February - March 2010
 John Christianson, Editor
 Click Here to download a copy of our February - March 2010 Garden Gazette in pdf format

More Than Just A Garden

On Christmas day I promised Maeve a tea garden. When she was just a year old she was so taken with the ritual of drinking tea that whenever she heard me offer her mother Allyson a cup of tea she would climb up on a chair and sit at the table expecting her very own tea in her very own cup. Drinking from one of our cups just would not do. In fact, "tea" was one of her first words – maybe even the first. So, I thought it would be enjoyable for us to plant a tea garden this Spring. I will help her plant just a few 'tea-making' plants in a sunny location where she can walk all the way around her little garden without me, sometimes considered the garden grinch, having to continually warn her about stepping on other plants. It will be in a portable galvanized tub short enough so she can reach all the plants to water, weed, fertilize and harvest. Given her love for all flavors of tea we will plant chamomile, lavender, lemon balm, lemon verbena, mints, and scented geraniums in this first garden. Then she can pick and mix fresh leaves and flowers to steep in her very own tea pot to serve in her very own tea cups. As the years go by Maeve will become more discriminating and decide what to put in and what to leave out of her garden according to her taste. At the end of each season we will dry leaves and flowers from these plants to use for tea during the Fall and Winter months. Tea will be served each day directly after her nap along with a small snack of cheese and crackers. Or, better yet, tea with whatever berries are ripe, picked straight from the garden while still warm from the sun and piled high on crackers with peanut butter. What better way to teach our granddaughter the rhythm of seasonal patterns in the garden? In warm weather we will drink our tea in the garden where we will discuss and enjoy the scents of lilacs, peonies, roses and honeysuckle. In rainy weather we will have our tea on the porch where she will see the changing landscape of the farm fields below and the snow-covered Cascades in the distance. And, in stormy weather we will sit in the potting shed huddled next to the old parlor stove and listen to the rain pounding on the greenhouse roof and the wind whistling down the chimney. As Maeve grows our conversations will grow and as the culture of our lives is so intimately entwined in our casual conversations she will surely learn both trivial and important things about her mother's life and about the women who came before her. She will hear how her mother worked to rebuild bridges and trails in National Parks, sleeping under the stars and going for weeks without a real bath. She will learn that her father's love of the outdoors is one of the many reasons her mother fell in love with him. She will realize that when I was growing up the acceptable careers for women were teaching and nursing while now the sky is the limit. She will come to know that the grandmother I drank tea with had marched in parades demanding voting rights for women. And that another great-great-grandmother, despite being orphaned at a young age, went on to college which was an unusual occurrence for women at the turn of the last century. She will learn that the women on her father's side of the family were from strong, pioneering families all of whom homesteaded here in Washington State in the area now known as La Conner. I will tell her that another ancestor helped establish the first apple orchards in Wenatchee and had a rose garden considered the best in Eastern Washington. And in this relaxed environment Maeve will learn to cherish her family and herself while nurturing her garden. She will undoubtedly experience the satisfaction of completing a project while enjoying the fruits of her labor. But perhaps more importantly she will learn how well tea, family stories and conversation go together as we spend time in the garden.

Toni Christianson

A Fascination for Hellebores

Christianson’s Annual Winter Festival—February 26th - 28th

with Guest Speakers Glenn Withey and Charles Price
Saturday, February 27 at 1:00 pm


We are happy to announce that this year’s guest speakers for our annual tribute to hellebores are Glenn Withey and Charles Price, curators of the E.B. Dunn Historic Woodland Garden and considered two of the Northwest’s leading garden designers. Charles’ lecture “Method in His Madness” will describe his involvement in hybridizing the Helleborus hybridus ‘Mardi Gras’ series. This hybrid is part of the Lenten Rose group and is an exquisite display of beautiful colors from nearly black to deep purple to rose to pink with dark green foliage and slightly larger flowers. This presentation will be offered in our 1888 Historic Schoolhouse along with the hellebore exhibit in our Propagation house showcasing these wintertime beauties with single and double blooms. On display will be Helleborus argutifolius, H.foetidlus, H. niger, H. orientalis, H. sternii and other hybrids set among winter blooming daphnes and fragrant citrus trees. Learn how to grow and care for your hellebores and get a copy of our Companion Plants for Hellebores. Register early for this complimentary program.

