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. 

Miss us? We missed you too. Our extended absence is due to vacations and a fruitful journey Justin took to the Willamette Valley. He visited several different nurseries and garden centers that are our suppliers and or members of a consulting group that work to make each other better. In this episode, we chat about some of the surprises and lessons learned from that trip. Yes. There are robots. 

Roses are blooming every where. Curious about maintaining the health and vigor of your classic blooms? Have a listen! We're full of easy to follow tips and suggestions for prolonging the prettiness of your precious garden champions. 

Dads deserve so much more than ties and leaf blowers this Father's Day. We want to start a revolution and encourage you give Dad what he really needs this year ... plants. Naturally, we have some fantastic suggestions for gift ideas. We dive into the brief history of the holiday to justify our bold decision to stir up the traditional notion of what a Father's Day present should be. Have a listen and join our movement!

The unsung hero of the understory. The texture from which all things pop. That something that's not nothing. That is ornamental grass. Frequently not stand-alone plants simply because they enhance the look of almost all things, ornamental grasses have a place in almost all landscapes. They can be subtle or standouts and you better believe we have the full gamut. Have a listen to figure out which would work best for you. 

Isn't it lovely - the fruits of your labor? Are you walking around and enjoying your garden or are you seeing all the things that you wish you had done? Fear not - it's not to late to start things! It's also not the wrong time to do a lot of things. There is lots of growing left to happen this season so you can fix your mistakes, make a few changes, add some beauty and enjoy your garden! 

Fall isn't the only season for orange plants. We have grasses, shrubs, trees and flowering perennials to chat about today - all of which have an orange element (and it's not just the color friends). Like those with orange personalities (it's a thing), these plants are charming. If you like to take gardening risks, at least one will provide a challenge and if you want pollinators to be drawn to your yard - have a listen and find out which of these orange plants will bring them in. 

If we plant native plants in our gardens, we can bring back bugs. Why do we want you to bring back bugs? Because without bugs, we haven't got pollinators. Without pollinators, there is no food. Think about it as putting something back that was taken away ... let’s be honest, development of properties takes away the natural habitat of bugs and birds and animals so planting natives gives back a little of what was taken away. Most fun fact of all - once established - they are the lowest maintenance plants in your garden. they're from here - they can thrive without your help.

Mother's Day is the biggest weekend of the year at garden center's and Valley is no exception. Our selection is at its absolute peak with something special for every mom. In this episode, we chat about the origin of the holiday and the flowers that best represent gratitude for moms. And hosts Erin and Justin vehemently disagree about one. 

The internet is loaded with DIY hacks for your houseplants that seem too simple or bizarre to be true. As your trusted plant people, we look at a few of the claims that have popped into our social media feeds to see if they are actually true or false. 

It doesn't have to be elaborate nor exclusive. It doesn't have to be a lot. It certainly doesn't have to be hard. Growing food does take effort but the fruits (or vegetables or seasoning) of your efforts are always worth it. Whether you have a lot of space or just a couple of containers or even just a small spot on a windowsill, there is something here that you can plant to produce food. We support you. Even if it's kale.