166: Midsummer

After four years and 173 episodes, cohosts Erin and Justin are taking off their headphones and walking away from their mics. It what may well be the last episode, the enthusiastic gardeners chat about what they've learned creating the podcast and remind you of the tips and plants they hope you've absorbed over the course of the Plantcast's growing seasons. 

We sell a lot of baby plants here at Valley but if you take a look around, you'll see some old fogy's - including the Uncle Fogy Jack Pine (it's by the pond). We have legacy trees planted throughout the nursery that are perfect examples of what some of our inventory will grow into. This is the second episode we've dedicated to the specimens that thrive in our yard and can do the same in yours. 

Let's be real, nothing you want grows out of bad soil. Success in our gardens depends on nutrient rich soil and nutrient rich soil is made now by you, easily. A little resourcefulness, a little work and a lot of worms can turn lackluster soil into garden gold. Have a listen and find out how ... 

Since 2016, Valley has had the privilege of hosting Tacoma Glassblowing Studio's Pumpkin Patch for one day in the fall. This year's patch will be here on Oct. 4. Erin chats with the studio's co-owner Jeannine Sigafoos about the origins of the pumpkin and how they came to find themselves at Valley every year. 

It is the absolute perfect time to plant perennials in your garden. There's a very good chance you are seeing things in other people's yards you wish you had planted earlier this year. Don't fret friend! You can find fantastic vibrant perennials right now, plant them immediately and still enjoy them for a few weeks. Planting now allows the plants time to establish, and they will return next year, right where you planted - in that spot you stared at and wished you had done something about sooner. C'mon down - find that spot filler. Bring in the plant, bring in the color. Be a garden winner!

According to Erin, there is not a time of year more beautiful. Your favorite lil' podcaster doesn't want the season to end ... nope, it's just too glorious. In that spirit, we chat with someone who makes the vibrance of the season last throughout the year by creating stunning everlasting flower bouquets and wreaths. Local flower farmer Carolyn Thompson of Willow and Mable Garden Co. chats with Erin about what it takes to create beauty beyond a single season. 

We aren't saying summer is over, but we are suggesting that planning now for fall color may be the right way to spend the last of your reward points you're hanging onto. As we enter the final week of rewards redemption, finding the perennials and shrubs that will liven up your landscape or porch pots with color during the changing season is a great idea (we think). So have a listen, hear a few suggestions, come on in and get those plants that show off exceptional hues in autumn. 

As the heat ramps up and our lawns brown out - now doesn't feel like the time to do much beyond finding shade. So have a listen ... we'll tell you how to do just that. 

We are lucky to be surrounded by a variety of microclimates in Kitsap County. Coastal is a predominant one and that's a tricky one for plants. The constant onslaught of salt spray is not ideal for every plant but fear not! We have suggestions for plants that will thrive in your landscape should it be inundated with sea air. Justin and Erin chat about what plants are tolerant of salt spray and Batman. It only makes sense if you listen. 

Color is everywhere and very easy to add to your space right now. Late summer blooming perennials are perfect for both immediate gratification and long-term delights as they return every year with vibrancy. Shade-loving plants can also add tones to the darker spots of your landscape. Planted containers are an easy way to bring brightness to your home. Options are endless around here and we fill you with ideas on how to add some beauty to our already beautiful home here in Kitsap County.