Vashon Island act three; Of Cabbages, Kings, and a Corner (not in that order.)

Whenever I get off ther ferry in Vashon Island, I feel almost as if I'm going home to my home town in Alaska of 750 people who all knew each others business.  As you've seen in parts 1  & 2,there are many reasons to love Vashon.  Here are two more. 

First, the corner, Kathy's Corner, that is.

 

 I've been shopping at Kathy's place since she was selling plants up the road a bit in a much smaller venue.  "Come grow with us" is quite apt, as Kathy has grown her business to what could now be called Kathy's Several Acres All Crammed Full of Plants, Shrubs, Trees, and Just About Anything You Could Want to Put in the Ground (well, maybe not your mother-in-law.)  Of course that doesn't have quite the same ring to it, probably wouldn't all fit on the lovely sign, and might offend some mothers-in-law. But I digress.

 To say that Kathy's Corner is well stocked is a gross understatement.  This place is always full to overflowing with plants, common and unusual.

 

 This eryngium caught my eye but it decided to stay on the island.



This is a fraction of the shade offerings displayed beneath a pair of grand weeping willows. 

 Shrubby goodness

 Seems that our mild winter has gardeners wanting to give phormiums another go.  They sure seem to be present at nurseries in large numbers again.

 Hanging pots.  Kathy has beautiful begonias, mixed baskets, and a wide variety of fuchsias.  This place was carrying fuchsia 'Autumnale' long before it started showing up everywhere else.  In past years, I have found here such rarely offered plants as Chamaecyparis lawsonia 'Van Pelt's Blue'  and Photinia davidiana 'Palette' so do check every corner of the nursery! 

 Edibles galore.

 Kathy grows or grows on much of her stock and a peek into her growing houses, which contain mother plants, some of her personal collection, and a plethora of delights is truly a treat.  I didn't wander back this time, trying to avoid temptation so you'll just have to visit the nursery yourself to see. 

The stock of annuals at this nursery is abundant.  Stunning Salpiglossis!

 This eryngium 'Big Blue'  caught my eye and also caught a ride home with me.  Notice that even the stems are blue.  What's not to love?

Kathy is a hard worker, a grower, a gardener; personable, approachable and a downright nice person.  Her establishment, reflecting her personality,  is a welcoming place which is all about plants; there are a not a lot of doo dads, whirly gigs, whatchamacallits, furniture, or other garden accoutrements. Plants, pots, seeds, fertilizer.  Come on in, do some shopping,  and talk about plants with this down-to-earth woman; you'll be glad you did.

And Now Cabbages & Kings,  the title of one (there are many) of my favorite pieces by Vashon artist and friend Brian Fisher.  Read more about Brian's work, including his new cut steel "Threshold Guardians, garden art personifying myth and boundaries," on his website and blog.

 

Although print making, assemblages, and garden art comprise much of the work posted on his website & blog, he is a master of many media.  I've had the pleasure of seeing his work in oils and his watercolor, "communion" below greets me each day.  Sorry for the poor quality of this photograph.  The piece is stunning in person.

I met Brian along with Chris, also a talented artist, who has become a close friend, encourager, and nursery shopping partner, about twenty years ago.  I was rehearsing for a Cole Porter Revue and they had somehow been roped into creating sets.  It's funny how we connect with people. 

When chatting with Brian the other day to obtain  permission to use his work here, he extended an invitation to tour of his fabulous garden again, this time with camera in hand so stay tuned for a treat!  

I hope you've enjoyed this three-part voyage à l'île de Vashon, a place where all the women are strong, the men are good-looking, and the children are above average.  No wait, that's somewhere else entirely.  Sorry Mr. Keillor.  I meant, a place where weirdness is celebrated  (O.K. it makes Portlandia look staid.)  the folks are friendly, and creativity abounds!