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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.

Friday, March 25, 2016

The Northwest Perennial Alliance March Madness Sale and a stroll around the Bellevue Botanical Garden

A couple of weeks ago, Alison (Bonney Lassie) and I hit our first plant sale of the season, March Madness, sponsored by the Northwest Perennial Alliance.  Lots of our favorite specialty growers were there .


Alison got another trillium to add to her garden and I got a couple of podophyllum  including this one.



There were tables and tables of plants as one would expect.  When we were finished inside, we visited the Bellevue Botanical Garden.

It had been years since I'd visited and huge, wonderful changes have been made.  I did visit last Christmas to see their light show but that was different. Here are a few shots along the paths.

Paths diverged in many areas of the garden.  Beyond this gate is the Asian garden but  we chose a different path.




Alison found it interesting that they'd left last year's hydrangea blooms still.  Even though I'm the laziest gardener I know, mine come off the minute that green buds appear.  They do create an interesting contrast with all of the springy green new growth.


Rheum palmatum atrosanguineum with most of the new growth being beautifully red but with some deciding to be green instead.  This coloration seems quite variable from plant to plant.

Astilbe with golden fur emerging from it's long winter's nap. 


Oh, those stately Nolinas!

Across the lawn  with a view of the original owners' home.  For a little history of the place, go here.

A fancy new building in which the plant sale took place. 



A plant zoo. 

Catkins of  Corylus 'Red Majestic' are a lovely pink color rather than the yellow of the green-leaved contorted filbert.  




We even found a hobbit house. 

Next plant sales?  Heronswood on April 2, Hortlandia on April 9 & 10 and The Rhododendron Species Garden on April 15 & 16.   The last one promises to have more vendors than ever before.  These should all be great fun!  Will I see you at any of them?

15 comments:

  1. That was a fun day, looking forward to spending more time with you this summer. I won't be at any of the other sales you mentioned, though. Nigel and I are going to be in Florida at DisneyWorld for their Flower and Garden Festival!

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  2. It's been a while since I've visited the Bellevue botanical garden and I can't recall even noticing the hobbit house. I must plan on going this year. Their Japanese garden is favorite spot of mine, maybe you can see it on your next visit. Those red catkins of Corylus 'Red Majestic': OMG!

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  3. You know I'll be at Hortlandia! Will you be going to all three of those sales? (jealous)

    What a fun outing the two of you must have had, and how nice the sun joined you.

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  4. I'm so jealous of the wonderful plant sales you have up your way. And all the more so when these sales are held in equally marvelous botanical gardens. Enjoy all your plant sale expeditions and thanks for sharing the highlights!

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  5. you and Alison are kicking the season off in style...love my vicarious visits to all points north. Have a photo of our little nephew exploring that hobbit house. He's not so little any more: a clue that it's time for a repeat visit.

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  6. I was at Bellevue Botanical Garden years ago ... 1998 or 1999? Nothing you showed looks familiar!

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  7. I have spent many lovely hours strolling in the BBG and taking thousands of photos.
    Not sure which garden sales are on our agenda this spring, but we just might see you at one of them.

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  8. You two have so much fun! I will most likely be at Hortlandia, even though I don't have room for a single thing more, in my cramscaped yard. Can't seem to stay away, though - it's like this magnetic force, pulling me in...

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  9. Ha, I went to Bellevue Botanic Gardens 2 days ago in the rain and Heronswood today.

    Despite my 30 or so visits to the Pacific Northwest over the last 10 years, as I mostly travel in winter both locations have never been on the agenda.

    All I can say for BBG is, what brilliantly maintained gardens, I really enjoyed it despite the rain. As for Heronswood, I have wanted to go for a few years but this is the first time I have had the time and been here in a season to be able to see something. I am so pleased that I have made the effort; I loved it. Amazing location and plant selection. In another 3-4 weeks it will be breathtaking. I wish I was still going to be here to go again then.

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  10. Ha, I went to Bellevue Botanic Gardens 2 days ago in the rain and Heronswood today.

    Despite my 30 or so visits to the Pacific Northwest over the last 10 years, as I mostly travel in winter both locations have never been on the agenda.

    All I can say for BBG is, what brilliantly maintained gardens, I really enjoyed it despite the rain. As for Heronswood, I have wanted to go for a few years but this is the first time I have had the time and been here in a season to be able to see something. I am so pleased that I have made the effort; I loved it. Amazing location and plant selection. In another 3-4 weeks it will be breathtaking. I wish I was still going to be here to go again then.

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  11. Oh wow, Beautiful place and sale but your last comments on the upcoming sales really struck home. Any one of the three would be a springtime event in itself for me... and that's not even considering all the other specialty nurseries you've been visiting! Have a wonderful Easter.

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  12. Another garden to put on the "need to visit" list.

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  13. Wonderful and refreshing seeing all that lush green PNW-ness. Thanks!

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  14. Love plant sales, Peter but they aren't often here. I'd buy these succulents. Seeing your stroll in the Bellevue Botanical Garden I liked 'plant zoo'!
    Happy Easter!

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  15. Normally I don't like hobbit houses but that one is too perfect. Seems like something you just stumbled upon.

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