Two wineries, no wine

I recently traveled about 35 miles south of Portland (just over an hour in driving time) to Durant at Red Ridge Farms.

The reason for the drive was a book signing (this book) at their gift shop. But my visit was oh so much more than just a trip to the gift shop! There is a nursery at Red Ridge Farms, in fact it predates the olive grove (which produces the olive oil—they sent me home with a bottle!) and the winery (those are their vines with a view shown above).

Here's my walk into the nursery upon my arrival...

Of course this sign got my interest up, who doesn't want to go where they are told they can't?

I later learned these are cuttings of olives at the farm—ones with extraordinary hardiness and other desirable qualities—that are being grown on to offer for sale to home gardeners. Quite the program!

Agave lophantha 'Splendida'—which I guess is now called Agave univittata 'Splendida'. Whatever it wants to call itself one of them came home with me.

The gift shop was pretty fabulous.

Of course the fact they stock my book means they have great taste, right?

I was so tempted by that black pot on the right. So tempted.

The garden at Durant Farms was lovely.

There were tables underneath a large tent where you could eat, drink, and socialize. This long narrow table ran the length of the space and was nicely decked out.

Elsewhere on the grounds...

I had to walk through the nursery again after the signing event, here's one of my favorite agaves!

And a favorite rodgersia, R. 'Bronze Peacock'

One last photo at Durant...

Now we've zipped on over to Argyle Winery, a nearby favorite that I've visited before (here and here). The parking lot was pretty full, but I tucked into this spot that was overtaken by a blooming ceanothus. I'm never bothered by plants accosting me and I did love how the blooms were reflected on the side of my car, as though I had one of those bizarre advertising wraps.

I would describe these blooms as being luxurious.

I just love this space, and it's plants. It's the work of Sean Hogan (Cistus Nursery), who I discovered also had a hand in the garden design at my first stop, Red Ridge Farms