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Greetings from Christianson's!
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Yeah, I'll admit it - I'm a party pooper on the Fourth.
I am one of those people who tends to stay put during the Fourth of July, even when the commercial fireworks displays are relatively close to my house. I just can't muster the mental energy to get in my car, fight for parking and deal with the crowds. The best commercial displays require days of planning and strategizing: mapping out the best route to get to and from the show; scouting the best spot to camp out for the duration; creating the 'picnic' menu; packing the car, and then emotionally preparing to sit on a blanket for 8-10 hours in the middle of a park in the hot sun (or rain!) all for 20 minutes of "oooohing, aaaahing" starting right at my normal bed time.
My neighborhood turns into World War III until the wee hours of the morning because I happen to live near an Indian reservation that sells fireworks that nobody's supposed to set off. The next day I get to go out in the garden to collect the half-burned, spent rubbish scattered about, thanking my lucky stars my garden didn't go up in smoke.
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Molly the Mollusk being,
well, Molly the Mollusk
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The other issue is my dogs. Many dogs are terrified of the noise and my new rescue dog, Molly the Mollusk, is no exception. The Fourth hasn't officially started and she's already acting nervous hearing the distant pops and snaps from those folks jumping the gun, so to speak. Time to go to the vet for doggy sedatives, I think.
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Mighty dog, Snorky Doodles
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On the other hand, my 5 pound dog (soaking wet), Snorky Doodles is fearless. In the rare year we are feeling adventurous on the Fourth, my significant other and I will take him for an evening walk around the area to immerse ourselves in the continuous light show that surrounds us. He simply occupies himself reading his p-mail with an occasional curious glance up to watch a bottle rocket explode. The Fourth doesn't faze him at all. In fact, I think he rather enjoys it. He's an extravert to Molly's introvert.
So, the scenario this year will be Snorky sitting outside on the front porch watching the neighborhood light show and Molly will be hiding under a blanket in the closet, passed out. Roland and I will be planted on the sofa watching the Lake Union show on our high definition, big screen TV going, "oooooh, aaaaaah."
Have a sane and safe Fourth, everyone!
Debra Lacy,
Certified Professional Horticulturist & Editor
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Where To Find Us
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15806 Best Road
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Map and directions
www.christiansonsnursery.com
360-466-3821
1-800-585-8200
Summer Hours
Open daily 9 am - 6 pmJuly 4th open until 3 pm
Weekly Radio Broadcast:
Sunday Mornings at 10:30 am
The Garden Show
with John and Mike
KAPS AM 660
Voted Best Greenhouse and Nursery
in Skagit Publishing's
People's Choice Awards for
2010, 2011 and 2012
Save the Date!Skagit Valley
Giant Pumpkin Festival
Saturday, September 26
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July Specials
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June 29 - July 5
ugly plants with beautiful futures!
Nursery seconds at greatly reduced prices
50% to 70% off
July 1 - 9
Annual 40% off Sale
hanging baskets, geraniums, impatiens,
petunias, fuchsias, lobelia and more
annuals in packs, 2-inch and 4-inch pots
40% off
July 10 - 19
Hydrangeas
our huge selection of summer-blooming
favorites includes "hortensias", lacecaps, oakleaf
and peegee tree forms.
20% off
July 20 - 31
Summer Herbs
basil, lavender, oregano, parsley, sage
rosemary and thyme...and much more
20% off
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Upcoming Classes & Events
.: JULY :.
UPCOMING EVENTS
- SAVE THE DATE!
The Skagit Valley Giant Pumpkin FestivalSaturday, September 26
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information visit our web site at
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The Garden in July
by Rachel Anderson
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In the words of Shel Silverstein:
It's hot!
I can't get cool,
I've drunk a quart of lemonade.
I think I'll take my shoes off
And sit around in the shade.
.... Read more
To download a printable copy of this article, click here.  Thanks to her mom, Rachel has been gardening since childhood. She was part of the team at Christianson's for 13 years before deciding to strike out on her own as a full time professional gardener and continues to contribute to Garden Notes. She's a Certified Professional Horticulturist with a passion for roses and vegetable gardening. Rachel and her family enjoy gardening together and now share their urban garden with a menagerie of ducks, chickens, two cats, and a dog.
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Christianson's Great Design Plants
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Fabulous Fastigiates!
Gardeners often come into the nursery asking for a certain tree that will work in one of "those" spaces: an awkward, skinny location where you need what seems like a tailor made variety that grows much taller than it does wide. These particular trees are called "fastigiated", which means tall and narrow, or tower-like.
Smaller lot sizes often set up such spots that require specialized trees to grow along narrow setbacks, next to walls or fences or as a distinct focal point next to an entry or along a walkway. Here is a list of fabulous fastigiates that fit the bill:
 Carpinus betulus 'Fastigiata': A narrow form of European Hornbeam, this variety makes a great specimen tree or focal point of great symmetrical and architectural value. Often used as an effective year-round screen or tall, wide hedge when used in rows. The textural, pleated looking leaves turn a lovely yellow in fall. Grows to 30 feet and eventually gets wider with age - to 20 feet. Plant in full sun to partial sun preferably in well drained soil, although it can adapt to a variety of soil conditions. Hardy to -25 degrees (F).
