A Visit to Rhododendron Garden Nursery

Kelly's beautiful garden from yesterday's post inspired me to visit his pusher, er...connection, I mean supplier.  He mentioned that many of his plants came from Rhodondron Garden Nursery in Federal Way, WA.  O.K. I fell in love whth that gorgeous blue 'Harlequin' hydrangea, called the nursery, and found that they had only one left which was slated to be taken to a farmers market in a couple of days.

Driving in, the main area looks a little small but upon further exploration, one finds seven acres of mostly shade tolerant plants, a few of which might even interest our pal Barry!

In looking for 'Harlequin,' I came across these Sanguinaria canadensis in rather large pots.  For $16, who wouldn't want this gorgeous foliage in his shade garden?  Because of this price, I was certain that these were the single-flowered form.  When I was checking out, Diane, the woman behind this one-woman show, said, "you know that's multiplex, right?  I just about fainted.  S.canadensis multiplex is the glorious double flowered form of Bloodroot which usually costs $24 for a four inch pot and here I was with a pot more than twice that size for $16!  Diane's story of how she got theseis that years ago, a woman was moving with her family from Illinois to Washington in a car so full that she had to carry a flat of Sanguinaria canadensis multiplex from her former garden on her lap the whole way.  She gave Diane a few and, over the years, Diane has propagated them to the point that she now can sell them. Lucky us! 

And then there were these labeled only "Fan Fern" which I was told is evergreen

More shady characters including another fern I don't yet have!

I love the foliage of Rhododendron Sinogrande!  It's like a loquat on steroids.

Isn't this hardy fuchsia lovely?

I searched high and low but didn't see 'Harlequin!'

 The growing areas go on and on through rhododendrons, azaleas, Japanese maples, more shade stuff... well-grown on site and sturdy characters all.

 These five gallon pots are mostly priced at twenty nine to thirty five dollars - what a deal!

 Finally I gave up and asked Diane where 'Harlequin' was and she took me to this.  She explained that she had made it pink and if I planted it and did nothing, it would revert to blue.  Hydrangeas are fun plants in that many varieties react to soil ph.  Acidic soil yeilds bluer blooms while alkaline causes pink. 

Diane, a charming person,  loves her work and loves to chat about plants.

I came away with the pink-for-now 'Harlequin,' a 'Blue Danube,' the "Fan Fern," and that cool Bloodroot.  I'm thinking I might have space in my garden for a purple hydrangea with jagged edges as well so I'll have to go back soon!  This nursery was a delightful surprise and even had some sun loving offerings!

Rhododendron Garden Nursery, not to be confused with the Rhododendron Species Garden, also in Federal Way, is well worth a visit!  P.S.  Don't forget your wallet!

Kelly's Hydrangea Jungle

I've a co-worker (or coworker depending on which side of the debate you're on.  Probably a moot point anyway because she just retired) and friend who, for the last few years, has been telling stories about her husband's newfound passion for gardening.  I've listened with delight to Mary Lou's tales about my fellow plant addict.  Recently, I was invited to see what Mary Lou calls "Kelly's hydrangea jungle" and the rest of his garden.

Beside the driveway I see some hydrangeas and they're lovely but could this be the jungle?

In front of the house there are a couple huge bushes of these beautiful white ones.  Well, maybe my friend, being a non-addict, thought that this was a jungle. 

On one side of the house there is this exhuberant planting.

On the other is a huge rockery stuffed with sedums, sempervivums, and herbs topped with a tomato bed.  Hmmm.  Beautiful indeed but jungle?  Really, these non plant feinds are prone to hyperbole, aren't they?

Here's Kelly leading us past his sweet peas.  One must stop and smell!

 And by this river of nasturtiums.  Do you remember sucking the nectar out of the back of  these when you were a kid? 

And behind the house to a beautifully maintained lawn with towering cedars and douglas firs.  If you look very closely, you can see a little bit of purple & blue just right of center in front of the two tree stumps. 

We get a little closer...

Take a left turn and...

BAM!  Hydrangea jungle!

 The path kept winding through glorious vibrant blues and purples

Behind all of these vibrant colors were whites which set them off beautifully!

Keeping the soil's ph more acid on one side of the bush and alkaine on the other yeilds these two - toned results.

Love this one with the jagged edges!

 'Harlequin' always gets a lot of attention.

Kelly told me that he got most, if not all of his hydrangeas from The Rhododendron Garden Nursery (not to be confused with the Rhododendron Species Garden - Both are in Federal Way.)  about which I'll post tomorrow.

After wiping the drool from my chin, I was led out to a sunny border which included this dahlia. 

 Another long border had quite a few ceanothus bushes underplanted with hundreds of dianthus.  The contrast of the foliage alone was delightful but can you imagine the sight of deep blue contrasting with pink?AND the heavenly clove-like fragrance?   Maybe I'll sneak back next year! 

I'm covetous of the great views from their back deck where we enjoyed a delicious repast including home made ice cream!

    

 I'm a sucker for tall evergreens.  They just scream Pacific Northwest!

 The sun is  close to setting as I say good bye to Mary Lou, Kelly and their stunning garden. This is partial view of the garden as seen when exiting the front door of the house.   Are there MORE hydrangeas back there?  Is someone obsessed?   Thanks for  the entertaining stories over the years, the wonderful evening,  and the tour of your amazing garden! 



Frugal Plant Finder News Flash

I was just at Fred Meyer in Puyallup (River Road) doing some grocery shopping and decided to take a quick walk through the garden department.  They have two gallon sized hydrangeas on sale for $9.99!

As I was busy ogling this one,

what should come into view but about 10 Hydrangea 'Pistachio'  also two gallon size and for the same price!

If you're in the Puyallup area and are looking for this hydrangea at a steal of a price, head on over!

Since Sumner is so close, I had to stop by Windmill Nursery where they have begonias for sale for very reasonable prices .   (8.00 for the ones below in good sized ornamental plastic pots)