We Needed Something at a Hardware Store

Funny, I don't even remember what it was we needed but it was on this trip to our local McLendon Hardware that I found the stove pipe planter and a couple of 18 inch ceramic spheres with fire-engine red glaze sold under the Chelsea Gardener label.  All ceramic items were 50% off and these seemed to have been priced too low to begin with so they somehow jumped into my cart.   McLendon has a year round nursery section that carries a nice variety of plants.  Here are just a few.


The evergreen section is especially nice and features plants from the wonderful Iseli Nursery in Boring, Oregon which is responsible for introducing a large number of coniferous delights.



Brunnera macrophylla 'Hadspen Cream'  is nice but I still love the silver  foliage of 'Jack Frost' on the left.





Chamaecyparis lawsoniana imbricata 'Waterfall' was a serious temptation as it would look spectacular cascading over a pot but I have too many plants already so it stayed.


And...There's always an agave.   Just this one left from last year when they got a whole slew of them along with other succulents. 


There it is again, Petunia 'Starry Sky,' a relatively new introduction which is quite eye catching.


Don't know the name of this petunia but it was new a few years ago and still seems quite popular.

Interestingly, Petunia 'Pretty Much Picasso,' which was all the rage not so long ago is still around here and there but seems to be not so popular now.

Just when you thought that evergreen Lithodora covered with intense blue flowers couldn't be any more vibrant, they introduce one with gold foliage.  L. 'Gold 'N Sapphires'

Delphinium is a long time favorite of mine that used to grow very well for me in my garden in Alaska.  However, they've never liked any of my gardens here.
 Sorticulture Garden Arts Festival opens tomorrow in Everett.   If you're in Washington, do consider going as it's a great event that can fill an entire day with fun for everyone.  Click here for more information.