Fast forward through fall: it’s getting cold out there.

Fast forward through fall: it’s getting cold out there.

by | Nov 24, 2020 | Gardens

Every year toward end of summer–when it’s hot and uninspiring in the garden–I think, but fall is coming. I imagine being outside enjoying the lovely light, getting to those projects I put off for cooler weather, maybe sitting in the lounge chairs that’ve gone unused all season.

When what to my wondering eyes should appear, frost on the roof and no reindeer near. Early on, several days running, frost! Oh, I know it’s nothing to some of you tougher gardeners in more severe climate, but I’m no monument to justice. This is Portland. In ain’t supposed to be this cold this soon. Scrambling to protect tender plants ensued.

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Scoping out the new Cistus Nursery fall 2020 catalog

Scoping out the new Cistus Nursery fall 2020 catalog

by | Nov 22, 2020 | Nurseries, Plants

You should really see Cistus Nursery in the winter if you’re in the area. It’s transformative and paradigm-shifting to walk in one dreary Pacific Northwest day, where you might be used to seeing bare branches and bald spots where dormant plants lie sleeping around town, into a lush abundance of foliage and textures that are in no way diminished by the dormancy of deciduous plants. Cistus feels like California in Oregon, like summer in winter, like a magical loophole where the rules do not apply. It’s where I learned there need not be boring seasons in the garden. As usual, the latest catalog is full of plants to sprinkle some of that magic.

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Our favorite new plants in the Gossler Farms fall 2020 catalog

Our favorite new plants in the Gossler Farms fall 2020 catalog

by | Nov 8, 2020 | Nurseries, Plants

The Gossler Farms fall 2020 catalog is out with some brand new plants and restocked favorites. Gossler Farms’ plants typically have all that heart-melting green lushness and fiery fall drama 🔥🍁🔥 that feel like classic Pacific Northwest gardens, with plenty of hard-to-resist collectors’ plants sprinkled in for good measure. I’m not one to resist the urge to do a little fantasy shopping of my own while updating our catalog with the latest. Why fight love?
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Editing Season in the Garden

Editing Season in the Garden

by | Sep 7, 2020 | Gardens

It’s that time of year when imprudent planting decision make themselves known. Labor Day already, can you believe it? At any rate,  I’m editing heck out of the garden. Noting where plants have flopped, too little sun. Or plants are fried, too much sun. Also looking at the water sprouts on the apple tree, which seem to get away from us no matter what. The upright branches radically changed the amount of sun getting through to the Hot Bed. Thusly, I ordered a lightweight pole pruner; it seems manageable without me become a menace. Water sprouts beware. (more…)

Plants that put up well with summer planting

Plants that put up well with summer planting

by | Aug 16, 2020 | Plants

If you’re anything like me, the summer itch has hit. That’s the point where I’m itching to rearrange the garden to cover the bald spots, hide the plants that are past their peak, and adjust for conditions that turned out different than I expected. But it’s hot. Not all plants appreciate being transported and planted in the heat. I miss the spring freedom to plant, move, or divide whatever might need it. So I asked our longtime collaborator and reliable planting expert, Evan of The Practical Plant Geek what’s good to order and plant when we find ourselves in the dog days. These heat tolerant plants will do quite nicely.

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Plants on the Rise

Plants on the Rise

by | Jul 20, 2020 | Gardens

Hello out there. Hope you’re all doing well and enjoying your gardens. I’ve been busy dragging my heels on gardening posts, because, well, you know. Covid-19 has everything all out of whack. In good news department, mail order biz for plants has been hopping. If you’ve been on the hunt for your latest heartthrob, you’ve no doubt discovered that many nurseries have sold out of precious wares. They’ve been working day and night to make it happen, and how we appreciate their herculean efforts. (more…)