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It's Spring Time in the Skagit Valley!
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Tulip Festival Highlights at
Christianson's Nursery
10th Annual Stanwood-Camano Arts Guild in the Schoolhouse
April 1 - 30, 10:00 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Pat's Philly Steak Sandwiches & Crepes
April 1 - 30, 11:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
New! Very Important Parties Espresso Catering
April weekends, Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Live Cajun Music at Christianson's
Saturday, April 29, 2017, noon - 3:00 p.m.
Learn What's Happening Here
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Suggestions from Our Seasoned Staff
Undeserving of winter's cold shoulder, rhododendrons are the thorough-breds of hardy shrubs. Recently our staff unloaded a 48 foot trailer, making it our biggest single order of rhododendrons ever! On it were varieties with names like, 'Starlight Champagne' (pale yellow blooms, dark center with a distinctively lily-esque flower shape) and 'Mango Tango' (sultry orange-yellow blooms) both of which you would surely bet on if you were at the race track.
Our Assistant Nursery Buyer at Christianson's, Heidi Klepper, has selected rhododendrons, keeping in mind several factors for April's high season, such as early bloomers, uncommon species; (known for their radiance in foliage) and hybrids (better known for their flowers). Here is what she had to say.
Q: What is an exceptional rhododendron and why?
A: 'Nancy Evans': One of our best performing yellow varieties. A round, compact shrub with dark-orange buds that, in May, open into beautiful clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers. This hardy hybrid can be planted in beds, borders, or on slopes, and looks great in cottage and informal gardens. 'Taurus': Grows to 5 feet tall, blooms in mid-April with large, ball shaped brilliant red trusses set off against forest green leaves.
Q: What is the difference between species rhododendrons and hybrid rhododendrons?
A: Species rhododendrons are the original rhododendrons and the plants used to breed hybrids. They are grown mostly for their compelling foliage color and texture. When you are at the Nursery, make sure to check out our selection from Chimacum Woods. This grower propagates some of our favorite big leafed, species rhododendrons. Most plants we carry are hybrid rhododendrons. They are developed by plant breeders and vary in color, size, shape, and winter hardiness as a result of their complex genetic background. They are plants we love, because we are constantly getting new varieties with different flowers and foliage to offer our customers.
Q: In what type of environment do rhododendrons thrive?
A: Most rhododendrons like part or morning sun to make them happy. Plant in well-drained, loose, soil with added bonemeal. Rhodies need a slightly acidic soil, common in our area.
Visit the Nursery now for the best rhododendron picks of the season!
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Every spring our Primrose staff rolls up their sleeves and gives our little shop a good old-fashioned 'fluffing up'. We dust and scrub every nook and cranny, re-arrange our displays, and replace our more wintery-themed vintage pieces with new-found treasures for spring and summer. In a finishing flourish, we sprinkle in a fresh new selection of brand new gift and home items. If visions of Walt Disney characters are popping into your head, you've got the picture. We are positively twitter pated as we bid farewell to winter, throw open the windows, and welcome the arrival of spring.
If you're a regular visitor to our shop, you probably know we have a special place in our hearts - and display areas - for Easter, Mother's Day and anything to do with roses. This year Easter is on April 16th, Mother's Day is May 14th, and our 14th Annual Rose Festival is on Saturday, June 17th. A perfect trifecta of wonderfulness! As always, we have a delightful selection of Easter and spring-themed items for home decorating and entertaining, as well as a wide selection of one-of-a-kind Mother's Day gifts. Each week you can see pictures of our new or favorite items by following us on www.Instagram.com/Primrose.Christiansons or visiting www.Facebook.com/ChristiansonsNursery and be sure to 'Like' us!
One final bit of exciting news...starting this spring we will be hosting a variety of short yet informative 'how to' demonstrations in the shop. Since these one-hour events will be held in the late afternoon or early evenings, we're calling this our 'Happy Home Hour' series. We are still percolating ideas for good topics, but here are a few examples of what we're considering:
1. How to Arrange Spring Bouquets
2. How to Decorate Your Mantel for Spring
3. How to Intermix Vintage Treasures and Keepsakes with New Items
4. Tips on Throwing a Great Dinner Party
And last but not least, if you would like to receive our 'Happy Home Hour' schedule or hear about our upcoming sales events, you can drop me a note at that same email (
eve.christiansons@gmail.com
) and simply say 'Sign me up!'. Better yet, swing by the shop one day soon to see the results of our spring fluffing, sign our Guest Book, and join us as we celebrate the arrival of this glorious new season. Welcome Spring!
