June is
when summer gardens start to flourish. Colorful flowers, sweet fruits, and
crisp vegetables make their way into our markets, restaurants, and homes. If
you're looking for some local produce, go to one of your local farmers markets (we love Queen Anne and Ballard) or,
if you're a busy soul, try one of those wonderful programs, like CSA
from Full Circle (Carnation, WA), Tiny's Organics (Wenatchee, WA), or Seattle Market Gardens (Seattle) for fresh seasonal
produce delivery or pickup.
There are
great plant nurseries around town where you can buy and create any size of
garden that fits your needs, budget, or amount of free time. Swansons Nursery in Crown Hill is huge, and has all sorts of plants, hanging
baskets, furniture, and critter feeders. West Seattle Nursery and Garden Center is affordable, neighborhood friendly,
and abundantly stocked. City People's Garden
Store is a town
favorite, located in Madison Valley, is a fine spot to pick up special plants
and gifts.
Garden
parties are another fitting activity to start enjoying in June and, when that
invitation arrives, consider yourself fortunate. Engagement, birthdays, or just celebrating a
Tuesday afternoon are all treats to be enjoyed outdoors.
As people
start to flock to the outdoors more and more, eating al fresco is a must. Seattle is home to many restaurants with outside
seating available once the weather cooperates, and we, of course, have our
favorite spots. Poppy, a Northwest inspired restaurant, has a secret garden in which to dine with friends. The Pink Door
(Italian cuisine), in the heart of Pike
Place Market, has spacious deck seating with a spectacular view of Elliot Bay. Bastille Cafe,
a French bistro, in Ballard shades diners on a covered deck, also handy for
those unexpected rainstorms.
If you're
headed outdoors but a little farther from city center, there are some intriguing
small towns to visit. Bow/Edison, in Northern Skagit County, is a charming
village to venture to; it is only about an hour and a half from Seattle. Tweets Cafe in
Bow is the perfect stopover for grabbing coffee and breakfast, but be prepared to wait in line due to its
increasing popularity with locals and out-of-towners. For a sweet treat to eat
immediately or to take home, stop into The Breadfarm.
Their offerings will not disappoint. A carefully curated little shop called Hedgerow is chalk full of local goods, body care,
and vintage finds. Skagit Valley is a beautiful area so be sure to make some
time to drive around and soak up the landscape.
