DIG Nursery

For me, Vashon Island means DIG nursery. In fact, although the island is a wonderful place, it was the description of DIG in the late Stephanie Feeney's The Northwest Gardeners' Resource Directory that prompted my first visit to the island and it was through many subsequent DIG visits that I came to appreciate Vashon's many charms, including a few other nurseries there. Since the nursery and property are for sale, I worried that this gem of a place would perhaps not be as stellar as in previous years. Turns out, the opposite is the case and there were treasures abounding, mouthwateringly displayed in Sylvia's inimitable style.

Leucospermum 'Brothers' immediately caught my eye and reminded me of Hoover Boo and Kris's smashing success with growing Leucospermum 'Yellow Bird.' Very tempting to bring one of these home but they aren't hardy in the ground here and, while the blooms are spectacular and long lasting, the plant itself is so-so. I'd most likely kill it so instead only a picture came home with me.

Although, there are lots more buds waiting to bloom....NO! Don't do it. Well maybe...

Oh, that Little and Lewis fountain.

NOID Ilex that always garners attention with it's laurel-like foliage and generous clusters of brilliant red berries.

Blooming Aloe. Seems like a shipment from California has arrived.

Aloes, opuntia and agave, oh my! Hey, what's that Restio on the right?

Why, I believe it's Elegia capensis. Major moment of nostalgia. This was the first restio that I grew many years ago. It made it through several winters outside as it had become too large to bring into the house and I didn't have a greenhouse at the time. Finally, one of our Phormium Killing Winters took it but it remained one of my favorite restios. I hadn't seen it offered locally since the PKWs. That first plant came from, you guessed it, DIG. One of these had to come home with me!

More agave. (A. attenuata and maybe 'Cream Spike?)

The fab industrial water feature.

Kalanchoe thyrsiflora 'Tricolor'

Meanwhile, inside the "Greenhaus" the xeric theme continues.

That blue cactus on the right, what is it? Anyone? I got one last year but there's a grower who is selling these without labels. It's the most incredible color!

And it looks like there may be one with your name on it!

The kokedama craze is in full swing. I like the idea of displaying them in these wooden vessels as it's similar to the look of epiphytes growing in huge trees.