While the previous two posts about our awesome adventure focused more on overall shots and a chronological narrative of our trip, I figured I’d cram a few more photos into a final post on the matter. It was such a sensorily magnificent day that I found no way to convey it all without singling out my favorite plant shots and combos. Forgive me my lousy memory, and the fact that I didn’t take any notes. For the most part, you’re just going to have to enjoy them for what they are, and improvise if you decide to replicate.
If I ever get my Dr. Seuss garden, I will be sure to include some of these. So cool…
For some reason, the flat straps of this aloe (I think) reminded me of going through a carwash.
Such fabulous color in the Valley Nursery displays.
From the Heronswood Gardens. Would love to know what that fabulous shrub with the serrated leaves is. Anyone?
Sanguisorba cascading down over a wall.
Dropped fruit of Cornus Kousa.
What fabulous black spheres! Alison – what is this one again?
Close-up of a low-growing Aconitum. You can really see why the common name is Monkshood.
Woodwardia fern at Heronswood.
Who needs fireworks when you have this one?
This Tillandsia and fern-covered tree root is to die for! I think the grass in the front is Mondo grass.
I love the contrast of the large Rodgersia leaves against the Mondo grass.
I’m pretty sure the beaded, arching twigs are the skeletal remains of a Crambe cordifolia, which I think is a fantastic plant. In bloom it is a veritable cloud of small, white flowers. Even after its prime, it looks great offset against the dark foliage of a Berberis.
I thought the red flower stem of this Rhubarb was so striking!
Everyone who knows me knows that pink is usually not my thing, but I really thought these lilies were beautiful.
Who can tell me what this is?
Even after they finished blooming, these Agapanthus look shaggy and wonderful.
This is some kind of Acacia. Jeff at Celestial said he would have some ready for sale next year. I’m already salivating…
Just look at that foliage from afar! Isn’t that stunning? I’m not too keen on the Dahlias in the foreground. If it were my tree, I would have put some spiky, reddish drama there, for contrast.
I have a definite soft spot for turkscap-shaped flowers of all kinds. This Clematis tangutica is no exception. The yellow flowers with the fuzzy brown centers are adorable. They have phenomenal seed heads too!
I’m surprising myself. I have liked several pink things already. For some reason, there is something really appealing about this combo – both texturally and color-wise.
Flowering cacti, rocks, grasses and driftwood. Perfection!
So otherworldly…
For some reason, I really liked these. Such interesting colors and textures. Must be the waxy orange with the brown and green.
This made me think of a bridal veil. Shayne said there had just been a wedding in his garden a few weeks earlier.
Amazing how effective just white and green can be. Check this one out!
I think I need to get myself an Abutilon. When I saw this, my heart quivered just a little.
Oh, the textures!
Shayne said this one was his absolute favorite. Of course I can’t remember what it is called.
The massive seed pods of a Himalayan lily. I learned they can get up to 14′ tall.
One of the WeHoP arrangements. I’m no fan of wax begonias, but in this case I’m willing to live with them. Great color combo!
More foliar pizzazz from WeHoP.
So pretty!
I enjoyed the variety and juxtaposition of the textures in this one.
Finally one of my favorite visuals provided by the plants that came home with one of us. These two look so good together! Too bad that one likes it hot and dry, whereas the other dwells best in a damp and shady corners A successful marriage in a garden setting is highly unlikely. But they do look great together, don’t they?
And that, my friends, concludes my musings on our trip to the Kitsap peninsula. So what did I bring home, you wonder? The list is below, and you’ll no doubt be surprised to learn that contrary to the norm, they are all already in the ground. Yes, it is unusual, I know, but beyond the fact that I am now less likely to kill them, there is no reason to rejoice. True to form, they will all be moved before long, once I find them a more suitable spot. Change is good.
Polygonatum verticillatum
Cautelya spicata ‘Robusta’ (sorry for the blurriness – the car ride was occasionally bumpy.)
Agave montana
Kniphofia ‘Rockette’
The Creative Flux 
Looks like you had quite the trip! I think the mystery black spheres are Aralia blooms/seedpods. The pink spike flower is Persicaria of some sort (I believe).
Thanks Scott! Yeah, I wish you could have been there. In retrospect, it was a whirlwind kind of day, but oh so fun! Hopefully next time, you can come!
Yes, the black spheres are Aralia californica. I didn’t realize you had bought a Cautelya. I saw that one a couple of times on Saturday, and I think now I’m sorry I didn’t buy one. You should definitely get an Abutilon. I have one, and I love it. I need to get more.
Aralia californica… now that I’ve seen it in writing, maybe it will stick. I really wish I had room – it is so cool! Actually it was Charlie who bought a Cautleya first, at the Heronswood sale. I spent time with it in the backseat throughout our trip, and realized how cool it was. When we got to Far Reaches, I realized they had one, so I snagged it. If it multiplies, I’ll share. And yes, the Abutilon… so dreamy! It’s on my list…
Anna, it was fun talking with you and we were so happy to have all of you up to the garden. After reading your posts, I’m really curious about that Cowboy’s garden! Have fun with your newly found plant treasures.
Tonya – it was great to talk with you too! We had such a fabulous day, and I’m proud to tell you that all my new treasures are in the ground. Not in their final destination mind you, but pending that – they are happy for now. I really hope you get to see Shayne’s garden – it is a paradise, and obviously a labor of both love and talent. Hope to see you again soon!
You zeroed in on some pretty wonderful stuff, especially the foliage combos…and your purchases! Yowza!
Oh Ricki – what am I going to do with all those new plants…? I really do have an addiction problem… But one is lovelier than the other, and I can’t help myself. I do think it’s time I moved to a bigger lot…
I hope you find out what the serrated leaves belong to (at Heronswood) I don’t remember seeing that one but if I did I probably would have melted in front of it and not moved an inch. Can I use your photo in my post (with attribution of course) in hopes someone might identify it?
Isn’t it gorgeous? Of course you can use it! But please let me know if you find out – I’d love to know…
Oh, one of my neighbors has one — I will ask — it is stunning! Great field trip — I’m envious, thanks for sharing!
Thanks Julie! Sorry you couldn’t be there… We are eagerly awaiting the answer! 🙂
You got some incredible shots! I am officially agog.
Thank you! Wish you could have been there – photos really don’t do it justice. Speaking of which – you need to take a break and come see my purple wall. Finished it on Sunday, and am happy as a clam with it! 🙂
Anna,
Mystery shrub — I sent you an email with photos. Not sure it is the same as the one in your post, but my neighbor’s is a fruit-bearing pear. -Julie
Thanks Julie, for investigating! I answered your email… Although similar, I don’t think that’s it. Those edges were so unusual and striking… I think the search has to go on…