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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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First Snow, Now Ice



Winter weather continues as the snow remains on the ground from the weekend. Last night, we got ice. Here is how it looks this morning -





Today, we are finally climbing above 32 degrees after being below freezing for five days straight. Temperatures in the 40s are predicted today and it should be all be over for now.

Alabama got some snow too. Although our winters are similar, snow is a rarer event there. A lot of times it is predicted and nothing happens. I can't tell you how many disappointments I had as a kid, waiting for that predicted snow and school closing, and waking up to bare ground outside. 

In reading comments on social media, I find people's reactions amusing. First, there is excitement and anticipation. Then a day after it comes, they are ready for it to be over. 

As long as I have power, food and books, I'm fine with it and I don't mind being cooped up for a few days. I'm like a cat, as long as I'm cozy, I'm happy. I'd prefer not to go out in it. The biggest drawback is worrying about the garden and the birds.

Once again, it is the Azara that brings the most anxiety. Last year, the poor thing was completely on the ground after the huge, wet snowstorm. I reinforced it with the biggest stakes I could find. This is it today  -



I'm hoping the branches will not break before the ice melts. After that, it looks like I will have to figure out how to tie it back up to endure the next one.

Is there a next one? Probably so, considering this is just January!

Stay warm and cozy!



 



Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. Kris PetersonJanuary 17, 2024 at 2:53 PM

    I can't say I ever get to see the framework of my garden the way you can when its stripped down to its basic elements like this. I hope the Azara makes it through the snow and ice.

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