You may remember that the week before last week, I went nursery hopping with a group of fellow garden geeks. That first post focused mainly on some of the cool plants from Xera Plants, this post will cover the second leg of our trip, to the always-wonderful Joy Creek in Scappoose.
It's no secret that Joy Creek is pretty much my favorite nursery in the Portland area, so I'm thrilled at any excuse to visit.
Joy Creek was the first place I saw an Amsonia in real life...and loved it instantly. Here, we see a newly-emerging Amsonia mingling with a Sedum.
 |  |
This striking reddish Euphorbia seems to pop up everywhere at Joy Creek...so beautiful!
I'm not entirely sure, but I think these serrated leaves are some type of Stachys...what do you think???
The only thing prettier than these little Epimedium flowers was the red-flushed foliage...gorgeous!
 |  |
I love how this Sedum cascades over the large rocks...sublime!
I find the crenelated edges on the foliage of this Teucrium quite fetching.
Ahhh...this really makes me miss my own Rheum palmatum...alas, it was not meant to be.
 |  |
How can you not love that foliage?!?
I don't think I've ever noticed quite how many Violets there were at Joy Creek before this visit...they were everywhere!
 |  |
And this charming little groundcover, Vancouveria, I think?
Hello, my little Pulsatilla!
 |  |
...especially when they are followed by seed heads like these!
Of course, a trip to Joy Creek isn't complete without visiting a few Clematis.
So elegant!
Paris in the springtime?
I'm not entirely sure what this is...but I loved it emerging green and vibrant from the remnants of last years' growth.
I'm not sure what this is...some type of large Lamium, perhaps?
 |  |
You never know what's around the bend of these paths.
Love these Iris leaves, like tongues of green flame.
 |  |
Gunnera always captures my imagination...like something truly prehistoric.
Few things seem so full of hope and life as do the unfurling fronds of ferns.
I hope I never get so old and jaded that I stop feeling a thrill at their appearance.
Love the light on these serrated leaves.
 |  |
Oh, and did I get anything? Well, in spite of dwindling (um, non-existant) free space, I have to limit my purchases, but did get some Knautia 'Ruby Star', which I have had in the garden for a few years and adore. I also got a trio of Persicaria affinis...which looks innocent, but can eventually for a matt of foliage 3-4' across, perfect for smothering Popweed, I think ;-)
Those look like great little nurseries.
ReplyDeleteAnd fantastic photos.
It's a fabulous nursery!
DeleteYour pictures are art. Fabulous!
ReplyDeleteAwww...thanks, Heather!
DeleteJoy Creek seems such an apt name Scott for somewhere that reveals so many treasures. The plant that you think is a lamium is indeed a lamium. It's lamium orvala -a beautiful woodland perennial which does not have the spreading habit of some of its relatives. You did well to restrain yourself so admirably when it came to making plant purchases.
ReplyDeleteThank, Anna...I DO think that Lamium might end up in my garden someday :-)
Delete1]In my growing zone, I won't see such an assortment of plants and flora for another month. Bummer!
ReplyDelete2] The cornucopia of growth has helped you create another stunning photo post.
3] I think it's time to retire the expression "garden geek". I like to think of myself as a passionate gardener. Maybe an obsessive compulsive one as well. But a geek? Never! My grand daughters are too proud of my horticultural accomplishments to use such an historically derisive adjective to describe me.
Talented experts in many fields of endeavor, aka geeks or nerds, who used to be stashed away in the back offices of industry and academia for hundreds of years because they were deemed to be unattractive to the public, are now in actual control of the world we inhabit. Many of them are responsible for the lifestyle - and business-altering products and services - that define contemporary civilization. Due to the ubiquitous nature of technology in the workplace, businesses can no longer operate without them at the forefront. Geeks are the heroes of the 21st century. However, now they are known as consultants, programmers, and technical support.
I consider myself to be an insatiable plant collector, but not a garden geek.
Hahaha...very well said, Allan...perhaps it's time to leave my our self-deprecating ways behind!
