If Your House Doesn’t Smell Like Lilacs Right Now, You’re Doing Spring Wrong
- Shawn Williams
- May 14
- 3 min read
WHAT’S BLOOMING IN THE PUGET SOUND REGION RIGHT NOW AND WHERE TO SOURCE THEM.
I love living in the Pacific Northwest, where May is less of a season changer and more of a grand unveiling. After months of that quiet, moody atmosphere we’ve come to expect (and, let’s be honest, secretly enjoy), the region finally decides to show off. It is the moment the landscape moves past the vibrant energy of the tulip and into the era of the peony and the lilac—the true heavyweights of the garden.
If you’re still buying your flowers at a supermarket, we need to have a talk. Luxury is about provenance. It’s about knowing which soil grew your centerpiece. And, it’s about supporting local.
What’s in Bloom: The Icons
Right now, the valleys and our local neighborhoods are defined by three main characters:
Peonies
The absolute divas of the floral world and my favorites. We’re currently seeing the Tree Peonies and the Etched Salmon varieties swell. These blooms know how to make an entrance.
Lilacs
These are the scent of nostalgia and old-world estates. If your property doesn’t smell like French lilacs in May, you’re missing half the experience of living here.
The Rhody
I’m obsessed with the local Rhododendron. There is a sculptural, old-money elegance to a Rhododendron branch that a trendy succulent just can’t touch. It’s the state flower; try it.
How to Style Them
Pro Tip: Lilacs wilt easily. Slit the bottom of the woody stems about 2 inches up to allow them to drink enough water to keep those heavy clusters upright.
Monochromatic Layers: Grouping different varieties of the same color—lilacs for texture, peonies for scale—creates a high-end, gallery-like feel.
The 2-1-1 Rule: Use two types of greenery (like fern fronds), one focal architectural bloom (a heavy Peony), and one delicate filler (like early Sweet Peas).
The Vessel: I’m a traditionalist with a modern eye. I lean toward clear, architectural glass because the stems are just as beautiful as the blooms. But if you want to change the dynamic, use heavy stoneware or an organic wood vessel. These materials absorb light rather than reflecting it, adding a certain gravitas to the arrangement.
Where to Source Locally
If you’re not already growing them, skip the grocery store and visit the makers who know this soil.
Christianson’s Nursery (Mount Vernon): Right now, their grounds are filled with Rhododendrons and the scent of blooming lilacs, and their peony selection is unparalleled if you’re looking to plant your own legacy.
Flower Farmer Girls (Snohomish): These girls understand the slow living movement better than anyone. Their bouquets are more than flowers; they’re a mood.
Mossy Gate Flower Farm (Mount Vernon): For that just-foraged-from-my-estate look. Perfection.
Vashon Peony Co. (Vashon Island): If you’re on the island, there is no excuse not to stop here. Their specialty peonies are world-class.
At the end of the day, a home is about how a house makes you feel. And nothing feels quite as homey as a house full of fresh, locally-sourced peonies and heritage rhodies. Take the drive. Buy the flowers. Live a little.
Shawn Williams is a real estate broker and advisor in Washington state who is versed in the history and lifestyle of the Pacific Northwest. She provides the curated perspective and regional expertise required to translate the soul of a property into a distinct market advantage.
