Margie Anderton's garden

March 24, 2025

A Visit to Cistus Nursery

I rarely go to nurseries anymore since I work part-time at one and another reason being that I don't have much room for additional plants. When a garden fanatic runs out of room, the brain goes into overdrive, dreaming up ingenious ways to incorporate more plants. And another thing happens - a burning desire to obtain rare and unique plants. I've been moving plants around, a tricky process that has a domino effect. A plant is unhappy - it is getting too much shade or perhaps too much sun. There is a plant that did not get as large as you thought it would or it is just a slow grower and now it is hopelessly hidden behind a taller plant. Sometimes a plant is just a dud for reasons unknown (Rhododendron 'Golden Gate' anyone?). I find the plant in question a better home, but it means that another plant will have to be moved. And the merry-go-round continues to turn... However, for those plants that are to be discarded, a space opens up for a new one! I decided to move a Mou...

Margie Anderton is a fascinating person. She is an expert on wildflowers, native plants, hummingbirds and gardening in general. Her energy knows no bounds, whether it is organizing local garden clubs and field trips to taking care of her large garden and farm in Killen. And what a garden this is! I photographed it in the very early spring, just as wildflowers were beginning to open, through the spring and late summer.

There is always something unique to see when you visit, no matter what the season. Large borders of native plants, shrubs, grasses and perennials are punctuated by old garden and household implements as well as stunning carved pieces created by her late husband. Hummingbirds are another attraction. A fence row outside her back door is populated by feeders which attracts hundreds of the tiny birds. Every summer, she has a hummingbird banding party, and asks everyone to bring a bag of sugar to help keep her feeders stocked. Seeing so many hummingbirds at one time is a thrilling experience!

Here are a few photos that take you through the seasons in her garden.