Maybe look at Prinzig, 'Northwest Gardener's Resource Directory', I think 9th edition says it has 300 nurseries in coverage area. I have a copy and there is certainly alot of places described, including gardens and other non-commercial destinations. If Feeney, 'Gardeners on the Go - Seattle' is still available you might like to check that out as well.

Cistus nursery on Sauvie Island would be my first pick for (just north of) Portland area. You could hit them and then drive up to Longview, connect with 5 there. If you are going to be in south Seattle Oasis Water Gardens might be of interest, if you like aquatics and similar plants.

I go to Cistus on a regular basis.

Oasis Water Gardens would be of major interest, I have multiple ponds and water gardens.

I've never heard of either of those books.

Living in Portland, I'd hope you know about the wealth of specialty nurseries that are located not far over the state line in Clark and Cowlitz counties. The Battleground-Vancouver area is chock full of interesting stops - Collector's Nursery, Aitken's Salmon Creek iris nursery, Daybreak Gardens (bonsai), Pollock and Sons (Japanese maples) Scented Hills (lavender), etc......

Here is a link that might be useful: SW Washington specialty nursery guide

Yes, my job carries me all over Clark County, it is part of my territory.

I go to the shows/sales at the fairgrounds in spring and fall too.

Thank you for the link, I didn't know about all of those nurseries.

It's not exactly a "destination nursery", in fact, it's kinda scruffy, but I've found a few treasures there... and it's only a mile or so from the Seattle Gift Center, AND it's at the end of the off-ramp from I-5 that you probably take to get to the Gift Center... It's Julius Rosso Nursery at the north end of Boeing Field - 6404 Ellis Ave So.

(Their production nursery is in Kent.)

Thanks, I don't mind looking for treasures through scruff. LOL

I take Michigan Corson from I5 and I stay at a hotel on 99 by the airport.

I will try this one and Oasis Water Gardens and that will be all I've got time for on this trip. After seeing my ponds last week, my boss thinks he wants one so I sent him the link to Oasis and I'm sure we will go together.

The burned out car is no longer parked out near the street at Rosso but you can probably make do. Be sure to wear boots or old shoes. If you poke around you might find something you want back in a corner somewhere.

Last time I was there they had some 5 gallon 'Moonlight' sweetbay magnolia near the front of the buildings, M. virginiana is a wetland tree in nature so is a natural for planting near ponds. Blooms much of summer in local climate, so timing is right for when many aquatic plants up and at it. Lemon scent of flowers quite nice.

Instead of Michigan/Corson, take Swift/Albro. From northbound I-5, turn left at the end of the off-ramp, then left at the next light onto Albro. Cross back over the freeway, down a block or two to where the road levels out, and Rosso is on your left.

Or... if you are at the intersection of Corson & Michigan, go south on Corson one block, turn left on Eddy, follow Eddy until it runs out, and you'll be looking right into Rosso's parking lot.

Watch for low-flying airplanes!

Thank you.

I'll wear my rubber clogs and watch out for low flying planes.

Wish I had a spot for that Magnolia but alas, I have no more room for trees.