Okay, so it's not as if I've been posting a bunch (read: ever), but Dear Spouse and I made a very long drive down to Florida, where we holed up for a nice month and enjoyed the warm weather. On the very last day, I made a small pilgrimage to fantastic nursery called Paradise Found. They mostly do mail order, but they'll also open by appointment to succulent nerds like yours truly.
Kate, one of the incredible folks who runs this place, showed me around. This was especially kind of her, since she was juggling her kids' online learning at the same time. It really is paradise, and it solidified my own desire to have a nursery someday, or at least a greenhouse. I won't go on and on TOO much about this place--and come to think of it, I might divide my visit into multiple posts. But I will certainly share some of my favorite eye candy, starting with haworthias:
Kate, one of the incredible folks who runs this place, showed me around. This was especially kind of her, since she was juggling her kids' online learning at the same time. It really is paradise, and it solidified my own desire to have a nursery someday, or at least a greenhouse. I won't go on and on TOO much about this place--and come to think of it, I might divide my visit into multiple posts. But I will certainly share some of my favorite eye candy, starting with haworthias:
 |  |
 |  |  |
I tried to get Kate to sell me her one variegated haworthia maughanii (not pictured), but alas, she said it was her husband's and that she couldn't sell it. Nor was I allowed to buy the snow white variety (the top one pictured, at the left). Disappointing, but 100% reasonable. I bought several awesome smaller haworthias ('cause this prof is on a budget, yo--who knew that being a sociology professor wouldn't make BANK?) and one or two larger ones, including a smaller version of the top one pictured at the right. SUCH an amazing variety, and incredibly nice people. I felt so lucky to be able to visit!
Heidi the boxer was also a great help. It's hard to imagine a better or friendlier greenhouse tour guide. Here's a shot of the cutie among the cacti and euphorbia obesas. She followed me around, which I tried to encourage via lots of ear-scratching.
Heidi the boxer was also a great help. It's hard to imagine a better or friendlier greenhouse tour guide. Here's a shot of the cutie among the cacti and euphorbia obesas. She followed me around, which I tried to encourage via lots of ear-scratching.
Haworthias and Heidi were just the beginning. I know that if I try to describe the detailed wonders of this place, I'll end up getting carried away, taking too long, and never posting it, so for now, I will simply share some of my favorite sights.
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
That's just a small sampling of the incredible plants I got a chance to behold at Paradise Found. As soon as I get a chance, I'll post even more pics from this lovely oasis just north of Sarasota. Meanwhile, check out their website for some unusual finds. (I saw the mail-order setup, too--it is GREAT, and they pack plants very well.)
Good to be back. I miss you all. It can get a little lonely being a succulent aficionado wayyy up here in Zone 5.
Good to be back. I miss you all. It can get a little lonely being a succulent aficionado wayyy up here in Zone 5.
RSS Feed