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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.

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

I Wasn't Going to Bring Anything Home!

On Saturday, I drove to Portland to attend the Garden Bloggers of Oregon Plant Swap.  The Oregonians are kind enough to allow me, a Washingtonian, to participate in these events.  The swap always takes place in someone's garden I'll give you a clue as to who was our host this time.

Let's see, who likes spiky plants, agaves in particular?

The chocolate-colored house and front garden.  You've certainly guessed by now.


Yup, the swap was at Loree's (Danger Garden) place.  Here she is talking with Ricki (Sprig to Twig) and Patricia (Plant Lust)

Some of the many plants that filled Loree's driveway. I'm usually better at taking pictures of all the participants but was so excited to see everyone and Loree's fabulous garden that I didn't take many people shots this time.  On the far right are  Amy (The World's Best Gardening Blog) and Anna (Flutter and Hum.)  This was a great opportunity to find new homes for many of the plants that otherwise would have taken up space in the greenhouse this winter.  The plant mobile was full on the way down and my goal was to not bring anything home from the swap.  However, three plants did somehow find their way into my car along with several pots (Thank you Loree and Matthew) and a couple bags of potting soil. (Thanks Dale.)   What fun!

The belle of the ball was definitely Matthew's new love, Cosette.  Nothing like puppy cuteness to make everyone's heart melt.

Loree's holding tank. 

Here are a few more plant/garden shots.  Not a full tour, just a few glimpses between conversations. 





Hey dork, don't photograph your own shadow!

This is a garden that excites me, not only for the impeccable style but because I love and also have so many of the unusual plants  found tucked in all over the place.  Loree and I both have a rather large autumn plant migration looming.  Oh well, a few plants a day and before you know it, it'll be done, right?



Tephrocactus articulatus v. diadematus (pine cone cactus) drew a lot of comments.

The shade  pavilion.

Loree seems to have developed a love of garden gnomes as they were all over her garden.  Hmm.


Believe it or not, I didn't visit any nurseries while I was in Portland.  My goal is to not bring another plant home until my pot ghetto is empty.
Thank you Loree and Garden Bloggers of Oregon for letting me participate in this fun event!  

32 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. Surely you knew the gnomes were planted by the other bloggers, right? Did any come from you? I shared a wrap up of the ones I've found so far on today's blog post:
    http://www.thedangergarden.com/2018/09/ive-been-gnomed.html

    So glad you made the trip down to join us!

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    1. I can neither confirm nor deny any knowledge of outside influences on your garden ornamentation.

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  3. You make me laugh. A goal not to bring anything home. When does that ever really work? It was good to see you! Glad you made the trip!

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    1. I know it was silly. We don't always achieve our goals but it's fun to have them:) Good to see you too!

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  4. We had a plant swap this weekend but I did not attend as I was afraid of coming home with more and I still had a box from Far Reaches unplanted. Looks like a really fabulous swap: great looking plants and big! I can't think of anyone who is so consistent in her garden style as Loree. Her choice of color, materials, plants is all so well thought out. As impressive as it is lovely.

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    1. We're lucky in this area to have so many plant addicts happy to share. You're right about Loree's consistent garden style. It always impresses me when she brings in something that I think of as totally NOT her and makes it work beautifully.

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  5. I always plan to at least bring home fewer plants than I brought. Usually I succeed. Not this year, since I didn't even go and yet you brought me stuff. It sounds like you had a good time, if I'm not mistaken it's been quite a while since you attended one of these. I always enjoy seeing everyone.

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    1. Seeing the people and puppy was the highlight, throw in shopping for free stuff and a wonderful garden setting and it was a magical time!

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  6. I've given up saying that my goal is "just to look" - it's news when I really don't come home with anything. Thanks for another glimpse of Loree's magnificent garden.

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    1. I'm really trying not to bring home any more plants until I make space for them. Damned things are just so wonderful though. Loree's garden is always a treat!

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  7. That's a lot of plants (on the driveway)! I always end up with extra plants on my driveway each year and nobody to share them with. I should network more.

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    1. and I forgot to say: now that we've established that you'll drive to out-of-state plant swaps, I'm scheduling one for next year -- see you then!

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    2. Okay, I'll be there with bells on and a car full of plants to unload (er...share.)

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  8. I can't believe only three plants came home with you. That's some will power.

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    1. There were others that called out but since others were willing to take them, I didn't feel bad about leaving them orphaned.

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  9. A beautiful garden, wonderful friends, and a tempting collection of swap plants. I'd be excited to see a lineup of goodies like that for sale at my favorite nursery... to see them offered for exchange would be irresistible!
    'No new plants until the ghetto is cleared!?' That's a little harsh, did you really mean to say that?

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    1. It's always a fabulous event and I'm glad to have attended!
      I meant to say that but it's just a guideline... When I started this blog one of my goals was to photograph rather than buy every interesting plant I saw. Worked well for a while and maybe this year I can make it work again.

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  10. Wow,what a wonderful garden. Everything is so neat and orderly. (I'm inspired to work more in my s.e. FL gardens once it cools down.) So many fantastic plants to see. Thanks for sharing ~ FlowerLady

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    1. Loree's garden is as exuberant and welcoming as the gardener herself. Always a treat to visit the garden of a fellow addict.

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  11. I enjoy seeing other people's spiky plants which I can't seem to grow, and Loree has such lovely landscaping, but vegetables are my thing, giant Swedish turnips Asian radishes, and soon the Black Spanish radishes, and I get to eat them too.

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    1. Vegetables are awesome and I used to grow more of them the the trees and shrubs in my garden have grown and made it fairly shady and most veggies prefer sun.

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  12. So much fabulous stuff there...you used amazing restraint. Our blogging community would simply not be the same without you (always welcome).
    rickii

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    1. Thanks rickii! It was a special treat to see you on Saturday!

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  13. You are such a good boy, only three new plants. I can tell you used great restraint. I would love to see Loree's garden in person. So many loverly plants.

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    1. It's easier to use restraint in the fall when there are so many plants that need to be dragged inside for the winter. Don't count on such good behavior in the spring. Loree's garden is spectacular. I'm sure if you came out to the west coast for a visit, she'd love to give you a tour.

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  14. It's great seeing Loree's garden through your lens. Visitors see things that the gardener doesn't always post. :)

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    1. I wish I'd taken more pictures but there were plants and people and a puppy! A friend's garden is always a special place to visit!

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  15. Only three plants is good. Loree has such an amazing garden and plant collection.

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  16. What a fun event, not to mention your lofty goal. If you gave up more then the 3 plants you brought home then you are ahead of the game.

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  17. A plant swap sounds like great fun. Wish there was one around here.

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