The Evergreen Thumb

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.