DeleteWhen did you sneak away to snap all those lovely shots? Your photos make me love Rodgersia even more than before, if that was possible. And that Paris, envy! Two of mine are no-shows and the third is about an inch tall.
ReplyDeleteI came home yesterday to a very droopy Rheum palmatum, already! In April, if that makes you miss yours any less.
My Paris is a no-show too :( I thought we'd always have Paris?
DeleteI'm super-sneaky, didn't you know ;-) I think they must have magic there...none of the plants we have in common are even close...theirs seems a full month ahead! Sorry to hear about the Paris, Matthew...sigh.
DeleteStunning images as always Scott! Alison and I went to Joy Creek after the plant swap & were treated to a guided tour of the garden; a special ending to a wonderful day. Thanks for the great post!
ReplyDeleteI actually talked to Maurice the following week and he mentioned you had stopped by...glad you made it!
DeleteThey do sell plants there too, right? It always looks like a fabulous garden when you visit, not a commercial establishment.
ReplyDeleteThat first fern frond unfolding photo stopped me dead. What a photo!
I look at almost every plant photo in this post and think "why am I not growing this?". I suspect the answers for many of them are: deer, too cold here, too hot here. Sigh.
Hahahaha...yes...I always forget to take pics of the actual retail area! I love those ferns...seriously, LOVE them!
DeleteThe display garden there is so beautiful, and you captured it so well. We arrived at Joy Creek last weekend with only 15 minutes to shop before they closed. So I only had time to pick out two plants. I know I would have bought more if I had had more time. We did have over an hour with the owner, who treated us to a tour (along with Yowler, he is soooo funny!) But of course, the shop was closed and all the shop assistants had to leave.
ReplyDeleteI really need to go back.
OMG, I adore Yowler...and sadly, he was a no-show the day I was there. Glad to hear that Mike gave you the tour...you'll have to make a point of going again ;-)
DeleteLucky you! I love that clematis and everything else!
ReplyDeleteWe are very lucky out here...I totally heart the Clematis!
DeletePlant porn, and great photography! Whatever that red/purple Euphorbia is, it surely is a very pretty one!
ReplyDeleteOMG...seriously...I want to know what that variety of Euphorbia is!
DeleteYour photos are amazing! I'm so glad your camera is back in action in time for this special spring tour.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Shirley...me too...it was torture being without my trusty camera!
DeleteI often think to myself, as I stroll around Joy Creek, "I wish Scott would come here to do a photo essay"...and now you have. It did not disappoint.
ReplyDeleteHahaha...I can always be counted on to take some pictures...I'm hoping to visit often during the year to document the seasons there :-)
DeleteCould be time for another visit !
ReplyDeleteIt is!!!
DeleteGreat post, and a great nursery! Too bad it's 2,000 miles away. I love the bleeding heart, the unfurling ferns, the violets and the clematis. I think more people should use violets as a ground cover.
ReplyDeleteThey do mail-order, Jason ;-) Although, I suspect it's like me ordering from nurseries out east...shipping is $$$ for you.
DeleteI think the grassy smushed looking thing is umbrella sedge. I have a clump in my backyard and it looks the same. I think the name is a little deceptive. I'm still waiting for mine to resemble an umbrella.
ReplyDeleteThat's it!!! I'm so glad someone knew what it was...I knew I should have known that!
DeleteThe nurseries should be paying you for these photo essays. Stunning!
ReplyDeleteFrom your lips to their ears, Heather!
DeleteAwesome! Wish I could have joined you guys!
ReplyDeleteAh, Riz, not having you there was the one sad thing about the day...fall, perhaps???
DeleteHi there! Do you know if they make any plugins to safeguard against hackers?
ReplyDeleteI'm kinda paranoid about losing everything I've worked hard on.
Any recommendations?
Here is my blog post :: Louis Vuitton Outlet Online
Ooh, such lovely springtime beauty. You must be on your belly the whole visit, snapping away.
ReplyDeleteHahahaha...pretty close, Pam!
