One of the many joys of attending the Garden Bloggers' Fling in Portland last summer was seeing gardens that I'd only heard about but wanted to see in person, another was visiting a couple of my favorite nurseries! Previous posts about both of these nurseries can be found here and here. Both of these places have great plants, both are run by great people, both do mail order sales but they are very different places! Cistus is on flat ground while Joy Creek is on a rolling hillside and the differences don't stop there.
The driveway into Cistus is packed with treasures! Notice the towering (for the PNW) eucalyptus on the left.
While the surprises and excitement is mainly in the foliage and flowers, there are a few surprises in the way of yard art.
Our native Oxalis oregana holds rain on its leaves like sparkling jewels.
Alan (It's Not Work, It's Gardening) taking a close up which he does very well!
Agaves and yuccas and aloes, Oh my!
While there are certainly flowering plants at Cistus, I think it's fair to say that their focus is on fabulous foliage plants from around the world like this Ficus afghanistanica which also grows in my garden.
With foliage like this, who needs flowers?
Not far away is Joy Creek Nursery whose gardens certainly rely on foliage and include some great conifers but their focus is more on flowering plants. Their clematis, delphinium, and hydrangea programs are well known. ![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
Love the bamboo flanking the entrance.
During our lunch break, we got to attend a demonstration by the Dramm Corporaition, one of the Fling Sponsors. It's always fun to see their colorful and truly useful watering tools and we appreciate their continued support of the GBBF!
Mondarda and clematis bloom in one of Joy Creek's beds.
More colorful delights.
Paths meander through the sunny and colorful gardens
which surround the old farmhouse on the property.
A wonderful way to continue day one of the fling!