It Might as Well Be Spring

In the covered but not walled area of Molbak's nursery, it feels like spring has already arrived which reminds me of one of my favorite knock knock jokes - Knock, knock.  Who's there?   Marcus Welby(go ahead and do a search for this everyone under 50, we'll wait.)   Marcus Welby who?

 

It Marcus Welby Spring.  (To the tune of the last line of the Rogers and Hammerstein song below.)

For those of you to whom Shirley Jones, Danny Thomas, Marcus Welby, and Rodgers and Hammerstein were unfamiliar, enjoy your youth.

 Black Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens) looks handsome year round and looks especially nice in this composition.

This was really difficult to photograph but was stunning in person.  Silver and green foliage with all white flowers in geometric patterns at the feet of Camellias sasanqua 'Yuletide' with bright red/pink blossoms.

 A wider view.  So hard to capture this but believe me it was gorgeous!

These cyclaen persicum aren't hardy here but they are used in pots and beds outside in the winter because they will continue blooming in the cool weather(down to 40) They're supposed to only be hardy to zone 10.  Has anyone in the area had luck with growing them in the ground for more than a season?

My camellia sasanquas 'Yuletide' are still just budded but through the magic of the nursery, theirs are in full bloom! 

This reminds me of all the cordylines that we lost in the big freeze.  Fortunately I kept one or two inside but all of the dark pink ones got left outside.   

So, back inside, the orchids were looking especially photogenic. 

A nice young woman said that they have special orchid events in February that culminate on Valentine's day and that they'll be getting lots more unusual orchids in soon.  Wow, I was pretty impressed with what they had. 

I'm learning that for me these will most likely be temporary plants like poinsettias.  They don't like to get totally dry but don't like too much water, either.  Whatever.  who has time for that?

And you have to stake the bloom stalks. 

My retired  sister in Alaska has great luck with them.  I think that she spends most of her time wondering exactly what they want and catering to their demands.  She is really good with schedules and routines.  I on the other hand am lucky to remember to wear matching socks most days.

They sure are purty though.

 So, I'll enjoy these at the nursery and stick to succulents and air plants that require minimal care for my own home.

Are there signs of spring in your garden or at your local nurseries yet?