Sunday Nursery Hoppin'

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We try and divide our time between riding and gardening and last weekend was no exception.  Since we had a great day of riding on Saturday we decided that Sunday we'd drive to a few plant nurseries and take a look see.  Also, we were in search of a Magnolia "Little Gem" tree for our front yard.

By the time we left the house it was almost noon so we stopped and grabbed a few sandwiches to go and figured we'd find a nice bench at the first nursery and have lunch.

First up was Dancing Oaks Nursery. They are a little out of the way to the North and West of Corvallis.  They are definitely worth the drive because of their display gardens. We've bought several trees from them previously.

After driving through the beautiful farmland we made a right turn onto a gravel drive. Although we were in the Subaru, I think it would be a great road for dual sports. 

(head for the hills)

Getting closer

(I think I can, I think I can......)

Once at the top of the hill we go down the other side.  You can barely make out some buildings in the middle of the left side of the photo.

(Over the hills and through the woods......)

Once we arrived we grabbed our lunch and water bottle and started wandering.  We found a nice pond area with a wide ledge to sit and relax.

(Pond where we had lunch)

(Our lunch companion)

(Our view while eating)

After eating we wandered through the display gardens and greenhouses snapping pictures as we went.

(Hellebores )

(To me this looked like a tribal mask and headdress)

(Troubadour found a plant with his name on it)

(Pink Flamingos for Keith at Twists and Leanings)

(Flowering Currant)

They did not have any Little Gem Magnolias, but on the way out we saw the coolest kitty.  We sure wanted to take it home with us.

(Cool nursery cat)

As we were driving away Troubadour stopped at the top of the hill so that I could take a few pictures of the Willamette Valley below.

(Looking North East)

(Looking East)

(Looking South East)

From Dancing Oaks we made our way to North Albany along the back roads and decided it was the perfect time to use my free Starbucks coupon.  All the fresh air and sunshine had made us thirsty.  We hit up the Starbucks drive thru and then went to Tom's Garden Center which is nearby.

I didn't take the camera in with me as I didn't think I could safely juggle my drink and the camera at the same time.  I am a bit clumsy you know.  We took our time and enjoyed the sun.  Another nursery cat took a liking to Troubadour and he even carried her for a bit.  Alas, they didn't have a Little Gem Magnolia so we had one more stop to make.

On the way to Corvallis on Highway 20 from North Albany is Garland Nursery.  It has always been a  favorite of ours, but then Troubadour did work there for nearly 3 years so we might be a little biased. We know a lot of staff that are still there and the owners.

More wandering and photo taking ensued.  

(Camelia)

(Object d'art)

(I also found a plant bearing my name)

(Clematis)

(I love snail statues!)

(Camelia)

(Does it go faster when it's orange?)

I took the above picture on the way out.  It is in a bed in the parking lot.  Very eye catching.

We did find a Little Gem and brought it home and planted it in the front yard.  We had three large overgrown miscanthus grasses in a bed out front that had over stayed their welcome and weren't doing very well. So far it has been a nice change.  When the rest of the bed is complete I'll take a picture.

Rumor has it we'll see 75˚F (23.8˚C) this weekend.  Woohoo!  Sounds like riding and gardening weather - in that order.

Does anyone have any fun plans for the weekend?

- Au Revoir

" The greatest gift of the garden is the restoration of the five sense." - Hanna Rion

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