Before we went to Portland we already knew of the reputation of Cistus nursery, so getting to visit whist on the Fling was something we were particularly looking forward to. Cistus is a dream location for anyone interested in the usual, the unique and interesting with plants from all over the globe, such as these fabulous field grown yuccas.
Mark and I were fortunate to visit the nursery a couple of extra times whilst in Portland, so many of the photos in the post were taken when the nursery was quieter rather than packed with a coach load of fellow bloggers.
We loved the feel of the nursery, so calm, well organised and tranquil, I can see why it is such a favourite location of the Portland bloggers.
Being the middle of summer the temperatures were rather warm inside, so say the least, but Sean and Mark were unstoppable! Mark had to see everything of interest, and Sean was the perfect host, taking Mark from unique plant to unique plant. I kept back and stayed in the shade!
 |
| Can I have one of everything please.. |
 |
| Where ever you look the tunnels are packed with fantastic plants |
Gaz
Cistus Nursery Website
This gardening blog follows our journey as we create our Tropical and Exotic themed garden. We hope you'll enjoy the journey as much as we do. We started our Exotic Garden in 2005 and this site will show its development, as well as our travels, both abroad and within the UK to gardens, nurseries and friends.
It certainly was a special place, although I would have liked to have visited on a slightly cooler day. I've ordered from them before, so seeing the "birthplace" of the plants was nice. So many fantastic yuccas to tempt...
ReplyDeleteTheir yucca collection is just amazing Alan. If distance wasn't an issue could happily keep coming back there, over and over...:)
DeleteCistus is the type of nursery you want to bring a truck to. "One of everything," as you said. It's been five months since my visit, but I still can't get those stunning Yucca rostrata out of my head.
ReplyDeleteI don't know how Mark and Sean were able to spend so much time in the greenhouses when it was soooo hot. Well, Sean is probably used to it. Like you, I much preferred the shade :-).
Indeed Gerhard, if only it was nearby...
DeleteWith so many gems that they have I was able to ignore the intense heat in the poly tunnels :)
A great nursery indeed and I feel very lucky to live close enough to visit a few times a year!
ReplyDeleteLucky lucky you Peter! :)
DeleteLooks a fabulous place. What gems did you import and how?
ReplyDeleteThey're used to it Don, they can sort out the paperwork and all :)
DeleteI should have realized that Yucca rostratas flowered, but I didn't until I saw your pictures! Fabulous! I am so glad I live near enough that I can go down there twice a year, or more.
ReplyDeleteLucky you and Peter that you are able to visit several times a year. Some Yuccas split heads too after flowering hence having a multi headed specimen later on :)
DeleteLike Alison, I was a little surprised to see a Yucca rostrata in flower. I hope to get to Cistus one day myself!
ReplyDeleteWell worth visiting soon Kris :)
DeleteIt's been about 2 and a half months since I've visited, I'm way over due! Of course it's got a much different feel this time of the year, but it's always wonderful. I must get out there soon...
ReplyDeleteLong overdue indeed! I can imagine it's just as wonderful at this time of the year Loree :)
DeleteSo envious that you got to see the back of the house! It's easy enough to loose oneself out in the "public" parts. I can imagine the greenhouses totally amplifying that experience!
ReplyDeleteIndeed Anna :) and you ought to visit it again soon and I'm sure if you ask they'll let you have a look at the back poly tunnels.
DeleteWonderful!! I'm jealous :) is worth to stand the heat to see those plants :) the last picture of Sean is great, hehehe.
ReplyDeleteWe do like that last picture of Sean a lot too Lisa :)
DeleteCistus Nursery is on my bucket list!
ReplyDeleteYou HAVE to visit this nursery John :)
DeleteFab plants and fab T-shirts too ;)
ReplyDeleteMy most abiding memory from my visit to Cistus was chatting to a member of staff who's mother volunteers at the garden at Alcatraz (I was wearing my Alcatraz garden t-shirt at the time!)
Nice coincidence Michelle! Alcatraz apparently has some nice succulent plantings too, another one on the bucket list...
DeleteI have no idea how you managed to choose just a few for your garden back home - your heads must have been spinning with the choices! Looks like a fabulous place to have a wander - nursery visits are so inspirational!
ReplyDeleteShipping was the limitation Caro :) if only this nursery was near us (or at least the same country)...
DeleteLush and exotic! I can see why you had to have more than one visit. I would have a hard time getting out of there with anything left in my bank account!
ReplyDeleteSame here Debs :) the location of the nursery did our wallet a favour
Delete