Eryngium ‘Sapphire Blue’
I just got to thinking you might be curious about what I’ve been bringing home with me since I started working at Joy Creek. Eryngium ‘Sapphire Blue’ is right at home, nestled between ‘Valerie Finnis’ and ‘Helen Von Stein’.
It’s prickly presence is a nice contrast to the softness of the lambs’ ears.
Sempervivum ‘El Toro’
A little further along Delusional Drive, Sempervivum ‘El Toro’ compliments the bronze tones of Carex buchanii.
Salvia africana-lutea
My newest bed is devoted to orange. A couple of new discoveries were this Salvia africana-lutea…
and Zantedeschia ‘Flame’. I have high hopes for them filling out this bed in time.
Itea ilicifolia
Now here’s the most recent addition. I’m over the moon about this one.
Itea ilicifolia at Bela Madrona
Here’s a shot of a mature specimen taken at the Portland Fling’s visit to Bela Madrona, and a link to more info on Plant Lust.
Even as a wee bairn, as seen here, its charms are unmistakable.
I can’t seem to stop taking pictures of it. You may wonder at my restraint, but I am trying to bring home only plants that I have places in mind for planting. It’s a challenge, being surrounded by so many temptations every day that I go to work. I know exactly where to put this one…so better hop to it. See you next time.
Woo hoo! Great to see your recent acquisitions all tucked in! I think I need that Itea, too, by the way. Thanks for bringing it to my attention!
Our gardens might start looking mighty similar if we keep pointing out faves to one another. I’m going to need the Itea you bought, as well as the Stipa gigantea and who knows what else.
Haha…that’s funny! Well, it wouldn’t be a bad thing. I think after seeing so many plants all day that when we distill it down to the ones that really grab our attention enough to spend good hard-earned money on them, they must have extraordinary value to the garden.
Ain’t it the truth? I can fall in and out of love with a plant over the course of a day. Saves a bit on the sweat equity.
Great choices you’ve made. How long will your Itea take to mature? It already is a charmer.
It says 10′ for ultimate size but I don’t know how long it will take to get there. I don’t mind, as I love it already.
All good stuff ! I wish I had room for that Itea .
There are some smaller ones that are quite pretty, if slightly less dramatic.
Wow – that salvia! Gorgeous color. And you have fallen prey to the charms of Itea illicifolia. I well remember that beautifu specimen at Bella Madrona. I admire your restrained plant purchasing – I’d be unable to stop under the same circs!
You might be surprised how spending whole days with plants tends to weed the “impulse” out of the buys.
I admire your restraint, Ricki. I don’t think I would be quite so disciplined. That Itea is really something. I can see why you needed to have it. You’ve got great taste.
Thanks, Grace…coming from a great tastemaker, those words really count.
I really like that Eryngium. I was pondering the possibility of adding a few to our garden but Judy was unenthused and I decided they were too pointy-looking for us. Still, they are very appealing.
I’ll have to send you some photos of the way they are worked into borders with fluffier companions at JC. Maybe we can convince Judy.
These are all great acquisitions! I was surprised and pleased to see the Salvia. I picked up the same plant at my local botanic garden’s spring plant sale, although mine looks not much closer to blooming than when I brought it home. The botanic garden has some huge specimens but that’s the one and only place I’ve seen the plant – until now.
The Salvia is new to me also and feels pretty exotic. I hope it spreads. If not, I’ll have to buy more.
Your restraint is admirable, Rickii, but that Itea is irresistible! I bought one last year, and still haven’t found a good place for it. Getting closer, though… 🙂
I got mine in the ground yesterday…fingers crossed it will live long and prosper.
Rickii, I marvel at your restraint. But where to be happier than surrounded by gorgeous plants each day at work? That Salvia has my interest; never seen it on offer here in VA, but I like the flower structure. It looks like something more exotic! And, I greatly admire your gravel ‘mulch.’ Gives a nice finished look. Cheers! WG
I never paid much attention to Salvias, but watering and grooming has brought many new plants to light.
Great new additions and I applaud your restraint! Like you, I fell for Itea ilicifolia at Bella Madrona and am delighted to have found one as well. Now, where should I put it?
Tamara got one too. We’ll all have to compare notes by and by.