Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Visiting Cistus Nursery, before we were grounded

To recap from yesterday, back on March 18th I took a drive out to Joy Creek Nursery (photos here) and then to Cistus Nursery. While we were told to maintain a 6-ft distance between people and not congregate, we weren't yet "grounded at home" as one of my friend's kid's so succinctly put it.

Since I was the only shopper I could wander without fear of bumping into anyone. Even when I was watching the sky, not where I was going...

Mahonia gracilipes

Entering the nursery...

The plants almost looked like they were practicing their own version of social distancing.

Agave toumeyana var. bella

I was seriously tempted to buy this guy, Opuntia polyacantha var. utahensis 'Pioche'. I mean look at those spikes! Truth be told there was no way I was going to carry it around and I forgot to go back with a wagon and pick it up, maybe next time.

Magnolia laevifolia 'Largess', of which they had two sizes available. I'm not sure if these are two or five gallon...

But these are definitely one gallon...

Magnolia laevifolia for everyone!

Or perhaps Camellia japonica 'Scentsation' is more your style? The tag said the fragrance was sweet and slightly spicy. I couldn't pick it up.

There's been a lot of work going on along the north side of retail.

I haven't seen those trachycarpus for years.

The bamboo that remains is stunning.

On the other side of the retail area I remembered to check on one of my earliest Schefflera delavayi crushes. It's looking good.

And of course, more trachycarpus!

Sempervivum 'Mona Lisa'

Grevillea juniperina 'Low Red'

Moving into the Big Top...

Wow! These are fun.

Platycerium veitchii "one of the most interesting Platycerium, because it is a semi-desert species" (source)

There are lots of surprises at Cistus! Sanseveria too...

And mangaves, a lot of mangaves...

Mangave 'Sponge Paint' is a looker.

Agave schidigera 'Royal Flush'

And the perfect opportunity for one of my favorite Instagram hashtags: #fernsarethenewsucculents

Dyckia choristaminea. I had a pair of these last a couple of years planted in my garden. On the other hand I've had one in a container (protected over the winter) since 2011.

Agave felgeri

Agave filifera ssp. schidigera ‘White Stripe‘

Haworthia attenuata

Agave 'Cousin Itt'... okay not really, I made that up.

Back outside exploring the display garden. I've never been successful with beschorneria (the strappy green leaves at the base of the eucalyptus), so many people I know have been.

Wow! Kniphofia blooming in March!

Here's where we end this visit...but with a teaser for another post to come.

You see I also visited Sean and Preston at home (outside their home!) and explored the garden they're building at Rancho Cistus. Photos from the garden tour will be coming up in the next week or two.

In the mean time if you're hankering to make a Cistus Nursery online order they've updated their mail order list (here) and if you're in the Portland area they're available for order in advance and pick up. Visit their Facebook page for up to date info, here.

—   —   —

Weather Diary, Mar 30: Hi 53, Low 44/ Precip .20

All material © 2009-2020 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.

20 comments:

  1. Your nurseries have such beautiful hardscape and structures. Always impressed.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Jeanne DeBenedetti KeyesMarch 31, 2020

    Great post, Loree! Love all that blue sky we had a couple weeks ago! Loved the tour through the nursery, can't wait to see the tour through the garden around the house! BTW, at the beginning of the post you have it listed as "May 18th", instead of March!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for catching that Jeanne! I got it changed. My days are all running together, why not my months too?

      Delete
  3. How about Agave 'Mophead" in place of Cousin It? I think I might have one of those Platyceriums (thanks for the id). Found it locally but unlabelled. Lucky you were able to get in your visits before the lock down. Not being able to visit garden centers now is tough.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is so tough! This is the time of year when a visit to a local nursery yields all sorts of fabulous treats for the eyes and garden. I just pray they can all stay in business through this.

      Delete
  4. While under 'lockdown' at least we have our gardens to play in. I expect mine will be prepped and ready to go extra early this year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I feel the same, although the rain has had me indoors for a week now. I keep praying for a dry day...or better yet a string of nice sunny dry days.

      Delete
  5. That Opuntia looks vicious. There was a wonderful selection of other succulents, though - I'm envious.

    ReplyDelete
  6. That Agave schidigera 'Royal Flush' is a real cutie! Bought one last fall!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I should have bought one. Ah the regrets!

      Delete
  7. A visit to Cistus, even a vicarious one, always lifts my spirit!

    ReplyDelete
  8. so many goodies here! viewing your photos is a good alternative to visiting in person, thanks for the virtual tour!

    ReplyDelete
  9. The cleaned up bamboo grove looks amazing. I hope they find use for all the removed/spent culms. I'd be happy to get my hands on some of it (even without a specific project in mind). Platycerium veitchii is a fun fuzzy beast (did you get one?) and Agave 'Cousin Itt'(love that made up name) is wonderful: I picture it in an elevated pot.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I did not get a Platycerium veitchii, but I'm scheming on it.

      Delete
  10. Thanks for the virtual tour. Such a cool place & blue sky to boot. That opuntia would make a crazy cool hair/hat for a head pot!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I thought of you as I headed out highway 30, looking for adventure. Wish you could have joined in the fun.

      Delete

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!