And the monster Echium plantings on the opposite side of the drive reinforce the notion this is not an ordinary nursery...
Those of you that know of DIG, on Vashon Island, probably also know the owners, Sylvia and Ross, have put the nursery and house (on the property) up for sale. As of this writing it's still on the market, awaiting the right owner. Even if the perfect person takes ownership it won't be the same place in the future though, how could it be? The creative duo behind this place are one of a kind!
That's why I had to visit, to fill up my imagination with the magic, one last time. Of course that's not to say whoever carries it forward won't have an equally marvelous sense of style, but it won't be this...
And these two (Sophie and Winston) won't be here!
Inside the Greenhaus (both a dry and warm area for the nursery, and an events space)...my love affair with Abutilon continues. Maybe this winter will temper that with tragedy in my garden, maybe not...
These look kokedama ready, thinking back to the marvelous examples of kokedama available at the DIG booth during the 2016 NW Flower and Garden Show.
And hey, good news...DIG will be at the 2017 show! They've committed and are making good on it. I am thrilled. Their booth is always a stand-out and I hate to think of the NWFG Show without them...
Looking at this display was the first time I really coveted the Esther Pots. Visiting DIG does that to you.
Okay, done in the Greenhaus and heading back outside...
Cordyline 'Electric Flash', I think...
Numbers and letters, waiting to be planted up with succulents.
Pyrrosia hastata, I was just talking with a friend about how this plant really shines in containers, and can get lost in the landscape.
This design still thrills me, both the 3-tier planter and the roof tank...
But this! This will always be the "water feature" upon which other water features will be judged.
I want to have it air-dropped into my garden. That could happen, right?
The surrounding plants help set the mood.
The backside of Sophie and Winston's lair.
Lots of rust...
(and fungi!)
Shiny metal too...(and rocks, don't forget the rocks)...
My Melianthus major 'Antonow's Blue' wasn't as strong this year. Maybe it's just getting old and tired? I think maybe next year I'll dig and replace it with 'Purple Haze'.
Speaking of purple!!! Yucca aloifolia ‘Blue Boy'... perfection...
These two! They were staring at Sylvia, transfixed.
So what did I come away with?
I've had a crush on the Steel Life Mod Dish for quite some time and I'm thrilled to finally have one. Sylvia made me an incredible "deal" that I couldn't refuse!
I purchased a few of these years ago and use them for random succulent plant-ups. I was glad to find a couple more!
Finally this Pyrrosia lingua 'Eboshi'...the curled leaves expose the tawny undersides perfectly.
Thank you Sylvia and Ross for sharing your inspirational vision with us and good luck with your future endeavors! If you'd like to read a little more about DIG here's a great story from the Vashon Beachcomber. And another from Curbed, with info on purchasing the property!
All material © 2009-2016 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.
So glad you had one last chance to visit Dig. Also I'm thrilled to hear they'll be at the show, can't wait to see their booth, it's always one of the best. You found some cool treasures, and got some wonderful shots.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure the NWFG Show organizers are breathing a sigh of relief too. Those are going to be some mighty big shoes to fill.
DeleteI'm pissed that I've never visited the nursery even though my brother-in-law has lived on Vashon for almost 2 decades. I looked up the property and got to dreaming but I really don't think I could talk my husband into taking that on, much as he would enjoy having his brother close by.
ReplyDeleteYou guys probably need to schedule a trip up soon to look into it, you know...just in case!
DeleteThis post made me realize that I could garden quite happily in more northerly climes. The plant palette at your disposal is so different from here, and so much larger it seems.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if you really could? I mean I dream about gardening in Phoenix or Tucson, but can my mind really factor in all the realities? I know, I'm taking your comment to literally...but I think about these things! Here's our current reality: "major winter storm ahead" http://www.kptv.com/link/492613/fox-12-weather-blog
DeleteThat water feature might've given me an idea as for what to do with a couple of long lengths of angle iron that came out of the house whilst we were rebuilding it.
ReplyDeleteYay! Of course you'll have to blog about it.
DeleteSo, you aren't tempted to make an offer on the place? "Danger Digs" would be pretty sweet...
ReplyDeleteOh I would really love it. But the problem is our source of $ is the husband's job here in Portland. No think we fancy a long distance marriage.
DeleteSigh. Such a cool destination nursery. I hope to visit again before they're gone. You got some treasures.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you will. No doubt that new plant-mobile is itching to get out on the highway.
DeleteThanks for sharing your post. I had no idea they were closing or how cool this nursery is (although you've probably posted and I don't remember; I follow them on IG, but it doesn't give this pervasive view). Wow!
ReplyDeleteI love your purchases.
That Cordyline 'Electric Flash' is such a great combination of colors. That would be great fun to try to pair those colors with other plants in a container.
The tank roof makes me very, very nervous.......
Oh but it's very solid (the tank roof) and tipped upside down, so it's not filling with water.
DeleteI love the colors of the C. 'Electric Flash' and probably won't be able to pass it by, should I see a couple next spring...
A fitting ode to a smashing nursery. Passing the torch is tricky. I hope it goes well.
ReplyDeleteMe too Ricki, it could though, you never know!
DeleteBeautiful photos. I've never been to DIG, and as marvelous as it looks in this post, and all the other posts I've seen from others who have been there, I doubt I'll make it up there before it's gone.
ReplyDeleteAh come on, where's your sense of adventure?
DeleteA purple Yucca?! Always something I've never seen or heard of here. Always hard to see the end of any creative enterprise that knows its stuff as there aren't really that many around. It takes time and effort and some failures to be long-term successful.
ReplyDeleteThat Yucca is achingly beautiful, at least to my eyes...and somewhat hard to grow as well. I've lost several, and have others growing on in the oddest conditions. I still haven't figured out exactly what it needs.
DeleteGreat place. I hope it finds new owners with the same level of talent.
ReplyDeleteThey're out there somewhere, I just know it!
DeleteOh yeah, those Pyrrosia ..never seen in these parts. I hate to see unique nurseries close up shop.
ReplyDeleteReally? I know Suncrest in Watsonville is a major supplier to nurseries up here. I'm surprised a few don't fall off the truck near you.
DeleteI loved reading about this quirky place. Their creativity will certainly be missed.
ReplyDeleteThey've got fans all over the world don't they?
Delete