Nestled in the heart of Sammamish, Steve Marple’s garden isn’t just a collection of plants; it’s a thriving hub of community sharing, sustainability, and a lifelong passion for nature. Known among local gardeners as the go-to person for plant advice, Steve’s contributions to the Sammamish Gardeners Facebook group have made him a cherished resource for both novice and experienced gardeners alike. But his impact extends beyond the digital realm—his “Give & Take” stand, a simple yet profound gesture of generosity, has become a beacon of shared growth and learning in the neighborhood.
The Roots of Passion
As we strolled through his beautiful cluster of garden rooms and pathways between islands of cascading natives, Steve shared the story of what sparked his love for gardening. “My grandfather,” he said with emotion in his voice, “I get teary thinking about it…he was a gardener, and I inherited a lot from him—though not his neatness!” Growing up on a hundred-acre piece of abandoned farmland in West Virginia, Steve’s childhood was immersed in nature. His mother’s interest in wildflowers and their shared walks through the woods inspired him to start his first garden at just six years old, planting native species he collected from the forest floor. “My first garden was probably when I was six or eight years old—I planted natives I found in the woods right alongside my mom’s hedges.”
This Japanese umbrella pine (Sciadopitys verticillata) was planted by Steve’s wife’s uncle, a dedicated forester, from seeds part of an international foresters’ gathering.
His early connection to nature steered his life path, from working in research labs to eventually managing a fish hatchery for 26 years. But gardening remained a constant, offering solace and purpose no matter where life took him.
Over the years, gardening evolved from a childhood hobby into a lifelong commitment. His active mind, he explained, fuels his fascination with plants, allowing him to dive deep into the complexities of natural ecosystems. While organization may not be his forte, his love for nature and wildlife has always guided his choices.
Gardening with Purpose
Islands of trees, ferns, rhododendrons, hydrangeas, and native perennials form natural paths, guiding visitors through the layered beauty of Steve’s garden.
Walking through the property, it’s clear that Steve’s style leans heavily towards naturalistic planting. He appreciates the innate beauty of native species, preferring them over more cultivated or tropical varieties. Working with nature, not against it, offers a landscape, where towering persicarias and sprawling groundcovers coexist harmoniously in front of flowering shrubs, and seed sown trees with carefully curated paths and hardscape elements.
Steve’s garden isn’t just a personal retreat; it’s a dynamic ecosystem where sustainability takes center stage. “I’m kind of obsessed with propagating,” he admitted with a smile, gesturing to rows of potted plants he’s rescued and nurtured. From rhododendrons that root naturally when their branches touch the ground to carefully cloned native blackberries, his approach is equal parts science and heart. “You see all the flowers and think you’re gonna get a great harvest—until you realize they’re all males!”
Steve’s gardening philosophy is simple: “So much gets thrown away that could go into someone’s yard” His backyard is a testament to this belief, filled with plants he’s salvaged from other gardens, nurtured back to health, and made available for others to enjoy. Whether it’s offering composted horse manure or sharing his bounty of propagated plants, Steve emphasizes sustainability at every turn. “People spend money on a plant I have growing wild in the back. So I just pot it up and let them take it for free!”
Challenges and Lessons Learned
Steve often reflects on the valuable lessons he’s learned from fellow gardeners. One particular friend, when asked what a plant was, simply handed him a shovel and said, “Take it and find out.” This philosophy of hands-on learning resonated with Steve and became a guiding principle in his gardening journey.
Gardening, like life, comes with its fair share of challenges. Some of the rhododendrons on the property have succumbed to heat stress and less acidic soil conditions. Nevertheless, he’s adapted by experimenting with plant placement and incorporating more resilient species suited to the sandy, glacial-kettle soil.
A recurring theme in our conversation was the importance of patience and thoughtful planning. “I don’t just put plants in the ground,” he explained. “I place pots first, let them sit, and see if they belong.” He allows ample time for contemplation, ensuring that each addition to the garden feels intentional and harmonious.
A cluster of potted rhododendrons waits patiently to see if they will call this spot their new home.
