When I started my post last week, I meant to write about a trip to Cistus Nursery with Loree, intrepid Mistress of Danger Garden. But once I got on that Highway, there were so many other fascinating places to visit–at least in my fanciful imagination.
So back to the upshot. A couple weeks ago, I watered for Danger while she was off Blog Flinging in Toronto. I don’t live far from Loree, and I always love the opportunity to look at her garden. And when she’s gone, I can take my time contemplating scenarios in her garden for implementation in my own.
Here’s a closer look at the neat border treatment. Nice idea, no?
In fairness, this time, my son helped manage–which is a good thing. If I’d destroyed any of Danger’s plants by dragging the heavy hose across it, I’d feel the need to leave the country. I’m happy to report that didn’t happen, and I’m still happily situated in the US of A.
I do find it ironic, that without fail, when Danger leaves town, the temperatures soar. It’s nerve wracking. Because even though much of her garden is drought tolerant, I’m always sure things are thirsty anyway. I usually water a little more than instructed, but that’s the right thing to do when it’s extra hot, right? Lance Wright over at Garden Riots just wrote an interesting post about soil and water penetration. Worth a read–but put on your thinking cap. This guy is the mad scientist of garden passion.
So back to the Cistus Nursery visit.
Last week, I claimed Loree said “no” to this first giant Yucca rostrata we stumbled upon. I suppose that’s not technically true–she’s all for the plant. But I might have been immodest in my first gushing: it was $500. Shortly thereafter, we ran into proprietor Nathan, and he said they had some even bigger, for $1200, and he advised me to choose one of those instead. See, I’m not that bad.
We took some time to stroll the gardens. Danger blogged about Cistus this week as well. How could she not?
You can sneak up on this plant from any direction and it’s still fabulous.
How am I just now picking up Stipa barbata on my radar? It is the epitome of grooviness, and I need it.
The hub of the Cistus Nursery is always packed with exotics. Hummingbirds think this a cool place to hang out. I don’t think I’ve ever been there without seeing at least one. And frogs like it too.
The Yucca rostrata in bloom is a sight to behold.
Got lucky on this photo back in 2010. Isn’t that frog the cutest?
Love Agave bracteosa ‘Monterey Frost’, and I don’t have this one. I should have gotten it, but in my excitement over being at Cistus, my attention was zinging about freely.
We found gem after gem in the display gardens. Though for these Cistus dudes, they’re probably just their gardens, and they happen to display well. Gardeners, gotta love ’em.
This was the bean winner for the plant I brought home. Remember back there where I said Danger was rewarding me for watering duties. I wanted to choose a plant that would make us both happy.
Thanks, Loree.
After we’d each picked up a couple more gems and stashed them near the counter, Nathan asked the magic question: do you want to go through the greenhouses. Score!
This fabulous Cactus? was just outside one of the greenhouses. The arm seemed broken at the bend, which added to its interest. Will it grow a new limb there?
And in closing, a gratuitous animal photo. Posy, Punky, and Mister are my greeters when I come in from the garden. They send best gardening wishes your way.
Cheers.
p.s. We love to hear from you. When you’re in internets neighbor, drop in and say hi.