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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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March Treasures

Camellia 'Magnoliaflora' and Pieris 'Valley Rose'

Buds are budding, flowers are emerging, and the garden is getting greener. Excitement builds! It seems like it is all happening too soon and that is probably the case since the winter has been so mild. There are also mutterings about a "false spring" which is certainly understandable. It is not uncommon here to get a big snow in April. It has happened many times since we've lived here. 

Proceed with caution...

I would not dream of putting any delicate plants out yet so they will remain in the garage. However, there is a flurry of activities that needs to be done. Rose pruning, cutting back perennials and grasses, transplanting, etc. etc. 

It is all worth it - the garden rewards -

Crocus


Daffodils


Anenome

Hellebore

Camellia 'Donation'

Euphorbia wulfenii

Tree Heath (Erica arborea)

Hebe 'Pretty in Pink'

Pieris 'Valley Rose'

Pieris 'Passion Frost'

And last, but certainly not least, is the Azara which is just spectacular this year. I've never seen so many blooms. The garden is filled with the fragrance, which to me, smells like cigars. Some describe it as vanilla or a cake baking in the oven. However you describe it, it is divine.

Azara microphylla



Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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Comments

  1. Kris PetersonMarch 13, 2025 at 8:01 AM

    Your garden is looking lovely, Phillip! Your Camellia 'Magnoliaflora' looks a lot like my 'Taylor's Perfection'; however, mine is already nearing the end of its bloom cycle. I wish I could grow Pieris - that's a perfect companion for the Camellia. Fingers crossed you don't get a snowstorm in April!

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  2. HBMarch 13, 2025 at 2:03 PM

    The garden rewards--yours especially! Beautiful Azara--without fragrance a garden seems incomplete--and the Camellias, Pieris, and the Hebes, and the Hellebores. Happy close-to-spring!

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  3. tz_gardenMarch 13, 2025 at 2:42 PM

    Like you, I love this time of year. Your Pieris 'Valley Rose' is gorgeous, with and without the Camellia. Looking forward to more spring posts.

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  4. AnonymousMarch 19, 2025 at 8:23 AM

    Your Azara blooms appear orange in the photo. Is that truly their color? Because mine are definitely yellow (and smelling like chocolate cake!)
    Chavi

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