Deleteoh dear ,now I have plant envy. LOL! What a bunch of lovelies. The sedum over the rocks is just gorgeous. My Pasque flowers are blooming now too. Love the blooms and foliage ion them. I need to get white one to go with the purple and red ones.
ReplyDeleteDon't you just love those Sedums...and yes, we all need MORE Pasque Flowers!
DeleteYour photos are wonderful! What a great, inspiring time you had! Just a little jealous to see how much further along in the season you are . . . but not really! Lol
ReplyDeleteHahahaha...just little bit...and you'll catch up soon, I think :-)
DeleteDoes yоur webѕite havе a contact рage?
ReplyDeleteI'm having a tough time locating it but, I'd lіκe to shoot you аn
emаil. I've got some suggestions for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great website and I look forward to seeing it grow over time.
Also visit my site: long term cash loans for bad credit
So many interesting plants that I have never seen before. Your photography is excellent as always.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I feel the same way when I look at your blog...it's like a whole other world of plants!
DeleteI don't know what I envy more: your ready access to nurseries like Joy Creek or the plants you can grow up there in the Northwest...
ReplyDeleteI can't say I blame you, Kris...we are pretty spoiled up here ;-)
DeleteHi Scott! i got it! I got it!! I got it!!! (shaking my raised arm) the grass emerging from its 'ashes' is carex muskingumensis. I've seen it in Oudolf's private garden and bought immediately one on my way back. A little spreading but nice.
ReplyDeleteThis nursery is gorgeous, everything always looks 'polished' and perfectly set up, no wonder you always enjoy visiting this place! That epimedium and rodgersia really impressed me, they look good alone but they really stand out together!
Alberto
You got it! I can't believe I didn't know what it was...but I was really stumped! Of course, I'm jealous that you got to see Oudolf's garden...sigh!
DeleteGosh Scott, if you only took better photos. ;-) Seriously your photography is stunning and always steals me away on a vicarious garden tour and subsequent daydream of what my garden could be if I spent more time weeding and working in it.
ReplyDeleteHahahahaha...point taken, Tom ;-) Ah yes...weeding...I forget about that little detail, sometimes ;-)
DeleteThank god you brought your camera! What amazingly happy-looking plants. Especially love the rodgersia and epimedium, the likes of which I won't see local this spring.
ReplyDeleteOMG...that Rodgersia/Epimedium combo is awesome..and even better in person! I hope you visit us up here someday, you'll get to see it in person!
DeleteWhat a great place to visit. I love the Pulsatilla, though have never had it in my garden, maybe this year I will find some. I did all a Rodgersia to my garden this past fall. It is emerging now. (I was just glad it was alive!)
ReplyDeleteThat first year with Rodgersias is the touchiest, Janet...I remember waiting for what seemed like forever that first spring!
DeleteI very much enjoyed that little tour. That's a great demo garden. I love the sedum growing over the rocks. I love it every time I see it, yet I've never tried to do that in a garden, I'm not sure why. And that grass with the new growth coming out of the corona of old growth is really striking. I've never seen a grass look quite like that.
ReplyDeleteDon't you love it...that's one of the things I like about this nursery/garden...there is a lot of inspiration to be taken away...and plants ;-)
DeleteWonderful site. Lots of useful info here. I am sending it to some buddies ans additionally sharing
ReplyDeletein delicious. And certainly, thanks for your effort!
my website :: wheelhousebikes.com
Wow Scott. If anyone can induce a case of plant-lust it's you and your delicious photos. What a fun trip. Someday I'm coming to Portland and out Highway 30. The color echo on the Rodgersia and Epimedium is absolutely genius. Great post.
ReplyDeleteYou NEED to come up, Grace, and give me a shout if you do, I'd be delighted to tag along :-)
DeleteCarex muskingumensis, the sedge with green foliage surrounded by last year's brown. I'm quite familiar with that effect if I don't cut back the old growth soon enough.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! Haven't been to JC for a couple of years. I must make it this year! Good luck with your class. :)
ReplyDelete