~ Eve Boe, Primrose Manager ~
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Join us for the 4th Annual Skagit Wedding Tour!
Spend the day exploring eight beautiful wedding venues in Skagit County, including Christianson's Nursery on Sunday, May 21, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
We will be showcasing our elegant Schoolhouse and Rose Garden for wedding and special events. With us will be wedding vendors: Photographers Mistry&Scott.com; Wedding planner, ChampagneandStardust.com; Officiant, Celebrations of Life; and www.ChristiansonsNursery.com with antique and vintage dresses and tiaras for brides and bridesmaids; The Country Inn and Channel Lodge will also be in attendance to discuss local accommodations and overnight reservations.
How does it work? Check in with the Skagit Wedding Society at the Swinomish Casino on Sunday morning. Pick up a map and passport card for the day and set off to explore amazing wedding venues and vendors either by motor coach (VIP ticket) or a self-guided tour. VIP: $30 per person includes transportation to all 8 venues, a boxed lunch (provided by one of our amazing caterers) and special VIP gifts throughout the day. Self-guided: $5 per person. Venues are both indoor and outdoor so please dress for the weather! We look forward to making your wedding dreams and special events a reality
For More Information
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"Ask John!"
John loves hearing from his customers and do they love to ask him questions! That's why we started the Ask John! column. Ask John! is a brand new WEEKLY interview. Each conversation features an actual question submitted from someone like you!
Here are questions from our newsletter recipients:
Q: I'm looking for an evergreen plant, bush or vine that can be used to create privacy on a back porch. It needs to be in a pot and reach at least 5 feet tall. Any ideas? -Jennifer, Anacortes, WA
A: Here are some ideas for your pots: Espaliered Euonymus, Camellia, olive (Olea) 'Arbequina', Laurus nobilis (Bay), Evergreen clematis: 'Early Sensation' or 'Avalanche'. These will stay a nice size for potting and create the privacy you want. All of these are available at the Nursery.
Q: Do you offer a beginner gardening class this summer? -Customer in Garden Store
A: Yes! We have a Saturday class on June 3 at 1:00 p.m. with Cyndi Stuart from The Roost at Roddy Creek. Cyndi's high energy will rub off on you as she teaches how to start veggies from seed or plant starts and how to get your ground ready for a successful first season of growing your own harvest. See our class calendar at:
www.ChristiansonsNursery.com
Have a garden related question?
Listen to "The Garden Show", Sunday Mornings with John and Mike
AM 660 KAPS * FM 102.1 KAPS* 10:30 am
Read More Questions Here
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2017 Antique Fair Moves to August!
The 2017 Antique Fair at the Schoolhouse has been moved to Friday and Saturday, August 11-12. Registration forms for this summer event may be found at our website. First priority to registrations received by Monday, May 1, 2017.
To inquire: (360) 466-3821 or visit our website:
www.ChristiansonsNursery.com
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A Rosy Day Out: 14th Annual Rose Festival
9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Tri-Valley Rose Society members available to offer rose growing advice.
9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Rose display entry submission
11:00 a.m.- noon Author Nita Jo Roundtree discusses Growing Roses in the Pacific Northwest.
1:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Speaker Rebecca Bull Reed, discusses David Austin Roses.
2:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Old-Fashioned Rose Petal Ice Cream Social
3:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Ciscoe Morris and John Christianson entertain with rose garden lore while teaching about best rose companions and practices.
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Classes
With April and May being our busiest months at the nursery, we narrow our class offerings down to one. Saturday, April 29 at 11:00 a.m. join Artist, Laura Campbell, as she teaches how to hand make moss-covered May baskets to give away in admiration or keep for decoration.
Early June offers a robust schedule of classes that you will surely enjoy.
View June Classes Here
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April Specials
April 1 - 16
Magnolias
Hundreds of beautiful blooming trees
with white, pink, purple or yellow flowers,
including evergreen varieties
20% off
April 17 - 30
Rhododendrons and Azaleas
thousands from which to choose
20% off
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