Growing up as a child in the 1970’s and 80’s, the game kickball was a popular playground sport. We took the game very seriously and at times we brought competition to heightened levels. With designated team captains we always had the students pick the teams. Today, our politically...
One of my favorite trees in the world has very little presence here in New Jersey. A tree native to central and southern China, this tree has captivated my attention for decades. A coniferous evergreen, this intriguing conifer has leaves that are spirally arranged and is often confused...
Back in late July of this year my friend John Stella, plantsman extraordinaire, enticed me to take a ride with him to Fairfield, Connecticut. There he promised I would see one of my favorite trees in its mature state. Our destination was Oliver Nurseries, a nursery/garden center that...
Throughout history, it seems, people have been fascinated and intrigued with trees. Poets, producers, presidents, politicians, philosophers, political commentators even Popes have all had their own unique language of expressing their thoughts and drawing upon life’s comparisons with trees. For years I have been compiling...
Plants have the ability to capture our attention in a number of ways. Flowers are the obvious draw initially, while things like leaves, bark, stems and buds may, in time, earn our respect and admiration. But these attributes are purely visual. Just one of our...
Back in June of 1991 there was a song released by American dance artist C+C Music Factory. “The song was inspired by a running gag on The Arsenio Hall Show, whereby Arsenio, while on an alleged long drive, ponders certain thoughts and refers to them...
Often, at our garden center, I speak to customers about the right plant for the right place. Having been in retail for almost three decades, I can say that many times customers are driven by price first and design second. It’s as though customers would...
The end of May, I had an opportunity to listen to and meet some extraordinary women. An event marked on my calendar for months, it was The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) that afforded me an unforgettable experience. It’s not often that I can...
Willow, the name itself conjures up images of a large weeping tree near a pond reflecting itself. Graceful, pendulous branches almost touching the waters edge, this tree is a failsafe for those seeking a tree that will tolerate wet areas. Capable of gobbling...
I have one of the greatest jobs! I love my work and enjoy my industry so much that it really never feels like work. One of the perks for me is that I get to travel all over the country and handpick all the nursery...