I know exactly where you are coming from James.
I now live in McAlester, OK, was actually born and raised an hour south of here
in a little town called Hugo. Did 2 yrs in Wilburton & 3 in Stillwater going to college.
I really prefer small town life, lived in the country the biggest majority of my life.
I live in town now, quite a difference, but figure one day I may be back in Hugo on
the homeplace. My mom & nephew still live there...over 30 acres.
The garden center situation here consists of 2 small seasonal mom & pop plant stands that
are open spring thu fall. Then it's Wal-Mart or Lowe's & as you mention with those 2 it is
the same tired plants year after year. We also have 1 greenhouse here that does get in some rather
unusual things from time to time, just have to be there to catch the good stuff.
So similarly I look forward to going to OKC or Tulsa just to hit the bigger garden centers.
I have favorites in both cities, however, my wife & I go to Tulsa most often. It is only about an hour & half
drive & we go to Sam's & she has Dr's apt there too, so I do get to visit there often.
I have also attended the Tulsa Garden Centers Cactus & Succulent show & sale the past few
years & have befriended a couple of growers/vendors there. Had a chance to visit one of theirs private greenhouse
open by appt. It was awesome. Imagine a giant greenhouse built on top of an old tennis court. WOW
It was chock full & plants were lined up all the way around the greenhouse too. I don't know how they get it all in
there in the winter, haha.
I also try to plan ahead if I get to get out of town or State to visit greenhouses or garden centers while on vacation.
Did this a couple of years ago when we went to San Antonio, my dear wife is very tolerant of my plant craziness.
I also have a good friend who has an awesome nursery in Stillwater. It is called Bustani Plant Farm.
Steve travels the world looking for things that grow well in Oklahoma heat & such. Sadlly he no longer does
mailorder, but I go for a visit every spring. You can check out his website. Awesome stuff...if you see anything you
like let me know, I may have it.
I too have thought about trying to add another greenhouse onto this one. I have seen it done on a forum online.
I do wonder how they joined them together on the ends?? I figure if I try it, I will come p with something.
I am pretty good a rigging things.
Well I am getting around slow this AM, got up around 7:30 to let the dogs out & it was sleeting, it has started snowing now
& everything is covered. Very pretty, don't mind the snow so long as the ice stays away. Hope you have a good day my friend.
Talk to ya later. Rick
