Portland..Plant Paradise & Adventures of Aaron

Ahh, what an awesome trip! Me and the boys- magnolia mccracken and grandpa john, recently returned from a fast and furious nursery and garden trip to the northwest. Using Portland as our home base we ventured far and wide to collect plants and grafting wood to propagate back in NC.

Mccracken and me taking in the horticultural hotties at the nursery

French Canadian misty mountains, magnolias, and maples

Flowers on fresh snow

Witchazel's frenzied flowers

A gathering of Portland's professional plantsmen after many margaritas

Chinatown and an authentic china garden. Fabulous foo dogs for you know who-a favorite of Stacey's.. I'm always on the lookout for shiny asian ornaments for my darling daisy.

Artistic asian elephants and amazingly detailed designs. We found this amazing full size bronze sculpture of mamma and mini elephant in one of Portland's chinatown parks.

After browsing books in Powell's-largest independent bookstore in the world!! We found ourselves feasting on dim sum for dinner- a revolving asian buffet on wheels.. wantons, dumplings, black pepper calamari and much much more. If ever you get a chance, try a sesame seed ball for dessert. These are like semi sweet filled doughnut holes that have been rolled in sesame seeds.. Yum!!

Mccracken and grandpa john packing our bags..

Oops! Is that one of Stacey's bags bulged out with our northwestern budwood? To my credit, I lined her luggage with plastic and made sure to shake all.. or at least most of the seeds from the front pocket. Better keep those bags handy as mr. magnolia and I are plotting another Portland trip in the fast approaching future. This time to scout out nurseries, accomodations, and gardens for the Magnolia Society meeting in May of 2009. Any takers??