New At The Nursery

I HAVEN'T DONE A LOT OF nursery hopping this year. In fact, I haven't even darkened the door of my two favorite nurseries. Yet. But recently I went to a nursery not far from where I work. To tell you the truth, nothing much caught my eye, until I walked down the Hydrangea aisle. 

This pink, tiny-flowered jewel made me drool. At $55.00 though, I passed.

Another Hydrangea newbie:

Green and pink are my two favorite colors and combined, pure magic.

However, it wasn't difficult to walk away from this Hydrangea either, given the fact that it was just as pricey as 'Invincible.'

While at Home Depot recently, I couldn't leave without scanning the nursery aisles, right? I was surprised to find this variegated Knautia.

Even though it wasn't expensive, I passed. The plants didn't look all that healthy. Who knows? I may go back for it later if it keeps calling me. 

Wall plantings seem to be all the rage right now. I'm not really on board (pun intended) yet but I thought these were handsome. At $75 though, I wasn't racing to the cash register. 

Finally, I saw these little faux rock planters recently at, of all place, the grocery store! Who doesn't love  succulents? 

Although I didn't buy one, someone must have because they were gone the next time I visited the store.

Are you seeing anything notable at the nursery?

My Garden Looks Like Sh***!

Autumn can be so unkind to the garden. Pelting rains and strong winds have been aplenty of late and it shows. Big time. One of my daughters and I were driving home the other day and we talked about what they call, "the monsoon season" in some parts of the world. Here, in the Pacific Northwest it's just called "the rainy season." But I like "monsoon" over "rain." It's more dramatic. 

Acer palmatum disectum waving goodbye. 

 Many of my posts now sit empty.

And others, like this birdbath, are filled with fall foliage.

But luckily some still remain green.

The geranium is alive but I hope the budworms are dead. Wouldn't it be cool if it actually bloomed?

 We haven't had a frost yet so many marginally hardy plants are hanging on! Hooray!

This is a seedling Nicotiana run amok. Kinda pretty though so I'm keeping it. 

Heurchera something or other. 'Plum Pudding' maybe. 

 I predict a very mild winter for us Pacific Northwesters this year. Yes I do.

 Begonia -- cool, huh?

Even the cool-leaved Begonia Darla sent me is still green. I won't need to bring it in because we're going to have a mild winter. But I'll keep an eye out just in case. Can't be too careful.

It always amazes me that these succulents can handle the cold. But sure enough.

Now, lest you forgot the title of this post, I'll repeat it.

My garden looks like shit. There I said it. I feel better now.

This is a tiny bit better.

Hydrangea

The pretties require closeup shots.

Tired Thalictrum foliage

Cotoneaster lacteus, my most prominent "winter interest" wonder!

Trees to match the paint color

 But despite my garden's less than stellar appearance, I'm enjoying the finality of fall. Just look at those trees! I took the above photo from the parking lot at the library.

I took the above photo a block from where I work. It's a tiny slice of the enormous Oregon State University campus. Check out those colors! Ooh la, la!

This tree almost burned my eyes!

And finally, (almost) back at my garden. Look at this sweet 'Cinco de Mayo' rose trying its darndest to make me happy. (Yes it's all about me.) 

And finally, (for real this time) I had to show a photo of my daughter's kitten. Please excuse the blurriness. I bought some toy "mouses" at the grocery store and we were busy chasing them. Ain't she a cutie? 

So much to be thankful for! 

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

PS Please pardon my groveling, but if you haven't visited my writing blog, I cordially invite you. 

I'm curious as to your reaction to my current essay. 

Just click on the link on the sidebar.

Thanks.