To buy or not to buy, that is the question.

Do you ever recite Hamlet in the face of plant lusts?  I'm sure the nursery people get a kick out of this.  Me down on one knee, taking cell phone photos, reciting my version of Hamlet to this beautiful Yucca Rigida.

"To buy or not to buy, that is the question:

Whether it is nobler of the mind to preserver

through the temptations of plant lust,

or  to succumb to your urges

And by succumbing own it?" 

I thought that this little rostrata could be a good consolation prize...

 But that little yucca trunk! Is it worth putting a halt to the weekend plans of driving to Phoenix Perennials and buying some wonderful treasures? Or shall I consider it happy birthday to me (I've already done that a few times)?

Or do I hold out for the hopes that they can order me a large Yucca Rostrata? After all, that is in the works too.

Cedar Rim Nursery adventures...

A few months ago I posted some rainy day photos from a visit to Cedar Rim Nursery.  Well I had an amazing reason to go back this weekend for some nursery fun... Jamie Durie!  He was giving a talk on his book and TV show The Outdoor Room.  Jamie was excellent!  He spoke much about the need to reclaim the yard so to speak.  That is to say, make things functional.  Create spaces and gardens that are used and enjoyed (as opposed to pumping fertilizers and heavily watering to have the best lawn).  I particularly loved when he said, "your garden is a growing investment."  To me, greater excuse and rationale for moments of plant purchasing temptations - "Yes!"

I loved this plant combo.  If only I could reliably grow that podocarpus "icee blue." There were a few too many zone 9 temptations to be healthy...

like this.... and then I get to thinking... maybe in a beautiful pot somewhere on the patio.

A pose with Jamie Durie.  Who knows, maybe one day we'll work together... The outdoor room design duo?  All his California sunshine makes me look a little extra pasty than normal. We need more sun!!!!

This is "my section" of the nursery... and this is only one of many isles of palms

What's this?  I think Cedar Rim dissected my brain and made it a part of the nursery. "I'll take... everything!" - I wish!

I took a photo of the flax house but could not go inside.  It's rare that I step foot into this greenhouse without spending money.

The nursery really just goes on and on and on... 

Plants for every kind of gardener and for every kind of site.

I have been keeping my eye on this palm for over a year.  If it were not for the price, this Jubaea Chilensis would be mine!

Magnolia Grandiflora "teddy bear" I believe.  It baffles me why we don't see more of these planted.  Hardy, evergreen, beautifully flowers, beautiful foliage... need I say more.

Danger! this section is always fun.

Cedar Rim recently underwent major renovations and has a true boutique nursery feel.

Some of the main displays.

I really liked these branches with hanging terrariums

But much to my surprise... the real temptation was this mustardy yellow pot and "emerald wave" bay laurel.

Cedar Rim Nursery!

I decided to jump the band wagon on the praise of local nurseries!  I can't emphasize just how much they are a vibrant and essential part of the local gardening community.  I remember as a young child visiting nurseries with my parents, it was always a magical kind of experience.  All the colours and textures seemed like the tools of an artist!  Cedar Rim garden centre is that kind of place! it never fails to disappoint!  Perhaps cedar rim is most special because its where I got my first palm tree!  I decided to go for a jaunt yesterday morning with a good friend of mine to take in one of my favourite places and hopefully share why I feel Cedar Rim is so special! (apparently the my lens had water on it, sorry some pics are a bit blurred).

These great euphorbias lined the entry way to the store.  Cedar rim always does a great job of enticing you as you walk into the store.

Like with these great garden chairs... don't they just say, come on and take a seat!

and who can resist a sale?! Great way to start a nursery visit in my opinion!

This table is near the entrance to the store and a must visit! notice the agave parryi in the bottom right hand corner?  If its there next spring it will be mine!

Sorry for the blur here, but this pergola houses some of the most extrordinary plant groupings throughout the season.  They seam to pay special attention to matching great foliage plants with beautiful seasonal flowers and interest.  It's kinda a way of saying, "this is whats going on in the garden this time of year!"

  

Bulbs are in full swing right now.... in a few weeks this will house palm trees coming inside for the winter.

it wouldn't be fall at Cedar Rim without a great selection of cabbages!

This bamboo recliner belongs in the palm garden! ahhhh can I take it home?!

If only this great washingtonia robusta could survive in my yard! (I keep reminding myself, no more winter protection projects!!)

hmmm.... new planters for the garden?

magnolia heaven!

this is my kinda gardening!!! bamboo, eucalyptus, and palms!

hidden in the jungle here is a jubaea chilensis... serious plant lust!

the yuccas I was talking about a couple weeks ago!

This "wheel tree" always catches my attention! maybe another springtime purchase?

this just looks right!

Check out this summer chocolate mimosa! I love the depth of colour on this one.

The fern house is another treat!

and my favourite.... the flax house!!! I have had a couple of bad years with flax and have not had the nerve to re plant them yet.  They still, however, are very tempting!

All is right with the world when you see a grouping like this!

As you can see, this is one seriously amaaaazing place!!!!! I am always soo impressed with their selection and most importantly some of the best nursery staff around!!!! Thanks Cedar Rim!!