Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Monmouth, Oregon, Dancing Oaks Nursery stands as a premier destination for plant enthusiasts and gardening aficionados. For those residing in Portland and beyond, this nursery is more than just a local garden center; it’s an immersive experience, a journey into a world of botanical wonders. While the drive south from Portland might take around an hour and a half, the picturesque route, especially as you veer off the interstate, sets the stage for the horticultural delights that await at Dancing Oaks Nursery.
Upon arriving at Dancing Oaks Nursery, visitors are immediately faced with a delightful dilemma: where to begin? Should you first explore the captivating display garden, a testament to creative landscaping and plant pairing? Or should you head directly to the hoop-houses, brimming with an incredible selection of plants for sale? For those eager to dive into shopping, the allure of the plant-filled hoop-houses might be irresistible. However, for a truly enriching visit, we recommend starting with a stroll through the display garden. Let’s take a virtual tour of this enchanting space before we delve into the shopping experience at Dancing Oaks Nursery.
Entrance to Dancing Oaks Nursery display garden showcasing diverse plants and terracotta pots
The display garden at Dancing Oaks Nursery is a living canvas, constantly evolving and showcasing plants in inspiring and imaginative ways. Among the striking features are the mature Agaves, noticeably larger and more impressive with each passing season. While their exact identification remains a delightful mystery, they bear a resemblance to Agave parryi var. couesii or Agave havardiana, adding a touch of southwestern drama to the Oregon landscape.
Large Agave plants in Dancing Oaks display garden, possibly Agave parryi var. couesii or Agave havardiana
Another eye-catching element within the display garden is the serpentine terracotta chimney flue wall. This unique structure not only adds an architectural dimension but also serves as a backdrop for showcasing climbing plants and creating vertical interest. It’s a testament to the innovative and artistic approach to gardening that Dancing Oaks Nursery embodies.
Serpentine terracotta chimney flue wall feature in Dancing Oaks Nursery display garden
Complementing the chimney wall is an artfully arranged container creation, demonstrating the versatility of potted plants in garden design. These container arrangements are not only visually appealing but also offer inspiration for visitors looking to enhance their own patios, balconies, or garden spaces with container gardening.
Creative container plant arrangement in Dancing Oaks Nursery display garden
Venturing further, the bog garden area reveals the majestic Gunnera chilensis (or Gunnera tinctoria), a plant of immense scale and dramatic foliage. Its presence adds a prehistoric, almost otherworldly feel to this section of Dancing Oaks Nursery, highlighting the diversity of plant life that thrives here.
Large Gunnera chilensis plant in the bog garden section of Dancing Oaks Nursery
Dancing Oaks Nursery also features a large open patio, designed to host events and gatherings. Surrounded by the display garden, this patio becomes an extension of the lush landscape. Even during an early April visit, when the garden is just awakening from winter, the potential for a dense and vibrant display is evident.
Open patio area surrounded by display garden at Dancing Oaks Nursery in early spring
View across the display garden towards the patio area at Dancing Oaks Nursery
On a surprisingly warm day in early April, the bamboo grove at Dancing Oaks Nursery offered a welcome respite with its cool shade. The towering bamboo stalks create a tranquil and almost zen-like atmosphere, a perfect spot to pause and appreciate the garden.
Bamboo grove providing shade in the display garden at Dancing Oaks Nursery
Adding a playful touch to the bamboo area are the painted culms, injecting color and whimsy into this already fascinating plant. This creative detail exemplifies the attention to artistic expression found throughout Dancing Oaks Nursery.
Painted bamboo culms adding color to the bamboo grove at Dancing Oaks Nursery
For woodland plant lovers, the Trilliums at Dancing Oaks Nursery are a must-see. While specific identification can be tricky, the possibility of Trillium kurabayashii adds to the intrigue. These delicate spring ephemerals are a jewel in the crown of any woodland garden.
Trillium plant, possibly Trillium kurabayashii, in the woodland section of Dancing Oaks Nursery
After immersing yourself in the display garden, the shopping experience at Dancing Oaks Nursery is equally rewarding. The hoop-houses are treasure troves of unique and desirable plants. Among the offerings, Comptonia peregrina (Sweet Fern) stands out with its aromatic foliage and resilience.
Comptonia peregrina (Sweet Fern) plant available for purchase at Dancing Oaks Nursery
Rodgersia pinnata, with its bold, textured leaves, is another plant that catches the eye. These architectural plants add structure and drama to shade gardens.
Rodgersia pinnata plant with bold foliage for sale at Dancing Oaks Nursery
Ligularia ‘Osiris Fantaisie’ and Ligularia dentata ‘Britt-Marie Crawford’ showcase the vibrant colors and striking foliage that Ligularias are known for. These plants bring a splash of brightness to damper areas of the garden.
Ligularia 'Osiris Fantaisie' and Ligularia dentata 'Britt-Marie Crawford' plants in hoop-house at Dancing Oaks Nursery
Even in the “not for sale” area, tantalizing plants like Aralia elata ‘Aureovariegata’ and Epipactis gigantea ‘Serpentine Night’ hint at the rare and exceptional finds that Dancing Oaks Nursery cultivates. The Epipactis gigantea ‘Serpentine Night’, with its purple leaves and orange orchid-like flowers, is particularly captivating and a testament to the nursery’s dedication to offering unique plants.
Aralia elata 'Aureovariegata' plant, a desirable specimen at Dancing Oaks Nursery
Epipactis gigantea 'Serpentine Night' plant with striking purple leaves and orange flowers at Dancing Oaks Nursery
Sign indicating 'Not For Sale' area within Dancing Oaks Nursery
Among the available treasures is Illicium lanceolatum, showcasing beautiful new growth, a sign of the vitality and quality of the plants at Dancing Oaks Nursery.
Illicium lanceolatum plant with vibrant new growth at Dancing Oaks Nursery
Quercus dentata ‘Carl Ferris Miller’, with its impressively large leaves and promising fall color, is another standout find. Acquiring one of these magnificent oaks is a testament to the unique plant selections available at Dancing Oaks Nursery.
Quercus dentata 'Carl Ferris Miller' oak sapling with large leaves at Dancing Oaks Nursery
The intoxicating fragrance within the hoop-house leads to the discovery of Rhododendron ‘Coastal Spice’. This fragrant Rhododendron is a delightful surprise, showcasing the diverse sensory experiences offered at Dancing Oaks Nursery.
Rhododendron 'Coastal Spice' plant emitting fragrant blooms at Dancing Oaks Nursery
Concluding the visit are the fresh spring-green needles of Larix occidentalis (Western Larch), a graceful conifer that marks the changing seasons at Dancing Oaks Nursery.
Larix occidentalis (Western Larch) tree with spring-green needles at Dancing Oaks Nursery
If you are in or near Salem, Oregon, a visit to Dancing Oaks Nursery is not just recommended, it’s essential for any plant lover. This destination nursery offers an inspiring display garden and a shopping experience filled with unique and high-quality plants. Did you spot anything in our virtual tour that you can’t live without? Plan your visit to Dancing Oaks Nursery and discover your own botanical treasures.
