Quaint names and buying plants

The next village to where Andy lived as a child was called ”No Place”. Across the valley from Andy’s pigeon loft was the two street hamlet of ”Quaking Houses”. CP and her family spent many happy years living close to ”Sleepy Valley”. We had good friends in NC who lived on ”Turkey Farm Road” – I loved sending them their Christmas card!

There is something rather pleasant about being associated with quaint place names. Now that we have come to live in Georgia it hasn’t taken too long to become familiar with two more quaint spots.

Dahlonega sounds like it should be in the Australian outback but no, it is just up the road from Atlanta. It is also the home of Mr Natural Superior Soil Products who provided the soil on which AndAllen is founded. Jeremy came across them as suppliers of permatil which lead us to sourcing bespoke medium for the crevice garden.This company was a joy to work with, customer focused and delivered to their promises.Everyone who handled this soil was impressed.

This lead to a few discussions about the use of ”landscapers topsoil” versus CLM (complete landscape mix) and woodland mix from Mr Natural. We decided to go with Mr Natural. Whilst we have yet to grow a plant in the soil, we are extremely satisfied with how it handles. CLM will support the herbaceous plantings and the acidic woodland mix in the Japanese and woodland walk. Buying local also feels pretty good.

Perhaps our quaintest place (name) to visit to date is Lost Mountain.What the derivation of the name is? – don’t know , maybe one day we will find out. What is there though is an independent plant nursery. Buying plants can be as simple or demanding (interesting) as you want. Big box stores, garden center chains, mail order all have their role to play in sourcing plants to make a garden. However, for a couple of hours out, punctuated by coffee or lunch, you cannot beat a visit to an independent plant nursery. You never know what you will find but there is a good chance it will be something unusual/interesting/desirable. Again, it is a great way of spending local.