GARDENS OF RICE CREEK
The Gardens are on 4 levels, with a waterfall in between. All the Alpines, Wildflowers, Dwarf Conifers, Rhododendrons, Primroses and other gems are completely hardy, without winter covering. Bloom times vary like a seasonal calendar. Multiple visits reveal new surprises every time. Early May brings wildflowers and early rhododendrons. In mid-May rock garden plants are a carpet of color. A special treat at the end of May and early June will be super-hardy Rhododendrons, many bred at GRC, blossoming for the first time in exotic colors and forms. Spring ends in mid-June with an explosion of Showy Ladyslippers adrift in a sea of blue Forget-Me-Nots in the swamp garden. Summer brings quiet beauty and Rhododendrons forming flower buds for next spring. Fall has textural interest with foliage forms and colors that provide year-round attraction and inspiration for visitors’ gardens.
Plant hunters find our secret gardens irresistible. Something new every week because we propagate for the nursery from our best garden treasures. Plants are proven hardy, attractive and arranged in inspiring ways. Uncommon shade plants, like hardy Rhododendrons are a specialty. Come with pictures for landscape hints and enjoy the summertime gardens with us.
The Nursery, offering potted selections of these choice plants, is regularly open every Saturday in-season, from April 20 - October 19, 2024, 9am to 4pm. Bring photos of your garden for complimentary landscape and plant advice. For over 50 years we have been building nature-based landscapes and look forward to helping you with yours.
Sorry, shipping is not available from the nursery, but please come and visit us by appointment when you are in our area.
SOME UNUSUAL PLANTS WE OFFER
Primula ‘Wanda’
Showy Ladyslipper
Hardy Cyclamen
Gentiana ‘Rannoch’
Helleborus 'Ivory Prince'
Hosta ‘Appletini’
Hosta ‘Blue Mouse Ears’
Hosta ‘Cherish’
Iris Cristata ‘Abbey’s Violet’
European Ginger
Campanula Blue Gown
Candelabra Primroses
Primula ‘Bonnie’
Primula ‘Spotlight’
Primula ‘Sunshine’
Phlox Native Woodland
Phlox Rice Creek
Opuntia ‘Baby Potato’
Sanguinaria Double Bloodroot
Maidenhair Spleenwort
Mini Hens and Chicks
Silver Saxifrage
Trillium Sessile
Dianthus Hungaricus
Zauschneria
Dianthus 'Pink Penny'
Variegated Arabis
MINNESOTA HARDY LAVENDER
Unique. Discovered by us 40+ years ago.
Hardy all over, even in the mountains of Montana and Idaho. Fragrant, sun-loving pollinator plant.
Lavender 'Cynthia Johnson'
RARE DOUBLE PRIMROSES
Spectacular in shady gardens.
Primula 'Violetta'
Primula 'Valentine'
Primula 'Nectarine'
Primula 'Double Cream'
Primula 'Watercolor Blue'
Primula 'Spring Sun'
AN AMAZING MAYAPPLE
This plant named itself and just like any Mayapple loves shady, damp places.
Podophyllum 'Spotty Dotty'
Podophyllum 'Spotty Dotty'
HARDY RHODODENDRONS AND OTHER WOODY PLANTS
Rhododendron 'Olga Mezitt'
Rhododendron 'Haaga'
Rhododendron 'Besse Howells'
Rhododendron 'Apple Blossom'
Rhododendron 'Ken Janeck'
Rhododendron 'Alfreda Wyaczech’
Rhododendron 'White Peter’
Azalea ‘Rice Creek Pink’
Maple ‘Ice Dragon’
HYDRANGEA BLUE BILLOW
Hydrangea 'Blue Billow' is pink in alkaline soil and blue in acid. It is completely hardy, doesn't die back, and is a great pollinator plant.
MINIATURE EVERGREENS
Wide selection of unusual dwarf conifers for rock gardens, troughs and bonsai.
Miniature Evergreen Collection
Miniature Arborvitae Primo
TROUGH GARDENS
Build a miniature landscape with choice hardy alpines or people it with elves for a fairy garden. Troughs, plants, soil and free instructions here any Saturday.
FREE TOURS
Garden Club Tours can be arranged for weekdays; daytime or evenings. Typically, on arrival, your group will participate in a guided tour of rock gardens, dwarf conifers and the rare plant nursery. Questions are encouraged. Growing hints, propagation and landscaping principles are explained. Lunch/supper can be enjoyed in the garden either brought or ordered from our fine local pizzeria. (We can provide tables and chairs.) After dining, a tour of the rhododendron research gardens has proven fascinating to many. Rare plants, growing in the ground are much more impressive and inspiring than any illustrated talk, so rarely do I give presentations other than at the nursery.
Guide to growing Hardy Lady's Slippers
Year-round Gardens are our Specialty.
We offer free consultations and landscape advice
with photos at our nursery. Home visits are $100.
We accept Cash, Checks, Debit, MasterCard, and Visa payments.