Where the Wild Things are part XXV
“Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit”
Edward Abbey
We had a wonderful visit with the Siskiyou Chapter of the North American Rock Garden Society this past week. Presenting the science, design, construction and effectiveness of the new geothermal greenhouse was a real treat, and I hope I get more chances to share this unique greenhouse with others interested in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly design.
After a long winter of working two jobs teaching at the community college and keeping the nursery running, a much deserved spring break was in order. So Joleen and I and Chaco the dog set off on a little Southern Oregon adventure to see what early wildflowers could be found. The weather broke into a perfect spring run of highs in the 70’s and crisp nights. We explored along the Illinois River which was running full of snowmelt a shimmering aquamarine tint, and I couldn’t help thinking that some gigantic native steelhead were hiding in those tailouts and slicks beneath the Incense Cedars that line the banks. We found patches of the mysterious Cobra lily drifting from serpentine outcrops down to the banks of the river alive with buzzing flies about to meet there demise, while the high peaks still held snow. We traversed some of the rugged backroads down into California finding a profusion of good early season rock garden subjects in and amongst the geology. I got to relax and play some guitar along one of my favorite rivers, the mighty Rogue. Legends by Zane Grey running through my head as we watched the Jet boats fire up and head upriver to take clients chasing the mighty Spring Chinook salmon making there way inland now. We finished up with a visit to a little known botanical garden along the Southern Oregon Coast and while it was still a bit early for much show in the garden It was nice to see Shore Acres after a decade or more since I last visited. Please enjoy this little gallery of the adventures and an update on the upcoming Hortlandia Sale, with the Shipping season to follow.
It was a nice break and now back to business!
Sales updates:
Hortlandia is this weekend! You better be there as it will be our best selection of the season to date, Lots of great plants for rock garden, crevice garden and toughs, as well as drought tolerant selections for your garden. Androsace, Penstemon, Phlox, shrubby Clematis, Silene, Lewisia (5 different color selections and a few special species), Lewisiopsis, Dwarf daphnes, Dwarf Erigeron’s, Raoulia and Whalbenbergia from New Zealand, Petunia Patogonica just to name a few! Better get there early for some of these as supplies are limited. I’ll be giving a sneak peak of some plants on instagram for the next few days so you get an idea of the rare treasures we will have at this don’t miss sale. Click here for details and directions.
Shipping season: Catalog will be up after Hortlandia for spring shipping.
Cheers,
Mark