Charlotte, VT. -Horsford Gardens and Nursery, Vermont's oldest nursery, has expanded their growing fields based on a new technology, "Pot-in-Pot" growing. This new growing method adds a new dimension to Horsfords, bridging the gap between field grown plants and container grown plants."

New technology arrives begrudgingly to our venerable old nursery. Since 1893, Horsfords has grown trees and shrubs in their traditional fields nestled between Route 7 and Greenbush Road in Charlotte. Few techniques have changed. Specializing in lilacs, shade trees, flowering trees, and evergreens, Horsford's offerings are remarkably similar to the ones in their 1929 catalog. "With the pot-in-pot field, however, native trees, difficult to grow trees, and offspring of outstanding local specimen trees can all be added to our present offerings," explains owner Charlie Proutt. "Over the last thirty years, specialization in the nursery industry has resulted in nurseries all growing the same, easy to grow, genetically similar plants." Horsfords hopes to reverse that trend, offering Vermont gardeners and landscapers plants whose heritage is unique to Vermont. "We have identified several "parents" growing on and around Horsfords 107 year-old nursery. These include horsechestnuts, shagbark hickories, oaks of different varieties, sycamores, and even tree lilacs," explains propagator Matt Wood. "Once we get these trees started in the greenhouse, we then transplant them into larger and larger pots. Within a three to five year time frame, they are ready to transplant into the "Pot-in-Pot" field."

Field manager Ralph Fitz-Gerald assumes the growing responsibility once the trees are 3-5 years old. "The new field allows me to customize our growing systems. Our custom potting mix is carefully mixed using organic compost. When rain can't provide adequate moisture I can sparingly irrigate with the new drip system. A drainage system removes excess water during torrential rain events. I also don't need to worry about my never-ending battles involving weeds. Weed control fabric eliminates the use of chemical herbicides."

Since purchasing the century old nursery in 1986, owners Charlie Proutt and Eileen Schilling have replanted twenty-five acres of growing fields. They have tripled production of perennials. In 1997 they restored two fifty-year-old glass greenhouses to produce new and unusual varieties of annuals. "In this age of mass merchandisers, Horsfords is doing everything we can to focus on what's best for Vermont gardeners," explains owner Charlie Proutt. "The "Pot in Pot" field is one more step in that direction.