Megan and I trekked to Springfield, Oregon, a couple weekends ago–to visit two of our fabulous contributing nurseries. Bloom River and Gossler Farms are in beta testing with us for our online Marketplace. It’s plant shopping online–all in one spot, and from the comfort of your cozy sofa. But if you’re lucky enough to live near a nursery, head thee to their physical location. You’ll be glad you did, I promise.
Springfield is 2 hours south of Portland–a lovely drive through the lush Willamette Valley–when the weather cooperates. Our first stop was Bloom River Nursery, where we met proprietor Mark Bloom in person for the first time. Visiting is not only FUN, it’s good to remind myself how much work goes into providing all these fab plants. I don’t imagine nursery people find much time to goof off.
We took a whirlwind tour. Mark had a prior engagement with the score keeping desk at a University of Oregon Basketball game. Thusly, I snapped wildly, trying to capture the bounty of gorgeous conifers. But that did not include getting the names. I’m going to number the photos, mostly without commentary. Your observations are most welcome.
There was no time for shopping. Dang.
Back out front, near the office and field of conifers. We were almost out of time. Snap. Snap. Snap.
Really, how do you choose? My garden is seriously deprived in the conifer department. Seems every time I fall in love, the label tells me it will get sixty feet tall–or more. I just want a few smaller, open canopy, bird friendly evergreens. That’s a possibility, right?
Alas, it was time to go. On the next visit, we get to tour the gardens. We’ll allow more time. And I’ll do a better job of noting names, I hope.
Cheers