76 February, Whatcha’ Doin’?
February 24, 2023
78 Half Moon Bay Nursery
March 24, 2023
Johnson Garden Center
520 Tennant Ave C, Morgan Hill, CA 95037 • (408) 779-7171
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G enerally AP and I do not waste our time visiting garden centers. They tend to stock the same ol’ plants, same ol’ garden-y knick-knack crap, same from entrance to exit. We include them in our nursery tour itineraries though, in case we find ourselves with any spare time. Like we did one day after visiting a place called Nursery Beautiful Plants which frankly was NOT beautiful so we left there in a hurry.
Our PLAN B, Johnson Garden Center, couldn’t possibly be THAT boring—we hoped.
And it was not! Even though we got there and to get to the good stuff we had to wade through all this stuff…of course…!
We made our escape from the shop out to the nursery and that’s when she and I knew Johnson Garden Center should have been PLAN A.
So it’s almost Spring, Readers, and If these pictures of colorful blossoming plants do not get you excited about that, you have issues and should seek help immediately. (Professional garden enthusiasts are ready to take your call…)
I love love love those large white pots with embossed flowers. I didn’t notice them when I took the picture. Now I see them and I want them!
Here are more white pots…
And that, friends, is a classic display of a modern, low-maintenance, evergreen—and very on-trend—exterior design.
I have quite a few clients who request that very thing.
Very nicely done, Johnson Garden Center personnel. You impressed and inspired me!
More nice displays…
Lovely!!! But here is what I am drawn to. Evergreens!
Behind the Buddha is the Cedrus deodora ‘Feelin’ Sunny’ pruned into a patio tree.
I have one…of course, but mine ain’t feelin’ so sunny these days. The younger the tree, the lighter green it is. As they mature they become more like Cedrus deodora ‘Feelin’ Blue’—which I also have…of course.
Now…Rhodies!!!
See that turquoise pot peaking out behind the white rhody? Design tip: You do not need to see the whole damn pot to have your eye drawn to it.
Now here’s a dime-a-dozen plant…
Rhaphiolepis indica ‘Spring Sonata’ and ‘Pink Dancer’ (Indian Hawthorn)
I’ve had a few clients request these plants because of their profuse spring blooms and because they’re probably the only plants they see around their neighborhood. Why? EVERY mediocre landscape contractor installs them.
Please! There are so many other shrubs to choose from! Readers, I am here to help those in need, and I tell you…DO NOT go with the mediocre flow!
I’m not one to linger long in the native plant section. I know…I know…there are those who say natives are the “responsible” choice. I do look them over in hopes of finding attractive natives to use in my designs.
I may not always make natives a priority, but I do prioritize low-water and pollinating plants for clients and for myself. It’s how I do my part.
Where to next, Johnson’s? Well succulents, of course.
Nicely displayed, and AP is lurking in there somewhere—her favorite place to hide from the camera.
Okay. This is the third nursery where I’ve come across these big mushrooms. It’s a sign that I must have them.
Actually I don’t need a sign, I just need for them to go on sale!
I will not pay full price for them because I do have my standards (even though my standards are getting lower as I age).
If, after seeing all these photos, you still need a boost to your excitement for the coming Spring, here’s a photo that may do the trick.
This lady is all decked out in spring fashion and surrounded by what I assume is her favorite color, pink.
I stood there gawking at her because 1) I am a curious person, often more than I should be, and 2) who would wear this ensemble in public?? She was probably in her 80’s and completely oblivious to all the stares she was getting from me and others.
All I can say is “You go girl,” and to AP, don’t you go there.
And to all of you: Happy Soon-to-Be-Spring!
