When my great-grandfather planted the Giant Sequoia, Coast Redwood and Deodar Cedar trees, I wonder if he imagined we would still be cutting their glorious boughs some 70 plus years later?  I don't know exactly what his motivation was, perhaps it was simply to enhance the appearance of the property.
    The collection has been growing every since.  My grandmother added plants to the rock garden area that was the pride and joy of her mother.  My dad planted many cool shrubs and trees in addition to Pines and more Cedars.  And the holly trees! I remember running barefoot in the summer and stepping on a fallen holly leaf. Ouch! I wouldn't trade memories like that for anything, even if there was some pain involved.
     I'm proud of my family history. We're still planting and improving today.  Some of the old plants have been removed but new varieties are being added. In the past few years we've planted roses for their hips, shrub Dogwood for their stems and Beautyberry for, of course, their berries.
    This holiday season I invite you to come see the bounty of greens, berries and stems we harvest from our own trees and sell.  You can't get more fresh and local than that. Stroll through our holiday marketplace and smell the aroma of evergreens.  It's like a walk in the woods.  We do sell plenty of cut Noble Fir which we buy from a local supplier. There's also an abundance of Cedar garland and Oregon-made wreaths. We ship wreaths, holly, and greens. If you need a present for someone out of state, what better gift than the look and smell of Oregon.
    This is the best time of year to select a unique conifer.  Karen has brought in and displayed a wide array of needled-evergreen trees and shrubs. You could use one as a living Christmas tree or start your own collection of plants for winter decoration.  So come on out and see what we have. Maybe you can even get Dad to tell you about helping his grandfather plant some of those trees.

 

     What combines old traditions with fresh color in one long-lasting, gorgeous bouquet of blooms? A poinsettia for the holidays! We'll have a dozen beautiful varieties including ravishing reds and very popular "Fantasy Colors" (blue, gold, purple, copper, even green!). Poinsettias make great gifts so give one as a centerpiece or a desk plant. Contrary to popular belief, poinsettias are not poisonous and they look great for weeks, so get them early.
     Don't forget other holiday bloomers. Zygocactus begin to set buds in October in response to the shortening days and are best in our houseplant room in mid-October through Thanksgiving.  Their blooms are fantastically shaped, colorful and sparkling.    Zygocactus can live and grow for decades and the bigger they are the more they bloom.
    Amaryllis are spectacular with their tall stems and giant blooms.  You can buy a budded plant or start your own bulb 4-6 weeks before you want blooms. Amaryllis are particularly fascinating to children. Ask for our care instructions if you want them for any of these holiday treats.