There’s no reason for name calling! Truth is, for we Canadians, this was our Thanksgiving weekend, and as such today [Monday'] is pretty much a stat holiday – few and far between are your chances of finding any retail establishments of interest open. M and I decided to tour the countryside, and happened to notice an OPEN sign at Ayr Country Gardens, a wonderful garden centre I’d never stumbled upon before now!
It didn’t take long to spot this solitary Metasequoia glyptostroboides ‘Matthaei Broom’ in a display at the front of the store. No questions asked, it was bound for Fergus! Those familiar with this delightful specimen know that it originated as a ‘witches broom’ on the species M. glyptostroboides, and is usually sold grafted onto a trunk. It maintains relatively the same shape and habit as the species, but in most cases, owners comment on the exceedingly long and soft ‘needles’ that Matthaei Broom exhibits. I can definitely attest that its ‘needles’ are long, soft and feathery! [Barry, stop fondling it for the love of God!]
The owner came out and acknowledged us and let us know that there was more nursery stock ‘in the back.’ I was pleasantly surprised to find row after row of what can best be described as ‘rare and choice’ nursery stock. There was a decent selection of Acer palmatum species, a couple of Cercis canadensis ‘Covey’, [Restrain me M, you know I have a weakness for them!] and then I spotted this adorable charmer:
Larix kaempferi ‘Nana’ also known as the ‘dwarf Japanese Larch’ is everything that it’s name touts and more! Growing 40-45cm in height, it is a wonderfully globose shaped member of a favourite genus, with smashing blue grey green foliage and a tight slow growing habit, making it a perfect accent point!
Did I mention that both were 25% off, and I got both for $165! De-bloody-lightful! I am going to do away with the ever so ‘been there done that’ Salix integra ‘Hakuro Nishiki’ and extend the existing front garden, in an effort to eradicate more lawn in 2012! Do you think anyone will notice? And how was your Thanksgiving?
Here are a few pictures from our walk in the woods:
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6 comments:
OMG ! Sweetie .. are you trying to push me over the edge ???
What I wouldn't give to have been there with you plant geeks !!!!
I would have found the perfect replacement for my poor rust eaten serviceberry which I have to throw to the hounds .. (all I could think of with that choice was Autumn colour .. not the prolific multitude of problems that attached itself here in my neighborhood .. BIG sigh !)
Congratulations and what a beautiful place you walked in .. my kind of surroundings .. I would have been hugging so many trees you would have needed a huge crowbar to get me off of them !!
Joy : )
It is good to see that more and more garden centres in Ontario (especially country garden centres) are carrying 'real' ornamental conifers rather than the few common stocks like everyone else.
Love your ‘Matthaei Broom’. If its growth habit is like its species, it is a very fast grower and a giant. There is a new cultivar 'Northern Light' that has nice icy creamy leaves and is supposed to be a dwarf variety. You would love that one.
Barry I am in your thrall. Not only were you able to find a nursery that was open on Monday - you found a fabulous nursery and secured plants that make us all wish we'd pushed ourselves away from the table and got in the car and chased after you. The only the thing that keeps my pulse in check is knowing that they've gone to a wonderful home.
Chen:
I was plesantly surprised to say the least - that I found a garden centre open, and that I also found my M. g 'Matthaei Broom' for less than $100. According to sources, it is only supposed to grow to 3m in height.
Barbara:
I had hoped that I would find a nursery open during our travels, but never expected to find such treasures. I gladly spent last evening after work digging out H. 'Annabelle' to make room for my new treasures. Thanks for visiting and the kind comments!
I knew eventually the lawn was going to go! What a fun trip for you and M. The nursery sounds wonderful and I love your choices. I've gotten rid of my Salix too. Despite several attempts it just doesn't seem to like my soil. Too dry probably. Glad you had a nice Thanksgiving.
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