One morning last week, I woke up feeling out of sorts. I had slept poorly. I was tired and stiff and grumpy. And this was the day I had been looking forward to. The plan had been to visit one of my favorite local nurseries, armed with two gift certificates that had been sitting in my purse for months. I wasn’t sure that I had the energy to go. However, I didn’t want to waste the schedule-free morning, so I hopped in the car.
The drive over was beautiful and the nursery was peaceful and uncrowded. I wanted to look everything over and decide how to use my gift certificates. There were lush plants and flowers everywhere, and butterflies fluttering about.
I had one or two basic, practical things I needed, but otherwise I was open to inspiration. I found some California native coyote mint that I had read about online but was now able to see in person. They were both in bloom and stunning: Monardella villosa ‘Russian River’ and Monardella macrantha ‘Marian Sampson’. I couldn’t pass them up.
Then I found a California native Artemisia variety called David’s Choice, which was much more compact than the typical ones I have grown before. I know Artemisia would work in my side yard, but sometimes got rangy, so I wanted to try this new-to-me variety.
Then I noticed a soft, feathery-looking bush displayed next to an Acacia cognata ‘Cousin Itt’. I have grown several drought-tolerant Australian natives in my yard. I have three ‘Cousin Itts” and grow two kinds of Grevillea. This shrub was called woolly bush, Adenanthos sericeus. In hot inland areas, it needed part shade. It was drought-tolerant and needed well-drained soil. Like several Australian plants, it does not tolerate phosphorus fertilizer. It is in the Protea family. I had room for it at home next to one of my ‘Cousin Itts’. Being able to see the two plants next to each other in the nursery and see the pleasing contrast of textures and colors really helped make the decision.
While I was there, three different employees approached me at various times to see if I needed anything. They directed me to plants I was looking for, answered questions about plants I was contemplating, and even gave me watering advice about plants I already had at home. This level of customer service was almost shocking. These days, with the plethora of big box stores, having knowledgeable, patient, and enthusiastic employees was such a pleasure.
I ended up walking the grounds of the nursery several times to make sure I hadn’t missed anything. The movement helped relieve any stiffness I had and helped me get my steps in for the day. I enjoyed being able to see, touch, smell, and experience the plants around me. Discovering new plants and learning more about others I was familiar with was a joy. I left for home feeling energized and much more light-hearted.
