I am a long time proponent of the one-plant-per-pot style of container gardening. Even with succulents I prefer to keep it simple and let that one strong plant stand alone — all the better to appreciate its features. However as I’ve said before (for example here) never say never…
At Cistus Nursery last weekend I spotted a pair of mixed containers that had me questioning my position. The repeating shapes — and vastly different colors — of the Cordyline and Yucca ‘Bright Star’, combined with the complementary colors of the Sedum and Opuntia makes the whole thing POP!
In this case the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
Of course it helps that it’s against a mainly green backdrop.
On the other side of the path is another container with similar — but different — plants.
The Agave lophantha ‘Quadricolor’ is simply perfection.
And again the solid background keeps my eye from suffering visual overload. I don’t think I could pull this off at home — to much going on in my garden…
Well since we’re here let’s have a quick look around shall we? Opunita ‘Sunset’ is a looker.
There were several HUGE Agave ovatifolia ‘Frosty Blue’ ready to greet me just inside the door.
So “striking”…
Did this sweet little Hellebore just decide to plant itself under the Opuntia collection?
What’s a little rain when one’s visiting a killer nursery? (all the better to clear out the crowds)
Drimys winteri blooms, jasmine scented…
Not my best photo of Mahonia gracilipes but at least I captured the fabulous pink, wiry, stems on the far right. Oh and if you’ve been wanting this plant it’s one that we’re offering for order – here (!).
Finally I’ll wrap up this visit with the only Camellia I’d consider planting in my my garden, C. ‘Night Rider’ (no talking car jokes) UPDATE it looks like this one may actually be Camellia japonica ‘Black Magic’, so yes, that means there are two Camellias I’d consider planting in my garden!
