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September Surprises

It is always a thrill to stumble across a plant that I may have forgotten about or one that does something unexpected. That has happened several times over the past weeks.  First, the vine pictured above is the Eastern Prince Schisandra vine ( Schinensis chinensis ), also known as "Magnolia Vine".  I purchased it in May of 2023 from One Green World in Portland. I don't know what attracted me to it, other than the fact that I'd never heard of it before and the description sounded nice.  I didn't forget about this plant; in fact, it has grown quite vigorously up an archway at the entrance to our woodland path. It shares space alongside the rose 'Lamarque'.  I did forget that it produces berries, so I was surprised when I looked up and saw them dangling over the top of the arbor.  The berries are used in Chinese medicine. They are called the "Five Flavor Berry" and said to have five flavors in one - sweet, salty, bitter, tangy and sour.  Chinese le...
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Joy Creek Nursery




I've been familiar with Joy Creek Nursery for a long time but I don't think I've ever ordered from them. I don't know why since hydrangeas are one of their specialties! They are located about 20 miles north of Portland and we drove up there on Saturday afternoon. It was a bright sunny day with not a cloud in the blue sky and it was unseasonably warm.

 I did wind up buying a plant - Hydrangea "Oregon Pride" - but I spent most of my time wandering through the incredible display gardens and taking photos. I don't know what a lot of these plants are and I didn't take any notes or ask many questions. The nursery was very busy with customers and a workshop was going on.

Of course, one of the treats was getting to see some fabulous plants that don't grow well here in Alabama.
























Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. F CameronJuly 8, 2013 at 7:12 PM

    I've never ordered from them, but the photos are so inspiring. Lovely.

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  2. F CameronJuly 8, 2013 at 7:13 PM

    Lovely photos. I've never ordered from them, but I've heard of the nursery.

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  3. Sammie070502July 8, 2013 at 7:57 PM

    I believe your mystery plant (iris-like with yellow flowers along the stem) is Sisyrinchium striatum.
    --Emily

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  4. AlisonJuly 8, 2013 at 8:34 PM

    I think Mike, one of the owners, lives in the house with Yowler. You did see the orange tiger cat Yowler, didn't you? He's quite a character. They do have a wonderful display garden. You really have to come to the Fling next year in Portland. You'll learn what all these cool plants are!

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  5. David OliverJuly 8, 2013 at 11:52 PM

    For your sake it was a pity they were busy and you couldn't chat with anyone who worked there. I think those white flowers are pretty and they remind me of lilies - upside down lilies but still...

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  6. Lisa at GreenbowJuly 9, 2013 at 4:19 AM

    I bet you came away from there with a bad case of plant envy.

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  7. ProfessorRoushJuly 9, 2013 at 6:17 AM

    The delphiniums on the West Coast make me cry. The Blue Himalayan Poppies make me wail.

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  8. Sue EllenJuly 9, 2013 at 7:08 AM

    I think your white lily picture is Lilium maragon (Turk's Cap lily). I have wanted to try these but haven't yet. They are supposed to grow in light shade and I have seen pictures of them with hosta.

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  9. outlawgardenerJuly 9, 2013 at 7:09 AM

    Glad you got to visit this special nursery while you were in the area! I agree with Alison that it would be great to see you at next year's garden bloggers fling in Portland!

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  10. CommonWeederJuly 9, 2013 at 9:05 AM

    It is wonderful to visit nurseries like this. So inspiring. I live near Nasami Farm, the propagation arm of the New England Wildflower Society. Lucky me!

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  11. JenJuly 9, 2013 at 1:58 PM

    Can you tell I grew up in the south? I had NO idea fushias could get shrub sized.... I'm shocked! I have always had plant envy for fushias, so beautiful! Great pictures, looks like you were there at a perfect time for photo ops.

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  12. LostRosesJuly 9, 2013 at 4:36 PM

    Those fuchsias get me every time - so lush, so colorful, so messy as they drop spent blooms on my porch floor. But worth putting up with! What fun to visit a new nursery, Phillip.

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  13. Cerberus German shepherdsJuly 9, 2013 at 8:36 PM

    Good for you! I managed to keep most things alive last year...two of things (out of about 5) that I managed to kill were delphiniums and fushias..I'm in awe.

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