Heat of the Summer at Christianson’s Nursery

Admired for its fragrant silver foliage as much as its lavender-purple flowers, 'Russian Sage' (Perovskia atriplicifolia) makes a bold statement in a cool evening garden path at Toni and John Christianson's home garden. The abundant spiky flowers reach for passersby and continue to bloom until autumn. Another staple is 'Hidcote' Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). Its fragrance, compact habit, and long-lasting flowers have an intoxicating scent of lavender and waft through the garden all summer long-it will even help with keeping pesky insects at bay. And for height, a blend of bicolored Sweet Peas 'Spencer'mix(Lathyrus odoratus) is an unexpected splash of color and frill. Sweet peas are another favorite scented flower for cutting and garden decoration. To keep blooms abundant and vases full, frequently snip stems with one or two open blooms to prevent seed pods from developing.

Here at Primrose, our doors are all open and there’s a breezy, summery vibe in the shop. It’s cool, cheerful, and well-stocked with summer living in mind. We are over the moon about all the delicious goodies we’re carrying from Girl Meets Dirt,a fabulous company from Orcas Island. We especially love their award-winning shrubs made from heirloom fruits and organic ingredients. In flavors like Island Plum, Island Pear, Peach, and Lemon Lavender, these non-alcoholic syrups are perfect for specialty cocktails and mocktails, or you can simply add them to seltzer water for a refreshing summer beverage. Summer in a glass!