Watson's in June

Fresh strawberries purchased directly from the grower are one of my favorite June treats.  For those of you (are there any of you?) who have only eaten those huge tough strawberry-like  things offered in supermarkets year round, real, fresh-picked strawberries are an entirely different experience. Think of the difference between a rubbery, flavorless, mid-winter supermarket tomato and one picked from your garden.   Anyway, there are several growers in the valley in which Watson's nursery is located. Since I had to get some berries anyway, might as well visit Watson's as well, right?   Exciting news, on the way from the strawberry place to Watson's, I saw a sign for a new nursery.  Nothing big or fancy, just a start-up with what appeared from the road to be a nice selection of potted roses, and perennials.  They were closed but I hope to check them out on my next strawberry run. It's so exciting to see a new nursery pop up these days.  I'm old enough to remember when Watson's first opened it's much smaller retail area.  I bought my first Fuchsia basket in this state from Watson's in 1984.

Now Watson's operates in a series of  Belgian-built, state of the art steel and glass houses.

See many previous visits here. Watson's is a large full-service nursery with a staff of 50 which explains how things always look so tidy and clean.  There are always several folks around primping the plants, deadheading, etc.

Stachys ‘Bello Grigio’  is everywhere now.  From my experience, it abhors shade and good moist soil, preferring sun, poor soil, and neglect in the hell strip.

Gratuitous plant sex scenes. 

If you're looking for a rusty metal horse, Watson's has you covered!

Aluminum garbage can planters.

Hosta 'Electrocution'  Hmmm. 

Less lethal friends. 

You can prepare for the fourth of July

or your vacation at the beach. 

Upon what kind of alien beach did these shiny beauties wash?  I kind of dig them.

This planter creature is pretty cool, too. 

Want a garden room but lack a green thumb?  All it takes is a little green in your wallet and a bunch of silk and voila -

Can't go wrong with blue and yellow!

There's always color to be had here!  

A quiet moment at the cafe.

I forgot the name of this seriously tempting hydrangea with burgundy foliage and red, yes red, flowers.

So, what made it into the cart?  

A couple more New Guinea impatiens, orange tuberous begonias for a turquoise pot, and Tagetes 'Lemon Gem' which I grow for the awesome fragrance of the foliage.

May your weekend be as bright and cheerful as the colors of these flowers!  Sorticulture takes place in Everett this weekend and I hope to attend for the first time.  By all accounts, it's incredible!  Will I see you there?