Mark and I were fortunate to visit the nursery a couple of extra times whilst in Portland, so many of the photos in the post were taken when the nursery was quieter rather than packed with a coach load of fellow bloggers.
Not only is the nursery well presented but the plants are all so well grown. The back of house team should be very proud of what they achieve.
We loved the feel of the nursery, so calm, well organised and tranquil, I can see why it is such a favorite location of the Portland bloggers.
The retail space is divided up into smaller rooms, with shade provided in places by a number of covered buildings. 
Heavenly, so many fantastic plants, many of the seed collections were undertaken by Sean Hogan, and arranged to tempt and delight. It was difficult to be in such a fabulous nursery so far from home, but fortunately for us the Nursery is able to organize international delivery! So a few delights did end up back home.
Now as everyone who has visited a real nursery knows, all the best and most interesting areas are beyond the staff signs and Cistus was no exception. Several polytunnels packed with goodies.Including a number of arid tunnels.Being the middle of summer the temperatures were rather warm inside, so say the least, but Sean and Mark were unstoppable! Mark had to see everything of interest, and Sean was the perfect host, taking Mark from unique plant to unique plant. I kept back and stayed in the shade!
But its not just succulents, plenty of more lush plants, too!
Can I have one of everything please..
Where ever you look the tunnels are packed with fantastic plants
If you have the opportunity to visit Cistus then we would highly recommend visiting, but if you are too far to pop in then don't forget they do mail order!
Gaz
