June - August 2009
 John Christianson, Editor
 Click Here to download a copy of our June - August 2009 Garden Gazette in pdf format

Life will Find a Way

It was the most beautiful day of this new Spring when our back garden was suddenly filled with shouts of glee and great surprise! Emma had walked into the sheep barn to gather eggs when she discovered a lamb had just been born to Buttercup, one of our Shetland sheep. Our extended family was gathered for an impromptu picnic and everyone rushed to the barn to see this entirely unexpected baby as he was nuzzling his mother and struggling to find his balance. My mind was racing with two questions and very few answers. How did this happen? And, if one lamb, why not six? or ten? or twelve? This could happen if all the other ewes were pregnant with twins or triplets. But, for the last two years there had been no potential suitors within a few miles of our small flock of six ewes. While everyone else was rejoicing and trying to come up with answers, I was rushing to find antiseptic to treat the lamb’s umbilical cord, molasses for Buttercup’s drinking water, fresh straw to bed down the floor of the pen and separate buckets for Buttercup’s personal supply of water and grain. We were totally unprepared for this birth. Speculation ran wild. One theory was that I had mistaken a ram for a ewe…I don’t think so. One was that there was a wild ram living in the woods across the road…possible but not probable. One irreverent theory was that it was an immaculate conception and we should name the newborn lamb "Jesús"… which would explain the fact that there would be only one, right? In the end the only plausible explanation was that we waited too long to move Willy, last year’s lamb, out of the pasture. He was barely three months old and still very small when we moved him to the Nursery. The men were dubious but clearly impressed by Willie’s potency and vigor at such a young age. I, on the other hand, was mildly distressed over not being able to control what goes on at our small farm. The pasture is not big enough for more sheep, and we have not used the fleeces we already have in our basement. Our grandson Ian, who at four- years- old is already picking up on the nuances of conversations, must have noticed the men’s veiled admiration for something about Willy that he did not quite understand, contrasted with my bewilderment and dismay over the whole situation. He decided to take my side and was trying to make me feel better when he declared Willy “a naughty little rascal.” Or maybe he decided to come down on the side of the person who lets him raid the refrigerator whenever he wants and often gives him a cookie for the ride home. I thought of the naughty little rascal the next day when Blossom had a lamb and the next week when Lucy had twins. We are fortunate there were only four and not twelve. And they are healthy, adorable and very entertaining to watch. Their games of chase and leap frog were, however, interrupted for a few days last week when our veterinarian came out and banded the ram lambs. After hearing the story she knowingly smiled and said “life will always find a way.” I guess it helps to be philosophical about matters beyond our control. But for now, I think there is no doubt that we are back in control!

    Toni Christianson

Gardens of Note 
Sunday June 28th, 2009     10 am to 5 pm

A tour of exceptional private gardens with live musical entertainment ~

Plan to attend Gardens of Note, the second annual private garden tour presented by the Skagit Symphony.
Tickets may be purchased at our Garden Store.

Sixth Annual Rose Festival

Keynote Speaker:  Ciscoe Morris

Saturday, June 20, 2009     9 am - 6 pm

  • Rose Display   Tri-Valley Rose Society   10 am - 5 pm 
  • Flower Pounding   Opal Cocke   11 am- 2:00 pm
  • Cooking with Roses   Joanne Romann   10:30 – noon 
  • Bouquets from the Garden   1:00 – 2:00 pm
  • Landscaping with Roses   Ciscoe Morris   2:30 pm 
  • Rose Ice Cream Social   3:30 pm

A Taste of Seattle

Just in time for Father’s Day, Primrose is hosting a tasting of its newest line of gourmet foods prepared by the Boat Street Café & Deli located near Pike Place Market. Chef and owner Renee Erickson, responding to the gentle and unyielding prodding of both staff and clientele to make her unique pickles available beyond the doors of her French-influenced restaurant, now offers four products that are appearing in many a gourmand’s pantry.  Boat Street’s pickled prunes pair well with roast chicken; the figs are a must for vanilla ice cream; the red onion is an excellent accompaniment with grilled fish and the golden raisins take roast pork to a new level. The fresh ingredients combine with arbol chile, mustard, coriander, rosemary, orange peel and red wine. Erickson at present is doing all the pickling herself in Boat Street’s kitchen and often enlists the aid of her mother who lives on Camano Island.  To complement these new additions to Primroses pantry, Craig Himes of Amadeus Distributors will be on hand to let you sample their handcrafted wines.   Plan to stop by Primrose between 1 and 3 pm on Saturday, June 13, and sample these taste-tempting delights that would make a savory gift for every Dad!

