Making plans to visit Cistus Nursery this time of year can be a crap shoot. The appointed time arrived. It was cold. It was raining. It was super-windy. We went anyway. There were cars in the parking lot, but we were the only two people in sight. An assortment of umbrellas were thoughtfully placed near the door to the outside. We huddled under them and made the rounds (at a brisker pace than I have ever managed that circuit) before looking at each other and conceding that “maybe we should just come back on a nicer day”. The indoor spaces were crammed with interesting plants, as usual, so we lingered there for quite a while (it felt downright cozy compared to where we had just been).
This was Laurie’s first visit to Cistus, so she was following my lead. We both came away with one of these Aloe ‘Carmine’.
I seem to be gravitating to the Aloes of late. Look at those toothed edges in a deep pinkish orange…what’s not to love?
Seldom have I come away from that nursery with just one plant, but it opened up new possibilities. I immediately went shopping for just the right pot to set off its spotty, jagged beauty. I think I found it. Now TODAY would be a perfect day to visit Cistus. The sun is shining and the sky is blue. Since it is also my birthday, I might just mosey over there and indulge in one more plant. I’ll let you know.
Happy Birthday!!!! I know so many people with birthdays this week, you are in most excellent company. I can’t wait to hear about the fabulous treasures you bought at Cistus. Because you did go to Cistus, right?
Happy (belated) Birthday, Ricki! One should always celebrate one’s birthday by doing something wonderful. I hope that included a return visit to Cistus. It certainly was a gorgeous day for a birthday and a nursery visit!
Love the little aloe…spiky plant fever has infected you also, I see.
Loree~I did not, but only because R showed up early with crab and champagne. Thanks for the BD wishes.
Jane~Oh yes, we are all going spiky these days (could it be Loree’s influence?). What wonderful activities are diverting you from your blogging? I expected retirement to bring more, not less. Whatever it is, I hope you are having a swell time.
Great colors and tentacles on this guy. Happy Birthday!!!
Wendy~My photographic skills fail to do it justice, but thanks.
thanks for that mate! awesome idea and thoroughly interesting read. ive been trying to convince my mates that we should have a proper curry night-in instead of going out every week, and actually did it last week. well good success it was, i can tell you! i found a tasty chicken and vegetable and a few others from this curry recipe site, and even makde the naan meself too! who said guys cant cook!