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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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Visiting Shari & John's Garden Again


It was in the fall of 2020 that I last saw Shari McDonald and John Hembroff's garden. I can't believe that was 2 1/2 years ago but, as they say, time flies when you're having fun (actually these days I think time flies no matter what mood you're in).

Shari said they had some damage during the winter. A tree fell in the front garden and while it didn't do a lot of damage, it did open up more space.




I absolutely love this garden and every time I see it, I feel the need to go home and start ripping everything out in our overstuffed garden and start over. It is so well designed and tranquil, truly a place to retreat from the noise and bustle of everyday life.

I ask myself how I would adjust to a shade garden. I know I would miss flowers, especially roses, but I also know that I prefer shade over sun.  

After entering, you are surrounded by plants and huge rocks. After walking a short distance down a flagstone pathway, you turn around and look back to this view -



To the right is a large Koi pond and waterfall -









Going around to the back garden reveals more treasures. This is a small garden but Shari has found room for a large amount of choice plants.


Hydrangea aspera

I forgot to ask Shari but I'm pretty sure the large variegated rhododendron is Rhododendron ponitcum 'Variegatum'. It has a beautiful purple bloom. The smaller rhododendron at the foot is 'Ebony Pearl' -




Back around to the front - this was taken along the side of the garden by the street - 


One more closer look at that inviting entrance -


Thanks again Shari and John - your garden is a treasure!


Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. AnonymousMay 31, 2023 at 7:50 AM

    I went back to see the first post, from fall of 2020. I couldn't pick which season shows this magnificent garden best: it is spectacular in both, and I also love shade gardens.
    Photo 7 is a tapestry in green. I love it.
    Chavli

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  2. Kris PetersonMay 31, 2023 at 10:21 AM

    It's a beautiful and very serene garden. I could almost feel my blood pressure falling.

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  3. tz_gardenJune 3, 2023 at 8:15 AM

    What a beautiful garden, if I walked by that entrance I would want to peek inside!

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