Just typical isn't it? Especially if you're a plant lover and spot a bargain!
So today we went out in search of several tall glazed pots to go on the top patio. Not finding any suitable ones at a couple of garden centres near us we went further ahead to Savin Nurseries to see what they have at the moment.
Now this nursery we enjoy visiting regularly for their reasonably priced plants and ability to spring surprises, to suddenly have some rarities for sale with great prices too. And it proved to be just like that again on today's visit.
We may have been looking primarily for pots this time but since we were there we might as well peruse the plant polytunnels. And whilst browsing we spotted them by the corner. There they were, a group of large Agaves with prices that are very reasonable.
It's still quite rare to see large agaves for sale here so to see them there of all places was an extra treat and a surprise! Which ones should we go for when they are all very nice?
There were some minor flaws on all of them due to being transported to the nursery from continental Europe but overall they were in great condition. We didn't have the camera with us so only took photos using my phone.
I recognised the agaves as follows: A. ovatifolia, A. potatorum, A. tequilana, A. desmettiana 'Variegata', A. mitis, and A. geminiflora. One of them I couldn't recognise so perhaps anyone out there would hazard a guess?
The ovatifolia was very blue, almost white and was beautiful! Had to leave it behind though as it was heavy and had nowhere else to put one at that size. The potatorum was great too and just as beautiful but being a more tender agave it will need shifting under cover in the winter and at such a size would be a difficult thing to do. But there were two geminiflora there and one of them I was instantly smitten with...
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| Can you see the 20p coin for scale? Agave ovatifolia |
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| Agave geminiflora |
Mark :-)
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.
You will have regrets for not buying all those big Agaves-you set of wimps. To find big Agaves is fairly unusual at the moment. Oh but the sheer weight of moving them I hear you say. Get some balls lads :-)
ReplyDeleteHaha!! You're making us wanting to go back soon now Don...
DeleteGreat find. That geminiflora is a beauty. I've never seen one with such a haircut though. It's cool, I must say.
ReplyDeleteIt looks more like a Dasylirion at the moment Gerhard but hopefully in the next few week it will regain its spherical shape again :)
DeleteGo out for a pot, come home with a plant. I've never done that, except all the time. Nice geminiflora!
ReplyDeleteIt's good isn't it Gail? :))
DeleteYa, what Hoover said.
ReplyDeleteWe're all on the same boat Loree!
DeleteComing home with surprise plant finds is one reason I almost never pass up a chance to visit a nursery, whatever the original reason for going. :)
ReplyDeleteIndeed Alan, you just don't know what you'll find at any point. In fact I've lost count of the instances we got bargains and rare finds just by chance :)
DeleteLike you, Hoover and Danger, I find plants when I am looking for pots and then find pots when I am looking for plants. There is always some deficit which requires yet another trip. This then leads to more potted plants than I actually have room for and since we don't have a green house...my kitchen (thankfully huge) and down stairs bathroom become jungles for the winter (which is thankfully short here in Houston). I am dreaming of a glassed in dining porch : ) Cheers!
ReplyDeleteSounds wonderful Laurin :) and how true, there's always a deficit that warrants a trip!
DeleteWho could resist? No one reading this.
ReplyDeleteIndeed Ricki :)
DeleteStory of my life, can relate to it absolutely and great find for you
ReplyDeleteIsn't it nice Klara? :)
DeleteThat's how it works! I can't say I ever stick to my list (even when I have one!) when I go into a nursery or garden center. Nice find with the A. geminiflora!
ReplyDeleteSo hard to stick with a list Kris, it's the add ons that add spice and extra fun after all :)
DeleteOhhh! great purchase :)!! I love to find surprises like that, it makes my day!!
ReplyDeleteThe surprises are instantly great purchases aren't they Lisa? :)
DeleteGreat buy! How hard to choose between them all. Finding unexpected plants at nurseries is like being a little kid at Christmas time.
ReplyDeleteIndeed Amy :) and it was rather hard walking away from the rest...
DeleteI had to laugh as I did exactly the same thing last night. Went to get a simple pot, came home with a car full of plants as well. You need to go back and get the huge A. ovatifolia. I'ts hardy outside as long as it has good drainage. There's always room for another plant! Just cram it in! How about in the front of the house in a huge blue pot? There you could see it every day as it waves you off to work and welcomes you home again!
ReplyDeleteI regret leaving that ovatifolia behind now Peter. Hopefully it's still there next time we pop round :)
DeleteYes, that is typical. No point in wasting a trip! the geminiflora is wonderful.
ReplyDelete