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 successful guild, from canopy trees down to groundcovers, and how each plant plays a specific role in supporting the whole community. We feature detailed deep dives into two guilds:

Western Washington Rainforest Edge Guild - Multi-layered woodland for moist, shaded sites with plants like Western Red Cedar, Vine Maple, Red-flowering Currant, and Sword Fern

Eastern Washington Shrub-Steppe Guild - Incredibly drought-tolerant plants for hot, dry sites featuring Ponderosa Pine, Big Sagebrush, Rabbitbrush, and Arrowleaf Balsamroot

Plus overviews of four additional guilds covering Garry Oak savanna, Palouse prairie, mountain meadows, and riparian corridors. Get practical tips on implementation, maintenance, and common mistakes to avoid when creating your own native plant guilds.

Resources mentioned in this episode, along with a full transcript, can be found on our website.

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 rediscoveries, and how these heritage apples contribute to biodiversity and resilience in a changing climate. David also offers insight into how home gardeners can support conservation efforts and even grow heritage fruit trees themselves.

Resources mentioned in this episode, along with a full transcript, can be found on our website.

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 include protecting soil with mulch or cover crops, adding organic matter to feed beneficial microbes, and avoiding compaction by not working the soil when it's too wet or dry.

Resources mentioned in this episode, along with a full transcript, can be found on our website.

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 Management practices help safeguard clean water
• Integrated Pest Management approaches for common pests and plant problems
• Common pest management misconceptions
• Resources for Integrated Pest Management and water-friendly gardening
• How to support clean water in your community

Resources mentioned in this episode, along with a full transcript, can be found on our website.

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 vulnerable to native and non-native pests such as beetles and aphids.

Resources mentioned in this episode, along with a full transcript, can be found on our website.

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 living roots

• Ways to encourage diverse soil life for stronger, healthier soil

Resources mentioned in this episode, along with a full transcript, can be found on our website.

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, guest Tessa Halloran goes over soil health. In this episode, Tessa covers:

• What is the soil health program priority?
• What is soil health?
• The Soil Food Web
• Simple steps to care for your soil
• Components of soil texture
• Ways to evaluate your soil for improvement
• Common soil challenges in Washington

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 are vital for pollinating about 80% of flowering plants, which is crucial for our ecosystems and agriculture.

She explains what the Washington Bee Atlas is and how to get involved with their project of documenting native bee diversity, tracking their distribution, and promoting bee conservation efforts. Listeners will learn how the Washington Bee Atlas leverages collaboration among researchers, volunteers, and the public to gather data on native bee populations.

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 garden, what to plant (and avoid), and how to create defensible space without sacrificing beauty or biodiversity.

Whether you live in the wildland-urban interface or just want to be more prepared, this episode offers practical guidance rooted in research and years of field experience.

Join us as we talk about

• What is the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI)?

• How your landscape choices affect wildfire risk

• Creating defensible space around your home

• Common landscaping mistakes that increase fire danger

• How communities can work together to become fire-adapted