Country Gardens on the outskirts of Oconomowoc opened today. Since the weather was more reasonable, I went to check things out. Their plants are behind a bit because of the weather, but gardeners who know what they're looking for and have a good idea of what the mature plants look like will find some great perennials at good prices. Plus it's a nice drive out in the country!
Here's their website (with catalog):
http://www.countrygardensperennials.com/home.html
The next bit is probably only of interest to hostaholics, so feel free to skip it. ;)
I have been looking for a fairly new hosta called 'Lakeside Paisley Print.' I've only seen it available by mail order so far, retailing for around $25 or better. Normally I try to wait out the newest varieties to see if they're reputed to be good growers, but photos of this one as a mature plant called to me. I was thinking of shelling out the cash for a mail order plant when I notice that Country Gardens had it in their catalog--a nice surprise! And it was also going for only $15.99. Not a bad price, all things considered. So I saddled up the ol' Toyota Sienna and headed out there today.
When I got there, a staff person asked if I was looking for anything in particular. I told her I wanted 'Lakeside Paisley Print.' She said they had them, but they were plugs and hadn't even been potted up yet. I said that didn't matter; I would gladly pot it up myself. She showed me a nice flat of plants, all well-rooted and single-eye, and said she'd check with her boss as to whether it was okay to sell one to me. I would've paid full price, but she came back and offered me a plant at 30% off. I paid about $11.50...and I'm a happy hosta lover!
Here's a photo of my plant after I potted it. Doesn't look much like the mature plant should, but I'm willing to wait. I would've had to anyhow. :)
