I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve driven past Garden World on I-5 about 30 miles south of Portland. It’s one of those unfortunate locations that you can see from the Interstate but there is no easy way to get to. That meant in order for me to finally visit it needed to be a destination.
Remember how I was leaning towards a Ceanothus ‘Dark Star’ to replace the U.G.L.Y. bamboo? I was very tempted by many of the other suggestions, especially Garrya elliptica, but in the end decided to go with the ceanothus and bump it up a bit with a couple of purple leafed Ricinus communis in the same container for the first summer (thanks Deanne for that idea). As it happens Garden World has a handy online inventory system, so I knew they had a 5-gallon of said plant for only $23.95, looks like I had a reason to make the trip (and it's really not that hard to get to after all)...
I picked a great day to visit, my drive down was sunny but as I pulled into the parking lot the sky got dark and everything became a little mysterious, which of course made this huge Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar even creepier!
Then the sky opened and the downpour started. I ran for a covered greenhouse.
If you’ve ever been in a greenhouse when it’s raining then you’re familiar with how the sound is magnified. Even gentle raindrop makes a powerful thud.
Luckily I had plenty to look at undercover.
Agave 'Mateo' was on that cart of new arrivals...
And a couple of old stock agaves were 50% off!
This beauty was new to me, Dianella prunina Rainbow Twist...
Naturally I had to buy one.
Phormium...I was tempted, but no.
Beautiful!
For only $130 this huge (20 gallon) Gunnera could be yours!
Eventually the rain let up so I ventured out from under cover...
I like the metal work, but not as a $700 arbor.
Pediestals built from comon cement blocks, I like it.
Cunninghamia lanceolata 'Glauca'
Moss on Blue Atlas Cedar!
This place is huge...
Kerria japonica 'Pleniflora'
Finally it was time to track down what I came for!
This one looks suitably deformed to join my garden of misfits, what is that? A handle?
There was a gorgeous Poncirus trifoliata up by the cash-stand.
And more half price agaves, but I passed on the spikes*.
I've got my Ceanothus...and I couldn't be happier!
(*okay I lie...I'm regretting not buying every single one of those half price agaves, what was I thinking???)
All material © 2009-2013 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
What a cool place!
ReplyDeleteThere are a whole bunch of nurseries in that area Alison, the next time you find yourself on I-5 between Salem and Portland you'll have to check them out!
DeleteLooks like a fun place! For $700 you can buy your own plasma cutter and make all of the trellises you want. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat is that huge metal vase-looking thing? I imagine you can plant a vine of some sort in the top and let it trail down. How big was it?
Sounds dangerous! (me with my own plasma cutter)
DeleteIt is just exactly that, a huge metal vase. And it's tall I'd say 10 or 12 ft.
I was worried about you untilI read the last line of your post. Passing on spikes at 50% off? Another place that I've heard of but never been - looks interesting. I've killed (really, it was the PKW that did it) Dianella but not rainbow twist and am looking forward to hearing if it lives through the winter for you!
ReplyDeleteThe reports online had me wondering if the Dianella was winter worthy here...but I decided to try it out anyway. We shall see!
DeleteCongratulations! I love it -- post photos of it planted in its new home!
ReplyDeleteYou know me, I'm not shy with the camera...
DeleteWe've had that place recommended several times when we were on a hunt for something specific. Like you, I think it needs to be a destination rather than a drop by...and now it's going on my list.
ReplyDeleteI was encouraged to come back a little later in the season when they're in full swing...maybe you should wait until then?
DeleteOh yeah! That weeping atlas cedar is amazing, as much as I dislike them when not in the right place...that one is perfect.
ReplyDeleteI still just can't see the beauty. Maybe if I was landscaping a haunted house?
DeleteTalk about creepy, today I finally planted Agave 'Mateo' in the ground and put some pots up on concrete pedestals...
ReplyDeleteAin't that the way the universe works? Love it.
DeleteWe've had good luck with Garden World when hunting for more commonly available plants and regional favorites. Our gorgeous Mountain Hemlock came from them, as did a Physocarpus 'Summer Wine' and my much-pictured Camellia sasanqua 'Yuletide' plants. The inventory is huge!
ReplyDeleteHuge indeed, and as you note great for "commonly available plants and regional favorites"...with a couple surprises thrown in!
Delete50% off Agaves sounded great, surprised you passed them over but I'm sure if you really wanted to you could always go back. That ceanothus is new to me and it looks gorgeous, love the tiny crinkled foliage!
ReplyDeleteI just kept reminding myself that I didn't really NEED any more of those agaves...and tried to mentally picture all the ones I've got that need to find a place to spend the summer...
DeleteI am ashamed to say I have not been there..and it's in my neck of the woods! I really enjoyed your post, I clearly need to venture there. Cheers, Jenni
ReplyDeleteClearly you do Jenni! I hope you enjoy...
DeleteI have to admit, I've never been there either...from the road, I thought they only sold trees & shrubs.
ReplyDeleteI can certainly understand why you'd have that impression.
DeleteThis looks like a wonderful place and the Ceanothus is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteIndeed it is!
DeleteWow, what a place! I liked the Agaves 50% off sign. I would be tempted to buy the lot!
ReplyDeleteOK, about the Bottle tree post....you are correct. I did really LOVE writing that....especially because I had the chance to make up species names for the bottle tree family. Now I'm looking around the neighborhood so that I can find others in the genus...and enough to write another fun post. If you see any up in Portland, be sure and name them and put them on your blog.
Bottela glassei is only species I've discovered so far. However, I've heard rumors of a Bottela rubio-picta (reddish tint). There might even be a new genus to stumble upon...who knows? David/:0)