First Ever HPSO Fall PlantFest!

This past weekend marked the return of the Fall HPSO plant sale...in an altered form...but one which I think worked wonderfully! It's no secret that I really missed the Fall sale last year...I'm such a lover of fall plants...and fall is the best time for planting here in Portland. Luckily, the HPSO decided to try a new, smaller format, to help keep costs down, but still offer area gardeners a great event.


I arrived early enough to see some of the vendors still setting up their booths and display areas.

It's always so exciting to see dozens of plants...just waiting to be whisked away in another gardeners excited hands!


Even though the vendors were still setting up, I could already tell there would be a nice variety of things to ogle later in the day.


I just adore Cimicifuga (Actaea)!


There is something wonderful about being surround by the harbingers of autumn...like this classic Helianthus.


And, of course, my loves...the grasses, like this Panicum 'Shenandoah'.


In addition to the sale itself (as if that wasn't enough to get me there), the HPSO arranged to have Dave Salman, of High Country Gardens, as a speaker. I have to say, he was great...very engaging and with a great sense of humor.


Slide after slide of beautiful plants prompted many to document future purchases!


Kudos to the HPSO for getting Salman to speak...it's always invigorating to hear and see examples of people who garden in such harsh conditions (Santa Fe), but still have amazing gardens. It makes me feel very spoiled, here in Portland, with our mild weather.


Once the speech was over, however, we all rushed out to SHOP! I was happy to see fried and fellow blogger Ricki working at the Jockey Hill both. As luck would have it...I found a grass I'd been on the lookout for all year (well, for several years, really), Sporobolus heterolepis! I also ran into another friend and blogger, Linda...we hung out together and walked around...pointing out and exclaiming over plants.


Those who attended the lecture got an hour to shop before the gates opened to the general public...and, I have to say, it was nice! Unlike the Spring sale...it seemed far less hectic and rushed.


While the morning had been pleasantly cool and cloudy, by the time we emerged from the lecture hall, it was already getting hot and sunny...blech! Still...it wasn't bad...and I prefer shopping for plants outside...with the natural light...it gives you a much clearer idea of what a plant looks like.


Greg, from Xera, was in fine form, helping out shoppers and offering advice. If you haven't checked out their retail space on SE Clay yet, you simply MUST go!

On the right, two of the events chief organizers, Bob Hyland and Lucy Hardiman. I can't even begin to imagine how much work was involved getting this together.


Of course, logistics and schedules are all forgotten once the shopping starts!


I'm always happy to see the grasses at this time of year.


Two of my faves, Pennisetum 'Red Head' and Bouteloua 'Blonde Ambition'. I've been waiting the last few years for 'Blonde Ambition' to find it's following.


After Dave Salman showed a slide of it during his presentation, which was met with "oohs" and "aahs", I had a feeling that the few being sold at the sale would be swept up in short order...I was correct!

Another 'Blonde Ambition', safely bagged and ready to find a spot of honor in this shoppers garden!


Yay for so many people buying grasses...they are so stunning right now!

One big difference between this sale and the big spring sale is that the vendors were the ones who took payment for the plants...I have to say, it seemed to go off without a hitch.


Look at those beautiful Gaura...I wish I had room for some!


I always think about getting this Eupatorium (Eupatorium capillifolium) when I see it for sale...but then I have to ask myself if I really want it...or if it's just the novelty of it. I decided that with limited space right now...novelty isn't reason enough.

While I could have theoretically bought tons of plants, I just don't have room...and have to limit myself to things I REALLY must have...and which will contribute to the garden. The one, lone plant I bought was that Sporobolus...and I'm in love with it. They only had one...but in talking to the owner, it turns out they have quite a few in stock...so I'm planning on journeying out there to pick up a few more. As it turns out, they are near Joy Creek...and if I just HAPPEN to stop there...well, who could say "no" to that ;-)


Boots seems to be saying what Norm was thinking "Not another grass, you nerd!"


But isn't it lovely! Delicate, thread-like foliage...wispy wands of blooms which smell faintly (or strongly, if you get really close) of coriander...and, if they get enough sun, glorious pumpkin-orange fall color!

Did you make it out to the sale last weekend...if so, what did you buy...inquiring minds want to know!