-

-
Although this could very well be a picture of me finding a new treasure at a favorite nursery, it's actually an illustration by David Catrow for a children's book called Plantzilla.

Monday, November 26, 2012

New Arrivals

Some plant explorers travel the world risking life and limb to collect seeds, haul them across the world, grow new plants, and introduce them into commerce.  As gardeners we are grateful for these brave souls who allow plant explorers like ourselves who get into our cars and drive from nursery to nursery to be thrilled by new plants.  In one of my recent motorized expeditions to a nursery about 10 minutes from my house, I saw these new-to-me treasures.


Chasmanthium latifolium or Variegated Sea Oats which forms a nice perennial clump of green and white folaige. 

When the weather starts to cool a little, the leaves blush with and the seeds turn this vibrant purple color.

Ilex x meserveae 'Minnieves'  or Scallywag Holly.   The male is the interesting one of these.  It doesn't bear fruit but will act as a pollinator to your other hollies.   The leaves look as dangerous as other hollies but the points are actually fairly soft. 



 The bark has a beautiful burgundy color and the bush remains compact.  What's not to love?

O.K. all you big foliage lovers, look what that nice Hinkley man and Monrovia brought just in time for Christmas!  It's a beaufully variegated Fatsia japonica.  I fell hard for this one. (The plant, not Hinkley although they're both pretty swell.)
 Just look at that variegation.  Sigh... 

Guess which one came home with me?  Plant I mean.

24 comments:

  1. Only one? That's a tough choice as all would work well in your garden. The holly is pretty special.

    I'll have to check on those sea oats, I have several but my variegated doesn't take on the purple hue in the fall.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'd never seen that purple hue either & was excited to see it.

      Fatsia came home with me as I'm a sucker for big variegated leaves.

      Delete
  2. You didn't say which nursery! Love them all, but that Scallywag Holly, I have to have it, just for the name. Do you have room for the two bigger plants? I'm going to guess you bought the sea oats.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oops, it was Watson's. I don't have room for any plants but that evergreen big variegated fatsia was calling out to me.

      Delete
  3. So where will you be planting your new Fatsia?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You know me too well. Not sure where It'll live. It may stay in a pot for a while so I can move it around.

      Delete
  4. I agree with Shirley, only one? I'm the fool who comes home with too much and then spends the next week trying to find a place for it all :) The Variegated Sea Oats catch my fancy and I'm going to check and see if they're cold-weather friendly.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Like you, I usually come home with too much but during the cold months, I'm much better at controlling myself at nurseries.

      Delete
  5. I've actually seen that Holly around this fall...and it might be the first time I've ever been tempted to make room for a Holly :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You really owe it to yourself to get one or five!

      Delete
  6. Oh wow, as if sea oats weren't already cool enough! I can't believe how beautiful that is. And I'm jealous of your fastia--looks terrific!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm kicking myself for not getting the sea oats but I can always go back!

      Delete
  7. those early plant explorers did us a favor, but also gave us a dilemma - too many choices! All divine, I especially love those delicate looking oats.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are right! So many plants, so little space, money, time...

      Delete
  8. I would put that variegated Fatsia on my Christmas list if I didn't know it would be impossible for anyone to find. I will probably have to organize a safari next spring.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Should be pretty to track down in the spring! Remember not to feed any wild fauna you may come across, especially the carnivores! Have a safe safari!

      Delete
  9. Wow, this is the first I've heard of Sea Oats with that coloring. I have quite a lot of the straight species - maybe they're needing some of their more colorful cousins.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh yes Jason, they're calling your name. Plant me Jason, plant me!

      Delete
  10. Good choice on the variegated Fatsia, it's a gorgeous, undemanding plant and seems to light up its own spot :) Mind you I really like that Ilex too (which I jotted down on my plant wishlist...)

    ReplyDelete
  11. You've found plants I've never seen. It's nice to live in an area where it's warmer and better condititions to garden.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks so much for taking the time to comment! I love to hear your thoughts.