Terri - did you get the pink or the yellow?

The pink. I already had the yellow otherwise I would have gotten that one too

From Costco, I bought one of each a couple years ago. They've both done nicely but the blooms on the yellow are stunningly huge!

Enjoyed a trip to Ladew Gardens this weekend. Manor house and cafe remain closed but grounds were wonderful.

Sweeet! Love the topiary "pup" -- you can just see how he'll grow up (and out) to look like the rest of the pack!

Nice! I havent been in years and didnt remember all that.

I am sorry NOT to be a member of Costco.Would love to get a yellow one. I have a pink tree peony and another one I do not know what it is, because it morphed from a huge tree peony that was yellow with red trimming, and became a red one the following year. The yellow peony was huge that the stem could not hold the flowers facing up, so they were all facing to the ground. Now the red ones are facing up, but always have about 4-5 blossoms every year. It looks like a tree peony, with branches remaining in Winter and blooming even earlier than my pink tree peony that always have lots of flowers----

Friends and I went to Ladew Gardens I think in 2019. We were in 2 cars, and it rained so hard on the way there we could not see anything and got lost, then found the right way. I forgot to take my cell phone because it was still raining, and no 1 on my mind was my umbrella. I did not think we were going to walk around the whole garden in the rain so I also left my purse in the car, covered with stuff. At some point it was only drizzling, so it was not so bad. I do not remember to see that Buddha, but we went through the rose garden, etc. etc. They had nice things in their gift store, but I could not buy anything, since I did not have my wallet===lots of temptations in there---- the water lilies were beautiful----and blooming----It is a beautiful garden----

https://ladewgardens.com/Visit...

no online purchase option, but the photo does make it look like a lovely collection of tempting treasures!

OK, this came up on another thread and I thought I'd post it here...

I keep "meaning to go" to Watermark Woods, the native plant nursery where David (greenthumb99) works. Of course, it would have to be on a day when he'll be there! I'm thinking maybe meet for breakfast in Leesburg and then on to the nursery, better than going in the afternoon when it will be hotter & more likely to rain.

There are a couple of breakfast places that caught my eye on yelp, but since I've never been to either, I'm more than willing to take suggestions. One is Shoe's Cup & Cork, that has a "secret garden" outdoor seating area. https://shoescupandcork.com/me... Another is Buford's Biscuits. https://www.bufordsbiscuits.co... Can't really go wrong with Bob Evans (good coffee) or IHOP either.

@Greenthumb99, what morning would work for you? Are there days that are likely to be "slow" so you could show us around?

My preference would be to meet at 10, plenty of time for breakfast and the nursery before 2 (t-storms and peak heat seem to be hitting around 3 lately).

Sounds like a good plan to me. Funny, don't think I've ever "done breakfast" before.

During the slow months of July and August I work Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Saturdays are the busiest, but I would be available even then. Nursery hours are currently 9 AM to 2 PM, Tuesday thru Friday, 9AM to 4 PM Saturday. Would love to show the group around.

Current forecast for this coming Tuesday (Aug. 3) is "partly sunny, high of 84."

Too soon? Is anybody interested who would have to take the day off and plan further ahead?

Terri (Aspenhill) recommends Spanky's Shenanigans for breakfast. Sounds good to me!


https://www.spankyspub.com/

Located in: Leesburg Plaza
Address: 538 E Market St, Leesburg, VA 20176

So, meet at Spanky's 10 am Tuesday August 3? Who's "in?"

Jilll, I fixed the link for Spankys. What you had in there returned a 'not found' error.

I'm in.

Jill,

We're in too. It'll give us a chance to meet some of you face to face. And to get out of town for a while. 10:00 Tuesday at Spanky's. Check!

I will be there.

John, I've enjoyed following your blog and it will be great to meet you in person!

Spanky's is a pub that has pretty good food. Well, at least I think it is good. The left half of the building is still a smoking section, but at some point several years ago they purchased the adjoining space for a non smoking section. I don't like smoke, so let's meet up on the right side as you come in the main door. They also have outdoor seating, so if it is as nice out as it was this morning that is an option. It abuts the back access of the strip mall but it is actually a pretty nice deck.

I have tree-mail from Pat that she will join us too.

See you all in the morning!

Yes as Terri noted, I'm in too. Hard to pass up an opportunity to visit with our gardening friends.

Hope everyone enjoys the nursery. Owner Julie is just one of the nicest people you'll ever meet.

John, really looking forward to meeting you both! What a fun surprise! I'd started to tree-mail you about this little expedition when I realized you lived in Virginia Beach. Glad you're a road trip person! (And just realized you won't get this until after I see you, because you're alerady on the road. need coffee.)