This Nancy Evans is seeking her rose or rhody namesake 'Nancy Evans' rhododendron

Q: I've been looking for a 'Nancy Evans' rose, since I share the name with our former governor's wife. Do you know if these are available anywhere? I would appreciate any information you have. (Signed: "The Other Nancy Evans.")

A: Could you be thinking of a 'Nancy Evans' rhododendron? I'm unable to find a rose with that name, but there is a beautiful rhododendron named 'Nancy Evans' bred locally in the Hunt's Point garden of Dr. Ned Brockenbrough.

It was indeed named after former Gov. Dan Evans' wife, and has orange-red buds that open to amber yellow, fading to golden yellow.

To locate this choice rhododendron you might check Wells-Medina Nursery in Bellevue. It is also available mail order from Greer Gardens nursery in Eugene, Ore. (800-548-0111; www.greergardens.com).

If anyone knows of a 'Nancy Evans' rose, please let me know.

Q: I'm desperate to know when to cut back hydrangeas. Our plant is huge and old. I've heard that you should cut back in the spring at the first sign of green sprouts. My husband says you do it in the fall, but when we try this we get no blooms in the spring. Help!

A: To cut or not to cut, and when, is one of the most confusing parts of gardening. Overrule your husband on this one and leave your hydrangea alone for now.

Next year's buds are protected when dead-heading is put off until spring. In March, cut back each stem just above the uppermost pair of new buds, being careful not to damage any green shoots, for these produce the new flowers.

You can also remove up to a third of the oldest branches down to the ground to thin out and spruce up a bit. With hydrangeas, no pruning is better than too much pruning, for they will grow and bloom happily for many years without any cutting back at all.

Pruning is one of those activities best learned by demonstration. This Saturday, PlantAmnesty is holding a daylong Renovation Workshop where class members will receive expert advice and experience on how to prune overgrown trees and shrubs. For information or to register, call PlantAmnesty at 206-783-9813; or www.plantamnesty.org

Valerie Easton also writes about Plant Life in Sunday's Pacific Northwest Magazine. Call 206-464-8470 or e-mail planttalk@seattletimes.com with your questions. Sorry, no personal replies.