I've been itching to go to Minter Gardens all summer long and for one reason or another it has just not worked out. So when I had some spare time in the afternoon I finally decided to head "wackward" - that's East towards Chilliwack - and visit Minter Gardens. They have some of the most beautiful flower beds.
And they always have the most wonderful flax at Minter Gardens. I have to hunt down Brian Minter one of these days and ask him his secret. They are much colder than the rest of the Fraser Valley and significantly colder than places like Metro Van. I wonder if they lift them out?
Here's my kind of plant.... echeveria.
On the flax... I was almost sure that they lift them out of place. But I visited here last year and these flax were right in the same place. It's possible that they are lifted and planted in the exact same place ... but that seems a little weird.
moving on we find more flax. This is not good for me. It makes me think of all the beautiful buy one get one flax at Phoenix Perennials.... hmmm....
And the true reason I wanted to go back... these agaves! I remember them from last year. They used to have a giant sempervivum lizard that is no more.
These agave americana variegata even had a number of pups. I wonder if they are willing to part with any agave pups?
I was so enamoured by the agaves and flax that I almost missed this flying dragon!
And for my flower loving friends. I have to admit, this makes me nervous.
But this doesn't!
Looking back at the agaves from above.
It's such a PNW scene eh?
I really appreciate how they add touches of epicness like this giant timber bamboo.
They certainly embrace a nice tightly planted bed.
And while I love all the colours, there's something about this green. All the ferns, vines, moss ... I guess I'm more of a PNWesterner than I thought.
What stunning gardens, absolutely beautiful. Thanks for the views.......It would be worth finding out what stays and what is removed for winter.
ReplyDeleteNo problem. It is truly a remarkable place. I think I am going to track down Brian minter to ask about what he does for his flax and agaves.
DeleteGorgeous garden! Everything looks beautiful but I especilally liked the shot of the bridge with the ivy dangling down and the first picture with the dogwood in the serpentine bed. Is the garden open year round? If not, perhaps they cover the agaves and flaxes. Do they have a plant sales area as well? What a special place; thanks for taking us along!
ReplyDeleteI know! the ivy dangling is kind of amazing. I think they are open from april to sometime in October. So its possible that they are covered during the winter. I will have to see if I can get ahold of Brian and ask him some questions about it. He actually owns a nursery that sells some really wonderful plants. It's always a treat to stop by.
DeleteFlax and Agaves and Banana...oh my!
ReplyDeleteI've got a neighbor who buried burlap around the base of his Flax with the intent to wrap it when severe cold hit, which of course it didn't last year.
It's an epic combination. I need more flax!!!! I have been trying to tell myself to resist but I don't know how much longer I can. I planted one really small one a while back (shhhh....). I kind of feel superstitious about it though. hmmm.... did you plant anymore flax this year?
DeleteI did not, back in the day I had near 20 (maybe more...I'd have to go back and look at pictures) now 4 in the ground, 3 in containers...that's good.
Delete20!?! Epic! Oh this must be an even touchier subject for you then. I had 5 or 6 beautiful flax at a time. Now just one in ground and two monster potted ones.
DeleteGreat tour...the place is grand. I suspect what you're saying...are some plants lifted out in cold, then put back when it warms up? This is something I see often in Denver at their excellent botanic garden...and somehow the public or landscape industry there has not picked it up...if you take out Nov-March, you almost always have great conditions for all the more interesting, spiky plants...if it's just a few plants, why not?
ReplyDeletethanks! I think its a good idea for providing just that little extra touch of excitement to the garden. People plant tons of annuals that they stand outside and water all spring and summer and then let them all die in the Winter. So I definitely find merit in having a few nice plants that are lifted out and brought in for the winter.
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