The Evergreen Thumb

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

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.

Jim shares the key characteristics that make plants less prone to ignition and offers tips on landscape design and defensible space. We also discuss how to balance fire resistance with water conservation.

Whether you're updating your landscape or starting from scratch, this episode will help you make informed choices that support wildfire preparedness.

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

What does a truly waterwise garden look like in Washington, and why does it matter more than ever? In this episode, we're joined by Spokane County Master Gardener Mason Neil to explore how home gardeners can make practical, research-based choices that reduce outdoor water use while creating beautiful, resilient landscapes.

From choosing drought-tolerant plants to using more efficient irrigation, Mason shares tips and insights rooted in local experience and the WSU Master Gardener program's Water Conservation priority.

Whether you're redesigning your yard or just adjusting your watering habits, this episode will leave you inspired to grow with the climate in mind.

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

💧 Are you overwatering your garden?

You're not alone!

In our newest episode of The Evergreen Thumb, WSU horticulturist Austin Little shares easy, efficient watering strategies to help your garden thrive—without wasting water. 🌿

Learn about:

• How to water less but grow more

• Mulch and soil tips to retain moisture

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

Pollinators play a critical role in food production, plant biodiversity, and ecosystem health—but many of these essential species are facing serious threats.

In this episode of The Evergreen Thumb, we sit down with a WSU Master Gardener and Certified Pollinator Steward to explore why pollinators matter, what's putting them at risk, and how you can take simple, effective steps to support them in your own garden. From native plant choices to pollinator-safe practices, this conversation is packed with practical, science-based tips for every Washington gardener.

🌼 Learn how the WSU Master Gardener Program supports pollinator stewardship as one of its core priorities.

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

In this episode of The Evergreen Thumb, we're joined by Jennifer Marquis, Statewide Program Leader for the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program, to talk about the exciting launch of the Washington State University Extension Green School.

Designed to deepen gardeners' knowledge and environmental stewardship, the Green School offers flexible, research-based education through two tracks: the Washington Gardener Certificate and the WSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer certification.

Jennifer walks us through the program's mission, how WSU Green School is structured, and the gardening topics included in the training.

Whether you're looking to garden more sustainably or take your community impact to the next level, this conversation will show how WSU Green School opens the door to meaningful, science-backed learning opportunities.

For resources, links, a transcript, and more be sure to visit our website or find more WSU Green School information at greenschool.extension.wsu.edu

Get a first look at what's in store for the 2025 WSU Master Gardener Advanced Education Conference! Host Erin chats with the AEC Committee Chair and the Educational Outreach Program Lead about this year's theme, keynote speakers, exciting workshops, and how gardeners of all backgrounds can get involved. Whether you're a certified Master Gardener or a passionate plant lover, this episode highlights why AEC is a must-attend event for continuing garden education and community connection.

Registration for the WSU Extension Master Gardener Advanced Education Conference 2025 opens on June 1, 2025

For resources, links, a transcript, and more be sure to visit our website at https://evergreenthumb.mastergardenerfoundation.org/episode048/

In this episode, we explore the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program's Local Food priority—and how growing food close to home can lead to healthier individuals, stronger communities, and a more resilient environment.

I break down how local food connects to sustainable gardening, food access, and community empowerment. Whether you're growing in a backyard, a balcony, or a community garden, discover practical steps you can take to make a meaningful difference through what you grow.

Listen now to learn:

• Why local food matters for health and sustainability

• Gardening practices that support local food systems

• How food gardens contribute to resilient, equitable communities

For resources, links, a transcript, and more be sure to visit our website at https://evergreenthumb.mastergardenerfoundation.org/episode047/

Want to keep your forested property healthy and thriving? In this episode, we chat with Sarah Stewart from WSU Forestry about backyard forest stewardship—covering best practices for managing small woodlands, improving tree health, enhancing wildlife habitat, and building resilience to climate change. Whether you have a few trees or several acres, this episode is packed with expert insights to help you care for your woodland sustainably. We also explore the Women Owning Woodlands (WOW) program and how it supports female forest landowners.

For resources, links, a transcript, and more be sure to visit our website at https://evergreenthumb.mastergardenerfoundation.org/episode046/

A healthy garden is more than just beautiful—it's biodiverse! In this episode of The Evergreen Thumb, we explore how increasing plant diversity in home gardens, community spaces, and public landscapes can create more resilient ecosystems, healthier soil, and stronger pollinator populations.

Join us as we discuss:

• Why biodiversity is essential for sustainable gardening

• How native plants and layered plantings support wildlife and soil health

• Practical ways to enhance biodiversity—even in small urban spaces

• How plant diversity helps address climate change, pollinator decline, and habitat loss

Whether you're a backyard gardener or working on larger landscapes, this episode offers actionable strategies to support garden resilience and environmental health.

For resources, links, a transcript, and more be sure to visit our website at https://evergreenthumb.mastergardenerfoundation.org/episode045/