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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.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Vashon Island act three; Of Cabbages, Kings, and a Corner (not in that order.)

Whenever I get off ther ferry in Vashon Island, I feel almost as if I'm going home to my home town in Alaska of 750 people who all knew each others business.  As you've seen in parts 1  & 2,there are many reasons to love Vashon.  Here are two more. 


First, the corner, Kathy's Corner, that is.
 
 I've been shopping at Kathy's place since she was selling plants up the road a bit in a much smaller venue.  "Come grow with us" is quite apt, as Kathy has grown her business to what could now be called Kathy's Several Acres All Crammed Full of Plants, Shrubs, Trees, and Just About Anything You Could Want to Put in the Ground (well, maybe not your mother-in-law.)  Of course that doesn't have quite the same ring to it, probably wouldn't all fit on the lovely sign, and might offend some mothers-in-law. But I digress.
 To say that Kathy's Corner is well stocked is a gross understatement.  This place is always full to overflowing with plants, common and unusual.


 
 This eryngium caught my eye but it decided to stay on the island.



This is a fraction of the shade offerings displayed beneath a pair of grand weeping willows. 
 Shrubby goodness

 Seems that our mild winter has gardeners wanting to give phormiums another go.  They sure seem to be present at nurseries in large numbers again.

 Hanging pots.  Kathy has beautiful begonias, mixed baskets, and a wide variety of fuchsias.  This place was carrying fuchsia 'Autumnale' long before it started showing up everywhere else.  In past years, I have found here such rarely offered plants as Chamaecyparis lawsonia 'Van Pelt's Blue'  and Photinia davidiana 'Palette' so do check every corner of the nursery! 
 Edibles galore.
 Kathy grows or grows on much of her stock and a peek into her growing houses, which contain mother plants, some of her personal collection, and a plethora of delights is truly a treat.  I didn't wander back this time, trying to avoid temptation so you'll just have to visit the nursery yourself to see. 

The stock of annuals at this nursery is abundant.  Stunning Salpiglossis!




 This eryngium 'Big Blue'  caught my eye and also caught a ride home with me.  Notice that even the stems are blue.  What's not to love?


Kathy is a hard worker, a grower, a gardener; personable, approachable and a downright nice person.  Her establishment, reflecting her personality,  is a welcoming place which is all about plants; there are a not a lot of doo dads, whirly gigs, whatchamacallits, furniture, or other garden accoutrements. Plants, pots, seeds, fertilizer.  Come on in, do some shopping,  and talk about plants with this down-to-earth woman; you'll be glad you did.




And Now Cabbages & Kings,  the title of one (there are many) of my favorite pieces by Vashon artist and friend Brian Fisher.  Read more about Brian's work, including his new cut steel "Threshold Guardians, garden art personifying myth and boundaries," on his website and blog.

 

Although print making, assemblages, and garden art comprise much of the work posted on his website & blog, he is a master of many media.  I've had the pleasure of seeing his work in oils and his watercolor, "communion" below greets me each day.  Sorry for the poor quality of this photograph.  The piece is stunning in person.
I met Brian along with Chris, also a talented artist, who has become a close friend, encourager, and nursery shopping partner, about twenty years ago.  I was rehearsing for a Cole Porter Revue and they had somehow been roped into creating sets.  It's funny how we connect with people. 
When chatting with Brian the other day to obtain  permission to use his work here, he extended an invitation to tour of his fabulous garden again, this time with camera in hand so stay tuned for a treat!  
I hope you've enjoyed this three-part voyage à l'île de Vashon, a place where all the women are strong, the men are good-looking, and the children are above average.  No wait, that's somewhere else entirely.  Sorry Mr. Keillor.  I meant, a place where weirdness is celebrated  (O.K. it makes Portlandia look staid.)  the folks are friendly, and creativity abounds!

16 comments:

  1. Oh yes I am glad you snapped up that Eryngium 'Big Blue' I would have been doubting your sanity had you not.

    As for the Phormium you're right! I have seen more of them this year...I've resisted the temptation though.

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    1. And that Eryngium is spiky/dangerous looking!

      Phormium resistence - You're much stronger than I, my friend! Although, after my two huge specimens bit the dust three years ago and the next winter was equally deadly to the population around town, I resisted which wasn't hard because there weren't a lot of them around. However, we had a not-so-heinous winter last year and they are so beautiful. I'm weak.

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  2. the red and yellow Salpiglossis are cool are they very small? what zones?

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    1. The ones I saw and have grown get about 15 - 18 inches tall; the flowers themselves are about the size of a petunia but the trumpets, as you can see, are deeper. We grow them as annuals but I've heard everything from 9b - 11 as far as hardiness.

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  3. I am lusting after that eryngium 'big blue.' that is one stunner of a plant! LOVE IT!

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    1. It is gorgeous! I keep moving the pot around to different parts of the yard trying to decide where I will appreciate it most.

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  4. I've enjoyed this part of your trip to Vashon, I really need to go back. I didn't realize there are other nurseries there besides Dig. I've noticed lots of very lush-looking Phormiums at the local nurseries too. I am sorely tempted.

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    1. Yeild to the temptation! Of course, I always say that. Glad you enjoyed the post.

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  5. We all need more places like Kathy's Corner! There is a terrible shortage of garden centers owned by hands-on people who really love plants. Great photography, by the way.

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    1. We're pretty lucky in this part of the country to have quite a few places like this! Thanks for the complement about the photography but these days the camera does all the work.

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  6. I always enjoy walking through nurseries all over the globe with a sense of irony because I'm a quad, She certainly offers a bevy of choices. Would certainly would snatch an artichoke plant. Prettiest field crop I ever saw in CA years ago. Thanks much.

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    1. I'm happy to say that more and more nurseries are fully accessable to all. Truth be told, I also got a couple artichokes because I love the foliage and blooms as well as eating the things. So which will win out, the stomach or the eye? Thanks for stopping by.

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  7. Shrubby goodness has got to be my favorite snapshot. These are all so beautiful and well grown, is this most year round?

    -Tony Salmeron
    Tree Trimmer Hendersonville

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    1. Most retail nurseries in the Pacific Northwest are open year round although some have shorter hours in the winter.

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    2. my oh my
      this is Kathy from Kathys corner
      THANK-YOU so much for the beautiful pictures and comments!!
      kathy

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    3. Hi Kathy,

      Glad you found the blog post. You and your nursery are pretty special!

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