Hume, 83, founder of Ed Hume Seeds, has been pulling weeds and sowing seeds in front of a camera since 1962. He has hosted the TV show, “Gardening in America,” for 50 years.
His wife, Myrna, and their sons, Jeff and James, were born in Everett. His first gardening columns were in The Herald almost 50 years ago. Hume received the Gold Circle induction into the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and was inducted into the Garden Writers Association’s Hall of Fame. More at www.humeseeds.com.
He will give a free talk, “Things I Have Learned in 65 Years of Gardening,” at 10 a.m. Sept. 26, at the VOA Building, 16300 Motor Place, Lynnwood.
What are you wearing?
I wish my answer could be Speedos. But, my favorites are 527 Low Butt jeans and a long sleeve shirt with the sleeves rolled up.
If you could share a garden with anyone in history who would it be?
Mahatma Gandhi. After his fast, I would want him to have fresh food from the garden.
Favorite flower?
One of my favorites is the Washington state flower, the rhododendron, because it comes in various growing sizes, shapes, flower colors and leaf textures.
People would be shocked to know …
I am 83 years old and still work 40 hours a week and love what I do.
Funniest or craziest thing anybody ever said to you?
In front of my wife a TV viewer came up to us and in a sexy voice said: I have coffee in bed with you every Sunday morning. (Of course, my TV show aired Sundays.)
Most proud moment:
57 years ago when I asked Myrna to marry me … and she said yes!
One thing you (and others) wish you’d stop saying?
I get teased all the time about mentioning the plant “Dusty Miller” too often. One lady wrote me and said: “If you mention Dusty Miller again this Sunday I will never watch your show again.”
Pet peeve:
Trying to keep moles and voles out of the lawn.
Guilty pleasure:
Occasionally going to casinos to see the shows and do a little gaming.
Do people ever get you mixed up with Ciscoe?
Yes, all the time because we both are so handsome, are the same height, the same age and we have the same amount of hair. The only difference is he talks faster than me.
You have visited many countries. Got any favorites?
For 35 year we took Northwesterners — including a few Herald readers — on tours to about 80 different countries. Must admit we love this area the most, but have also really enjoyed the South Pacific, countries of New Zealand, Fiji and Australia.
— Andrea Brown, Herald writer
Do you know someone we should get to know better? Send suggestions to abrown@heraldnet.com or call 425-339-3443.
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