Mark and Jolly started the nursery during an industry slump with a focus on propagating some of the most desirable and unusual seedling trees and shrubs – Acer griseum, Katsuratree, and Stewartia. Red and Green Japanese Maple seedlings plus Jolly’s outside work as a computer systems analyst paid most of the bills. Had stronger backs and weaker judgment, but were fortunate in being stubbornly committed.
		Doubled in size every year for first 5 years, to 7 acres of bareroot stock and 9 employees. Focus was on out-of-state markets.
		Lost most of our germinating crop during four successive night frosts in early May of ’87. White plastic cold frames and greenhouses for frost protection started to look pretty good.

		Greenhouse propagation for all but the most easily grown items became our strategy of choice.
		Transplanting plugs from the greenhouse became a powerful combination: secure propagation and extra strong root systems.
		Grew to 100 acres of seedlings and transplants and 2 acres of greenhouses. Invested in several farms, many more employees, and lots of equipment.
		Developed a strong export market by trade show presence in Germany and England and numerous trips overseas. In ’96 we shipped almost 25% of our production to Europe and Japan.

		Bought Santiam River farm of more than 300 acres.
		Installed 150' x 150' x 30' tall cold storage and grading facility.
		Expanded into propagation of cuttings and grafts, with the addition of more than 300 new taxa to our stock blocks.
		Completed construction of a 5-acre, retractable-roof greenhouse.
		Doubled management staff to keep better records on inventory, streamline office functions, maintain upgraded facilities better, and improve marketing and customer service.
		Began ambitious conservation and environmental restoration on nursery farms, including riparian woodland, oak woodland, oak savanna, and upland prairie habitats. Production of native prairie seeds for the wholesale market is a companion effort.