Heaven

It would have to be a lot like the home of O’Brien Nurserymen in Granby, Connecticut. What if, via Heather, you were invited to a place like this:

“From spring ephemerals to conifers to Japanese maples, there is a wealth of plant material to view and select…[John O'Brien]currently has some 1800 varieties of Hosta planted in the show gardens… also maintains a large trial garden with newer cultivars and unusual plants. In 2011 he will be hosting the International Hosta Society …[and]has been working over the last three years to get the nursery in shape for their visit.” -Scott Hokunson, Blue Heron Landscapes

Of course you’d drop your pruners and head over! Hostas were arrayed as far as the eye could see.

Tweeps assembled, ready for a look at special hostas and other plants.

John O’Brien is pictured here with Michelle Gervais of Fine Gardening and designer/landscaper Debbie Roberts .

Two variegated daphnes are shown here with organizer Scott Hokunson – the one on the left, a sport of ‘Carol Mackie’ discovered by O’Brien, is more vigorous than Daphne × burkwoodii ‘Briggs Moonlight’ on the right, due to more green chlorophyll in its leaves.

A stunning specimen of heptacodium miconioides was situated adjacent to the deck. Introduced in 1980, this tree has an interesting backstory: all the plants currently in cultivation in the U.S. are from a single plant in the Hangzhou Botanical Garden.

Fresh looking green and white variegation was popular on this hot day: abies koreana ‘Silver Show’

and this elm relative, zelkova serrata variegata, which had a gaggle of paparazzi angling for pictures.

Everyone wanted to know about peony obovata and its interesting seed pods.

Three plants came home with me, hostas ‘Liberty’ and ‘Stiletto’ as well as comfrey ‘Axminster Gold.’ Thanks to Scott for organizing a great tweetup!