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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, June 29, 2015

Visiting Far Reaches Farm

It's always a treat to visit Far Reaches Farm to see exquisite plants and what Kelly is wearing. Chartreuse toenail polish was a standout on this visit.  Kelly and Sue, the owners of Far Reaches are such entertaining and humorous people that it's worth the drive up just to see them.  To see previous posts from Far Reaches, click here.

The dry bed in front of the house is looking grand.  Was this here last year?  

In the huge mixed border that lines the drive on the other side are cool plants a go-go.  Here is Embothrium coccineum in glorious bloom. Mine has just changed leaf form so hopefully next year it'll bloom.

This Cornus is a riot of bright pink blooms.

Quercus dentata pinnatifida is looking delicious!

The border ends in this fab green-roofed gazebo  in the center of a bog.  From extremely dry to very wet, the needs of a large variety of plants can be met.

Happy looking gunnera!

Let's see what's on the tables!
Very tempting but where could I find space?

On the other hand, there's always space in the greenhouse for another brugmansia!

Jerry at Courting Frogs has been up to his magic again.  Notice the unusual blooms on the left.  They last for a very long time.  Mine's been with me for at least a month and, with the exception of new "pitchers" emerging, looks the same as the day I bought it!

Podophyllum in storage.  Can't explain why I love this group of plants so much.

Shady characters inside.

Begonia pedatifida has great foliage and nice flowers.  

Out in the sun.

I wish now that I'd picked up a couple of these!  They'd look fantastic with the maroon and orange variety in my garden that came from Far Reaches a year or two ago.


Arisaema!

Let's see what's happening in the shade garden.  First we must pay our respects to this lovely puya.

Is that Stachys 'Bello Grigio'  He's sure getting around this year!

 Looks like Begonia grandis with gorgeous pink Maianthemum blooms.

OMG!  A Purple Polygonatum! Not burgundy, not lavender but grape purple. Major plant lust!  Evidently the opening in the flowers doesn't allow native polinators in so seed production has been difficult.

Of course, everyone wants this one.  

Including this in their garden;  Great marketing technique or sadism?  Whatever, it's a beauty!

 Tom noticed this great marbled coloration on several Cardiocrinum giganteum plants.  

Beautiful new variety or leaf chlorosis?  They'll iron (manganese or zinc) it out.  

Nomocharis  looking charming.  I'll never forget seeing masses of this for the first time in Les Brake's incredible zone 2 garden in Alaska.

They're killing me with this ever more gorgeous schefflera delavayi with it's deeply incised leaves.  Variability of seed?  I'm looking forward to seeing seedlings of this beautiful creature for sale!

 A very nice woman working at the nursery asked if I'd seen the big red trillium.  I've forgotten the names of both the cool woman and the marvy  trillium.  It's the largest blooming trillium of this type and it's stunning but carries it's flowers below the foliage.  Isn't it sweet?

It was time to pay for my plants and be off for Windcliff.  Thanks Kelly, Sue and staff for another fun visit to your exceptional nursery and gardens!


24 comments:

  1. I think I was there on the same day as you, but in the afternoon. I missed seeing that enormous red Trillium. I'm pretty sure the dry bed is new.

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    1. I would have missed the trillium had the kind woman asked if I'd seen it, led me over, and pushed the foliage out of the way. Truly beautiful.

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  2. The dry bed was there as early as our visit in 2013, at least in some form (big guys planted = http://www.thedangergarden.com/2013/11/far-reaches-farm-stop-6-on-our-kitsap.html). And yes, that purple Polygonatum...I MUST HAVE IT!

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    1. You're right, the big guys were in. Maybe it's just that the bed has reached a new point of fabulousness. Purple Polygonatum Passion! Everyone wants it!

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  3. I would gladly remove all my solomon seal for this purple beauty.
    What you do you mean your Embothrium coccineum "just changed leaf form"?
    A picture of your purchases?

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    1. Isn't that purple to die for? Sometimes Embothrium coccineum has fatter leaves when it's younger and they get narrower with the age of the tree. Although, I have seen trees larger than mine blooming and with fat leaves. Go figure. Again, I forgot to take a picture of my haul. I'll remember next time!

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  4. Tom has a good eye for possible problems.

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    1. He though they were a whole different variety of plant and loved the look. They were pretty stunning.

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  5. It would seem that Tom is being drawn into the world of garden fanaticism...how fun! Who could resist, faced with this place and its seriously fabulous and unusual fare.

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    1. He's not a passionate plant person by any means but he is enjoying gardens more. Far Reaches is certainly a great recruiting tool!

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  6. Purple Polygonatum.... Purple Polygonatum... Purple Polygonatum...
    Unhypnotise me!

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  7. Seeing that Bella Grigio so happy in a container confirms my theory that they are no match for the rigors of the open garden. I just pulled the remaining wilted specimens from the garden and potted them up. I saw that G. perpensa at the Mendocino Bot. Garden and briefly wondered if it would survive here in a pot. Loved the iron pun!

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    1. I put a Bella Grigio in bad soil and blazing sun and it's doing well. Last year I killed a couple with too much love.

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    2. And that's why I have latitude envy when it comes to full sun!

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  8. Peter I really want to know what you purchased everything at FR is a great find but the Polygonatum is gorgeous and is going on everyone's list I'm sure. Great post we didn't make it there but it saved us a lot of money I'm sure. Glenda

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    1. I got a fluorescent orange alstroemeria that likes baking sun, rocky soil and needs room to spread or should be contained. The orange will look stunning with the blue foliage of eucalyptus and I'll let it romp around. Also, a maianthemum and the brugmansia I showed. There were a few other gems that I've forgotten. I'd purchased plants from FR at several plant sales earlier in the season so this trip's haul wasn't huge.

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    2. I would like to see more pics of your gardens Peter you have been getting some great things and your gardens are wonderful!!

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  9. We still have not visited Far Reaches. But it's good to have a list of new places to visit. Maybe next spring?

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  10. I was just checking the temps in Port Townsend ... lovely 70's

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  11. So many things I'd love to grow but can't, starting with the Gunnera.

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  12. You always find such interesting gardens and nurseries to visit, with such unusual plants. We just have white or maroon Martagon lilies to choose from, you are so lucky to have more selection.

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