The “Give & Take” Stand: A Gift to the Community
At the front of Steve’s property sits his now-famous “Give & Take” stand—a humble wooden structure filled with plants, seeds, and gardening books available to anyone who needs them. “I put things out there, and people just know to check,” he said. This self-sustaining system eliminates the frustration of online giveaways and fosters a deeper sense of community.
His generosity hasn’t gone unnoticed; neighbors now contribute their own extras, creating a true culture of giving and sharing. Some even make a point to take a detour just to see what’s new. The sign on the stand politely suggests taking only a few items unless you’re donating, but Steve’s attitude remains lighthearted. “Stuff disappears amazingly fast, and that’s okay. Do good anyway.”
Each year, Steve collects and shares a vast variety of native pollinator seeds, helping to sustain local ecosystems. But his generosity doesn’t stop there. Steve also cultivates a diverse range of vegetables, including micro-dwarf and dwarf tomatoes that are perfect for smaller gardens, along with heirloom varieties such as Russian tomatoes and his own locally adapted “Tumbling Tom” cherry tomato. In addition, he provides open-pollinated Italian and Mexican zucchini and winter squash, varieties that have proven to thrive in the area.
Beyond his own collection, Steve often receives partial seed packets from others, which he carefully divides into smaller portions to distribute. In total, he puts out around 1,500 seed packets a year, encouraging community members to embrace the rewarding experience of growing their own food from seed.
Wire caging protects delicate seedlings from birds and other critters while allowing cold cycle seed sowing to take place undisturbed.
Steve’s philosophy of giving back has come full circle. “I don’t even have to ask anymore—people just show up with plants and say, ‘I figured you’d know what to do with this.’ And they’re right!” “I don’t even need to buy plants anymore,” he joked, reflecting on the abundance that comes from a culture of sharing.
Gardening Advice from a Local Legend
Throughout our walk, Steve offered invaluable advice drawn from years of experience and experimentation. “The biggest mistake gardeners make? Overthinking it. Start small, expand over time,” he advised. Steve’s own garden evolved gradually, with thoughtful placements of native plants and sustainable practices, like using cardboard and wood chips to suppress weeds and enrich the soil.
Orange and pink honeysuckle vine across the fence line slope of Steve’s dog’s favorite sunny hillside spot.
He stressed the importance of understanding a plant’s natural behavior and avoiding unnecessary pruning. “People often don’t realize that you don’t need to fight a plant’s natural form. Learning to work with it, rather than against it, makes all the difference.” He emphasizes the importance of understanding the natural tendencies of plants rather than forcing them into unnatural shapes or environments.
He also shared a whimsical detail about his garden—his love for large roots that resemble dragon heads. “I found them while collecting wood for retaining walls, and suddenly I saw dragons staring back at me. Now they guard my garden.”
Looking Ahead: Preserving Nature for Future Generations
Winter remnants of a Serrata hydrangea, one of many varieties Steve cultivates across his property, including oakleaf – my personal favorite.
As our tour wound down, he reflected on the broader landscaping industry, lamenting the prevalence of “land scrapers” who prioritize aesthetics over plant health. “We need people who care,” he said, emphasizing the importance of intentional, informed gardening.
Steve shared his thoughts on the future of gardening in Sammamish. He sees a shift happening—more people are recognizing the value of native plants and sustainable practices. “The native trees and plants we rely on today might not be suited for the next 20 years, so we need to start thinking ahead,” he reflected.
Steve’s garden, although beautiful is not just about beauty; it’s about legacy—creating a space that will continue to thrive and inspire future generations. “I hop from one obsession to another, but gardening gives me something to always come back to.” Whether it’s through his advice, his generosity, or his commitment to sustainability, Steve Marple embodies the spirit of community gardening at its finest.
A bonsai – one of Steve’s many hobbies – sunbathes on a hand-built bench outside his raspberry beds.
A Walk to Remember
Walking through Steve’s garden was more than just a tour; it was an education, an inspiration, and a reminder that gardening is about connection—to the earth, to our neighbors, and to something bigger than ourselves. Whether you’re picking up a plant from his “Give & Take” stand or chatting with him online, one thing is clear: Steve’s passion for gardening has rooted itself deeply within the Sammamish community.
As I left, I couldn’t help but think—gardening isn’t just about plants; it’s about the people who nurture them and the communities they grow within.