A few weeks back Gerhard of Succulentsandmore blog let me know of a UC Davis plant sale happening March 8 and invited us over to visit his garden after we hit the sale. My daughter Sophia, her partner Ivan and I got up early and away we went!
There was a crowd at the sale, I overheard a volunteer say that people used to sleep overnight in line! I haven't done that since the 80's -sleeping overnight for concert tickets at what used to be the Memorial Coliseum in Portland. I only had a couple things on my list, but ended up filling our wagon.
Ivan loaded the trunk, and we were off to Gerhard's! As we rounded the neighbor's hedge, it was obvious which garden we were headed to. In unison, we all said "Ahhhh". So excited, unfortunately the sun was overhead and my photos DO NOT do any justice to his fantastic space. It's simply wonderful, I was actually dizzy not knowing where to look next. He's a genius.
I just wish a photo captured the outside border, it's incredible. I'll share a few pics that weren't zapped by the sun light.
Whenever I see rhodanthemum live, I realize I need some in my garden.
And then we went inside, it was like entering Disneyland - but better.
All those glorious rocks not to mention all the specimens!
I loved how the Cleistocactus strausii was perfectly skinny from being kept in the shallow pot. And lots of lovely Corten steel planters here & there.
Ooo, Agave desmetiana 'Galactic Traveler' perfection. I have a maybe 1" pup of this, and I can't wait for it to grow up!
Again, my photos don't come close to capturing all the gorgeousness. Then Gerhard packed us all up and off to his geologist friend
Kyle's we went! My photos of the front were too "hot". Here we entered the back garden, and I'll share a few where the sun was a little kinder. The weather was perfect.
Like Gerhard's garden, so many delicious rocks. You can see the gentlemen do influence & inspire each other. And the way every little crevice was planted out. It was a feast for the eyes.
Love that stubby pot stuffed with mammillaria.
He's obviously very artistic, and his enthusiasm was contagious. Love the way he has stacked the rock borders.
So much to see. He built that little getaway house back there, too.
It was just the most wonderful day! I was so inspired by both beautiful gardens, really felt like I took a master class. Oh, and they both kept giving me plants! On Sunday, Ivan worked on installing some manzanita branches & 2 metal grids to the shade house for orchids, Tillandsias, etc. I'll share that soon.
Three Cheers to Gerhard!
It was so wonderful to see you and meet Sophia and Ivan! I love the fact that they are plant nerds as well. And I'm happy you got to see Kyle's garden. It's an ongoing source of inspiration for me. Let's do it again soon!
ReplyDeleteBest day ever! Thanks for welcoming the 3 of us, we are all Stella fans :)
DeleteYou are one lucky lady, Tracy! Gerhard's garden just gets better and better and I've admired what I've seen of Kyle's in Gerhard's posts. Congratulations on your plant haul, purchases and gifts, too!
ReplyDeleteThank you Kris! I agree, I'm lucky to be so close, it was a great day. Full of inspiration!
DeleteThat sounds like a good day out.
ReplyDeleteIt was so great!
DeleteWow, that plant sale . Wow, that garden! Thank you for taking us along virtually to both. What a fantastic day that must have been for you.
ReplyDeleteWe were on Cloud 9!
DeleteThese are so exotic to me. I really enjoyed the photos. We're still in the snow, but it is melting! (ツ) from Jenn Jilks , ON, Canada!
ReplyDelete:) Jenn I hope you start a nice slow melt soon!
DeleteI was hoping there would be a post like this, Gerhard mentioned you had visited. What fun you must have had, and actually your photos are great... they show us what the plants/gardens look like and that's the important thing.
ReplyDeleteThanks Loree, I don't have local friends who garden - so it was especially lovely!
DeleteI can hardly fathom that you have room for more plants, but I think you had quite the day.
ReplyDelete:D. There is always room!
DeleteWhat a fabulous day out! With the kids! To visit two stunning succulent gardens! I bet you are newly renewed and inspired; I love that about gardeners, finding inspiration in each other. A good haul too. It'd be great to see the placement of everything that landed in your cart.
ReplyDeleteChavli
It really was wonderful, beginning to end! I am incredibly inspired, rethinking some things.
DeleteFUN!!!! I love it all.
ReplyDelete:D. A great day!
DeleteFun--plant shopping, blooms, and garden visiting. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteIt really was, thank you Beth!
DeleteI would much prefer that to Disneyland!
ReplyDeleteHow fun that must of been! All day plant tourism and shopping. What beautiful shots too. Thanks for sharing the joy, but you know you are supposed to tell us what plants you bought at the sale... ;^)
ReplyDelete