Photography Contest

In conjunction with our Annual Winter Festival: A Fascination for Hellebores, we are excited to announce our Winter Gardens Photography Contest. Amateurs and professionals alike are encouraged to participate by submitting up to two digital images of previously unpublished images in two categories (1) artistic (in-camera) impression of a winter garden or single plant utilizing close up, multiple exposure or special focus techniques and/or (2) an artistic (computer) enhanced impression. 5 x 7 photos should be mounted on black mat board with a 2 to 3 inch border. An entry coupon should be affixed to the back of each mounted photograph. Entry forms are available at the Nursery or you may request one at chrisnsy@fidalgo.net. Entries must be postmarked or delivered to Christianson’s Nursery & Greenhouse by Friday, February 19, 2010. Submittals to Christianson’s Winter Gardens Photography Contest will be professionally judged by Scott Terrell, Photography Editor for the Skagit Valley Herald. Prizes will be awarded to first, second, and third place winners. Christianson’s Nursery & Greenhouse reserves the right to use the images in future publications with proper permission and acknowledgment. For additional information call (360) 466-3821.

Time to Plant Sweet Peas

An heirloom Sweet Pea that you should plan to add to your garden this year is ‘Blushing Bride’ (Lathyrus odoratus), a Spencer variety of sweet pea known for it large, ruffled petals. This old-fashioned climber grows to 6’ and can adorn a railing or trellis or climb a woven twig tee pee. Planning a summer wedding? Nothing could be more elegant than these fragrant, long-lasting blooms. Blushing Bride is easy to grow from seed and you will be rewarded with soft pink and cream blooms contrasted with blue-green foliage.

Flower and Garden Show

Plan to visit us at the 2010 Flower and Garden Show February 3 through 7 in Seattle. This year the Nursery is participating in the Container Gardening Exhibition located on the Sky Bridge. We are keeping our theme a surprise so you will have to come and see for yourself. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite entry! It’s not too late to sign up for the buses leaving Christianson’s Wednesday through Saturday at 8:30 am and returning at 6:00 pm. Call 466-3821 to purchase your combination bus ticket and show pass. The Saturday “party bus” is a first for us and you will ride in style and be served “libations” and hors d’oeuvres and a good time will be had by all! - Joanne Romann

 Index    Classes and Events     Specials    

Pruning Overgrown Fruit Trees
Saturday, February 6  11:00 am
$5  reservations required

Ani Gurnee of Morning Light Design will host this second segment of her three-part pruning series with the dilemma that new homeowners often face: how to rejuvenate worn-out fruit trees and return them to beauty and productivity. As always you will leave well-informed and equipped to tackle this satisfying chore!

Digital Photography Series
February 13  11:00 am
$5  reservations required

Capturing Close-ups of Gardens in the Valley will be the topic of John and Kathy Willson’s continuing photography series. Award-winning photographers with the Museum of Flight and owners of Swede Hill Dahlia Sunflower Farm on Whidbey Island, John and Kathy simplify digital photography and help you get the most from your camera.

Celebrate Mardi Gras!
Saturday, February 13  1:00 pm
$12  reservations required

With Mardi Gras approaching thoughts turn to New Orleans and the wonderful foods associated with this celebration. Joanne Romann will continue her Cooking with Herb Series featuring well-known favorites including jambalaya, red beans and rice and white chocolate bread pudding.

Ready, Set, Grow
Saturday, February 20  11:00 am
$5  reservations required

It’s time to think vegetable gardens and no one can put you in the planting mood better than our own vegetable guru Bob Hart. Don’t miss this fact-filled program that is always an annual favorite. Bob will provide you with all the information you will need to plant a successful vegetable garden and share with you his top performers suitable for Zones 7 and 8.

A Method in His Madness
Saturday, February 27  1:00 pm
Complimentary  reservations required
See above, "A Fascination for Hellebores".

