Oh, that driveway!
With views like this, it's surprising that there aren't car crashes in the parking lot.
Clematis, one of the specialties of Joy Creek. Was it calling my name? Someone was.
Turns out, it was my pal Anna (Flutter and Hum.) Blogging pals Tamara and Ricki also now work with Mike and Maurice. I'm sorry I missed them but it was, as always, a pleasure to visit with Anna who was very excited to share her new favorite plants. Her stash was on one of the front tables. Do you think you'd actually make money working at a nursery?
So many shady characters.
More varieties of hardy fuchsia than you could shake a stick at.
Primula 'Green Lace'
Golden Hops Vine looks handsome with just about anything. Persicaria virginiana (maybe 'Lance Corporal') is likewise a great team player. Together they're quite a knockout.
While admiring a new Farfugium japonicum 'Shishi Botan' leaf, someone yelled, "Anna, come here quickly." What could the excitement be?
It was the largest and most beautiful garter snake I'd ever seen! Anna seemed very excited and not fazed by this sight at all. Snakes are beautiful but I don't often see them and they can move so quickly which makes them a bit scary to me. Unbeknownst to me, Anna, who seemed thrilled at the sighting shares my fear. It's all here in her post.
After that encounter, I kept wondering if there were more snakes lounging about in the plants.
That didn't keep me from finding some treasures to take home.
Meanwhile, back in the gardens...
Although Ricki wasn't there in person, her arrangements graced the inside of the old barn/checkout area.
New this year is the large vegetable garden. Oh to have this kind of space to play with..
Another exciting visit to Joy Creek drew to a close. If you don't live in the area, Joy Creek also sells by mail order.
Up next: Portland Nursery on Starke.
I keep telling myself no more mail order from the PNW! Those shipping charges are the devil but the plant selection is heavenly.
ReplyDeleteOh, that Clematis with Japanese grass... what a sight.
ReplyDeleteI ran into a small snake in my garden once. Scared the socks right off me, but it goes to show that there is more life in the garden then meets the eye.
Ricki's first arrangement has a Euphorbia with orange flowers that I killed once; it's a reminder for me to try it again.
Peter, I've just come in from the garden, nasty, humid, weed-infested thing that it is right now, because there is a gargantuan thunderstorm imminently looming and I'm not a huge fan of lightning. I've spent the most delightful time reading all your posts I've missed again. I don't know where to start. The garden tours are stunning, I ooh and ahh over all the beauty. The new lasagna garden looks wonderful, I can't wait to watch it mature. To answer the question, 'Would a person make money if they worked in a nursery?' I know my answer would be 'No!' I'd probably have to work off my debt due to all the plants I'd be hauling home on a daily basis. And I have to tell you, I have a little four inch tall glass owl like yours, only mine is possibly depicting a Great Horned Owl since, well, it has horns. :-) Thank you, Peter!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the JC love, Peter...sorry I missed the real life hug.
ReplyDeleteDear Peter ~ Thanks again for another delightful garden/nursery tour. So many beauties. If I worked in a nursery, I'd have a hard time NOT buying anything that struck my fancy. Good thing I don't work in one. I have enough to take care of as it is. :-) Am taking my dear SIL to Johnny Mango's next week as she wants to go, I'm the guide, she's the ride.
ReplyDeleteHappy Summer to you ~ FlowerLady
A few weeks time and a sunny day vs a cloudy day make a big difference in photos for Joy Creek. I enjoyed seeing yours.
ReplyDelete