Clackamas County Master Gardener's Spring Garden Fair

Celebrating their 30th anniversary, the Clackamas County Master Gardener's put on a great plant sale at this year's Spring Garden Fair, held at the Clackamas County Fair Grounds in Canby, Oregon.

Spring Garden Fair, Canby, Oregon

I arrived mid-afternoon and bypassed the morning crowds. Parking was a breeze too. I was on the hunt for a select group of plants and amazingly, maintained discipline by only purchasing plants on my list. (Seriously...I had a list!)

Some of my favorite vendors were on hand with plenty of stock.

Sebright Gardens

Conifer Kingdom

Sebright Gardens, Dancing Oaks Nursery, Wild Ginger Farm, Conifer Kingdom, Out in the Garden Nursery, Highland Heather and Edelweiss Perennials were all on hand to make shopping easy.

The local FFA kids from Canby High School, also made shopping a breeze for plant lovers with their plant taxi service. I kept myself in check and managed with a couple of recycled shopping bags. I've never seen so many red rider wagons in one place. Note to self:  Get a garden wagon.

A new nursery attending the show was The Desert Northwest Nursery.

Now, garden blogging buddy Loree has raved about this vendor before, so I knew he was worth a stop and drool.

The Desert Northwest Nursery

The Desert Northwest Nursery

Honestly, I could have spent my entire plant budget at this vendor. Intriguing and colorful plants that are water-wise and even drought tolerant? Wow. Do I have a spot in my garden for you! I was so curious at all of Ian's plant selections that I went home and directly looked them up online. I'd say a trip to Sequim, Wa. is in my future. As our climate continues to change, these are the types of plants that I foresee becoming staples in Pacific Northwest Gardens, especially as we all continue to (hopefully) reduce how much water our gardens need during the summer months.

Another vendor that I spent a bit of time with was Wild Ginger Farm, as they had a table full of Lewisia that were calling my name.

I have been on the look out for this plant after reading a great write up about them from garden blogger Jane.

Then, I searched for a specific Acer Palmatum. I found so many beautiful species. Look at this foliage!

Acer Palmatum 'Purple Ghost'

Acer Palmatum 'Adriane'

I get so easily distracted with Japanese Maples, but I did find the Acer I was seeking. Unfortunately, by the time I found it, I was out cash. Plant budget spent. However, I might be going back for it tomorrow (sweet talked the husband). I'm that determined to have it (and fortunately do not live too far away from the sale).

So, what did I end up with (as of today??)

Well, Dancing Oaks Nursery had something on my list!

2 Astrantia Major 'Star of Treasure' Masterwort from Dancing Oaks Nursery to match the one I purchased from them last year .

Of course I ended up with some Lewisia. Three of these beauties came of home with me from Wild Ginger Farm. And, as it's native to Southern Oregon, it fit my requirement of adding more native plants to the garden. Double win!

Lewisia cotyledon 'Kanab'

Finally, I made one, careful, selection from the The Desert Northwest Nursery. A pretty manzanita called 'paradise'. Perfect for my own personal paradise.

Arctostaphylos pajaroensis 'Paradise'

This was the first time I was able to attend this plant sale by myself..aka..no ankle biters in tow. It was delightful to buzz around, double back and gawk as long as I wanted to without whining (I mean, darling) children.

Despite the threatening dark clouds, the heavy rain held off until near the end of the day. It was breezy but that only added to the excitement of the day. This was my kind of plant shopping.

Cheers, Jenni