Fermented fruit juice is swirled and sniffed until the senses are
satisfied. Antique shops and garage sales are scoured for beveled glass
armoires and inlaid wood pieces from times past. And, in a like manner, the
landscape artist scans the environment. Experience says not to be too quick
to judge. Outward appearance is important, yet all features are weighed
before the green thumb of approval is given.
Most of us are passionate collectors. Whether it be the 5 year old
who has a pocket full of rocks - each special from his or her perspective,
to the glassy-eyed ebay fanatic searching for the proverbial treasure -
we have all had the bug. It was only natural that I would become
a plant collector. My duties as a nurseryman included ordering plants from
wholesalers, and very often a plant would be on the availability list - one
with a strange name like Cupressus macrocarpa Greenstead Magnificant. I
knew that Cupressus macrocarpa was latin for the Monterey Cypress, buy what
might this plant look like - I was curious. So I would order one to check
it out.
A week or so later the delivery truck would roll in and there it was, my new
plant. If of merit, our new plant would take its high place in the office,
for everyone to see. Anyone who collects knows this high. My yearnings are
now only satisfied with trips to the bay area, Oregon, and mail-orders. If
youre a plant junkie and are looking for the rare and unusual the following
Nurseries will send you goodies to nourish that burning need. And note that I am only
suggesting this for the experienced gardener that has exhausted the search
in our local nursery trade.
The following are some of my favorites:
*Forest Farm Nursery*: Check out their unbelievable website at: Forest Farm Nursery.
with thousands of different plant species available, their online photo catalog
has 4400 beautiful color photographs to view some of the most rare and
unusual plants available anywhere.
*Stanley and Sons Nursery:* View ther website at:Stanley and Sons . I have been
ordering from this great rare plant grower for about 20 years and have never been
disappointed. Rare conifers and japanese maples are their specialty, If any
one nursery has made my garden special, I would have to say this is it.
*Whitman Farms*: Take a gander at Whitman Farms Specializes
in rare and unusual trees with a special root growth bag
which allows shipping of large plants via ups. Shipping begins in Sept.
*Heronswood Nursery:* View their website at: HeronsWood Nursery
While I have never ordered from Heronswood I do know they are a fantastic
nursery and highly rated. The grow a wide variety of rare and unusual plants.