Garden Mouse Whimsy
Our local SummerWinds Nursery is back in full-swing after a fire last fall. Though firefighters arrived quickly, they made the unusual decision to let the fire burn, rather than risk toxic run-off in the nearby creek. As a result, the buildings burned to the ground. One of the bright spots, at least in my eyes, was to see the beautiful Acer still standing after the fire. Though damaged by heat and flames, the tree survived…and thrived. It’s there to greet you (see photo, below).
My camera-shy friend C. joined me at the nursery last week. We prowled through the gift shop and then the nursery out back. We’re still kicking ourselves for not buying this lovely Oregano plant.
Camera Shy
Isn’t it gorgeous? (So is my friend, by the way). I went back a day later to buy it for her birthday, but they were already sold out.
If you live in the area, you owe yourself a visit. There is much to see and a courteous staff to help you out. Yesterday I bonded with Tracy over our mutual desire to humanely keep garden snails and slugs at bay.
I brought home a car full of flowering plants and herbs for my newly-minted planting bed, along with a few gifts. I found replacement Campanula plants for Betsy’s Craft-it-forward then weighed the car down with aromatic redwood chips. Mmmmm, what a pleasant ride home. My car smelled like the forest floor.
Our new planting bed debuts later this week. In the meantime, checkout some of the treasures SummerWinds has in store.
Revitalized SummerWinds entrance
Dark Red Fuchsia
Flowering bedding plants and lots of happy bees
Ergonomic garden trowels in stunning jewel tones
There’s more in store at SummerWinds Nursery – San Jose’s Facebook Page:
Gardening Nirvana 
Awesome post!! Mind if I share?
LikeLike
Tracy, share away. It’s the ultimate compliment. Thanks for reading!
LikeLike
Wow, they really rebuilt fast! How nice to have them back in the community. I always wanted to have a hanging fuchsia in my yard but never had a shady spot for it. They’re so tropical and gorgeous. Looks like a place I could spend hours at. I can’t wait to see your new garden bed debut! Your neighbours are so lucky. They’re all going to be able to enjoy the show.
LikeLike
They did! I’m amazed at how quickly too. It’s very open and airy inside, with higher ceilings and lots of skylights. The gift shop is great fun. We’ll have to go visit on your next Cali visit, Boomdee.
I had fun looking at the facebook page today, seeing the various stages of rebuilding. Seeing that tree, though, made me the happiest.
LikeLike
Oh, I meant to say too, the Facebook links didn’t work for me. The San Jose link takes me to my own page and the other three said I don’t have access or ‘the link has expired’. ?? mmmm, I never saw that b4.
😀 “my next visit”….I can’t wait xox!
LikeLike
They did! I’m amazed at how quickly too. It’s very open and airy inside, with higher ceilings and lots of skylights. The gift shop is great fun. We’ll have to go visit on your next Cali visit, Boomdee.
I had fun looking at the facebook page today, seeing the various stages of rebuilding. Seeing that tree, though, made me the happiest.
LikeLike
So that’s an oregano plant. I’ve seen them before in planters around town but didn’t know what they were. I love the look. I’m glad they got the nursery rebuilt too. That looked like fun.;)
LikeLike
Thanks, Marlene. I love that look, too. I was really surprised to learn it was oregano. It’s a beauty.
It’s nice to see the nursery up and running again. I look forward to going back…for a fourth time, soon.
LikeLike