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's a good story. We often don't know how plants ended up for sale in our local nurseries or on line. Millions growing around the world that were once a single seedling.
ReplyDeleteThat intense color sure wakes up the eyes in a grey spring!
It's pretty and cheerful - just what you want to kick off spring!
ReplyDeleteI agree it is an interesting story. It is a beauty too. Happy Spring.
ReplyDeleteI planted PJM Rhododendrum a few years ago. Very little direct sun made it grow leggy branches, it lost the lovely bronze-colored leafs it had when I punched it, and it produced 5 blooms this year. I'm rather discouraged.
ReplyDeleteChavli
Actually mine is not very dense. I wonder if pruning would help?
DeleteSo commanding with the bright color. I know rhododendrons are common, but I miss them (grew up in Portland, OR now in CA).
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story! Thank you for that! I know they are common, but damn - there is a reason for that. I love that dark foliage contrasted with that nearly fluorescent purple. If I had room, I would totally plant one.
ReplyDeleteAnna K