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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, August 4, 2016

Squak Mountain Greenhouses and Nursery

Although many of our nurseries and growers have gone out of business in the last ten years, we in the pacific northwest  are very lucky to still have so many fabulous nurseries to visit!  In July, after touring some gardens in the area, we stopped by Squak Mountain Greenhouses and Nursery in Issaquah.  

It's difficult to tell from the photograph but there were so many of these pink geranium (pelargonium) hanging baskets in this building that the light in the place had a pink tint.  Talk about seeing through rose-colored glasses.


The sight of Schefflera taiwaniana still brings a smile.  When they were much harder to find, I remember leaving work early and driving very quickly to a nursery an hour and a half away because they had been able to obtain three.  Once rare as hens teeth; now quite common, they're still beautiful.

Nice selection of perennials, herbs, etc. 



Agave celsii 'Multicolor'

Houseplants - of course, I was drawn to the succulent display. 

Lots of gardeney-gifty (they're now words!)  stuff  including ceramic flowers by the same maker as those that I've bought before although these are slightly different shapes/colors.


I'm fond of these and am pleased that Squak Mountain carries them.  Mine is in the room where I write my blog and holds a variety of seed heads including one from an actual lotus.

For heavy metal fans.

From across the room, these succulents appeared real.

Just think, they wouldn't ever be bothered by scale insects, get leggy reaching for light, or require repotting.

Just rinse the dust off every now and again. 

There's something special about an actual living plant though. 

The greenhouses in which many of the annuals that Squak Mountain sells are grown.

Petunia 'Limelight'  looks a little bit like P. 'Pretty Much Picasso" to me.  Maybe more compact?

 Impatiens 'Peach Frost' is a sweet thing with variegated foliage. 

Beautiful and luckily ubiquitous annual baskets.  These line many streets and add a nice jolt of summer color.

Contain your excitement!

I went back inside and was a bit disappointed.  What I'd seen was a good solid nursery but for some reason I though there would be more.

Turns out, there is!  I'd only explored a fraction of the place.  A peek around the corner revealed  much much more.

Shrubs, trees, foliage for all seasons.

Still like these circular arbors.  How about you?

There's even another level down from the one we explored. 

Shady characters.

First thought:  What kind of mistake is this.  However the tag calls it a twofer tree rose.  This combines 'Julia Child with Ebb Tide.  What do you think?

I was happily surprised to find Phormium 'Jubilee' for sale here at a very low price!  I'd not seen it in any nursery before and was delighted to take one with me.  

It's all fun and games until someone falls off of the ladder!



14 comments:

  1. I've heard of this place but have never gone. Maybe I should, looks like a wonderful nursery. I love the circular arbor. And, the little metal birds! I want them.

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  2. You really are spoils for choice for the places to get plants and garden accessories from :)

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  3. Peter, what wonderful gardening haunts you have in your area. I would love to explore each and every one. I have a collection of metal birds, those would fit right in with mine. The pelargoniums are gorgeous too (but you know I'm a sucker for the flashy annuals-living in WI where we have winter half the year, I like a technicolor yard for a few weeks anyway.) Circles in the garden are my joy, the gate is stunning. :-)

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  4. New nursery visits are the best! Well, but so are visits to old favorites. As for your Schefflera taiwaniana smile I have the same reaction, right after I impulsively reach for it thinking "OMG....must have!" (no, no I don't!...already have two...put the plant down)

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  5. Glad you made the trip. I like how it's tucked away and has a lovely single way gravel road leading up to it. On a recent trip though, I realize that I'm not as excited about it as I once was in my early gardening years. Now days, it takes more to wow me. I'm perfectly happy stopping by my neighborhood nursery in West Seattle.

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  6. I know it's summer but I still marvel at how many nurseries you visit! Circular arbor: YES!

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  7. Despite the mentioned closures, I have the image of huge nurseries spaced about one mile apart all through the PNW - not true? I love the circular arbors even if I haven't a clue where I'd put one (or the money in my pocketbook to pay for one).

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  8. That does look like another great nursery!
    I confess i do have some of those fake succulents on my kitchen windowsill in antique pots because everything else I tried to grow there died.

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  9. Peter, you visit so many garden centers and there are so many interesting things...oh! I'd buy the pots and metal birds and I also liked the fountain and petunias.

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  10. That's a great visit for July. Many of the nurseries around here are practically shuttered until September, but look at all those goodies :)

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  11. I love the whole vignette with the circular arbor. I haven't been to a nursery since the end of June. It's the only way I can stop myself from getting more plants until fall.

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  12. There's so much choice it's completely overwhelming! I love the peach frost the most.

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  13. Be still my heart. Love all the succulents. Wish I'd get that organized in my plantings. Love love the hanging baskets. I need a little rose color in my life. My absolute favorite - the metal birds. I love bird accessories in my house and yard.

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