Wednesday, January 17, 2024

New plants! From a Dry Oasis to a wet (and cold) one...

It almost seems impossible to think now (as we've been below freezing day and night since last Friday), but during the first week of January it was mild enough that I mailed a tillandsia to my mom up in Spokane, and I received a shipment of succulents from California.

This box of plant goodness came from Hans at Dry Oasis (shop, blog, Insta). I knew they were on the way, he'd sent a note saying he was sending a sample pack of a few agaves and aloes. Incredibly nice, right? I've been following his plant escapades for years now; like his building of an astounding rock garden on the hillside beneath his home (latest post here), and his growing nursery operation (post here). Let's take a look at what's in the box, shall we? 

Everything was so carefully packaged, with the names of each plant written on the wrap. Best of all, he uses completely recyclable materials. 

There was also a detailed packing list.

And the plants, wowsa! Agave xylonacantha

Aloe broomii, I wonder why he thought I would like this one? (SPIKES!)
I really was impressed with just how perfect these plants were, flawless! I've  linked to Hans' website with each plant name, he has a wealth of information and photos there. For some of them he also links to other websites with even more information...

Agave filifera

There are three different aloes that I can't help but think of as "fan aloes" because of the way they grow when they're small. They'll snap out of it as they get larger. Aloe vanbalenii...

Aloe wickensii

Aloe microstigma, I think with these plants my aloe collection has doubled. You don't find many aloes up here labeled with their names and as healthy as these.

Finally, a surprise bonus (not on the packing slip) Agave isthmensis 'Rum Runner'!

Hans remembered my spotting a plant at Terrain with the ridiculous price of $178 (and it didn't even look healthy), now I have this beauty...

Here's a group portrait post unboxing...

I have to admit that with all the storm prep I did (more on that soon) I didn't get them potted up as quickly as I would have liked. But when I finally did, well...look at those roots!


There are so many plants in my garden that have been struggling to stay alive during the last week, being a gardener definitely has it's difficult times. It makes my heart happy to also know there are people in this world kind enough to send you a box of plants just because they know you'll like them. Thank you Hans!

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25 comments:

  1. Oh, what a great gift right when you needed it! The plants look incredibly healthy, THOSE ROOTS! I'm off to read about his hillside escapade, which is new to me. Thank you, and I'm so glad you will be melting soon.

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    1. Hope you took a deep dive and had a fun read.

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  2. Plant people are the best. What a bit of sunshine in what has been a nasty week. Those are gorgeous!

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    1. You're one of those fabulous plant people...

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  3. Hans grows and packs easily damaged plants with incredible results! Been thinking about your garden in these crazy times. We thawed today when rain finally arrived yesterday, overnight temps in the 40s, a blessing...so glad you have new plant friends, the best consolation for. nasty weather!

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    1. Still rather frozen here on Thursday morning, and now they're saying more freezing rain today. This is a nightmare that just won't end.

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  4. What a wonderful assortment of new plants!

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  5. Out of curiosity, where do you purchase your carnivorous plants?

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    1. Wherever I find them! Some of come from friends, we bought a few at Sarracenia Northwest (they ship), most of the area nurseries carry a small selection.

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  6. That's a great selection! You don't have many aloes, do you? I have 2 Aloe vanbalenii hybrids and they're my favorites - even without flowers ;) I'm hoping your arctic blast ends soon and you can get back into your garden.

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    1. Aloes are temperature wimps! It was a slight exaggeration to say that my collection doubled. Once I started thinking about it I had quite a few actually.

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  7. Thanks for sharing this nursery’s info! Great finds you have! Funny I just used an Amazon gift card and ordered an aloe Hercules. The card was old, my patience was short after this awful arctic weather week we’ve had. I can see tha casualties from my front window now that the ice has melted away.

    Jim North Tabor

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    1. It's been awful hasn't it? I'm trying to decide how much uncovering I want to do today, vs. waiting until tomorrow, Friday. What a mess.

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  8. Oh, you do have good friends in Spiky places... What generous gifts to ease the weather woes.
    Chavli

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    1. "good friends in Spiky places"... ha! I love that.

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  9. What a great distraction from the weather-related horrors! Small correct: Aloe broomii actually looks like Aloe melanacantha.

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    1. I'm not at all equipped to make aloe ID calls, but just looking at the photos that come up when I search the two names I'd have to say it looks like Hans got it right to me.

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  10. I went right to Hans' website and ordered Aloes! Thanks, Loree! Fabulous looking plants. I wish I had room for many more!

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  11. I can't even make myself go outside, or even open the blinds. The glimpses I've gotten when letting the dogs out and in, have been horrifying. And I'm pretty sure you've had much worse up there by the airport, Loree...the Gorge is b***h.
    -artinnature in Dallas

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    1. I just went out thinking I'd take off a few covers (they've been on a week now, potentially creating their own damage) and shovel the driveway. Hell no. It's still a frozen hellscape.

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  12. Gorgeous plants. A little plant envy. I need to order some myself. Thank you for info.

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  13. Excellent quality plants. Aloe broomii is a particular gem, the most Agave-like Aloe, and a beauty.

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  14. Ooh! Rum Runner! I would sit back and contemplate that one with a Rum Runner cocktail on a warm summer night. Aloe broomii is a beauty too. Oh, and A. filifera. Have fun growing them. I look forward to seeing them in your next project.

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