Skip to main content

Featured

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...
6 comments
Read more
Labels

Joy Creek Nursery

joy-creek-nursery-20

This was my second visit to Joy Creek Nursery - the first being on my very first trip to Portland three years ago. It is my favorite nursery and far enough away (about 30-40 minutes depending on traffic) to keep me out of trouble. Their plant selection is incredible. They specialize in a number of plants - hydrangeas, fuchsias, clematis (just to name a few) - and they have a tremendous number of varieties.

Their display gardens are reason enough to visit even if you don't plant on buying plants (although I would dare you to leave without getting something - it is just too irresistible).


joy-creek-nursery-13
The hydrangeas were at their peak this past weekend.

joy-creek-nursery-11
This beautiful purple one (I did not see the name) looks great next to a stand of Queen of the Prairie (Filipendula rubra).

joy-creek-nursery-16
'Pia', a low growing variety, is on my wish list.

joy-creek-nursery-12
I could not find the name of this powder-blue lacecap variety.

joy-creek-nursery-5
Michael had a conniption over the pale violet hydrangea on the right. We could not find the name of it either and forgot to ask later.

joy-creek-nursery-4
What a view! The nursery is located in Scappoose, Oregon, a rural area to the west of Portland.

joy-creek-nursery-3
A viburnum literally covered with berries.

joy-creek-nursery-9

joy-creek-nursery-8

joy-creek-nursery-1

joy-creek-nursery-10
Another plant I forgot to ask about. I love the ferny foliage on this shrub.

joy-creek-nursery-14
The colorful coneflowers (Rudbeckia) were eye-popping. That is a rugosa rose in the background.

joy-creek-nursery-15

joy-creek-nursery-7

joy-creek-nursery-18
We managed some restraint and came home with six plants. This was one of them - Calla Lily (Zantedeschia 'Flame'). I have started a list for my next visit!

Here is Michael standing next to what has to be one of the world's largest 'Annabelle' hydrangeas!


Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
Email Post
Labels:

Comments

  1. Lisa at GreenbowJuly 7, 2016 at 10:31 AM

    Wow,that Annabelle is huge. Mine has never been that tall. It does spread wider yearly. I don't mind because she is so pretty. Love that flame calla lily. I have a bright yellow one that lives here. I was surprised that it wintered over. I am tempted to move it to a different place so I can see it more easily. I am afraid to move it because it might not live. I have a favorite nursery but it is an hour and 45 minutes away. Thank goodness. I make a pilgrimage there every spring.

    ReplyDelete
  2. chavlinessJuly 7, 2016 at 5:04 PM

    What a beautiful collection of Hydrangeas, truly hard to pick a favorite. The orange Calla Lili is gorgeous! I especially with the spiky purple something-or-other in front of it (veronica?). You came home with 6 plants and no picture of your haul?

    ReplyDelete
  3. NicJuly 12, 2016 at 7:11 PM

    I have mail-ordered quite a few things from them and have been so happy with the service and good prices. Nice to see that the place also looks awesome.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hoover BooJuly 13, 2016 at 3:11 PM

    Ah, sigh! So beautiful. The photo of the orange callas with the purple veronica(?) below and purple clematis above--oooh!

    Yes, we have to see what plants you got. This is garden blogging: there are rules. ;^)

    ReplyDelete
  5. EveJuly 13, 2016 at 6:24 PM

    Wow! Just amazing plants. Sigh......

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular Posts