The West Seattle Garden Tour celebrated its 30th anniversary this year. The gardens were lovely, and the views were spectacular, but what really inspired me were the small touches accessible to gardeners at all levels. Here are my top 5 takeaways from the tour. I hope they might inspire you in your own garden.
Do you know about Swansons’ Swan Dollars? This fabulous tradition is our way of saying “thank you” for shopping with us in the spring. Each April, May, and June, you collect Swan Dollars on every purchase you make. In July, it’s time to gather them all up and visit Swansons to redeem them. You can use Swan Dollars (from any year!) to save up to 50% on your purchase throughout July, even on sale items. Here are some of the things we’re using our Swan Dollars to buy this year. We hope it inspires you to come in and treat yourself!
Many shrubs bloom in spring, and there are lots of choices for gorgeous fall foliage, but it can be harder to find the right stand-out shrub to highlight your garden in the summer months, especially if you are trying to complement colorful summer perennial or annual flowers. Here are a few of our favorites for summer flowers or interesting summer foliage.
When the weather is hot and dry, it's important to protect your plants and keep them healthy. Even established plants, like street trees, suffer from a dry summer, so get out there and water! Here are 7 water-wise tips to keep your plants hydrated and make watering your garden easy and effective.
Nothing can conjure up a memory like a certain fragrance. Whether we want to reproduce the scents of our childhood gardens, or simply create a new sensory experience, there are many fragrant plants to enjoy. We all know that roses and lilies smell amazing, but here is a collection of annuals, perennials, and shrubs you may not be as familiar with and which will bring unique and evocative fragrances to your garden throughout the year.
Everyone likes a little privacy. We want to feel like at least some part of our garden is a private oasis, a place where we can go to relax and leave the cares of the world behind. That doesn't necessarily mean building a fortress of walls around your yard. In fact, there are many creative options for privacy screening.
From an overarching perspective, the underlying principles of Japanese garden design are meant to create spaces that offer touchpoints with nature. Their design is intended to provide an opportunity for a closer interaction with natural processes while engendering a sense of peace and spiritual renewal. Here are some simple design techniques to consider in order to bring the spirit of the Japanese garden into your outdoor space.
In the coastal Northwest, our climate and position on the Pacific Rim give us a natural affinity with Asian design philosophy and lifestyles, which can also apply to our gardens. Japanese culture, in particular, has lent us its mastery of garden design and practices. If we delve deep enough, we will meet the concept of wabi-sabi.
Become a Swansons Plant Partner and you’ll receive members-only perks, like plant care resources and helpful gardening tips, notification of new arrivals and promotions, invitations to special events, and exclusive member discounts. Sign up now to receive 10% off your next purchase!
By signing up below, you agree to receive member benefits through our digital newsletter, approximately 2-4 times per month. Phone numbers are needed for record-keeping only.
Our promise: we will never sell your personal information or use it to make unsolicited contact by email or phone!
