Friday, October 25, 2019

Quesnelia marmorata 'Rafael Oliviera'—why I haunt Portland Nursery

A couple months back I was at a plant people party with lots of out of town plant lovers. One of them asked about nurseries they should visit the next day. I started naming off the ones I would stop at, knowing they didn't have the time to drive far. Someone else (another Portlander) heard me mention Portland Nursery and they started shaking their head no, "don't waste your time there..." What? You're really so special that you'll pass up one of our areas largest plant sellers?

I just don't understand this way of thinking. I mean sure Portland Nursery is not a fancy "collectors" nursery, but they still have a huge selection of great plants and I've found some amazing things there over the years. Then again I buy plants at the grocery store too (Fred Meyer, and they have a pretty darn good plant department) so maybe I'm just hopelessly pedestrian.

Anyway, here's proof positive that Portland Nursery is worth a stop. Many stops. Anytime you're near by. I found this unlabeled bromeliad there for $14.99...

I took these mug shots when I got home, I was planning to post them on Facebook asking for ID.

But then I did a little sleuthing on my own and figured out it's most likely Quesnelia marmorata 'Rafael Oliviera'...

Looks to sell for around $40 online. Not that price is everything but I pad significantly less. Around $25 less. Thanks Portland Nursery.

My last excellent find there was this Cryptanthus lacerdae 'Menescal'. I don't remember if it was a bargain or not, but it was a pretty special find nonetheless.

Which brings me back to the Quesnelia. I know I could have ordered one online, if I really wanted one that bad. But the joy of walking in and discovering it right there in front of me. Appreciating the spots and the stripes, well, I'll take that any day.

And that's why I'll continue to haunt Portland Nursery...

Weather Diary, Oct 24: Hi 39, Low 68/ Precip 0

All material © 2009-2019 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.

18 comments:

  1. "But the joy of walking in and discovering it right there in front of me." Yep, that's why we visit those 'pedestrian' places - the awesome surprises. It's like going into one of those junky antique malls or yard sales and finding something unique & valuable for five bucks! Why miss all the fun, eh? BTW, LOVE that arrangement with the lovely pumpkin!

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    1. I rarely leave Portland Nursery empty handed. They have a great selection.

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  2. Excuse me while I pick my jaw up off the floor. That is an absolutely amazing find at any nursery in the PNW, especially at that price. I'm one of those who paid the $40 to order it online this summer, after lusting after it for years. Worth it, but wow, this just has me speechless. If only I could visit Portland Nursery more often.

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    1. Ya I'm still pretty amazed. And feeling very lucky!

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  3. Unreal! Quesnelia marmorata 'Rafael Oliviera' is both rare and highly sought after. Oh, it's darn beautiful too. Like Evan, I paid in the neighborhood of $40 for mine!

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    1. You've got quite the bromeliad collection now. Will they all stay outside over the winter?

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  4. Yes! I'm really pleased to read this endorsement of mainstream nurseries like Portland. I often try to make time for visiting one of their locations when I come down for an overnight stay. I've found items in their perennials department in the spring appearing long before they show up here, just a little farther north. That Quesnelia was a great find, not only did you save on the price, but you saved on shipping. I buy plants at Fred Meyer too.

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    1. I find quite a few great annuals and small perennials there every spring, it truly is a wonderful nursery.

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  5. Great score! Who can resist such a bargain? No wonder they keep you coming back for more.

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  6. Cryptanthus lacerdae 'Menescal'---Oooooohhhh!!!!!!!!

    "Finds" are what make a particular nursery special.

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  7. Both are great finds! It all comes down to whether the person that does the buying has a creative eye. I admit I've rolled my eyes on occasion about plant shopping at Home Depot but, as I recall, Gerhard found one HD store with an outstanding selection and, whenever I tag along on one of my husband's many trips there, I always head straight to the plant section - you never know.

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    1. Well now I certainly wouldn't lump Portland Nursery in with Home Depot. I mean at Portland Nursery they actually take care of their plants and have good relationships with their vendors and are knowledgeable about what they're selling.

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  8. I can't believe "don't waste your time there..." came out of the mouth of a plant person! Shocking really. For me, no plant place of any kind is too lowly or unworthy. In the immortal words of Forrest Gump: you never know what you gonna get...

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  9. Fab find. Really, anyplace that sells plants is a good place to visit anytime!

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  10. I have found so many things at small local nurseries and grocery stores. Never say never.

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