I finally got my one and only catalog. On the cover are the words “Spring 2008″ - it’s the first sign of spring I’ve seen so far at home. The only photo is on the cover and plant descriptions are pretty brief.. The only photo is also on the cover and the plant descriptions are pretty brief. It’s not a catalog for everyone, you need a business and a tax ID to get one.

The Plantage is one of my favorite places. It’s a wholesale grower out on the far end of Long Island, NY. I might get my tongue twisted trying to pronounce the name of the town but I know my way to Cutchogue with my eyes closed now.  And did I mention it’s nearly 500 miles from home?

 I discovered The Plantage while working on Long Island.  My first trip to the nursery was like going to heaven. Back at home there was nothing to compare. Perennials were usually an after thought for the local greenhouses that start annuals. I can’t blame them, demand for perennial flowers is almost nonexistent.

 The staff is more than welcoming. Especially June, she makes me feel like I was the only customer she’s ever seen.  No trip there is a quick one. First we have to chat, I don’t think either of us notice the passage of time once we get started.  Then I have to walk the grounds. With acres to cover it easily takes a couple of hours to poke around everywhere. First round I make notes, the second round I start my list and on the 3rd I’ve finally managed to finalize it.  Then I’ll drive up and down the green houses and rows and start loading. Then back to the office to make more changes. With hundreds of choices I can never make up my mind. The process only stops when I can’t fit another plant in the truck. Even then I’ve gone back to get just one more for my lap. The only time I’m disappointed is when I know exactly what I want/need and with just one stop I fill the truck with a single variety.

That gives you a clue about how I plan/design gardens. I never know what I’m doing until I’ve finished. It’s the materials I find that make the decisions. Rock, flowers and the area itself keep whispering in my ear. How I manage to put something together with all that noise in my head always boggles my mind. Some may call it talent or an artistic bent. I only try to bring out what is already there.  I just call it playtime.

I’ve never looked for a closer nursery. I go to Long Island at least once a month to work and always go home loaded. This year I’m going to upgrade my truck racks so I can haul twice as much. 100 pots at a time just isn’t enough. I started last year to make the drive just to pick up plants. Sometimes I need a break from hauling stone.

I’d love to share the experience with anyone who wishes. If you live on Long Island I’ll bring my truck along with my tax ID and we’ll see how well you do deciding what to pick out. Live farther away? Well I guess you’ll have to bring your own truck. Almost anytime is good, I’m always looking for an excuse to go back. Don’t worry you won’t be the first.

It’s too tough to pick out a favorite plant that I found at the Plantage. If pushed I’d have to say it was this Ligularia desdemona that really hit the spot.