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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, June 2, 2016

Stopping by Xera and Contained Exuberance

Meanwhile, back in Portland...more nurseries called my name. If you live in the Pacific Northwest, you may have been purchasing plants grown by Xera Plants for years (since 1999.) Just two years ago, Xera opened a retail operation, packed with fabulous plants, that I seldom miss visiting when in Portland.


There were flowers but fabulous foliage spoke to me.

Potentilla gelida

Eryngium variifolium

Pseudopanax lessonii 'Nigra'

Masterfully combined foliage in the small planting beds.  To see pictures of these when they were newly planted, visit Loree's post from 2013 and scroll down a bit.



Sharing the location with Xera is Potted Contained Exuberance (Thanks, Loree.)  Cool pots can be purchased empty or beautifully planted.

Who would have thought?  Rhodocoma capensis  swaying over sempervivum and sedum.  Isn't it a cool combination?


Love the wall!

Celtic knots and oak leaves.  Any nearby Druids? 

It was a treat to see these pots by Apotspot in person after drooling over them in this post

So many great ideas!

 Does she look a bit hung over?  Maybe she's just tired from carrying the weight of all those shells.  Honey, it might be time to comb your hair.

See what a good night's sleep can do for a girl?  Try to ignore the two fab planters behind with the yummy Agave mediopicta albas.
The Druid pot, a couple of grevilleas to replace the one that had grown so huge and then blew over (maybe with the help of an inebriated passerby) in my parking strip. and another plant  joined those already in the plant mobile.  The sleeping lady was seriously tempting but she stayed.

24 comments:

  1. I would have been tempted by the sleeping lady. I might make it down to Xera this fall to pick up a new Manzanita.

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    1. I have one in a pot (think it's still alive) that was going to replace one that I thought was going to die but is fine. I'd be happy to give it to you. Did you want a specific variety?

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    2. I'd love to take one off your hands. I didn't have a specific variety in mind, but do you remember what variety it is?

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  2. Wow! I love those Apotspot pots! (And the lady ones, too.)

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  3. Contained Exuberance btw, not Potted - they're in Los Angeles.

    I don't think I've been to Xera in a couple of months. I'll be taking care of that this weekend.

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    1. Thanks for catching that! I keep forgetting about the name change. Can't wait to see what you bring home from Xera!

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  4. Wish we had the chance to visit whilst in Portland!

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  5. You were wise to snatch the Druid pot. Those borders are a perfect source for inspiration. I couldn't believe it when Paul told me that the impatiens was a single plant. I bought two, just to be on the safe side.

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    1. They spread nicely but you can always divide and plant them around.

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  6. I love that sleeping lady pot. All the plants are drool-worthy too.

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  7. I envy you all your drives to the Ptland area. Starting from Everett makes it so much longer and harder that we only go there when we have to now. So many delightful places there.
    SilverLake Sue

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    1. The Portland area does have some great places to visit but driving all the way from Everett would be tiresome. You could always plan on spending a few days there to make the drive worthwhile.

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  8. Oh how fun! It's been a few weeks. Might have to visit soon...

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  9. Nice place! The Eryngium variifolium is really fabulous.

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    1. Isn't it gorgeous? Kicking myself for not getting one or ten.

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  10. I want that Eryngium variifolium, too!! In fact, I want a lot of these plants. As I was looking at your photos, I was putting plants into my imaginary shopping cart one by one.

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    1. Xera always has some great plants. You'll have to come north again on a shopping trip!

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  11. Eryngium varifoliium, sigh ! I have yet to see Potentilla gelida offered around these parts, even by Annies and Digging Dog. I guess if I want it I'm going to have to drive up to pdx !

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