From Asian Mountains to Your Garden
I’ve got a question for you passionate plant lovers out there (and aren’t we all passionate about our gardens?).
How far would you go for a plant? No, I mean, really. How far would you go for a flower or vine? Would you hop a plane and fly to Asia, then climb to the top of a cloud-covered mountain, just to discover one special blossom or unique shrub?
Ozzie Johnson would. Ozzie has been across the world searching for new and fantastic plants to bring home to the U.S., just so gardeners like us can experience them in our comfortable and familiar backyards. This extraordinary plant-adventurer will tell you all about his rare and exotic finds at the upcoming flower show. Come hear him speak at 6 P.M. on Thursday, Jan. 29. And until then, here’s a little sample of what he’ll share with you, in his own words:
“Did you ever wonder how the plants in your garden, those roses or azaleas or daylilies or hollies or colorful maples found their way from where they grew in their native setting into that nursery center or box store? Well, someone probably had to cross an ocean, climb a mountain or two, collect seeds travel all the way back, plant the seeds, grow them up, select the best, and propagate them.
This is my job. I go to Asia mostly, to Japan, China, and more recently to Vietnam, seeking new plants for gardens and landscapes. Sometimes it is exciting, sometimes boring, sometimes dangerous and physically difficult. Earthquakes, landslides, monsoons, floods, long drives and hikes, leeches and snakes stand in the way. I will take you on a collection trip and show how a plant makes it into your garden center.”
Snakes and leeches? Ozzie, I’m glad you’re doing this instead of me. I get to enjoy your beautiful plants, and all I risk is a broken fingernail if I forget to wear my garden gloves.
I can’t wait to hear more about Ozzie’s adventures. See you at the flower show!
Lynn
author of Gardening with Heirloom Seeds
www.LynnCoulter.com
Tags: Asian mountains, new plants, Ozzie Johnson
January 16th, 2009 at 3:19 PM
I don’t think I’d risk leeches, but I have risked my neck in Atlanta traffic to get to my favorite nursery! Ozzie’s job explains how exotic plants get to my Southern garden, but I sure hope there’s someone at the flower show who can explain how I can keep those plants alive
Thanks, Lynn, for the wonderful (and passionate) previews of the garden show!
Cathy
January 16th, 2009 at 4:03 PM
Cathy, thanks for the nice words! And yep, you can count on finding LOTS of folks at the flower show you can tell you about keeping green things alive and growing.
Hope you’ll stop by and introduce yourself if you visit the show on Sat., Jan. 31. I’ll signing books at the Eagle Eye Bookstore inside the show from 11 to 1 pm.
You’re now officially entered in the drawing for the free 2009 gardening calendar. Thanks again for writing!
green blessings,
Lynn