A Day in Half Moon Bay

Sophia, Ivan and I headed out to Half Moon Bay yesterday.  The main purpose was to pick up an order I placed back in November (and subsequent orders, lol) from Hans @ Dry Oasis Plants.  Some kids were swimming, the weather was lovely - but I wouldn't call it swimming weather 😉

There are a stretch of nurseries off the highway, it's a bit challenging pulling back OUT onto the highway.  I've ALWAYS wanted to visit them, specialty succulents, orchids - I think the carnivorous plant nursery has closed.

And I don't want to be a downer on it, it was fine.  But fairly tame findings all in all. Sophia and Ivan are quite knowledgeable on orchids - and let's just say there were some Trader Joe's references.   *Not a slam on TJ's we've all happily purchased plants there.  

Ivan had arranged for us to visit his friend Joseph's greenhouse, located behind the main strip of retail nurseries.  He is FloraEpiphytica on etsy.  Things got exciting. 

Let me add, a lot of plants here were out of my realm - and I'm not going to try to ID, because I can't. Bam, you notice this gorgeous cycad right when you enter.  It belongs to Max & Justin  Gerhard visits Max & Justin's Oakland garden, & Loree visits Max & Justin's garden the plant is being very successfully rehabbed in Half Moon Bay. *Part of this story included that one leaf is actually painted green. 

Joseph is lovely, and he was saying his greenhouse was a little chaotic.  It was all so perfectly laid out, I thought it was fantastic and orderly. *Joseph & Ivan

Sophia found another greenhouse in the greenhouse!

Lots of cute frogs jumping around, I bet that helps with pests.

These orchid seed pods are so cool!

Want.  Look at those perfect "ears".

Sorry for the fuzziness, this was TINY - I probably walked by a hundred blooming orchids without seeing them.  It looks like intricate jewelry.

I loved these hanging boxes, every inch stuffed. 

Ok, this one I actually recognize - Huperzia ulicifolius. 

So little, Joseph said he often has to use a microscope to work.  

And then we were off to lunch, followed by Dry Oasis.  

Joseph joined us! He had recently visited friends in Tucson, and has begun experimenting with aloes & agaves at his home - which is directly in the hills behind Dry Oasis.  Perfect. 

Hundreds of aloes were in bloom, it was absolutely breathtaking.  Hummingbirds were zipping around everywhere.  When I entered I lost my mind for a few minutes, not knowing where to look.  

Hans had gathered some items from my order,  but walked me over to Aloe ferox, 'white flower' so I could see - speechless.  Friday, I'm In Love.

Boom de boom.  Hans was worried about our transport, but I knew Ivan would work his magic. 

I had one other large Aloe 'Yemeni Orange' to transport home. Hans ordered the final 4 of these from San Marcos liquidation. They were grown at Jeff Chemnick's Aloes in Wonderland. The catalyst for my tree aloe obsession.  *I haven't been, just the video alone.  Hans was gracious to let me take my pick of the four, what a grand human being he is! Hans took some photos of Ivan carrying the beast to the car. 

Car packed, Ivan announced "there's room for one more"!

No arm twisting needed.  Let me take one more look around.  

This Aloe Vaombe was so special, the teeth! 

I neglected getting a photo, but I ended up grabbing an Agave Sebastiana 'Silver Lining' and Aloe lukeana (Luke's Aloe).

What else can I say but it was a very special day!  Will be grounding the 2 big aloes today.  

Tomorrow, I have an unexpected short trip to Portland to help my mother-in-law with a move.  Her and her husband will be moving to assisted living. Although it's a difficult decision, it's the right time.  I'm designated Goodwill donation and clothes/kitchen packing.  

My heartfelt thanks to Hans and his wife, he went out of his way to make sure I took home top notch specimens.  And to meeting Joseph, all the most fantastic plant people 💚💚💚. And always, I love having Sophia and Ivan along - I couldn't have done it without them.  

I hope you have a wonderful week 😊.