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| Click Here to download a copy of our June - August 2010 Garden Gazette in pdf format | ||||||||||||
Pop's Vegetable GardenAs Pop (a contraction of Papa, our name of endearment for our Father) was selecting seed, he would be wearing his worn suit pants, an old white shirt with sleeves rolled up to show a deep tan, a brown Stetson hat and heavy leather boots—the boots being the only item purchased especially for working in the garden. He would smell of sweet pipe tobacco and garden earth as did the Seattle Garden Center back in the times when it was almost entirely a man’s domain. All the men in the garden center were wearing their old clothes from their weekday work, not a pair of sweats or sneakers in sight, and many of them were here to buy new and improved strains of vegetable seeds along with vegetable starts and recommended garden chemicals considered necessary for a fine annual harvest of fruits and vegetables. There were no flowers in sight but the appeal to me was to see a part of Pop’s world which was unavailable to me during his workweek – |
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Seventh Annual Rose Festival
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Calling All Rosarians…As part of Christianson’s annual Rose Festival, the Tri-Valley Rose Society is once again hosting its Rose Display in our Schoolhouse and is extending an invitation to amateurs and experts alike to submit their roses to be judged in one of three categories: 1) Best in show 2) Best Fragrant Rose and 3) Best Floral Design incorporating perennials and roses. Winners will be announced by Ciscoe Morris in the afternoon and gift certificates will be awarded. Entries must be submitted by 9:30 am on June 19th. Call 466-3821 for more information. |
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The Conservatory’s TreasuresA trip to Christianson’s often is a quick sprint to the perennial beds or to House 5 to select the perfect tomato plant, or to the Propagation House to select from the myriad number of geraniums in countless shades of pink, coral and orange. Primrose, too, is often the intended destination as you search for that special gift for the pampered gardener in your life. But tucked behind our Garden Store is another unique corner—the Conservatory. Next time you visit take the time to meander through its narrow winding aisles flanked by orchids, tropical Birds of Paradise and ficus trees. Overhead hang exotic ferns, Hoyas and Clerodendrons. All these plants serve as the backdrop for wonderful “finds” that no gardener should be without. There is the vast array of orchid pots, terracotta and AW pottery known for its excellent glazes and frost-proof qualities. Rain chains are suspended from above showing their coppery glow and depicting how they perform in their outdoor environment to channel water to a basin or rain barrel. Plant dollies are available in different sizes and styles to elevate your plant and enable you to move them with ease. Decorative plant feet serve a similar purpose in that they raise your pot off the ground and provide air circulation and prevent staining of your deck or porch. Amidst these treasures there is the sound of cascading water from indoor fountains. Overhead are assorted hummingbird feeders to attract these winged visitors to the garden and diverse garden ornaments that shelter votives perfect for an evening gathering. These are but a few of the many treasures harbored in this quiet corner of the Nursery. On your next visit set aside a few minutes to explore this tropical haven. |
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How Sweet it is…When planning your garden be sure to make room for two showy shrubs whose fragrant blooms are welcome additions to the summertime parade of plants. Clethra alnifolia, commonly referred to as Summersweet, is native to the eastern United States and is found in moist woodlands. This upright, deciduous shrub ranges from 5 to 8 feet and has dense green foliage that turns golden in the fall. Its nicely fragrant white flowers are held in racemes that bloom in July and August on the current season’s growth. Clethra prefers moist, acidic soil with organic matter and is tolerant of full sun or partial shade. Available cultivars include ‘Hummingbird’ known for its compact growth and heavy flowering, ‘Pink Spire’ which sports rose-colored buds that open to light pink and ‘Ruby Spice’ an award-winning selection recognized for its red buds that open to pink showcased against green, glossy foliage. Itea virginica, known as Sweetspire, is another shrub that satisfies the gardener looking for a plant that has neat foliage, fragrant flowers, fall color and is easy to grow. Like Clethra, Itea is an East Coast native that is found along stream banks in moist soil. Here in the Pacific Northwest Itea grows in average, medium to wet soil in full sun to part shade. Popular cultivars include ‘Henry’s Garnet’ with 6” long spikes of lightly fragrant white flowers that bloom in June and July. At maturity it reaches 3’ – 4’ tall. Its green foliage with coppery new growth turns bright red in the fall adding to autumn’s palette. Another selection is ‘Little Henry’ with shorter flower spikes and brilliant red to purple autumn color. ‘Little Henry’ grows 3’ by 3’ and is known for its dense, compact habit and competes with the burning bush (euonymus alata) for its late fall display. For nature enthusiasts either of these shrubs would be welcome additions as they attract both birds and butterflies. |
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| Christianson's Summer Calendar (reservations required, $5 per class unless otherwise noted) |
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Invincible Vines
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Water Gardens
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Children in the Garden Series
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Concrete Cast Leaf Design
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Children in the Garden- Leap Frog
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It ’s Blueberry Time
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Attracting Birds to the Garden
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Bamboo—the Long and Short of It Let Eric Andrews take the fear out of growing bamboo—one of the most exciting yet misunderstood plants in the world. Eric will demystify the behavior and cultivation of the “King of Grasses” and open your eyes to its versatility and potential in your landscape. |
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Hypertufa Kathy Hirdler of Floribunda Designs is our guest artist who will explore with you the world of hypertufa. Each participant will complete a hypertufa trough that once cured will make a rustic container to showcase herbs and succulents. Sign up early for this popular class!. |
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Weed…Be Gone! It’s August and about the time gardeners everywhere are overwhelmed by the weeds that seem to be winning the race. Ani Gurnee of Morning Light Design, will tackle this challenge to rid gardens of the seemingly invincible weeds. By applying sound garden principles you will resolve your dilemma organically and achieve success in your garden. |
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Designer Stepping Stones Mosaic artist Constance Funk will instruct you in this fun-filled make-and-take-class where you will design your own stepping stone. The “frosting” technique employed allows you to create your own design utilizing tiles and beads. Each student will complete one stepping stone that incorporates all the principles needed to venture out on your own. |
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Children in the Garden Series Children will be introduced to miniature trees, groundcovers and succulents that can be used to create miniature gardens. Each child will complete a miniature garden in this make-and-take class. |
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Open 9am to 5pm daily |
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Christianson's Summer 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. |
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CLASSES & EVENTS
(back to index) See details above this list.
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Click Here to download our June - August 2010 Garden Gazette in pdf format
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