GPOD on the Road: Bonsai Trees at an Old Country Market

Came for the goats on the roof, stayed for the lush plants in pots

Happy Friday GPODers !

For my concluding installment on my trip to Vancouver Island last year , I ’m sharing a very fun and unexpected localisation that was the last place I recollect I ’d find some interesting plants . Coombs , BC is a modest community that is a popular stopping point for those trip to other arena on the island , and is cognize for its many family - favorable attraction and activities . One such attraction is The Old County Market , a charming giving workshop with all kinds of local and international treat and souvenirs … as well as a minuscule herd of goats that meticulously keep its grass - cover up roof .

Upon encountering this sign smother by trees and shrub usher off early fall people of colour , I should have known this roadside attraction imagine about plants as much more than just a meal for grazing goats . I believe the unbelievable evergreen plant with the beautiful orange berries to the rightfulness is a potpourri of firethorn ( Pyracanthaspp . and cvs . , Zones 6–9 ) .

As I was search the grounds and popping into various shops smother the main market , I stumbled upon an eclectic picayune collection of bonsai Tree and shrubs as well as other interesting potted plants . Originally thinking these were incredible , but likely incredibly pricy flora for sales agreement at one of the shops , I was surprised to discover the “ not for sales agreement ” sign that let me know these were just beautiful interior decoration for all to enjoy . What a fun and long - condition alternative to the common annual pots . It ’s also a very local - appropriate decor , check out this premature post on Vancouver Islandto understand why .

The art of bonsai was particularly present in this beautiful Japanese maple . I always revalue the amazing shapes that are make through the pruning process in bonsai , copy the look of a full - sized tree but in a scale of measurement that allow you to apprize the bark and foliation of the works at a greater detail .

And it was n’t just all bonsai trees ! Hostas are not often found in container garden , and certainly not such a heavy potpourri like this gorgeous Sum and Substance ( Hostax ‘ Sum and Substance ’ , Zones 4–9 ) . On a rainy mean solar day in the shade , the massive plate - sized leaves on this behemoth were utterly glowing .

It was n’t long until I happen upon the store selling some beautiful houseplants . If I did n’t already have a new wave bursting at its seams with indoor plants , one of these incredibleBegoniamaculataand a couple of those tiny , precious cacti in the background knowledge would have definitely descend home with me .

While not strictly plant related ( but maybe plant related ? ? ) , I was n’t go to end this post without showing off the stars of the show . The infamous Mary Jane roof with its living lawn mower ! While this would have been an incredible site to see anywhere , the flair and vibration create around the markets of lush plants and eclectic decor hold the entire place a magical smell , like stepping into another world where ceiling goats were a norm .

And when the rain return , the goat had an lovely shelter to hide out in .

Thank you for join me on this journey around an island teeming with the most incredible plant life . Whether it be the outstanding nature so unique and especial to the location , or the amazing plantings produce by those that call the island home , there is so much to see if you are a plant lover . If you ’ve ever had the perquisite of visiting Vancouver Island and enjoying its divers plants , please partake in your photograph by follow the directions below !

Have photo to partake in ? We ’d love to see your garden , a picky collection of works you love , or a wonderful garden you had the chance to shoot the breeze !

To submit , send 5 - 10 pic to[email protected]along with some information about the plants in the film and where you took the photos . We ’d love to hear where you are located , how long you ’ve been garden , successes you are lofty of , failures you watch from , hopes for the future tense , favorite plants , or funny stories from your garden .

Have a wandering phone ? Tag your photos onFacebook , InstagramorTwitterwith # FineGardening !

Do you receive the GPOD by e-mail yet?Sign up here .

Fine Gardening Recommended merchandise

Pruning simplify : A stride - by - footmark Guide to 50 Popular Trees and bush

Fine Gardening receives a commission for point buy through links on this site , including Amazon Associates and other affiliate ad programs .

Monarch Butterfly Rescue Wildflower Seeds 4 oz .

Niteangel Natural Wooden Insect Hotel , Garden Insect House for Ladybugs , lacewings , Butterfly , Bee , Bug

Get our former tips , how - to articles , and instructional videos sent to your inbox .

bless you up …

Pamela’s Container Garden on Fidalgo Island

Bitterroot Secret Garden Tour: Meticulously Maintained Urban Garden

Lila’s Colorful Containers in Washington

GPOD on the Road: The Famous Trees of Vancouver Island

Join Fine Gardening for a innocent engaging live webinar boast Dr. Janna Beckerman , a renowned plant diagnostician as well as prof emerita at Purdue University and the ornamental technical manager …

When I blemish a particular sand dollar cactus ( Astrophytum asterias ) at the Philadelphia Flower Show a few months ago , I knew I was in fuss . With a delightful semblance approach pattern …

When we only prioritise plants we require over works our landscape needs , each season is filled with a never - ending list of chore : pruning , pinching , watering , treating , better , and fertilizing , with …

different kinds of bonsai trees

Video

Touring an Eco-friendly, Shady Backyard Retreat

You must be careful when you enter the backyard of garden decorator Jeff Epping — not because you ’re probable to spark on something , but because you might be dive - bombed by a couplet …