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After a cold and flu season that seemed to just drag on longer and worse than usual, I was sick and tired of feeling sick and tired. I needed a “garden fix!” But the recent weather had been so cold and grey, and barely a green shoot could be found anywhere in my winter-dormant garden. What to do?
On a cold but sunny Sunday afternoon, inspiration struck! A trip to my favorite local nursery would lift me right out of my winter doldrums. Even the florist's section of my local supermarket can lift my spirits on a dreary day. The vast selection of indoor tropicals at Dutch Plant Farms can make me forget all about ice and slush and winter exhaustion.
The moment I walked in the door, that warm "green" feel enveloped me. I saw bougainvillea arching over huge peace lilies, and I breathed in the delicious scent of jasmine in bloom. Paradise!
Visiting a good nursery is like touring a conservatory, except that if you come across something truly irresistible, you can take it home with you! I decided my goal for this visit was not only to enjoy a good browse among my favorite plants, but also to try something new.
Learning about a plant you've never grown before is a way for any gardener to break free of the winter blues.
I couldn't resist brushing my hand over the herbs as I passed, but then I went to the display of succulents in little pots. I seldom give them a second look as I head toward the big plants at the back of the store, but today I realized what a remarkable variety they stocked. There were "living stones" in tiny pots, fat pincushions with a zillion perfect spines, and plants that seemed like flowers carved from wax.
On a shelf over a group of African violets, I found a collection of Tillandsia or "air plants," fastened to driftwood. Across the aisle was a fascinating display of Venus fly traps, pitcher plants, and sundews. I was disappointed not to find a little bug or two, so I could see them in action.
Braided ficus trees, colorful crotons, and gaudy bromeliads brought a lush tropical feel to another part of the store. A woman holding a hot pink bromeliad gave me a hot tip: Put the plant in a plastic bag with a ripe banana, and the ethylene gas will make it rebloom. I'll have to try that!
I didn't find a new African violet for my shelf, but I was tempted by the colorful array of Goldfish Plants (Nemanthoides) and Rex Begonias and by an unusual Coral Bead Plant (Nertera).
There were too many options; I wanted to bring them all home!
Dutch Plant Farms has a permanent planting in the center of their indoor area, like a miniature conservatory. I've come here on other winter afternoons, to curl up with a book or garden catalog and to enjoy the company of the curious parrots.
While there, I had to look over their selection of colorful ceramic pots and consider whimsical statuary options for my garden.
At the end of the month, the truck will come up from Florida loaded with fabulous new plants. To make room, there's the winter Polka Dot Sale! The remaining plants had been fairly well picked over. I was about to return to the Rex Begonias when I spotted a basket hanging off the end of a shelf. It may have lost its tag, but it's sporting a polka dot ribbon!
Woohoo! I'd found my new-to-me plant!
I'm sure one of my DG buddies will be able to ID it for me and tell me how to make it happy in my home.
On the way out, I stopped to talk to the parrot and admired the enormous bird-of-paradise plant in full bloom.
Don't let the winter blahs get you down. Seek out a nursery haven near you, a place to meander among lush plants and dream of summer delights. Take time to learn and explore. Bring home a plant that you previously knew nothing about. There's no better way to lift your spirits on a cold winter day!
Photo credits: Jill Nicolaus
Special thanks to Dutch Plant Farm, on Baughman's Lane in Frederick, MD.
About Jill M. Nicolaus
Better known as "Critter" on DG, Jill gardens in Frederick, MD. This week, I've been cutting lavender, putting up pluots (plum-apricot fruits), and pulling weeds (always, LOL). I love being outside in the cooler morning -- coffee cup in one hand, watering hose in the other -- watching the birds and butterflies among the flowers.(Images in my articles are from my photos, unless otherwise credited.)
Posted by docgipe (from NORTH CENTRAL PENNSY, PA) on February 18, 2008 at 10:26 AM:
....Not a single nusery or large greenhouse is open winter months in our part of this country. Signs are on their doors....See 'ya in March. Never the less I did enjoy the dream you have excited.
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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 18, 2008 at 10:47 AM:
Well, doc, that just means you need to plan a little road trip this weekend! We're having a seed swap get-together on the 23rd! Not everybody is bothering about bringing seeds, but a lot of folks are planning to stop in at Dutch Plant Farm before/after the party. Check out the thread in the MidAtlantic forum for organizational details.
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Subject: Very nice.
Posted by Buttoneer (from Carlisle, PA) on February 17, 2008 at 6:23 PM:
Will look into doing that, myself. Looking forward to this trip, weather permitting.
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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 17, 2008 at 8:55 PM:
I can't wait to see you at the swap! And I might just run into you at DPF, beforehand. :-)
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Posted by Buttoneer (from Carlisle, PA) on February 17, 2008 at 10:57 PM:
One way or another, I will try to be there. Wednesday night, i have got to start bagging up seeds & plants.
