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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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Ruth & Gary Clark's Garden


It is always a pleasure to tour this garden. Ruth & Gary Clark's residence is on three acres, all beautifully maintained. There are both sun and shade areas and a large fenced-in vegetable garden. Winding pathways take you from one end of the garden to the other with lovely specimen plants that have plenty of room to do their thing. 

We started our stroll at the east side of the garden, which is sunnier. A perfectly shaped Sumac (Rhus)  greets you.

A Sweet Shrub (Calycanthus 'Aphrodite') is at least eight feet tall and wide and was covered in blooms. 

Continuing down the pathway, we see one of my favorite trees, Catalpa bignoinoides 'Aurea'.

Robinia pseudoacacia 'Frisia' grows along the grassy areas outside the borders.
 I wish I had room for this!  

The pathways and borders surround a huge expanse of lawn.


Looking toward the vegetable garden.


The west side of the garden is shaded by seven huge walnut trees. The property was once a farm.



Throughout the garden is an array of whimsical garden art. Many look like antique pieces and there are also pieces made by Gary, who is a talented artist.

I love these bird houses and forgot to ask where they got them. 






Approaching the patio area next to the house.


You can see some of Gary's art pieces around the patio.

And finally, a pathway leading back to the driveway. A very happy clematis takes center stage (not certain but I think it is 'Romantica'.)

Thank you Ruth & Gary for another great tour!

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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Comments

  1. Kris PetersonJune 22, 2024 at 9:51 AM

    That looks like a garden I'd love to hang out in - forever!

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  2. tz_gardenJune 23, 2024 at 11:47 AM

    Beautifully kept, established garden. How wonderful, through the screen looks like it would be 10° cooler walking there.

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  3. Hoover BooJune 23, 2024 at 6:12 PM

    That's a whole other level of gardening, 3 acres....fantastic and beyond impressive. Excellent photos as well.

    That clematis isn't just happy, it's delirious!

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