Franky Boy Can't Swim.......or What I Observed in 2013

In the hope of having learned something over the last year, I decided to challenge myself to make a list of things that were new to me, or perhaps just surprising reminders of things I already knew. Here is the list, in no particular order:

1) Get used to drought conditions, and it will start raining. Get used to warm conditions, and you'll freeze your ______ off come winter.

2) Sometimes more plants die from too much water than from not enough. Witness -
Platycladus orientalis 'Franky Boy'.

Platycladus orientalis 'Franky Boy'

He was planted in a lower area for the past three years, and seemed to be happy with a little extra moisture in that spot. After one rainy spring into summer, 'Franky Boy' seems to have drowned in that same spot.

3) You should always tell the truth. You just don't have to tell it so loud.

4) There are advantages and disadvantages in agreeing to be on an industry garden tour. The tour deadline is a good way to get things done, although much sleep is sacrificed as a result. The best part is getting to meet and talk with some icons in the world of horticulture.

With Martin van der Giessen, Margie Jenkins, 

Brie Arthur, and Barry Yinger

I'll take that deal every time.


5) The more you do, the more you can do. The more you think you can't get it all done, the more you can't.

 6) A good employee is worth his weight in gold. (wait a minute, make that MY weight in gold....he's pretty skinny) I sure will miss that boy.

Adam Autry and the bench in the boulder garden

7) Get rid of the negative.

8) Even though you don't have time, get away. See a garden, visit a nursery, catch up with an old friend, take a hike, read a book. They say that when you are standing just outside the Pearly Gates, you never once wish you had stayed later at work. I think they are right.

My best friend Joe

9) Marrying your best friend is ALWAYS the right decision.

10) Your kids are always your kids, and that can make for some very whiny late afternoons. But just put them in the virtual bathtub for an hour or two and you'll see what lovely, smart, and accomplished young ladies they've turned out to be. As one of my very wise friends says, (they are) "what regulates our temperatures"....

11) When deciding what plants to grow for the next year just remember.....they only really want the ones you are sold out of.

12) Don't give up. Just take a break.

13) Pruning is the most important job in the nursery. Too bad I always run out of time before I get to it. I am not talking about plant haircuts. I am talking about trying to uncover the art and elegance of each plant. I did a better job last year, and saw the benefits. I'll be cooking up that extra time I need along with the other dishes for Thanksgiving dinner.

14) Grafting season is coming up. From the look of my list, I sure hope I'll be living another 50-60 years. But just in case I'm not, it's still better to look forward than back.

15) The love of plants can be contagious, and there is nothing more fun than watching someone "catch" that condition. I have happily counted several customers among the newly afflicted, and believe that I served as the vector. I'll be making an effort to spread the passion in the new year.