 Cupressus macrocarpa 'Golden Pillar': Compact conifer with golden green foliage throughout the entire year. It will be more gold in full sun with golden-yellow foliage on the outside, yellow-green inside. Branch tips point upward on this narrow tree that grows to 20' tall and 4' wide in 10 years. Use as an eye-catching accent or narrow hedge. Grows fast, 12" annually. Plant in good drainage. It's also tolerant of salt spray and wind. Hardy to 0-5 degrees (F).
 Fagus sylvatica 'Dawyck Gold': This deciduous beech cultivar has an upright, columnar habit, and its initial slow growth changes after a few years to medium-fast, but never really fast. Young leaves are bright yellowish green, turning to glowing grass green throughout the season. They can be twice as large as opposed to the species and are elegantly glossy. Plant in larger groupings which is preferred rather than planting as a specimen tree due to its slow growth requiring many years to look good on its own. It is drought tolerant and does best in part-shade. Fully hardy to -25 degrees (F).  Ilex aquifolium 'Angustifolia': This narrowly conical form with small, slender, flat, spiny leaves and vivid red fruit on a female plant makes a lovely specimen or focal point in the garden. Grows 5-9' tall and 4' wide in ten years. Grows in sun to part shade in acidic, well drained soil. Hardy 0-5 degrees (F).
 Liquidamber styraciflua 'Slender Silhouette': This sweetgum cultivar is prized for its very narrow habit and lovely fall color. This tall, thin tree is perfect for tight spaces, small gardens or as a striking vertical accent. It grows 35 to 50 feet tall and just 4 feet wide! The bark develops deep furrows as the tree matures. Some see American sweetgums as a nuisance for the fruit ( a spiky seed-filled ball) that they drop. 'Slender Silhouette' produces only a little fruit, and it falls in a small area since the tree is so narrow. Deciduous and quick to grow. Grows in full sun to part shade, in moist but well-drained soil. Hardy to - 20 degrees (F).
 Thuja Occidentalis 'Yellow Ribbon': This arborvitae is a distinctive evergreen with very narrow habit. Showy, dense foliage is golden-yellow maintaining color throughout the year. Attractive for accents or screens; use any place where brilliant color is needed. Grow in full to part sun. Water regularly in extreme heat and until well established. Grows 10' tall and 3' wide in 10 years. Hardy to -30 degrees (F).
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Primrose Antiques & Gifts
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For BBQs, picnics and camping, we have laminated tablecloths and aprons from ImpWear, a Seattle-based company. These tablecloths and aprons are made from 100% cotton and laminated with a water-based urethane coating, making them soft, drapey, and splash-proof. Most importantly, they are food safe, eco-friendly, and come in a great assortment of fun designs.
From a new line called RockFlowerPaper, we have canvas tote bags, bucket bags, cosmetic bags, lunch totes and gift bags, all in fresh summer colors. Also from this line are beautiful drink coasters and serving trays with nature-inspired artwork.
On those hot summer days, don't forget to pack your umbrella. You'll be sitting pretty (and cool) under one of our art-inspired umbrellas, such as Monet's Garden, Water Lilies, Gustav Klimt's 'The Kiss', Paris and London scenes, Antique Roses, and more. Bath products...
After a day of summer garden chores, sometimes it takes more than a bar of soap to scrub off the grime, sun block, and berry stains. Given that, we now carry a full line of bath items, such as pumice stones, natural bristle body brushes, nail brushes, and soap mitts and back scrubbers made from bamboo and jute.Michel line of beautiful soaps and lotions in summery fragrances such as Lemon Basil, Pink Grapefruit, Lavender Rosemary, Honey Almond, Sweet Apple, and many more. From Pre de Provence, No, 63 is a men's line of shaving products, including cube soap, shower gel, shaving cream, shaving soap in a tin, a shaving brush, and after-shave balm. Enriched with shea butter, coconut oil, and aloe vera, No. 63 has a peppery, citrus top note rounded by a warm, cedarwood fragrance. It's designed to be a men's line but because it's so hydrating (and smells so good), it's quickly become a favorite among some of our female staff members.
Also from Pre de Provence, Rose de Mai beauty oils, balms, soaps, and lotions, as well as beautifully packaged soaps from the Private Collection in exquisite scent combinations such as Rhubarb & Mint Tea, Tobacco Flower & Vanilla, Cardamom, Absinthe & Sandalwood, and Wild Celery & Tonka Bean.
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Fresh Ideas
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Here's an assortment of fun ideas, helpful tips and great recipes for July including, tips on saving water (since we're officially in a drought), creating beautiful garden rooms, light summer recipes, using goats as weed control and Simply click on the link below the photo to learn more. We hope you enjoy this month's collection of fresh ideas! |
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Closing Thought...
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Statistics show that we lose more fools on this day than in all the other days of the year put together. This proves, by the number left in stock, that one Fourth of July per year is now inadequate, the country has grown so.
- Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar (Mark Twain)
A Victorian Techno-Chemical Cookbook (circa 1888) with recipes for gunpowder, fireworks, explosives, tobacco and, wait for it.... beer and candy.
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Garden Notes Editor:
Debra Lacy, Public Relations
Christianson's Nursery & Greenhouse
360-466-3821
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