American Nurseryman -Jan 2012
Laying the foundation for a successful business growing native plants Connor Shaw concentrates on developing strong healthy root systems By Sally Benson I ts said that 90 percent of an iceberg lies below the surface While what we can see may be awe inspiring it wouldnt exist without the foundation that supports it Strength and stability a firm and nurturing foundation are what make that massive chunk of ice so impressive The same can be said of plants The most breathtakingly beautiful vital plant would be nothing without the foundation of a healthy supportive root system Strong sturdy stems lush foliage and rich blooms They owe everything to the structure beneath the soil No one knows that better than Connor Shaw At Possibility Place Nursery in Monee Ill Shaws production of native plants is all about the roots Shaw grows trees and shrubs that are native to northeastern Illinois along with a select group of perennials and grasses that also hail from the area Seed is collected locally so locally in fact that it comes from Shaws own garden and other locations within 150 miles of the growing operation These are beautiful sturdy plants that have already proved their durability in the upper Midwests challenging conditions hard clay soil sweltering heat in summer and bitter cold in winter Their provenance alone would make them suitable candidates for both a growers inventory and a landscapers palette but Shaw doesnt rely solely on the plants natural ability to thrive in their native soils He pays special attention to growing plants with exceptional roots And for Shaw that means leaving B B behind and employing root bag and root pruning containers Its something hes done for nearly two decades Photos courtesy of Kelsay Shaw Trees at Possibility Place Nursery are grown in 5 gallon root pruning containers 6 JANUARY 2012 American Nurseryman www amerinursery com
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