The Evergreen Thumb

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 care, supporting healthy growth, and managing common garden challenges using an integrated pest management approach.

We also explore what changes when dahlias are grown at scale, along with tips for digging, dividing, and storing tubers for the next season.

Whether you're growing a few plants or planning something larger, this episode offers grounded, field-tested insight into making dahlias work in a Pacific Northwest garden.

There are a lot of resources mentioned in this episode. Find them on our website.

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.

Resources mentioned in this episode, along with a full transcript, can be found on our website. (link opens in new window)

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 behavior, life cycles, and the key moments when they're most vulnerable.

You'll come away with practical, research-based strategies that focus on control rather than eradication, helping you reduce damage while working with the natural systems in your garden.

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

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, biodiversity in the garden, integrated pest management, and making site-driven plant choices.

Rather than overhauling everything, the goal is simple: choose one meaningful change this season and observe the results.

Referenced episodes and additional resources are available in the show notes on our website.

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 fostering community engagement. Colleen emphasizes the importance of volunteers and community partners in maintaining the arboretum and outlines future aspirations for its growth and development.

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

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 bees. The discussion covers common misconceptions about native bees, the importance of supporting them in gardens, and the diversity of bee species, particularly mining bees. Anne also highlights the role of native bees in maintaining healthy ecosystems and offers practical advice for gardeners to create bee-friendly habitats.

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

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 plants respond to, not what the calendar says. You'll learn how to think about frost dates, growing degree days, and USDA zones without confusion, and why observation is one of the most valuable tools a gardener can develop.

This episode is about building judgment and confidence over time. If you're planning a new garden or maybe you're trying to understand why past advice hasn't quite worked, this episode will help you approach vegetable gardening with clearer expectations, better questions, and a stronger connection to your specific place.

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

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 environment. He discusses the importance of accessibility, educational opportunities for home gardeners, and the collaborative efforts in maintaining and curating the garden. The conversation also highlights future growth plans and how visitors can engage with and support the garden.

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