A Deer-Resistant Garden 

A deer- resistant garden…some may ask if any such thing really exists and with the frequent inquiries posed by our customers, many of whom live on neighboring islands, we would not dare offer any suggestions without the familiar disclaimer:  Deer-Resistant Gardens—not Deer Proof! We realize the challenges that many gardeners face, and while they enjoy wildlife and the pleasure they bring, the feeling sours ever so slightly when hundreds of dollars of foliage become the banquet for ravenous deer that have selected their backyard for its smorgasbord.  The following is a suggested planting for a small garden that thrives in sun or part shade and could act as a buffer for the scouring herd.  While we often hear “they will eat anything when push comes to shove” this selection attempts to dampen rather than whet their appetites.  For a list of deer-resistant plants for our area and the layout of the plants listed below, please come in for your copy at our Garden Store and be sure to ask for Kathryn Poole, our resident perennial expert!
 Suggested plants for a 5 x 20 ft. area: Acanthus mollis,  Aconitum carmichaelii ‘Arendsii,’ Choisya ternata ‘Sundance,’ bergenia, carex, Saxifraga urbium (London Pride series), pulmonaria, phlox, salvia and thalictrum.
~ Joanne Romann

 Index    Classes and Events     Specials    

Water Gardens
Saturday, June 6     11:00 am – noon
 reservations required       $5 

With summer comes the thought of water gardens and ponds and we are fortunate to have Kathy and Scott Ramin of Still Waters Aquatic Gardens return to give you an overview of water gardening. Whether you are a seasoned aquatic gardener or a novice they will be able to advise you which plants will best perform for your unique situation.  Join us for what always proves to be an entertaining program by this dynamic duo!

The Elegant White Garden
Saturday, June 13     11:00 am – noon
 reservations required     $5 

Don’t miss this slide show presented by Barbara Flynn, an accomplished gardener, who will share with you the plants suited to creating a White Garden known as a Moon Garden. This elegant gathering of flora with white flowers combining with silvery foliage, creates a garden equally enjoyed by day or in the moonlight. 

Spotlight on David Austin Roses
Saturday, June 13     noon – 3:00 pm

Cancelled

Meet Debbie Remblence from David Austin Roses who will be in our Rose Garden to answer your questions on these exquisite roses that combine the forms and fragrance of old roses with the repeat performance of modern roses.

Sixth Annual Rose Festival
Saturday, June 20     9:00 am – 6:00 pm

(see above)

Vertical Gardening
Saturday, June 27     11:00 am – noon
 reservations required    $5

Whether you are challenged by lack of space or have a passion for vines, this program on Vertical Gardening is for you.  Join Sally Isaiou from T & L Nursery in Woodinville who will showcase versatile vines that will climb your walls, arbors and trellises and provide an exotic backdrop for your patio or deck.

Cooking with Herbs:  Picnic Fare
Saturday, July 4     11:00 am – 1:00 pm
 reservations required     $12

It’s the Fourth of July and time for a picnic!  Join Joanne Romann as she demonstrates the preparation of herbal favorites that will travel well in your picnic basket. Marinated flank steak rolls with pesto filling, fruit and flower salad with blueberry vinaigrette, cashew deviled eggs, warm German potato salad and lemon verbena bars complete the menu accompanied by orange mint sweet tea.  Bon appetite!

The Exotic World of Bamboo
Saturday, July 11     11:00 – noon
 reservations required     $5

Jackie Heinricher, founder of Boo-Shoot Gardens in Mount Vernon, will take you on an exciting discovery of the King of Grasses and fastest growing plant on earth.  Recognized for its upright and elegant profile, bamboo is now in the spotlight as a sustainable resource and has shed its negative press with the onset of the new non-invasive clumping varieties.  Don’t miss this informative and exciting look at clumping bamboos…bamboos that behave! 

Winning the Weed Battle
Saturday, July 18     11:00 – noon
 reservations required     $5

The growing season is in full swing and the perennial battle of weeds is underway.  If only our plants had the tenacity of the common weed that seems to multiply overnight and invade the carefully tended flower garden.  Ani Gurnee of Morning Light Design has agreed to take up the challenge and lend her years of experience to combat the ubiquitous weed in all its forms in an earth-friendly fashion. Let Ani guide you through the annual challenge so that your flowers will remain victors in the flower bed!