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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 17, 2008 at 11:51 PM:
Easy on the plants... remember we're in a restaurant setting now. Cuttings or even a small pot should be fine, but I don't want to push things too far, and it may be too cold to do a parking lot plant swap.
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Posted by Buttoneer (from Carlisle, PA) on February 18, 2008 at 10:36 PM:
Ok, no problem. Any plants I bring will be small ones in ziploc bags. How's that?
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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 18, 2008 at 11:45 PM:
That'll work! I'm planning to do the same thing, myself... ziploc bags, or maybe just moist paper towel and press-n-seal wrap around the base for cuttings.
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Subject: Perked me right up!
Posted by darius (from Marion, VA) on February 17, 2008 at 5:26 PM:
Thanks! Just the gardening shot I needed in my veins. :)
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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 17, 2008 at 8:54 PM:
Glad I could take you "with" me to my favorite local nursery!
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Subject: Perfect Timing!
Posted by rcn48 (from Lexington, VA) on February 17, 2008 at 6:24 AM:
With my recent trip to Florida and seeing all the wonderful tropicals we would have to treat as houseplants, your article has me drooling once again. Since we flew to Florida instead of driving this time, I might just find a few of the plants I wasn't able to bring home at DPF next weekend! Thank you for a wonderful article :)
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Posted by Dutchlady1 (from Naples, FL) on February 17, 2008 at 7:59 AM:
Thanks for a great article. I love visiting nurseries!
Interesting: The Coral Bead plant was very common in Holland when I was growing up. The Dutch national color is orange and if I remember correctly they were always being sold around the time of the national holiday, the Queen's Birthday. I haven't seen one since but will explore.....
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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 17, 2008 at 9:23 AM:
I'm glad I got it into the schedule before next weekend!
(There are plans in the MidAtlantic Forum for a Seed Swap gathering next Saturday, and many folks are planning a pre-party stop at Dutch Plant Farms.)
Lady, let me know if you're pining for a coral bead plant and can't find one... the sign said the "beads" stay on for months, perhaps long enough for the weather to warm for shipping? But I'll bet you can find just about any tropical/houseplant in FL!
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Posted by grampapa (from Wheatfield, NY) on February 17, 2008 at 9:34 AM:
Mmmm, makes me want to go to my favorite nursery. They have tropicals so they have that nice, cozy humid atmosphere, too. The last time I was there I dragged home two 1/2 price orchids in bloom on a 20* day. They didn't balk too much. DH really doesn't approve of these trips LOL
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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 17, 2008 at 9:41 AM:
:-)
I was also eyeing a 'Xanadu' philo for our bedroom, but DH wasn't at all impressed with it... and it wasn't on sale... but it was a beauty... very vigorous young plant, just waiting to be put into a bigger pot so it could zoooom!
You should go, see what's new or what's on sale!
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Posted by doccat5 (from Fredericksburg, VA) on February 17, 2008 at 10:15 AM:
Our local nursery has a huge pond on one end of the greenhouse and since I used to work there, I love to go in and pet the koi which are now big fellas. Those don't get sold. You're right, it's very relaxing to just stroll and look! Thanks for sharing.
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Posted by bluekat76 (from Ijamsville, MD) on February 17, 2008 at 11:02 AM:
Nice Jill! It really is a haven inside DPF, especially with the birds. Mmmmm, oxygen and humidity might work wonders for the winter blahs!
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Posted by Pamgarden (from Central, VA) on February 17, 2008 at 12:09 PM:
Jill, I know that smell you're talking about. It just envelops me. Warm, dark, moist earth, freesia, gardenia, forced tulip and daffodil bulbs, fat stems of forsythia, and witchhazel, a water feature burbling in the corner. I think if I breathe in deeply, I can heal body and soul. Thank you for taking me along.
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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 17, 2008 at 12:10 PM:
:-)
Pam, that's it exactly!
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Posted by rubyw (from Crozet, VA) on February 20, 2008 at 5:06 AM:
Great article Jill and I agree with Pam, I felt as though I were there.
Ruby
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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 20, 2008 at 3:12 PM:
:-)
I'm looking forward to your being able to come up and see it in person next time we have a plant swap here!
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Posted by rubyw (from Crozet, VA) on February 21, 2008 at 3:32 PM:
Yep, me too. I just remembered today that I haven't looked for the green and silver necklace set that you wanted. I will make a note now to do it tomorrow. I will also try to take some pictures of the harem pants and veils that I finally found.
I will anxiously await your next article. You are an excellent writer.
Ruby
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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 21, 2008 at 3:41 PM:
Thanks, Ruby! Today's article wasn't much of a "literary" effort, but I hope it will encourage people who are new to seed trading. "Seed for postage" offers sometimes don't get takers right away, and I think that's because new DGers aren't sure how to respond. I'm having fun with the offer I posted at the bottom of that article today!
Dutch Plant Farms has a permanent planting in the center of their indoor area, like a miniature conservatory. I've come here on other winter afternoons, to curl up with a book or garden catalog and to enjoy the company of the curious parrots.
