I think I became a landscape architect—and now a farmer and florist—because my Dad grew peonies. He grew lots of other things in our yard, including apples trees, a pumpkin patch between our house and the golf course behind us, and raspberries on trellises, (none of which was appreciated by the stuffy neighborhood design committee). But what got my little girl heart beating were the big fluffy larger-than-life blooms of a flower that grows so easily here in the Pacific Northwest. Their scent practically follows you down the streets, so full are front yards here with peonies in June.
Now, in early July, you can often still get peonies in the continental United States. You might have to baby some buds from your own garden in the refrigerator, bringing them out to bloom during the hot days of July, or if you're a bride who absolutely must have peonies, you can have them shipped from Alaska and other colder climates where they bloom later in the season.
Marigold and Mint is an organic farm, a retail shop, and a studio. The farm is situated along the Snoqualmie River, about 30 miles east of Seattle and the shop is located in the Melrose Market on Capitol Hill in Seattle, Washington. Founded in 2008 by owner Katherine Anderson, Marigold and Mint reflects her lifetime love of flowers and landscapes. Trained as a landscape architect, she brings her affection for both clean and clear design and intricate patterns to Marigold and Mint.
