Valley Nursery Plantcast

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...

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 th...

Mother's Day is the biggest weekend of the year at garden centers 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.

You're going to love the garden even more if you take a little time to create a plan. 
Figure out what you want in regards to color, shape, size, blooms ... figure out if you have sun or shade ... figure out if you need to block your neighbor from view ... figure out how much time you want to spend doing the work to maintain the plants ... think of what will bring you the most joy. And if you can't think of what you need to think about - have a listen, we tell you.

We are in the midst of our annual Fuchsia Planting Event. You supply the basket and purchase the plants, we provide the soil and labor of planting them up. This episode is a mash-up of our original podcast (way back in 2022!) about fuchsias and new information - so have a listen to see how we've evolved and find out more about this year's event.

There is no need for the only thing under your conifers to be pine needles. The understory is a perfect place to add texture and color to your landscape. Naturally occurring  acidic soil and dappled shade are prime conditions for a variety of plants including evergreen and deciduous options from mid-height to ground level. Your pals in gardening Erin and Justin list some of the options in this episode.

In the midst of the annual Spring Sale, Erin takes her coworkers away from their busy days to chat about what is happening throughout the nursery. In-store specials, surprise finds and one wounded man in a truck complete this collection of conversations on a sunny sale day.

The 19th Annual Valley Nursery Spring sale begins on March 22 at 9 a.m. You've got the flyer with its 30% off coupon (and the cute faces of your favorite podcast hosts and their friends). Get some ideas on what to spend it on and find out about other specials within this episode.

Photographer Mark Turner and author Sami Gray created an incredible comprehensive guide to weeds of the PNW. In this episode, Erin talks with Mark about photographing plants and he shares stories of putting together a book that is a beautiful representation of some of the plants we fight in our gardens.

Lilacs are fragrant powerhouses every spring. The blooms spray in a variety of color and their fragrance enlivens the air. They are easy to grow, requiring little maintenance making them a great option for all types of gardeners. Our best bareroot selection is available NOW. In this episode, Justin and Erin provide you with the most common reasons they may not bloom and give some basic pruning highlights.

You can stop staring out the window and start getting dirty folks - gardening season is upon us. This list of what you CAN do in the garden is much longer than what you can't. In this episode, we help navigate what tasks to tackle first in this episode. Bareroot shrubs are here and our fruit tree selection is plentiful and now is the perfect time to plant them all. Lots of things are starting to produce buds and some of those budding plants would benefit from pruning (we'll guide you toward who and how). We are always happy to...

There are plants in the ground at Valley older than the hosts of the podcast and nearly as beautiful (but certainly not as charismatic). The trees work to enhance the property and serve as examples to what plants purchased here can grow to be. On this episode - we highlight seven of those legacy trees planted years ago and describe how customers can find success with them in their own landscapes.

We already believe that our nursery is something special. Our team of Certified Professional Horticulturists elevate our ability to serve our customers with their extensive plant knowledge. Their willingness to help folks diagnose problems or plan for planting or troubleshooting and sometimes even celebrate is that little extra that we are so proud to offer. We dive into what it takes to become a horticulturist with Holly Osborne, the director of the Washington State Nursery and Landscape Association on this episode AND we chat with two of our own horticulturists about what they actually DO here at Valley. And yes...

We chat with Katie Miller from Saltwater Seeds about cultivating seeds specifically for our Maritime Northwest climate. Valley offers more than 60 varieties of seeds from this local producer and talking with Katie about the work and responsibility of being a steward of seeds is an inspiration to anyone interested in having a successful vegetable garden this year (and yes! they have flower seeds too!).

You've pruned for shape and air and light, now it's time to focus the fruit tree's energy on what they are made for ... fruit. Fan favorite Sam is back for another insightful interview on this episode.

January is synonymous with new beginnings - let it be so with your garden. Planning, pruning, prepping are all past times to indulge in during these cold winter days. Pops of color and early bloomers (hello hellebores) are also in and ready to plant. Find out how you can set your self up for a successful 2025 garden with Justin and Erin's tips in this episode!

Christmas Trees may be the granddaddies of Christmas decor but wreaths and poinsettias are stalwarts of holiday tradition. Both classic symbols have rich history and we tell their stories on this episode as well as offering tips on how to keep them bright, fresh and full of cheer as the season continues to brighten your homes. Merry, holly and jolly ... fa la la.

Christmas shopping got you all a twitter? Still searching for that perfect something? Want to find unique treasures for everyone on your list - regardless of the color of their thumb? We've got you friend. Our resident gift giving expert Bailey sits down with us to chat about items we have to wow even the trickiest recipient on your list this holiday season.

Baring survival of impending bomb cyclons and atmospheric rivers, there's not a whole lot to do as the rain sets in. What there is to do we are happy to tell you about with candor and rays of light shooting from our eyes. Intrigued? Always.

The soil your plants are in determines their health and there is no one in Kitsap County with more passion for soil health than Nick Penovich. Justin and Erin had the pleasure of chatting with the founder of Soil Science Products about what you can be doing in your garden right now to create optimal soil conditions for exceptional growth year round.

Staring at the rain - wishing you had something bright to focus on and help the gloom seem a little less ... gloomy? Want something to pop in the ground and add some interest to your garden this winter? Well loyal listener (or newfound friend) look no further than this podcast! Justin and Erin chat about shrubs that bloom after all the summer petals have fallen and the big dark has descended. Fall is the ideal time to put these darlings in the ground and the nursery has them in stock now!

We've told you once and we'll tell you again - proper planning prevents poor performance. That's especially true as the temperatures dip into the 40s and below. Your tender new plants, your beloved seasonal delights, your hoses - all of it needs a little special attention as the nights lengthen and the temps drop. This episode is chock full of helpful reminders that will get your garden safely put to bed for winter. It's coming.

Spending time outdoors makes you healthier. Spending time in nature reduces stress. Growing plants is good for your health. The lack of sunlight and colder temperatures make us all want to tuck inside and cozy up in our sweaters and inhale pumpkin spiced everything. Your cohosts want to keep you healthy so in this episode - they chat about how continuing to garden outside right now and adding houseplants to your home is fantastic for your overall wellbeing.

Admiring the stunning fall color is not the only thing you can do in your garden right now friends - you can mulch! Okay - you can always mulch - but now is a great time to do that and many other things. Guest host Maria joins Erin to chat about what you can do in your gardens right now. The gals also detail how to save some of your favorite summer annuals as tender perennials ... like your favorite tuberous begonias and those geraniums that just brought you endless joy all summer. Stretch those gardening muscles through the cold months...

L Looking for Halloween decorations that go beyond the classic pumpkin vibe more organically awesome? Look here friends. Justin and Erin discuss plants with spooky names, spooky habits and spooky vibes to get your porch or landscape or even inside your house festive for Halloween..

Have a listen and find out why trees and shrubs put out such magnificent color every fall ...