This is part of our continuing coverage of the Farwest Show. Keep checking back for updates. This post concerns Day One of the Farwest Show Tours, specifically, Tour 1, the Gen(i)us Acer tour on Tuesday, August 21, 2012.

Our first stop was at Crispin’s Creations Nursery, a small but significant growing operation located in Molalla, Ore. Owner and proprietor Crispin Silva works with several “plant finders” and prides himself on offering many rare and unusual selections. In that regard, the tour did not disappoint. Cercis canadensis ‘Little Woody’ drew many oohs and ahhs from the participants with its leafy, veiny leaves and very tight growing habit. Likewise for Ginkgo biloba ‘Mariken’, which also grows tightly. If you’re wondering where Crispin’s maples were — this being, after all, a maple-themed tour — he had those, too. Acer palmatum ‘Rygu’ boasts a dwarf habit, red branches, and green leaves speckled with white. Some of Crispin’s more unique selections are licensed to, and available through, PlantHaven.

This evening more photos from the tour will be posted at the Farwest Show Facebook page at www.facebook.com/farwestshow.