I had an eye appointment @ UCSF yesterday. Typical San Francisco March weather, cloudy and a bit balmy. Dogpatch neighborhood, I googled to find out why it was referred to as that. During the Depression the neighborhood was home to many working class people who had migrated from the South to work in the shipyards. OR, named after wild dogs that roamed the area.
The eye appointment was long (4.5 hours!). But had a positive diagnosis, all good. I won't go into the boring medical details. Afterwards, I got in my car to go home and realized with how dilated and numb my eyeballs were, it was best to wait it out before the drive home. I was just a few minutes away from Flora Grubb Gardens and I'd never been there... So sexy, why not!??!! This Grevillea welcomed me.
I find it exciting to visit a place you've seen countless pictures of. Feels familiar and new at the same time. Peek in the fence 👀 ferns, palms and yellow pots!
The way they group the plants together was lovely, really showed them off.
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I wasn't planning on buying anything, but of course started to check out prices (which I've heard are on the high side). I quickly realized I couldn't see well enough to read any of the labels. I had to get my phone out and ZOOM to the max, even then I was hard pressed to make out the tags. What a nightmare, good thing I wasn't driving hahaha!
These crested Euphorbia lambii caught my eye, fluffy as teddy bears!
The Leucospermums were really doing their thing. 'Sunrise' *A 5 gallon was $69. if you're curious.
This Kalanchoe beharensis was HUGE, loved it. Gulp, I couldn't read it yesterday BUT according to my photo -25g was $699.
Ooh, I really liked this and couldn't make out the price.
No idea, again can't see. But isn't he handsome!
I think I have one Begonia to my name. I really like Begonia luxurians.
Pretty.
They had such a great offering of palms.
My photo of this Tillandsia display doesn't do it justice, it was really nice.
Likewise, this wall display. Stuffed to the gills!
Agave pygmaea 'dragon toes' was a looker!
Various indoor displays...
Tempted by the fruit of another 🎵 ... Dioon spinulosum (looks like 7g $389.)
These columns always remind me of colons, in a good way.
This Scheffelera had such glossy leaves, it was then I realized my vision was much better!
And after a heated discussion with 3 employees at the front desk about donuts, I was on my way home! The youngest employee didn't think cake donuts qualified as donuts. "If you want cake, just eat cake!" The other 2 employees disagreed with that hot take. I was in cake donuts are donuts camp. then we named our favorite donut. By this time, I practically needed a donut.
So friends, what is YOUR favorite donut? I'd have to go classic glazed, buttermilk bar, maple bar or apple fritter?
*I did make a purchase, that I need to get out of the trunk. Will show on a future post.
Good excuse to go plant shopping. I can't say I know what a cake donut is, so I can't weigh in on the debate.
ReplyDeleteCake vs. yeast donut was the debate. The employees were fun :)
DeleteSwinging by Flora Grubb Gardens was a good call on multiple counts! That Grevillea 'Peaches & Cream' outside the gate puts my specimen to shame. The interior layout was similar in style to that used at the site in Marina Del Rey down my way. You did well with your photos despite the temporary impairment to your vision. A 4.5 hour eye appointment sounds scary but I'm glad everything turned out well.
ReplyDeleteAs to the donut question, I think cake donuts are still donuts even though I prefer the airier ones. My favorite one is the cinnamon crumb variety, not that I've indulged in any donuts in years. I am hungry for one now, though.
I think Grevilleas love San Francisco, they all looked fabulous. Not too hot/too cold. Thank you - I prefer yeast donuts as well. Even tho I can't remember the last time I had one.
DeleteI cannot not wait to see what you purchased. ;-)
ReplyDeleteAnd I am sending you a hug, geez a 4.5 hour eye appointment. GULP! Hope all is well.
Funny... about the donut story... but you made me hungry for one!
Oh, thank you Carla! I'm glad it's all over. I also want a donut.
DeleteI'm glad that a) your eye exam went well (dilation-related side effects aside), and b) you got to stop of Flora Grubb. I haven't been in a while, but it's always fun walking through what is one of the most impeccable nurseries I've ever been to.
ReplyDeleteIt lives up to the hype, gorgeous space and plants. The employees were wonderful as well, I'll definitely go back.
DeleteSomehow you managed to turn a long eye examination into a post about plants. 😀
ReplyDeleteHa haha, That made me laugh. And my memory of the day better because of plants!
DeleteWow, you got some great photos...especially considering your eyes were dilated. Thanks for sharing your tour! The Grevilleas and the Leucospermums, and all the other plants are amazing. Re: donuts, I'm not sure I can pick a favorite. I so rarely eat them anymore, so any donut seems like a special treat.
ReplyDeleteIt seems none of us are enjoying donuts on a regular basis, that's probably a good thing! Thank you Beth.
DeleteGlad your doctor's visit went well. What a great place Floral Grubb looks! It's like a botanic gardens, where you can buy things!
ReplyDeleteIt really was wonderful, I'll go back when I can see.
DeleteGreat blog
ReplyDeletePlease read my post
ReplyDeleteLots of beautiful plants. I like the ones that were ferns. Nice way to spend your time while waiting for your eyes to get right.
ReplyDeleteIt was a great place to hang out, way better than sitting in the car!
DeleteYay! I am so glad you finally got to visit, it's such an inspiring place. Those crested Euphorbia lambii are a hard no for me, they give me the creeps! If I remember correctly the Cythea copperii were very reasonably priced when I visited the Marina del Ray location of Flora Grubb, maybe that's what you bought? (fingers crossed) As for donuts I'm not a fan, but if I had to have one it would probably be a maple bar.
ReplyDeleteIt really was great, I'm loving your response to the Euphorbia lol. I would never, I have enough Euphorbia seedlings sprouting every where in the back slope as it is. I didn't grab the Cythea copperii, but only because I have one waiting to go in the ground. Although FG's did look more fabulous. When I go for something sweet, it's definitely not a donut. I did enjoy their lively discussion tho.
DeleteMy late mother in law was an eye melanoma survivor and I remember being at several of her long appointments. As for the donut controversy, I worked at a donut shop for several months in my youth and yes, we sold (and I made or decorated) enough cake donuts. CAKE DONUTS ARE DONUTS. I way prefer cake donuts to the yeast raised glazed kind. Anything chocolate is my favorite.
ReplyDeleteI agree, it's a donut! Being young, I think I would've enjoyed a donut every day if I was in the shop. I'm glad she survived the eye melanoma, I'm sure that was very scary.
DeleteSounds like a fun day despite the eye appointment! I'm team cake donut too—classic glazed all the way. Can't wait to see your new plant!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.itsjulieann.com/
Flora Grubb is like an oasis in a see of city, no? If I can score parking, I tend to hit up the nursery on Bayshore near the bottom of Cortland Ave. (can't remember the name) as they have a decent selection of native plants.
ReplyDelete