hardy plant haul
The Portland plant lovers were all abuzz last weekend over the HPSO fall sale. We went. We saw. We bought. Yes, even those of us who were not on the hunt for a particular prize, or had vowed to window-shop only, could not exercise restraint when faced with the best of the best all gathered in one room. I had allowed myself just one hour for shopping before time to sign in for a stint at volunteering. Here’s what I was able to snag in that brief time.
Libertia ixioides ‘Goldfinger’
Carex ‘Sparkler’
Aloe striatula, said to be hardy.
Sempervivum ‘Topaz’
Hesperaloe parviflora
And a close-up of the Hesperaloe to show the curly threads on the leaves.
Glauclum flavum doesn’t look like much here, but I have been on the lookout for horn lily since a visit to the Quirk and Neill garden several years ago.
Finally, three fairly ordinary plants, but nicer specimens than most. From left to right, Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Tuscan Blue’, Calluna vulgaris ‘Gold Knight’ and Artemisia dranunculus ‘Sativa’, better known as French tarragon. And according to the weather report, the next two days should be perfect for planting. Life is good.
September 21st, 2010 at 12:23 am
Great haul! I love the Glauclum flavum that I planted last spring, I’m sure yours will not disappoint. I lost a Aloe striatula last winter so be careful…and that Hesperaloe…will not disappoint. I’ve got several in the ground and in planters. I’ve never had a problem with any of them, other than it has to be HOT HOT HOT for them to re-bloom. Wish I would have seen you in the check out lanes…maybe I was there after you were already free for the afternoon.
September 21st, 2010 at 12:42 am
Loree~I was hoping to get some advice from you before planting. Guess I will pamper the aloe in a pot until early spring. Sounds like the Hesperaloe would be fine, but I may do the same with it, just to be on the safe side. I don’t even care if it blooms, but I will join you in wishing for more heat next summer.
I worked the afternoon shift, starting at about 12:45. Kept expecting a tap on the shoulder. Maybe next time.
September 21st, 2010 at 4:15 am
Hi Ricki~~ Looks like you had a great time at the sale. I can’t imagine going and not coming home with something…
My Hesperaloe was much bigger before it bloomed–this year for the first time. I’ll be interested to read how your hardy Aloe does. Also I like the idea of the brown paper background. Clever and easy on the eyes. I’ll chock that one away for future reference. 
September 21st, 2010 at 3:39 pm
I bought the’Sparkler as well… i’ll plant it in front of Tetra today. Nice plants !
September 21st, 2010 at 5:56 pm
Grace~The kraft paper was kind of a spur-of-the-moment decision. Glad you like the effect.
Linda~Haven’t quite decided where to put ‘Sparkler’ yet. It really does sparkle, doesn’t it?
September 21st, 2010 at 6:08 pm
Good selections for a restrained planting season, Ricki. I’m glum that I didn’t manage to make it to the sale at all: life is complicated this month. I guess it gives me an excuse to go on a nursery visit/plant buying binge when things calm down, though.
Thanks for sharing the joy!
Oh, and I concur about the kraft paper background - nice!
September 21st, 2010 at 7:03 pm
Jane~There’s always the spring sale. We’ll all be glad when you can get back to active blogging, tho.
September 22nd, 2010 at 9:55 pm
You made quite a haul…I’m sad I don’t know what any fellow bloggers looks like, I would have totally said “Hi” at the sale!
September 22nd, 2010 at 10:30 pm
Scott~I admitted to having double pony tails, and thought that would be enough, as what adult woman in her right mind would do such a thing. Alas, no bloggers came up to me. In Seattle, and on the East Coast, they have events to meet up in person. That might be fun.
September 27th, 2010 at 1:48 am
nice finds!
September 27th, 2010 at 2:14 pm
Good stuff! I thought that was a really great sale this year. I guess they always are. I love the fall sales because they’re not insanely busy like the spring. I’m sure the vendors would like more shoppers, but it was heaven to be able to look around without the pressure of the crowd.
September 27th, 2010 at 5:31 pm
Wendy~And they are all planted! Must be some kind of a record for me.
Megan~I second that! I didn’t back into anyone or step on any feet.
October 4th, 2010 at 1:10 am
It was very helpful. thank you for posting it. I most certainly will share it with my friends. Thank you