Nestled in the heart of Oregon, Dancing Oaks Nursery stands as a premier destination for plant lovers and gardening enthusiasts. Just a scenic drive south of Portland, this Monmouth, Oregon gem is more than just a nursery; it’s an experience. Imagine driving through the picturesque Oregon landscape, anticipation building as you approach a haven for unique and beautiful plants. Upon arrival at Dancing Oaks Nursery, you’re immediately faced with a delightful dilemma: should you first explore the inspiring display garden or dive straight into the hoop-houses brimming with horticultural treasures?
Agave plants in the display garden of Dancing Oaks Nursery, Oregon
For many, the allure of shopping for rare and unusual plants is irresistible. However, to truly appreciate the essence of Dancing Oaks Nursery, a stroll through their display garden is highly recommended. Let’s embark on a virtual tour, starting with the garden’s captivating landscapes before indulging in some plant shopping.
Pathways through the display garden at Dancing Oaks Nursery showcasing diverse plant textures and forms
One of the most striking features of the display garden is the collection of Agaves. These architectural plants have matured impressively over the years, becoming a focal point of the garden’s drought-tolerant section. While their exact identification remains a delightful mystery, they bear a strong resemblance to Agave parryi var. couesii or Agave havardiana, both known for their robust forms and striking silhouettes.
Serpentine terracotta chimney flue wall adorned with plants at Dancing Oaks Nursery
The garden also showcases creative landscaping elements, such as a serpentine terracotta chimney flue wall. This unique structure not only adds visual interest but also provides an ideal backdrop for showcasing climbing and cascading plants, demonstrating innovative garden design ideas.
Artistically arranged container garden display at Dancing Oaks Nursery in Oregon
Container gardening enthusiasts will find inspiration in the nursery’s artfully arranged container creations. These displays demonstrate how to combine different plant textures, colors, and forms to create stunning potted arrangements, perfect for patios, balconies, or garden focal points.
Lush Gunnera chilensis growing in the bog garden section of Dancing Oaks Nursery
For those interested in water-loving plants, the bog garden area is a must-see. Here, you can find impressive specimens like Gunnera chilensis, with its enormous leaves creating a dramatic and prehistoric feel. This section highlights the nursery’s diverse collection and its ability to cater to various garden styles and plant preferences.
Open patio area surrounded by display gardens at Dancing Oaks Nursery, ideal for nursery events
Dancing Oaks Nursery features a large open patio, often used for events and workshops. Surrounded by the display garden, this area usually bursts with lush greenery. Visiting in early April, as captured in these photos, reveals the garden awakening from its winter slumber, with plants just beginning their spring growth.
Bamboo grove providing shade in the display garden at Dancing Oaks Nursery, Oregon
Varied textures and foliage in the display garden at Dancing Oaks Nursery during early spring
On a warm day, the bamboo grove offers a welcome respite with its cooling shade. The towering bamboo adds verticality and an exotic touch to the garden, showcasing yet another facet of Dancing Oaks Nursery’s diverse landscape.
Painted bamboo culms adding artistic flair to the Dancing Oaks Nursery garden
Adding a playful and artistic element, some bamboo culms are painted, demonstrating the nursery’s creative approach to garden design and its attention to detail even in unexpected places.
Trillium kurabayashii blooming in the woodland section of Dancing Oaks Nursery display garden
For woodland garden enthusiasts, the sight of Trilliums is always a delight. Perhaps Trillium kurabayashii, with its striking flower, graces the spring garden at Dancing Oaks, hinting at the many botanical treasures awaiting discovery.
Comptonia peregrina (Sweet Fern) available for purchase at Dancing Oaks Nursery
After exploring the display garden, it’s time to indulge in some plant shopping. Dancing Oaks Nursery boasts an impressive selection of plants, including unique and hard-to-find varieties. Comptonia peregrina, also known as Sweet Fern, is just one example of the interesting plants you might encounter.
Rodgersia pinnata with its textured foliage for sale at Dancing Oaks Nursery
Rodgersia pinnata, with its bold, textured foliage, is another desirable plant often found at Dancing Oaks. These plants are perfect for adding architectural interest and dramatic foliage to shade gardens.
Ligularia 'Osiris Fantaisie' and Ligularia dentata 'Britt-Marie Crawford' at Dancing Oaks Nursery
Ligularia ‘Osiris Fantaisie’ and Ligularia dentata ‘Britt-Marie Crawford’ showcase the nursery’s selection of vibrant and eye-catching perennials. These Ligularias are prized for their striking foliage and bright yellow daisy-like flowers, perfect for brightening up any garden space.
Aralia elata 'Aureovariegata' a variegated Japanese Angelica Tree, in the 'not for sale' section
Even in the “not for sale” area, treasures like Aralia elata ‘Aureovariegata’ can be found, sparking plant lust and highlighting the nursery’s commitment to cultivating exceptional plants, even if they are not yet available for purchase.
Epipactis gigantea 'Serpentine Night' orchid with purple foliage and orange flowers, not for sale
Another captivating plant in the “not for sale” section is Epipactis gigantea ‘Serpentine Night’. This orchid, with its unique combination of purple leaves and orange flowers, exemplifies the rare and unusual finds that make Dancing Oaks Nursery a plant collector’s paradise.
Unusual foliage plant in a pot from the 'not for sale' area at Dancing Oaks Nursery
Exploring every corner of Dancing Oaks Nursery, including the “not for sale” areas, reveals the depth of their plant collection and their passion for horticulture.
Illicium lanceolatum with fresh spring growth at Dancing Oaks Nursery
Illicium lanceolatum, with its vibrant new spring growth, showcases the beauty of foliage and the nursery’s dedication to offering plants at their peak seasonal interest.
Quercus dentata 'Carl Ferris Miller' oak sapling with large leaves for sale at Dancing Oaks Nursery
For tree enthusiasts, Quercus dentata ‘Carl Ferris Miller’, a Korean Oak known for its large leaves and stunning fall color, is a notable find. Acquiring one of these magnificent trees would be a highlight of any nursery visit.
Rhododendron 'Coastal Spice' with fragrant flowers in a hoop-house at Dancing Oaks Nursery
Even within the hoop-houses, sensory delights await. The intoxicating spicy fragrance of Rhododendron ‘Coastal Spice’ is a testament to the unexpected joys of exploring Dancing Oaks Nursery, where even familiar plant genera can surprise you.
Larix occidentalis (Western Larch) with spring green needles at Dancing Oaks Nursery
Concluding the visit with the fresh spring-green needles of Larix occidentalis (Western Larch) perfectly encapsulates the rejuvenating experience of Dancing Oaks Nursery.
If you are anywhere near Salem, Oregon, a visit to Dancing Oaks Nursery is not just recommended, it’s essential. It’s a place where plant dreams come to life, and garden inspiration is found around every corner. Did you spot any plants that have made it onto your must-have list?
