Wrapping up the coastal experience...

Before we hit the road last month I asked my fellow plant people for their recommendations of things to do during our stay near Florence, Oregon. That's how I learned of Laurel Bay Gardens nursery. Once there I discovered there was no missing it, their large A-frame building was right on the 101, just south of the Darlingtonia Wayside.

Things looked promising right away...

The tall luxurious cordylines growing all around the area were something I didn't tire of seeing. I wish I would have taken more photos of them, but this one will have to be a stand in for all the rest.

Rhododendrons! There were so many, all waiting in tidy rows.

I was rather taken by the foliage of Rhododendron 'Trocadero'... had I bought it I would have forever referred to it as Rhododendron 'Pinky Tuscadero'

This beauty tempted me. I think it was a small-leaved hebe?

The grounds were quite large, I was actually a little relieved to learn what I could see in the distance was off-limits.

Large leaved hebes...

And Yucca rostrata...

Agaves, mangaves and dyckia... oh my!

Mangave 'Tooth Fairy'

I was happy to see coastal residents have agave options.

This plant tempted me. In fact I carried it around for a bit...

Then I decided I could probably find it back in Portland. Have I? No. But I haven't really been on the hunt.

Another day out exploring, and we decided to drive south to Coos Bay. As we entered the tiny town of Reedsport we caught sight of the Jedediah Smith marker and Andrew needed to stop to take a look.