Swansons Stories
Aimée Damman
The Story of An Extra Special Holiday Train

This year, though, the train is even more magical and special. It’s partly because of the great theme - Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory - but mostly because of the people who made this year’s train happen. Especially one new addition to the train team, a boy named Sam. Sam is an autistic person who has specific and deep passions, one of which is Willy Wonka. He knows everything about the story, the characters, the setting. He can discuss the finer points all day long. And that’s how this year’s train took shape. So how did Sam get involved with the Swansons’ train?

The Story of An Extra Special Holiday Train
Gift Guides
Aimée Damman
Our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide

Happy Holidays! This season, celebrate the joy of giving with thoughtful gifts that reflect the unique passions of your loved ones. Our carefully curated selection of gifts is sure to make this holiday season unforgettable for everyone on your list. Let us help you spread cheer with gifts that inspire and delight!

Our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide
Birds & Wildlife, Gardening with Kids
Aimée Damman
6 Ways to Repurpose Your Christmas Tree After ...

The holidays are winding down and despite the desire to keep your beautifully-decorated Christmas tree as a centerpiece in your living room forever, at some point (sob!) it's gotta go. Here are 6 ways to transform your tree into a critter-feeding-bird-sheltering-kid-entertaining-garden-mulching thing of wonder this year.

6 Ways to Repurpose Your Christmas Tree After the Holidays
Planting & Plant Care
Dan Gilchrist
Cold Protection for Your Garden Plants

Here are some quick tips for protecting your less-hardy plants from cold damage.

Cold Protection for Your Garden Plants
Garden History & Lore
Mike Kohfeld
Cuetlaxochitl: A Cultural History of the ...

With cheerful red bracts and delicate yellow flowers framed against velvety green leaves, colorful poinsettias are an indisputable symbol of Christmas. In fact, poinsettias are the most commercially important potted plant in the world because of their endearing association with the December holiday season. But how did this warm-weather shrub native to western Mexico become so closely associated with Christmas?

Cuetlaxochitl: A Cultural History of the Poinsettia

Plant Profiles

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An Ethnobotanical Perspective on Marigolds

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An Ethnobotanical Perspective on Marigolds

The marigold is much more than a beautiful garden flower. Its utility as a colorful annual, edible flower, and companion plant for vegetable gardens is greatly enhanced by its profound role in religious and cultural practices around the world.

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How to Grow Roses in the Pacific Northwest

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How to Grow Roses in the Pacific Northwest

You and your rose soul-mates have found each other. Now what? How do you keep them happy and thriving in our maritime Pacific Northwest climate? Roses are not completely carefree, but with a few basic care guidelines, you can grow them successfully and enjoy their beauty for years to come.

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Hellebore: The Beautiful Winter Flower

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Hellebore: The Beautiful Winter Flower

After my garden goes to sleep in the fall I look forward to the approach of winter. Tucked among the ferns are some of my favorite winter blooming perennials: hellebores. I love seeing the evergreen leaves throughout the year and excitedly wait for flowers to emerge during a season when there is little else in bloom.

 
 

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