Hortlandia 2018

The rain poured down outside and was predicted to do so all day on Saturday.  No work would be done in the garden and the house is just too far gone to even ponder cleaning.  Why not take a road trip to Portland to attend Hortlandia, the Hardy Plant Society's spring plant sale, one of the largest in the PNW?  An added bonus was that it didn't rain in Portland and it was ten degrees warmer than it was in Tacoma. 

It's been a rainy, wet spring and lots of people were in the mood to shop for plants.  This line of cars was waiting to find parking.  Fortunately, Tom was driving so I was able to hop out and walk while he waited to park.

The crowd in the lobby of the Expo center was larger than remember ever seeing before.  But once the doors opened, folks proceeded inside in an orderly fashion. There were so many people that I didn't take very many pictures.  The educational tables are always a delight.

Rita Lee's Nursery always has a nice selection of cacti and succulents.

This temptation was in someone else's space.

So many great vendors; so many great plants.  For a complete list of vendors and a map, click here. 

There's something for everyone at this sale.  Acers a go-go.

 It always surprises me that potted spring flowering bulbs are so popular at sales when they can be ordered as bulbs at a fraction of the price.   These are sweet though. I didn't get a picture of the sea of blue gentians in bloom but a couple of them came home with me. 

Cornus controversa 'Variegata'

Rhododendron spinuliferum

Fortunately, Gossler didn't have any of this camellia left at the sale otherwis one may have come home with me and I have enough camellias in my garden already!

I think this creation is from Contained Exuberance.

 

Scadoxus puniceus at Rare Plant Research

More gems from RPR

Mostly, there were people. Lots and lots of people, all enjoying looking at plants.  The show was open both Saturday and Sunday and pal Loree, who went back on Sunday to help take the show down said that there were still folks at the checkout line right up until the very end.

I did get a few plants (only a box and 1/2.)  One of the best parts of the show was running into so many blogging friends like Matthew, (Lents Farmer) Alan, (Mardi Gras Gardener) Ricki, (Sprig to Twig) Anna, (Flutter and Hum) and Loree (Danger Garden.)  Strangely, I missed seeing Alison (Bonney Lassie)  but neither of us knew that the other was going. 

Osmunda regalis looks so beautiful unfurling new fronds.  Yes, that podophyllum to the left came home with me.

After we checked out, there was still quite a bit of the day left, it was bright and warm outside and still raining at home so  we visited five area nurseries before heading home.   Once Hortlandia happens, spring has officially arrived.  Now if Mother Nature would get the memo, turn up the thermostat a notch or two and cut back on precipitation a bit, we'll all be thrilled!