Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Touring Horticultural Heaven


Yesterday we returned from 5-days in San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area where I took part in the 2013 Garden Bloggers Fling. I had a grand plan to post a “best of” photo collection today with highlights from each place we visited (with detailed posts later on), but that isn’t going happen.
Agave franzosinii at Ruth Bancroft Garden

The time I had set-aside yesterday to edit photos was instead spent watering my garden, it’s been freakishly hot here in Portland.
Agave parryi var. huachucensis at Filoli Garden

When I did finally get around to downloading the 2,500+ photos on my camera there was an error message, and the camera and laptop refused to communicate. After a few moments of sheer panic I figured out a work around and got the photos, but after that I just didn’t have the time or inclination to work very hard. I just grabbed a few teaser photos for this post.
Leucadendron argenteum at Strybing Arboretum

While the gardens were magnificent (thank you SF Fling planning crew!) and have left me with a serious case of succulent envy (as well as a major feeling of personal garden inadequacy…am I the only one who came home and felt a letdown seeing their own garden?) it was the people who really made the experience extraordinary. I finally met folks I’ve corresponded with for years and renewed friendships from the Seattle Fling two years ago. What an experience, I’m still on a bit of a high from it all.
The Conservatory of Flowers

Speaking of people, gardening people, I want to extend a huge public thank you to my plantlust.com co-hort Patricia, while I was away playing she was here watering my garden. It’s true the majority of my plants love the heat, but I’ve planted so many new things this year I’m sure most of them would have just given up when last Saturday hit 97 degrees. Thank you Patricia!
Leucadendron at the Wave Garden

Finally, in case you haven’t heard next year’s Garden Bloggers Fling is right here in Portland I hope to see many of you here in my “home town.” We won’t have blooming car-sized Agave franzosinii or 8 ft tall Banksia serrata but I bet it will still be a good time…
Banksia serrata at Testa-Vought Garden

All material © 2009-2013 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.

26 comments:

  1. I loved seeing people I'd met two years ago in Seattle too. I did a short teaser post while we were there, but now I'm sorting through the pictures trying to figure out what to post about first. I didn't feel a letdown, I felt inspired. I have a rather large expanse of grass in front of my house, and I've been lacking in inspiration as far as what to do with it (other than get rid of it). Now I've got too many ideas! I also just spent two days watering.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How wonderful to come home inspired! I have been filled with a huge desire to re-arrange a few things, but obviously the weather isn't right for that sort of activity.

      Delete
  2. I can't wait to see future photos and posts from the fling. It sounds like you saw some incredible private gardens!

    It was awesome meeting you on Sunday at the Ruth Bancroft Garden. Did your plants make it home OK?

    Count me in for the 2014 Portland Fling!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We really did Gerhard, the organizers put together a great mix of gardens. My plants did make it home OK (thanks Scott!) and I am so happy you made it down to the RBG, that made a fabulous day even better!

      Delete
  3. The fling already seems like it was ages ago and I've just started to sort through a few of the pictures. I feel like I should send all of my tender succulents to California so that they can be happy in the ground. What an amazing place to garden!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gosh you're right...to think it all started just a week ago!

      Delete
  4. Can't wait to start seeing posts from this! Not that I'm really looking forward to the boost in the garden envy level...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh Alan there were some amazing things...I'm still filled with envy!

      Delete
  5. We're champing at the bit to see what you saw...but keeping your own garden happy comes first.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I had the same thought about posting an overview, but didn't do it yet, either. The whole Fling experience was kind of overwhelming, wasn't it? ... but still wonderful. I was happy to get back to my own garden except for the incredibly aggressive mosquitoes and very high humidity here! California was a nice break from both.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Overwhelming and wonderful, yes! Humidity and mosquites, yikes, that doesn't sound welcoming at all!

      Delete
  7. Sounds like you all had a fab time and I can imagine it must have been a blast. Shame we left it too late decide but maybe next time ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Maybe next time? Yes we're counting on you guys making it!

      Delete
  8. WHAT. That Banksia is unreal! I can't wait to see the rest of your photos!

    ReplyDelete
  9. 2500! Hahaha! Too funny. Ahhh, sometimes I miss SF, the botanical garden is a relaxing space. Eager to see the pictures.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know right? I promised myself I was going to keep the whole photo taking thing under control. Obviously that didn't happen.

      Delete
  10. How wonderful, I've heard a great time was had by all. Wish I could have joined you but it was just too soon after my Idyllunion and too close to my Garden Conservancy Open Days tour. I'm hoping I can make it to Portland next year and meet everyone. It would be wonderful to meet so many great gardeners in person.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We would love to have you here Deanne!

      Delete
  11. Good thing you retrieved those photos and it's looking good! Can't wait to see your posts on these tours.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me too (looking through the photos after all is like reliving the whole experience). I heard your name mentioned several times, people thinking you were going to be there and disappointed that you weren't.

      Delete
  12. I look forward to more of your posts, you have a knowledge that far exceeds mine on the plant material we saw this past weekend. I look forward to Portland, hoping I make it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was fun to see so many of the plants I grow in containers out there growing in the soil and getting HUGE...hope you can make it to Portland!

      Delete
  13. I can't even imagine the heart-stopping feeling you must've felt seeing that 'error' message. I've been there, so I can feel your pain. I'm so happy you were able to retrieve them, though! I'm so sorry I wasn't able to see you more, but I'm definitely looking forward to the Fling next year. I have no doubt it'll be to-die-for-fantastic. And please tell me your garden will be on the tour? I'm dying to see it in person!!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Wow, you took way more pictures than I did -- nearly twice as many! I'm still working my way through my SF Fling posts and am just starting on the 2nd day's events. I'm glad to have them to write about, as summer is a down time in my Austin garden (plants are fine, I'm just not out there enjoying them!). Anyway, I'm already looking forward to Portland Fling next year.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for taking the time to comment. Comment moderation is on (because you know: spam), I will approve and post your comment as soon as possible!