Peeking Into Viscaya

The Container Tent at Viscaya

Like most plant lovers there is nothing I would rather be doing than nosing around a nursery on a sunny afternoon...especially if it is a brand new one.  Just a mile from where I live a brand new plant nursery opened for a little preview peek inside and shopping if one so desired.  I was not going to miss this opportunity and headed there right after church with my camera and a few coins in my pockets to see what I could find.

William working it on Sneak Peek Day

Viscaya is owned an operated by William McClenathan who has already made a name for himself as the a part of the friendly expert team on Garden Time TV and as a garden guru at Portland Nursery.  By the way, aside from all of that, he is also one of the sweetest guys you would every want to meet.  He has been dreaming of opening his own place for a while now and finally, on Mother's Day, it will open to the public.  May I tempt you with a sneak peek of your own? Follow me and I'll show you around.

Sculptured hedge next to the container tent.

The concept of shopping in a garden...very cool idea.  It feels like such an adventure yet so peaceful.  All the lawn pathways and hedges and beds throughout really make it quite the adventure.

One of several fountains on the grounds.

Rusted metal sculpture greeting visitors

Perfect pairing of rusted pole and a sturdy

Inspiring simplicity that calms the soul.

Thoughtfully places benches with plants for sale along pathways?

Clever use of a broken container.

Unique surprises are everywhere like these pitcher plants

Plants for sale along one of the pathways

I have to stop here and let you know that this garden is "a-mazing"...The garden itself is a maze and inside of it is another small maze made of Arborvitae on the left side just across from those plant benches in the photo above.  How many nurseries have you ever been to with one of those?

A simple yet powerful statement

At the end of the long straight pathway is this wonderful fence made of branches that are attached to a basic board frame that was probably my favorite thing I saw.  But that wasn't all.

What a great use for a leaded window!

(If that window and fence ever come up missing, you know where to look William.)

Indigenous stone wall along the front garden area.

Lewisia looking fabulous in bright pink

Schizophragma hydrangeoides 'Moonlight' looking quite happy

This column caught my eye...hmmm

It took me a while but I finally realized William had used cinder block to construct pillars for his art pieces in more than one place.  I love this idea.  Again, simple, and this time very affordable and sturdy.  These could be mortared together and given a skin coat of mortar to make them look like a square pillar if one wanted to...but I kind of like them just as they are.  Nicely done.

An arbor shrine

This took my breath away.

The pot with variegated Forsythia and white tulips took my breath away.  I wish I could have captured how gorgeous it was.  So airy, clean and crisp...just beautiful.

Classic bowl and column

I was so inspired by what I saw I am going to have to try some of these ideas in my own garden.

Shelf Tower

Viscaya will also be offering bentwood furniture like this shelf tower.  I loved the curly willow this artist used...just loved it.

It's got curly wood!

Sturdy construction with attention to detail

I resisted taking photos of the plant tables, I had to leave something special for you to come see for yourself.  There are some really nice specimens and prices are reasonable.  I know I found some that just begged to come home with me.  Oh I am going to get into so much trouble here.

Viscaya has a Facebook page too.  Give them a like and keep up with the latest news.

Thanks for joining me.  Hope to see you there sometime.



Copyright © 2012 by Patty Hicks
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