I usually visit Wells Medina during the height of the gardening season but have never been there this early in the year before. Since the stock here is mostly displayed outside (there are a couple of unheated greenhouses and a covered area but mostly just open air space) I wondered what they'd have on display after our big freeze. Since I was roughly in the area for the Northwest Horticultural Society plant sale, might as well check it out, right?
Several of these arrangements graced the area separating the parking area from the sales areas.
It was interesting to see this place, which is filled to overflowing in the summer, with fewer plants. There were still a lot of great offerings and everything looked beautiful.
Epimedium 'Spine Tingler'
The circular bed wearing winter finery.
Helonopsis orientalis
Pseudopanax laetus 'Kiwi Gem' which, from a distance, looks a bit like a schefflera. It's a bit less tolerant of cold that some of the sheffleras though.
In the summer, I often overlook Drimys lanceolata but at this time of year, who wouldn't love this colorful small shrub?
The conifer section looks unfazed by the recent cold.
Love this pot!
Another winter charmer, Ilex 'Little Rascal.'
There is a smallish indoor area with a nicely curated collection of houseplant offerings.
Caged creatures?
This huge log table is new.
Cactus: It's what's for dinner.
Since we're on the east side, might as well visit Bellevue Nursery and come to think of it, Molbak's is sort of on the way home.
The Northwest Perennial Alliance "March Madness" sale at the Bellevue Botanical Garden is tomorrow! Hope you have time to enjoy your garden this weekend!
"Molbak's is sort of on the way home"... reminds me of the time you went north, back into Washington, to get to my house which was actually just south of your starting point. Your directional sense makes perfect sense now! ;)
ReplyDeleteWell, I'd already gone over the 520 toll bridge once and wanted to go home via 405 to avoid paying the toll again so Molbak's wasn't really that far...You'll be shocked to hear that the plant mobile didn't go the extra 15 minutes to Flower World because I'd seen enough plants for the day.
DeleteOh, that 'Spine Tingler'! Great plant, but it looks pretty pricey there. I just bought a Drimys recently, you're right about those red branches being hard to resist. I was smiling over little Cactuses wrapped up like a box of chocolates when you commented about Molbak's being on the way home, LOL!
ReplyDelete'Spine Tingler' is a nice plant but I still have a crush on E. wushanense of which I have a few. Direction is a relative thing, right?
Delete"roughly in the area"... Love your sense of humor (and sense of direction). The cacti six-packs are just adorable.
ReplyDeleteNo brain;no pain. That's why I'm always so happy.
DeleteEven lightly stocked, all your garden centers are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, we're extremely lucky in this region to have so many fabulous garden centers!
DeleteI planted that Epimedium last year. With leaves like that, I don't care if it ever blooms. The Helonopsis is alas a 6b plant so I all I can do is dream.
ReplyDeleteWell worth the stop. Just seeing your photos gave me a bad case of the wants.
ReplyDeleteWe are going to march madness tomorrow, and then take some time to walk around the border garden. We are having some spring this weekend. Tom made potting soil, preparing to start seeds in the green house. I clipped more sword ferns and worked on clean up under the cedar tree. Lots to do this time of the year.
ReplyDeleteHope you have time to enjoy your garden this weekend!
ReplyDelete