Magnolias and Cherries are flowering throughout the Arboretum

You know you work in the right place when, after a wonderful spring weekend, you can't wait to get back and see what's happened. A lot did happen. The Flowering Apricots, Prunus mume (see the bottom picture), are peaking as are the early Magnolias (eg. M. biondii and M. zenii). The rest of the deciduous magnolias are following along. That's Magnolia sprengeri 'Diva' in the top photo, and a sample of the Magnolia collection beneath it. Perfect temperatures, not too hot, not too cold, and plenty of moisture are making this a banner year for early flowering trees and shrubs. If you're in the area, I would try to make time this weekend or next for a trip, even if it's just a quick drive-by.

Thanksgivng Farms Nursery: Darby has a lot of plants other Nurseries don't have

And good ones; it's worth the 40 mile drive. They can be depended on to have unique plants, plants you haven't seen locally before and that you likely won't see anywhere else. Among large nurseries, they seem to be alone in realizing the size of the market for tropical and subtropical plants for bedding and containers. Hey!, we found a polyhouse with 50+ large Brugmansias. And not that lame variegated one that you see everywhere that barely flowers the first season. Wow.  I bought a 'Fireburst' Coprosma, orange/pink edged leaves and they grow like mad. Also a Lampranthus aureus, Golden Iceplant, and a cerise Kangaroo Paw.  Darby tells me she has several other variegated cultivars of Coprosma. Probably in one of those roundhouses I didn't look in.

They're equally good with traditional temperate material.  We walked past a block of Lilacs that included, I'm guessing 35 varieties. Nice plants, good sized in ?5 gallon containers. Now I have to make my traditional disclaimer: I know I tend to be enthusiastic; the world looks good through rose-colored glasses..... But....They do make good decisions. If you've read about a new plant or a new trend you usually see it here first. Darby just has a good and curious mind and good instincts. If I owned or ran a large nursery, I would want her to take my buyers in hand.

1619 Buckeysville Pike; Adamstown, Maryland 21710  301 662 1291  You can make a day of it by stopping at Lilypons, also in Adamstown.