Wednesdays at the nursery are usually quite busy because that’s the day we get our deliveries from Monrovia nursery. Although unloading the trucks and stocking the merchandise can leave all of us tired for the day, it is always fun to see what’s new. Today was particularly exciting because we received one of our favorite unusual plants Gunnera manicata. This gorgeous plant has leaves that get up to 8’ in its native region of Costa Rica and Brazil. The deciduous plant normally grows about 4’-5’ high each season. Particularly well suited for plantings along streams and ponds, Gunnera prefers a full sun location with regular watering to keep the soil moist. Looking like something that hasn’t changed since prehistoric times, it is easy to see where it gets its common names of Dinosaur Food and Giant Rhubarb.
Another unusual plant in today’s delivery was the Golden Spirit Smoke Tree. The unexpected chartreuse leaves of this plant make it an excellent choice as a focal point planting. Great in full sun, it also makes partial shade areas simply glow. We love paring it up with some of the new varieties of Heuchera like Mahogany, Southern Comfort or Black Beauty for added drama.
The best part about Monrovia deliveries is the quality of the cargo. One of the most frustrating things in the retail nursery business is to order a plant, get totally excited about it and then have it come in sub standard condition. With few exceptions, the plants come off the truck in perfect condition. (Considering some of the plants come all the way from Oregon, that takes some real effort on their part). Their holding quality in the nursery is also phenomenal and the reason for that is the quality of soil they are planted in. This in turn gives the plants a head start on the road to success in our customer’s gardens.
No comments:
Post a Comment