Sensational Seeds with Ed Hume
Saturday, March 6  1:00 pm
$5  reservations required

We are excited to have author and TV and radio personality Ed Hume visit Christianson’s and talk to us about growing annuals and perennials from seed. This endeavor is not only rewarding but also economical and the best way to create mass plantings. Ed will share with you his favorite annuals to produce an abundance of summer color and perennials to provide structure and year-round color. Don’t miss this exciting and informative program!

The Art of Pruning Roses
Saturday, March 13  11:00 am
$5  reservations required

Robyn Swesey from the Tri-Valley Rose Society returns to demonstrate her pruning strategy and share her tips on pruning roses including hybrid teas, floribundas, grandifloras and climbers. Like all members of the Society, Robyn is passionate about collecting roses and is devoted to making them look like they starred in a David Austen catalog. Sharpen your pruners and get ready for an entertaining show!

Mosaic Design Class
Saturday, March 13  1:30 - 5:30 pm
$35  reservations required

Back by popular demand is local mosaic artist Connie Funk who will lead you through this fun and fascinating interactive demonstration. Connie will share her tech­niques and teach you all you need to know: design, safety procedures and products to create your own home and garden mosaics. You will receive a class outline and resource list and come away inspired and informed. Make your reservation early as this class fills up fast. Light refreshments will be served.

Growing Vegetables in Containers
Saturday, March 20  11:00 am
$5  reservations required

The dynamic duo is back: Karol Weston from Joe’s Garden and chef and food entrepreneur Mary Ellen Carter. Karol will focus on vegetables adaptable to containers and explore all the varieties she and her husband have successfully grown at their Bellingham nursery. Mary Ellen, author of “At Joe’s Garden” and other wonderful cookbooks, will highlight recipes starring these top performers. A must- see event!

Spring Garden Walk
Sunday, March 21  1:00 pm
Complimentary  reservations requested

John Christianson extends an invitation for you to join him on this seasonal walk with Spring less than 24-hours old.You will tour the adjacent gardens of La Conner Flats, owned by Margie and Bob Hart. Explore this lovely jewel with its formal and informal plantings and see spring open before your eyes.

Allées to Espaliers
Saturday, March 27  11:00 am
$5  reservations required

This is the third installment in the pruning series offered by Ani Gurnee of Morning Light Design. Her espalier programs are always a favorite and in this class she will also discuss other intriguing aspects of architectural gardening including the popular allee.

What’s New in 2010?
Sunday, March 28  1:00 pm
$5  reservations required

Annie Reiss from Skagit Gardens will delight you with her enthusiasm for what’s new in the flower world. Her slide show will feature tried and true favorites with many new “relatives” that will appeal to the plant collector in us all.

Open 9am to 5pm daily

    Christianson's Winter - Spring Calendar 2010
(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

Pruning Overgrown Fruit Trees
February 6, 11:00 am

Digital Photography Series
February 13, 11:00 am

Celebrate Mardi Gras
February 13, 1:00 pm

Ready, Set, Grow
February 20, 11:00 am

A Fascination for Hellabores
February 27, 1:00 pm

Sensational Seeds with Ed Hume
March 6, 1:00 pm

The Art of Pruning Roses
March 13, 11:00 am

Mosaic Design Class
March 13, 1:30 – 5:30 pm

Growing Vegetables in Containers

March 20, 11:00 am

Spring Garden Walk
March 21, 1:00 pm

Allees to Espaliers
March 27, 11:00 am

What's New in 2010
March 28, 1:00 pm
Winter / Spring Specials
(back to index)

February 1 – 7
Blooming Witch Hazel Sale
our winter favorite
20% off

February 8 – 25
Rose Sale
our biggest Rose Sale of the year!
includes the new 2010 All-America Rose selections, antique, English,
climbing and drought tolerant rugosa roses
20% off

March 12 – 21
Camellia Sale
Winter and Spring flowering beauties—
many in bloom
20% off

March 22 – April 1
Heather Sale
hundreds of winter and spring
flowering plants
20% off

February 26 - March 11
Bare Root Sale
the best selection of the year
fruit, flowering and shade trees,
berries, lilacs and hydrangeas
20% off already low bare root prices

April 2 – 15
Magnolia Sale
hundreds of beautiful blooming
trees with white, pink, purple or
yellow flowers
20% off

 Click Here to download our February - March 2010 Garden Gazette in pdf format
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