The Winter 2025 issue of Conifer Quarterly marks a meaningful moment, not just in my career, but in the life of the nursery itself. To see fifty years of work distilled into that piece is both humbling and deeply appreciated. Jennifer Harvey’s thoughtful writing, paired with Jeff and Jennifer’s photography, captured the essence of what this journey has been about: stewardship, passion, and the simple act of sharing plants with others who care just as deeply.
From the very beginning, this nursery was never about scale. It was about specificity—finding, propagating, and nurturing rare conifers, particularly dwarf forms, that might otherwise be lost or overlooked. Over the years, that focus led to a steady stream of cuttings, grafts, and yes, many hours broom hunting, always with the goal of expanding what was possible for collectors, gardeners, and landscape designers throughout the Southeast and beyond.
The article rightly notes the support and engagement with the American Conifer Society, whose community has been invaluable over the decades. The recognition of the Southeast Region Service Award, and the honor of receiving the Justin C. “Chub” Harper Award for Development in the Field of Conifers, are acknowledgments I never sought but deeply value. They reflect not only my own work, but the enthusiasm and generosity of countless people I’ve had the privilege to know through this field.
As this phase of the nursery winds down, it’s gratifying to know that the story resonates with others. My thanks again to Jennifer Harvey for her kind words, to Jeff and Jennifer for capturing the images that reflect the heart of the nursery, and to Conifer Quarterly for offering such a meaningful platform to mark this milestone.