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Writing for two blogs (this one and my personal blog, danger garden) it’s sometimes hard to decide where to post certain stories. In early September I had the pleasure of visiting Gossler Farms Nursery and accordingly took a gazillion photos. When I finally started editing them down (a task made sadly easier by the fact it was a beautiful sunny day, thus harsh light and shadows made many of them worthless) I still wasn’t sure where to post them. However, after Megan shared bits from Roger’s visit to Xera Plants last week, it became obvious I needed to do a Part II “Gossler Farms, in person” post here. 

This is the scene that greats you next to the office/aka Marj Gossler’s home.
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If I showed up here knowing nothing about the Gosslers this collection alone would win me over. On her previous blog, Nestmaker, Megan tells of the Agaves being referred to as pets, I like that – no doubt it means they’re well cared for.
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That’s a nice Agave parrasana ‘Fireball’
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I was lucky to get a personal tour through the display garden from Roger Gossler. I neglected to get a photo of him, but snapped several of this adorable pair. They darted in and around us taking side-trips for a swim in the river. I think they must be two of the luckiest dogs you’ll ever meet.
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But on to the plants! I’d previously only visited the nursery in the early spring. Walking around the display garden in September gives you a very different feel. Looking at this photo I was struck by the similarity between the form of the ferns surrounding the urn and my Dioon edule, a Cycad.
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Gossler’s is known for their Magnolias (among other things) and I wish I could remember the name of this fabulous specimen.
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It has a great seed pod.
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I think this may be a Stewartia monadelpha, or not. I should have carried a pad and paper with me as we walked.
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I’ve never been as enchanted by Persicaria blooms as I was here, they were lovely.
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Catalpa or Paulonia (on the left)? Either way it’s big-leaf perfection.
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New to me, Gunnera perpensa.
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I was instantly smitten and one came home with me (thanks Roger!).
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It’s in a container now while I find a suitable spot.
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Here’s Benny after a swim, followed by a run around the garden, do you think he knows how cute he is? (I vote yes, yes he does)
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One of many breathtaking Rhododendrons (another Gossler specialty).
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And a striking Tetrapanax growing in front of Roger’s home. Yes, there were babies running out from it a bit.
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The last time I was here this bamboo filled urn had been blown over in a storm. I like the late summer version better.
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Rhododendron pachysanthum, I believe.
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Now it’s time to wander the shade houses, aka the danger zone as this is where one is tempted to pick up plants and take them home. Cornus sanguinea ‘Compressa’
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The Gossler’s personal collection, on summer vacation.
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Pyrrosia lingua ‘Variegata’
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Sciadopitys verticillata aka Japanese Umbrella Pine
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Indigofera pendula
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Rhododendron sinogrande
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I didn’t see a name on this fabulous Oak, I was smitten though.
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Quercus dentata ‘Pinnatifida’
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Metapanax delavayi
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And finally, a wrap on this lengthy post, with a look at the other plant I couldn’t resist – Leucothoe fontanesiana ‘Rainbow’ – it’s pretty spectacular, and already planted in my front garden.
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