Heronswood

Since Herons Wood has been sold, is there any other nursery that handles the unusual plants that had been carried. I am thinking in particular of the ranunculus, saxifraga, and arum selections that seem to be available in England and Canada but not readily found in the US. I am looking for bonsai accent plants and the old Herons Wood listing was better than the old Sears catalog at Christmas.

Beth

Yeah, you said it. Check out www.plantdelights.com. They were kind of a 'sister' nursery to Heronswood. also you might check out http://www.cistus.com/mailorder/. Both of these are good mail order nurseries for the unusual plants.
another one that has a huge catalog (but not as entertaining as Heronswood's old one) www.forestfarm.com. I understand they are a little high on shipping costs.

Good luck. It's nice to know that people in other parts of the country feel the pain.

Check out the Plant Delights Catalog cover.
www.plantdelights.com


This message was edited Aug 26, 2006 8:52 PM

There are two nurseries in the Portland Metro area that might meet you needs. Cistus Nursery and River Rock Nursery, both have a great selection of plants.

What an appropriate cover!

Heronswood...RIP.

Herons Wood isn't just missed in the US - I'm gardenin in East Sussex, England - and had some of Dan Hinckley's disporum sent over last year. Not only are they beautiful plants, but there was also just something about owning a plant from one of his findings - shortly after, I heard that the garden was being closed. The loss was felt this far - wonder how much further.

Have they actually dismantled the garden (It is happening with the Opie's garden here in England) - and where is Dan Hinckley now? Any one know?

Dan is lecturing widely and traveling to collect more of the special plants waiting for his retrieval across the world. He is also very busy with his personal garden which will be a treasure to the world in the future. Dan is doing what he wants and no longer what he needs to. Dan is finally living not working.

Laurie, thank you so much for acknowledging the loss of Heronswood from across the sea! Right now, I don't know if anything is happening with the gardens at this time as the property is still up for sale. Here is a thread that you can watch for updates on what will be happening to the land and gardens:
http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/636724/

Many thanks Pixydish and Soferdig - it is very nice to know that there is so much feeling about Heronswood. (I read through the pos. list, don't think I can face the rancorous one).

Just thinking about Soferdig's comments, maybe garden's are part of a changing process - maybe it was time for things to change. Perhaps that is the difference between monumental sculptures/architecture and gardening. Gardening is about continuous growth and dying, and plantings, and change. I am certainly not advocating the demise of Heronswood, I would love to see it, and it doesn't sound like it was handled in the best way, but as Soferdig says - perhaps it allowed a freeing up for Dan Hinckley. And that must be good.

From this side of the pond, I send him my very best wishes - and look forward to seeing what new things he finds/thinks about. I have found his writing, and his disporum Night Heron, inspiring. I appreciate that.