Here's a verbatim statement I was emailed from George Ball's people today, with Dan and Robert's comments following....
The assets of Heronswood Gardens and Heronswood Nursery were sold to the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, the Native American Tribe that has its ancestral land on the location of the Garden’s 15 acres on the Kitsap Peninsula, in Kingston, Washington.
In a statement released by George Ball, Chairman, W. Atlee Burpee & Co., which has owned Heronswood for the past 12 years, Mr. Ball expressed his gratitude that both the Gardens and Nursery were purchased by Port Gamble S’Klallam. “We couldn’t be more pleased with our association with the new owners,” he said, “and we are especially delighted by their commitment to preserve this national treasure.
“The Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe,” Mr. Ball noted, “has agreed both to preserve the historic gardens, and to use the facilities to educate their members, as well as the public, about native plants. We hope to assist it in carrying out its mission,” Mr. Ball added, “with support from the Burpee Foundation, since it is entirely consistent with the work we are currently involved in throughout the nation.”
The Heronswood Nursery, including all its direct-marketing assets such as the website, picture catalogues and trademarks were included in the sale. “Our rare and unusual perennial business will continue under the Burpee brand, as it has for 136 years,” Mr. Ball said. “We have reached an agreement that we have exclusive rights to use our past Heronswood varieties and collections, along with their names. There is no present or potential conflict of interest in this sale.”
The sale resulted from a sealed-bid auction conducted by Sheldon Good & Company, which was completed on June 15, 2012. (I've asked how much it sold for, and haven't gotten an answer yet, but the amount is rumored to be far less than the tribe originally offered, and certainly less than the local Pacific Northwest Horticultural Conservancy group offered years ago...)...
“The Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe had been discussing the possibility of purchasing the property for several years,” Mr. Ball said. “I am very happy that both the gardens and nursery are in such good hands, since our interests mesh with theirs.”
Maybe this is the end of the 12 year saga of the sale of Heronswood Nursery. Here's Dan's official comment:
Robert and I are gladdened that the land on which Heronswood was built has returned again to the freehold of the Pacific Northwest, and in turn to those of our region whose sense of grace, veracity and intellect is rooted in common. If we should be asked, Robert and I will lend our full support to the S'Kallam to replenish and regrow a garden whose light has dimmed, providing volunteer efforts and plants from our current and past introductions. However we fully actualize that this land is now the pursuit of a new owner with legitimate claim and principled intent; if our guidance is not sought, our distance will be deliberate while being fully supportive. Irrespective, we look forward to possible future opportunities to again visit this place that we once called our home and to reacquaint ourselves with old friends who (hopefully) still grow amongst the rich layers of memory that are forever positioned between each and every plant we had once placed."
Glad to hear that Dan and Robert are willing to support the tribe.I truly hope that maintenance will be a priority and that our horticulture community can once again fully experience this remarkable garden!
Posted by: Riz Reyes | June 20, 2012 at 11:58 PM
hi val! i love your work. i am getting married in december and was wondering if you could advise/supply/help with my flowers? december is a time of branches and fragrant boughs! i'd be honored if you would help!! we can discuss prices, supplies, and timing. thank you for your consideration.
Posted by: caitlin mchugh | June 21, 2012 at 09:40 AM
Whoever said horticulture was boring? What a saga!
Posted by: Denise | June 21, 2012 at 11:19 AM
Hi Caitlin,
I think you need a real florist - if you're in Seattle, check out the gorgeous, fresh-from-the-garden look from Marigold and Mint or Fleurish...in Portland Francoise Weeks is an amazing florist...on Whidbey Island you'd want to talk with Mary Fisher at Cultus Bay Nursery for inspired wedding flowers...
Good luck,
Val
Posted by: valerie Easton | June 21, 2012 at 01:32 PM
Love following your news and information. I am speaker chair for our Garden Club in Oak Harbor and would love to have you come speak to our group. (About 60-70 members attend). How can I reach you?
Posted by: Cathy Horrobin | June 22, 2012 at 11:04 AM
Hi Cathy,
Thanks for your kind words - why don't you email me at valeaston@comcast.net with some possible dates and what you have in mind?
Val
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Posted by: Sherwani | August 10, 2012 at 01:50 AM
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Posted by: Wholesale Nursery | November 05, 2012 at 01:10 AM