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...
That mutabilis must be the best rose ever. It is blooming down here, too, even though it has been hot and dry! NZ flax does not do well here -- it is iffy as you say -- temperamental, not liking it too hot, nor too cold. Yours looks good. I like the yellow pine and yellow sedum --- would be kinda fun together.
ReplyDeleteYour garden is full of wonders in December. Some varieties of Phormium are hardier than others but good drainage seems to be the key to success. Birds like to plant holly all over the garden.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your stroll. I too love Salvia 'Amistad'. It has not proved hardy for me in my relatively mild winters, but I don't mind purchasing it as an annual. Your Viburnum 'Spring Bouquet' is fantastic; I can imagine what it will be like when it blooms.
ReplyDeleteYour garden doesn't seem to mind the cold weather. If Armistad is like Black and Blue Salvia it will come back and be larger and stronger. That Holly does have pretty leaves. I don't think I have ever seen it. How is that terraced are coming along? I hope you get it done this winter.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteThe stroll in your garden was marvelous and I admire the combinations of color and texture that you have, which bring interest in December. I also have a Skyland Spruce (since 2008),which is now about 15-18 feet tall. it is in located in a southeastern exposure with some afternoon light shade from a neighbors large maple across the street. I do know they don’t like intense sun all day, which could cause scorching. Thank you for the wonderful tour. I enjoyed it immensely!
ReplyDeleteThank you Lee!
DeleteYour garden looks awesome, Phillip.
ReplyDeleteAs Deb said, I'm particularly impressed with that Viburnum. I presume it's an evergreen one?
As for that holly -- dang, looks dangerous! :O
Yes, it is evergreen.
DeleteAre you familiar with the Plant Identification and Discussion Facebook group? The group has over 100K members and has proven to be a valuable resource in identifying even the most obscure plant, down to its exact variety, in a matter of minutes. I'm sure they can name the variety of your Holly.
ReplyDeleteBeyond that, I have enjoyed watching your garden grow.
Hello Sharon, I think I am a member of that group. Thank you for reminding me. I did not even think of that!
DeletePhillip, loved the stroll. I have three 'Marie Pavie' and one of them has those pink buds especially in cool weather. So beautiful. It's not been very wintry here in Oklahoma. We're having what we call a "Texas winter," but I hear that for Christmas, it's going to get very cold and perhaps, even snow! Since we rarely get snow especially at Christmas that would be a real treat. Thanks for taking around with you. You seem to be adapting so well to your new place and garden.~~Dee
ReplyDeleteI should have noticed if the buds were always that pink in the winter.
DeleteYour garden is a wonderful place to be, even in wet winter weather. Thanks for sharing it with us.
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