Living Sedum Wreaths
Saturday, July 25     10:00 – noon
 reservations required     $35 (includes all materials)

Joanne Romann will offer this popular class in designing a living wreath incorporating the extensive variety of sedums and succulents whose varied coloring and textures form a living tapestry to enjoy from season to season.

Luring the Hummingbird
Saturday, August 1     11:00 – noon
 reservations required     $5

While the fuchsia is well-known as a magnet for hummingbirds, plan to attend this class that focuses on the countless nectar plants that will keep these jewels of the garden coming year after year.

A Tropical Invasion
Saturday, August 8     10:00 – noon
 reservations required    $5

Eric Andrews has pursued his love of tropical plants for over fifteen years and will share with you his favorite plants that bring a look of the tropics to your Northwest Garden.

Hypertufa Troughs
Saturday, August 15     10:00 – noon
 reservations required     $35

Heidi Klepper is back to teach this class on molding your own container to resemble the antique feed troughs that once dotted the English countryside.  All materials will be provided as well as planting “recipes” for your
 one-of-a-kind creation.

World of Grasses
Saturday, August 22     10:00 – noon
 reservations required     $5

Eric Andrews returns to present his annual tribute to grasses from Carex to Ophiopogon in this informal lecture on the true winners in the world of grasses.  Hurry and sign up for this popular class that will answer all your landscape questions concerning ornamental grasses.

Miniature Gardens
Saturday, August 29     11:00 am – 12:30 pm
 reservations required     $15 (plus plants)

Miniature or Lilliputian gardens are mirrors of life-sized landscapes whose essence is captured in the confines of small containers.  Take a glimpse into this fascinating world of miniature gardening with Joanne Romann who will help you create a scaled-down version of your dream garden. Class size is limited so make your reservation today!

Children in the Garden,   Nature Crafts Series    ages 5 – 10
July 8, 15, 22 & 29    10:00 am – noon
reservations required     $5 per session

    Christianson's Summer Calendar 2009
(back to index )

If you wish to attend any of the following classes or events, please call our Mount Vernon Nursery at (360) 466-3821. Preregistration is required for all of our classes, unless stated otherwise.

CLASSES & EVENTS
(back to index)
See details above this list.

WEEKLY RADIO BROADCAST
The Garden Show Sunday Mornings
With John and Mike
AM 660 KAPS • 9:30 am


Water Gardens
June 6       11:00  am

The Elegant White Garden
June 13     11:00 am

Sixth Annual Rose Festival
June 20     9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Vertical Gardening
June 27     11:00 am

Cooking with Herbs:  Picnic Fare
July 4    11:00 am

The Exotic World of Bamboo
July 11       11:00 am

Winning the Weed Battle
July 18     11:00 am

Living Sedum Wreaths
July 25     10:00 am

Luring the Hummingbird
August 1     11:00 am

A Tropical Invasion
August 8     10:00 am

Hypertufa Troughs
August 15     10:00 am

World of Grasses
August 22  10:00 am

Miniature Gardens
August 29     11:00 am
Summer Specials
(back to index)
Through June 11
Vine Sale
our vigorous growing akebia, clematis,
honeysuckle, jasmine, wisteria,
and much more
20% off
July 6 – 19
Hydrangeas
our huge selection of summer
blooming favorites – includes ‘hortensias’
and ‘lacecaps,’ oak leaf and Peegee tree
hydrangeas
20% off
June 12 - 25
Perennial Sale
our best selection of perennials ever--
thousands of plants for sun or shade
4 inch or 1 gallon sizes
20% off
July 20 – Aug 2
Summer Herbs
basil, lavender, oregano, sage,
rosemary and thyme
20% off
June 26 – June 30
"Lemon" Sale
ugly plants with beautiful futures
nursery seconds at greatly reduced prices
includes perennials, shrubs and trees priced
to sell-up to 70% off
August 3 – 23
Outdoor Containers
our huge selection of small to
very large glazed and terra cotta
outdoor containers
20% off
July 1 - 5
Annual 40% Off Sale
hanging baskets featuring
geraniums, impatiens, petunias,
 fuchsias, lobelia and more
also annuals in packs as well as 2 & 4-inch
Aug 24 - 31
Summer Heather
hardy blooming plants in a
variety of colors
20% off
 Click Here to download our June - August 2009 Garden Gazette in pdf format
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