Visit to Plant Delights Nursery

16 years ago

I was fortunate enough to make an overnight trip to Raleigh last weekend, and have to recommend it as one of my favorite (short) vacation destinations for any plant nut. We arrived thursday evening, had dinner at Neomonde (a great Middle Eastern/vegetarian casual restaurant), then went for a stroll at the JC Raulston Arboretum, which was hot, but still a great experience. The major reason for this trip, however, was a friday morning visit to Plant Delights Nursery and Botanical Garden, which is only open for a few weekends each year.

I've been to Longwood, Winterthur, and Biltmore several times, Kew, Harwood Carr, and numerous other gardens, and I love certain things about all of them, but the gardens that Tony Avent has built at PDN continue to be my favorite in terms of biodiversity and applicability to my gardening conditions. I've visited several times over the years, always purchasing WAY too many plants (I hate to even look at the pile of those distinctive little square pots in my shed...it makes me wonder how long ago I could have quit my second job if the place had never existed!). Anyone interested in "gardening on the edge", with emphasis on unusual and marginally hardy plants owes him or herself a visit to this garden and nursery. Touring the gardens (which can take a couple of hours, easily) is a great lesson in creating microclimates to meet the needs of specific plants, the importance of drainage to good gardening, especially in hot, humid climates, and the sheer range of plants that are adaptable to growing in a warm zone 7. I especially recommend a visit in July (although I've been in May and September, when the gardens are also incredible, and totally different), since that gives an opportunity to see what actually thrives in the heat at a time when most gardeners and gardens tend to throw in the towel. The masses of blooming crinums, eucomis, and other summer bulbs alone are worth the four-hour drive, in my opinion. The garden is also a testament to the fact that hostas CAN be grown successfully in the south, contrary to some popular opinion - theirs are some of the most beautiful I've ever seen anywhere.

I don't normally rave about anything, but if I lived closer, I'd be headed back again this weekend (the last of the summer open days). And no, I don't work there, but I sure wish I could. That alone might be enough incentive for me to retire to the triangle area!

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Comments (13)

MagickMare
16 years ago
WoW... I'm such a garden newbie that I have never been to PDN. Your post got me curious enough to look up directions -- It's literally down the street from me!!! I will be there this weekend. Thanks for the motivation.
trianglejohn
16 years ago
You said it. Between Neomonde's for food, the JC Raulston Arboretum, Juniper Level Botanical Garden (Plant Delights), Duke Gardens, NC Botanical Garden, Niche Gardens and BB's in Sanford there is little reason to spend plant money anywhere else - and to think I just stumbled upon living here. Lucky lucky me.
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alicia7b
16 years ago
I've been to Plant Delights probably a half dozen times, but never actually looked around the gardens, because I felt like I was snooping around someone's house, LOL... I do remember admiring a very beautiful sweet bay behind the house next to PD on the way out though. The crinums always make me drool. One of these days I'm going to splurge for Ellen Bosanquet.
catc
16 years ago
Now you've done it. I saw this thread and had to go out there today, and of course came back with new plants. The rain lilies were in bloom and I had to have some (I do have faith that it will rain again, someday) and then there was the fabulous hardy hibiscus, and a wonderful salvia and a really cool little native clematis. . .
stacette
16 years ago
Bubba62 the next time you are in town make sure that you check out the State Farmers Market especially from May - July. The Market is another great place to garden shop as well as Logans.
agrowingpassion
16 years ago
Yes, the Raleigh Farmers Market is where I go to get my "FIX". They know me well. Thank goodness the planting season isn't all year or I'd be totally homeless due to buying so many plants. Great prices and a good selection of plants that vary each week. Don't miss the trip and the experience of the FM. Tony's is another story in itself. I have to gear up to comtrol myself for the weekends he is open. Again, thank goodness he isn't open every weekend. I'd be broke.
lynnencfan
16 years ago
I can only agree with what y'all are saying. I absolutely love the Farmers Market and buy most of my plants from there - at least the ones I don't start from seed and Tony's place - well - that is just another horticultural treat. My very first introduction to PDN was a private tour as a Master gardener. There were 7 of us on the tour and Tony took us over every inch of the place. I was in HEAVEN. I have been back many times since and never come away empty handed.....

Lynne
kribensis
16 years ago
I LOVE Plant Delights. Always buy way too much when I'm there though. What is it the Borgs always say in Star Trek? Resistance is futile? LOL. Here is a photo of a gorgeous Echinacea 'Pink Double Delight' I snapped up there last weekend.

{{gwi:580637}}

-Lori
bubba62
Original Author
16 years ago
Yep, the farmer's market is great; we stop by there every time we're in town as well, more for vegetables than plants, though. I do see that they'd be a great source, but most things I'd want there are already in my garden or easily acquired at home in VA.
catc
16 years ago
Lori that's beautiful. Here's a link to the hibiscus I got at PDN. The first bud just opened today.

Here is a link that might be useful: hibiscus coccineus
kribensis
16 years ago
catc -
Wow, that is stunning....I love it! I'll have to put that on my list for the next open house. Thanks for sharing!
nckvilledudes
16 years ago
You can find hibiscus coccinea at most farmer's markets and much cheaper than you will pay at Plant Delights! I personally only buy things at Plant Delights that can't be found other places due to the prices!
shari1332
16 years ago
I have been very pleased with Hibiscus 'Red Flyer'. It is larger and the flowers are more raspberry than H.coccineus. It's made quite a show this year after planting out last summer- can't wait to see what it'll do next year.