| I try very hard to take photographs that
accurately represent the nursery stock that I sell. There is nothing more frustrating than
going to a trade show or seeing photographs that represent the one and only good plant a
nursery has to offer its customers. You place your order based on the sample plant you
expect to receive. Then the junk shows up at your door and you wonder why you trusted the
vendor. Well, I have been in your shoes. I have been sucked into the sham. I have sat on
the junk until it had to be thrown away. I have no intention of putting you through
similar experiences. When I go to sleep I don't want to have even the slightest doubt that
I was not 100% honest with my customers. I intend to sell plants to you until I retire in
20 or 30 or 40 years. Maybe one of my kids will take over my territory. I sell for great
nurseries who are proud of their plants and want to keep you happy. I have no reason to
compromise for a quick sale or risk a long term relationship with my customers.
So look at the photos. They represent a reasonable sample of the plant material I sell.
I have photos from all my suppliers and use many for years. I have used some photos 9
years! The plants you purchase now look as good (or better) than they did 9 years ago in
the photos I am using.
When I choose a sample plant to photograph it is usually a plant close to a door or on
top of the pile. Maybe the one in the group with a tag. Pretty simple...I'm lazy and
pulling a 100 plants to photograph is a job. I am usually spending an extra day on the
road to take the photos. I have to keep moving to get as many examples as possible. I
don't have time to find the perfect plant. If the plant is damaged I don't use it because
the nursery should not ship it (and if they do make a mistake be sure and let me know so I
can get the problem resolved). If the plant is too good, I don't use it because this
may be the one year they grew exceptionally well. Same with too small. Maybe it was too
cloudy this year to suit the plant. Look over all the photos and get a 'feel' for the
plants the nursery has to offer.
But please remember plants are just that......plants. Some plants grow more vigorously
than others. Some grow better in the shade, some better in the sun, some like more water
or fertility than others. Some plants are just plain ugly until they get some age and size
to them. Ever see a young sumac, catalpa or raintree without leaves? Some plants come out
of 1year blocks, 1 1/2 year blocks, or 2 year blocks. They all may be 18/24 inches but the
older they are the more 'body' they have. There is no way to control which plants form
which block you receive from year to year. Some of the plants (bare root especially or
some field stock) I had to grade. Grading bare root is not as easy as it seems.
Bottom line.....expect a plant that looks reasonably like my photos given all the
variables involved. Call me if you have a problem. I want you to be happy with the plants
you receive.
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