Native Son: Road Trip in Ohio
I love Texas, but if I can go anywhere cooler in the sweltering summer, I’m outta here. North America’s largest horticulture event, Cultivate 17 …Columbus, Ohio …July…now boarding!
I figured I’d tell you all about the whole trip, but Neil frowned upon my proposed 50,000 word, 388 photo article. 🙁 So…I guess I’ll just mention…
The Top Ten Favorite Things I Saw in Ohio
1. LOTS of cool plants around Columbus.
Left: Hostas in full bloom. Right: Bee Balm backlit by the sun. Click photos for larger view.
Left: Sumac in a local park. Right: Cannas highlight a color bed. Click photos for larger view.
2. Kingwood Center—A grand estate, replete with dozens of sweet pocket gardens gently strung upon long axes, this is easily one of my favorite public gardens.
Yes, that photo is looking in the mouth of a large glass terrarium jar. Click photos for larger view.
3. Beautiful countryside and an old telephone.
Click photos for larger view.
4. Lots of cool new plants!
Click photos for larger view.
5. MORE groovalicious new plants!
Click photos for larger view.
6. Horticulture at THE Ohio State University.
The Rooftop Gardens. Click photos for larger view.
Left: OSU plant trials. Right: Echinacea in the gardens on campus. Click photos for larger view.
7. The always awesome Franklin Park Conservatory…including a glass ceiling.
Click photos for larger view.
8. Horticultural friends…like
Left: the fabulous Maria Zampini and uber-plantsman Dan Benarcik. Right: Dan and long-time friend Jeff Lynch discuss why Jeff is correct about a plant ID and how Dan now owes him lunch.
Texans in the house! Left: The Dallas Arboretum’s Jenny Wegley checks out the new perennials. Right: Retired Smith County, Texas Agri-Life Agent Keith Hanson wonders why I want his photo.
9. MORE cool new plants!
Left: ‘Purple Chablis’ Lamium Right: Hybrid calla lilies. Click photos for larger view.
Left: ‘Prince Tut’ Dwarf Papyrus Right: ‘Blue Cassell’ Hydrangea. Click photos for larger view.
10. You never know who you’re going to meet at Cultivate!
The trip was fantastic, I learned a lot…and I even got to eat at the legendary Rubino’s Pizza! Until next month…Peace & Love!
I need a road trip! I’d love to come out and speak to your group. I’m low maintenance, flexible, and I’ll go just about anywhere…no city too big; no town too small. Just e-mail me at stevenchamblee@yahoo.com and we’ll work something out.
Come see me at Chandor Gardens! Call 817-613-1700 or go to www.chandorgardens.com for details.