Conifer fans find much to admire in private collection

Kym Pokorny/The OregonianWollemia nobilis (Wollemi pine)

So many plants are swimming around my head -- and my camera -- that I'm finding it hard to choose which to show you. But since I am at the meeting of

American Conifer Society Western Region

, I should feature some conifers. So, I've skimmed through the hundreds of pictures I just downloaded and picked a few that were unusual enough to turn my head at the garden of Sara Malone. Oh, and that auction I wrote about earlier today? I did buy something, even though I waited until the last minute to show up at the event. But, man, the atmosphere was electric, people hovering as if they were guarding a stash of diamonds. All I did, I swear, was walk over to see what a new acquaintance was grinning about. As soon as I saw the very, very special little pine, I knew I had to have it. I bid, she bid. Finally, I begged. Guess who won? Ha. You'll find out tomorrow. And I'll have more photos. We're going to