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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...
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The Joy of Hydrangeas at Joy Creek

A trio of hydrangea lovelies in the Joy Creek display garden

Joy Creek Nursery in Scappoose, Oregon is one of my favorite nurseries and I go there every chance I get. Every year, they have a program about hydrangeas (they sell over 100 varieties!) and a tour of their fantastic display gardens. 

First, a bit about geography - when you look at the map you can see that Scappoose is actually located northwest of us (the red square shows where we live, the red star is Scappoose). To get there, we must go south to Portland and cut across which isn't too bad because immediately after we cross the bridge into Portland, we take the first exit, which takes us to St. Johns and then we get on Hwy. 30 and over to Scappoose. I have never understood this as it feels like we are heading due west instead of north. Despite my confusion, it is a nice, scenic drive and the area has a rural vibe despite the close proximity to Portland.



The hydrangeas are really nice this year but they seem to be spectacular every year here. They just love the Pacific Northwest climate. We had over 40 varieties of hydrangea in our former garden and do not have much space left for them here. I did purchase one this time at Joy Creek - it is called 'Rotdrossel', a very tall lacecap with rich purple blooms. 

 Here are some of the hydrangeas that were showcased on the recent tour (I did not get the names of all of these) -
Hydrangea serrata 'Caerulean Lace' 

Hydrangea 'Merritt's Red'

Hydrangea serrata 'Preziosa' 





Hydrangea aspera - a spectacular plant that gets huge here


Other beautiful plants on display -

Kniphofia

Dierema (Angel's Fishing Rod)

Rudbeckia and Rugosa roses in the back

Ligularia

One of my favorite trees and one I'd love to have in our garden although I have no idea where it would go - Golden Catalpa (Catalpa bignonioides)

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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Comments

  1. Lisa at GreenbowJuly 25, 2019 at 4:26 AM

    I just love hydrangeas. With all the rain we received this spring my hydrangeas have done their best this year. I can see that they do like all the rain you get out there in the PNW. That must be why some of mine sulk. You showed much restraint just purchasing one while looking at all of these tasty morsels. That catalpa is a beauty but I bet it gets huge.

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  2. AlisonJuly 25, 2019 at 8:43 AM

    Thanks for sharing these gorgeous photos. I was there just last weekend and saw some of the same plants. I know some people cut back/pollard Catalpa every year, it makes the leaves on the new growth huge. But it probably also shortens the life of the tree.

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  3. Endah MurniyatiJuly 25, 2019 at 10:08 PM

    beautiful!

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  4. Barbara H.July 26, 2019 at 6:04 AM

    Like Lisa, my hydrangeas have been better than ever this year. Those are pretty spectacular ones at Joy Creek and the other plants are pretty good too. It's kind of hard when one's garden space is approaching saturation point.

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  5. Hoover BooJuly 28, 2019 at 2:51 PM

    I got to visit Joy Creek with the GB Fling and will always remember the beauty of the Clematis, Hydrangeas, and they were also at that time trialing a whole giant mass of different Rudbeckias which were a blast to photograph.

    Your Hydrangea photos bring it all back! Gorgeous inspiring nursery, like no other.

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