"Hardy" Schefflera taiwaniana found at local nursery

Ok, so Zone 8 isn't quite hardy, but there's been so much hype amongst avid gardeners here about when Monrovia will release these GORGEOUS Scheffies from Dan Hinkley, who grows it up against his house and it comes back each year in his Puget Sound garden called Windcliff in Indianola, WA.

Whoa! Hardy Schefflera released from Monrovia and found at local nursery.

Visiting the garden of a famous plant explorer.

What a treat it was to join my colleagues at the University of Washington Botanic Gardens for a grand tour and visit to a one of a kind landscape: the garden and home of plant explorer Dan Hinkley and his partner, architect extraordinaire, Robert Jones, who designed their amazing home.

I've posted my photos on my Flickr page, but here are some highlights of the trip:

Windcliff is the name they've dubbed for their property and it is a true horticultural delight. Arriving at the gate, I was greeted by a sign that brought a smile to my face:



The Entrance:



The Funky Blue and Gold Gunnera:



The Front Door:



The Hardy Schefflera:



A Garden Path:



The Edible Garden (winter crops behind and beds prepped for spring planting):




Scenes of the stunning landscape and house overlooking Puget Sound:







So, I sort of ditched the tour that Dan was leading and shot some videos I posted on YouTube.

Here's one clip:



It's been awhile since I saw Dan and it was really great to see him and his garden evolve.

He made an effort to embarrass me as someone pointed out a Begonia he got from me:



"Oh, where's Riz? That's one of his plants. Each time I see it, it reminds me of him."

Everyone: "Awwwwwwwwwww"

Dan: "And I think of him more fondly as my dog walks by it, lifts his leg and...."


Oh Dan, I will so get you for that, biotch!