Mellow Yellow

I’ma catching up on postings...

In August I ventured to a local nursery, known country wide for its perennials. An hour away along one lane back roads, I left early and was the first to arrive on a sweltering Saturday morn. I do enjoy adventures.

Arriving I pulled into their parking lot, Exiting my vehicle, I was overwhelmed with the magic of the gardens. It is in a gulley and their native perennials and specimen trees fill the area. My first thought was this is the garden in Alice in Wonderland. The colours, the other-worldly blooms, overgrown plants, exotic trees, were exactly what Alice saw.

The owner meant me and provided a quick tour then left me on my own to wander. I can not describe the deliciousness of the display gardens, few words at all except to say I was in heaven. It said something of the owner when she refused to sell me a certain plant due to its invasive nature. It was a stunning plant but I took her advice and walked on.

After an hour of wandering I filled two carts with Hosta’s, Turtle Heads, Ferns and Anemones. My car was full thanks to the designer of hatchbacks. I was then off to another local nursery and left only when I filled every space with more pots of native treasures. Seat belts come in handy for larger pots. ;)

I chose plants with interesting foliage and blooms in 22 shades of mellow yellow. For every one pot to plant I had to move at least two. It took me three weeks to replant the shade garden. From sun up to sun down I moved, dug in compost, replanted, watered, stomped in then moved to another area.

Of course with every well laid out plant there’s a fall back. October saw warmer than normal temps and little precipitation so the water had to be turned back on and hoses set out. I’ve never experienced watering that late in the year. So there climate change deniers. It is real.

Plants purchased include Hosta Curley Fries, Lemon Lime, Forbidden Fruit, Coast to Coast, April Snow and Pauls Glory; White Astilbe, Lady’s Mantle, Songbird Columbine, Arablia Sun King, Turtle-head White and Hot Lips, plus a few more :). I’m looking forward to spring when all will burst forth from warm soil and provide me a calm yet bright blooming garden all summer long.