrive in our region, what role they play in the ecosystem, and how to manage them effectively in a home garden. We dig into slug beha...

In this episode, Patrick Schults, WSU Extension forester, discusses the threat of emerald ash borer, an invasive insect that poses a significant risk to Washington's forests and urban trees. Learn about how it spreads, signs of infestation, and what communities can do to prepare and respond.   Resources mentioned in this episode, along with a full transcript, can be found on our website .  

In this solo episode, Erin shares her top 10 gardening tips for 2026. These are practical shifts that can make your garden easier to manage while helping plants handle stress such as inconsistent water, pests, and changing weather patterns. You'll hear a mix of mindset shifts, common habits to stop, and a few practices worth adding to your routine. Topics include soil health, watering strategies,...

In  this conversation, Colleen Adams-Schuppe, the executive director of the Yakima Area Arboretum, shares her journey and the history of the arboretum, highlighting its unique origin story as a community-driven initiative. She discusses the challenges and successes of curating a living landscape in a desert climate, the significance of various garden spaces, and the role of educational programs in...

Most gardeners recognize honey bees, but in Washington, there are over 600 species of native bees doing much of the pollination work in our landscapes. In this conversation, Anne Bulger, a WSU Master Gardener, discusses the significance of native bees in gardening and pollination. She shares her journey into the world of native bees, emphasizing their efficiency as pollinators compared to honey be...

Good vegetable gardens aren't built by following rules; they're built by paying attention. In this episode, we step back from prescriptive advice and focus on how experienced gardeners actually make decisions. Instead of chasing planting dates or perfect systems, we talk through how to read your landscape, choose crops that make sense for your goals and conditions, and time planting based on what...

What does it take to steward a public garden in the middle of a growing city? This episode explores how Bellevue Botanical Garden blends design, ecology, and community partnerships to create a resilient urban landscape. James Gagliardi, the director of Bellevue Botanical Garden, shares insights into the garden's history, community involvement, and its role as a vital green space in an urban enviro...

Are you looking to boost your vegetable garden's productivity while keeping soil healthy and pests under control? In this episode, Erin dives into practical crop rotation strategies, including Eliot Coleman's proven rotation and the leaf–root–flower–fruit method. Learn how to sequence crops, use cover crops, and plan rotations that maximize yields and protect your garden soil. We'd love your feedb...

We're taking a break from the podcast this week for the holidays.  We'll be back on January 6 with a new episode on vegetable crop rotation.  Happy New Year!

Creating Plant Guilds with Native Plants in Washington State Discover how to design thriving, low-maintenance landscapes by mimicking nature's own plant communities! In this solo episode, we explore the concept of plant guilds—groups of plants that work together to create mutually beneficial ecosystems—using Washington's incredible diversity of native species. Learn the essential layers of a succe...

Washington once grew hundreds of unique apple varieties—many of which disappeared from modern cultivation. In this episode, David Benscoter of the Washington Lost Apple Project shares how he tracks down these forgotten varieties, why so many vanished, and what it takes to preserve their genetics for the future. We explore how old orchards are located and identified, the stories behind rare redisco...

In this episode of The Evergreen Thumb, host Erin Hoover interviews Deirdre Griffin-LaHue, an expert in soil health, about the importance of soil structure in gardening. They discuss how soil structure—how mineral particles and organic matter form aggregates—affects water retention, air flow, and plant health. Deirdre explains the difference between soil texture and soil structure. Key tips includ...

In part nine of our Program Priority Series, guest Laurel Moulton is back to go over clean water. In this episode, Laurel covers: What the clean water program priority is about How our everyday gardening practices impact water quality Gardening and landscape choices to protect clean water Clean water and Integrated Pest Management  Key aspects of Integrated Pest Management  How Integrated Pest Man...

In this episode of The Evergreen Thumb , guest Todd Murray joins host Erin Hoover to discuss how climate change is affecting garden pests. He explains that "pests" are defined by their interactions with humans and tend to thrive in disturbed environments, often reproducing rapidly. Climate change, especially shifting rainfall patterns and warmer temperatures, is stressing plants, making them more...

Healthy soil is the foundation of every thriving garden. 🌱 In this episode of  The Evergreen Thumb , Erin explores the key principles of soil health and how gardeners can apply them to create  resilient, productive soil at home . What you'll discover in this episode: The core principles of soil health and why they matter for your garden How to keep soil covered, reduce disturbance, and maintain l...

Soil is a living and dynamic resource. It provides critical services essential for life, including food production, shelter, and water filtration. It supports plant growth, serves as a habitat for countless organisms and even supplies antibiotics. Humans depend on soil for waste management, water purification, and as a foundation for infrastructure. In part eight of our Program Priority Series, gu...

In this episode of The Evergreen Thumb, guest Karen Wright from the Washington State Department of Agriculture tells us all about the Washington Bee Atlas and the importance of native bees. Karen explains the difference between honey bees and native bees. She talks about how Washington state has around 600 known native bee species, with many more still undescribed, and goes over how native bees ar...

Wildfires are becoming more frequent and more intense—especially in areas where homes and wildlands meet. But your garden can be part of the solution. In this episode, I talk with Al Murphy, a national wildfire management expert and WSU Master Gardener, about how home gardeners can take simple, effective steps to reduce wildfire risk around their homes. Learn what it means to have a fire-ready gar...

In this episode of The Evergreen Thumb , we're joined by Jim Kropf, WSU Pierce County Extension Director, to explore how thoughtful plant choices can help protect your home and garden from wildfire. With fire seasons growing longer and hotter across Washington, understanding which plants are more fire-resistant—and how to maintain them—is essential for creating a safer, more resilient landscape. J...