Garden Trips: Blandy Arboretum

Mother's Day found me en route to the Blandy Arboretum. My husband and daughter were treating me to a day "all about me". While a visit to the Arboretum itself would be pleasant, added to this was the annual plant sale. A "two-fer" type day if ever there was one! I hadn't been to the Arboretum before and we could not have picked a more pleasant day, weather wise.


I was eager to see what was there! The shopping was good and I had the added attraction of a personal plant holder to accompany me. The first thing that caught my eye was an heirloom tomato, Missouri Love Apple. Isn't the name enough! I also found a new (to me) heuchera that has red edges, Eco-Magnififolia. I have been searching for one like the one I lost...I have yet to find it...it was an incredibly colorful one that I brought back from Seattle a couple years ago. This one isn't it, but I feel like I am getting warm. I also bought some Mycorrhizae. It's something I've been curious to try and so I bought it at this sale (I wasn't thrilled to find it online for a lot cheaper...but, at least now I know a source should I want more.). My purchases were rounded out with a few more tomatoes and a pepper. (One of these days...when I actually plant them...I'll list the tomatoes I'm growing this year...what would summer be without fresh-from-the-garden tomatoes!)

After enjoying myself at the plant sale, I walked over to take a look at the Arboretum itself. Such a beautiful day had brought out lots of families and there were folks wandering all over enjoying themselves. Some were grilling out or having picnics, some were over at the children's tables making projects and the rest were either cruising around (like me) or at the plant sale!

The Arboretum is famous for its boxwood collection:



Okay, given my previous post, I couldn't help but post this:


You know what it is...a Fringe Tree!

Here's where we make our way inside:


I was interested to see these very happy looking Iris Cristata in full sun:


Japanese Roof Iris:


I love finding cozy seating...this is in a small shade garden called a pollination garden.


Columbines were so pretty:


Shall we have a look?




There was a small collection of iris:





So, I see this group of people and I'm thinking that maybe this is where the elusive gift shop is...or at least something interesting, right? Did you figure this out (before me)??


Yes, this was the line for the restroom....

It struck me that this would be a great place to have a tour (the Arboretum, not the restroom!) and one of these days, I'm going to do just that. However, the Herb Garden was on my way and I just had to take a peek.



The flax was blooming:


Not just any iris, but Orris (where we get orris root):


Done with my touring, I made my way back to the car where my daughter and husband awaited me. We were off for a nice dinner! Interestingly (and I mean very) the car made its way to one of my favorite nurseries, Merrifield Garden Center. Wow! Naturally, there were a few things there to tempt me (a new dianthus and some double ivy geraniums). The back of the car was filling up quite nicely! From there, we did make our way to a nearby Bonefish Grill, a very yum restaurant. It was quite the Mother's Day! (Did I mention the huge bottles of a very nice perfume and lotion??!) Thank you, DH and DD!