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From:
"Mr. Kyle S. Fletcher" <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
- JBS-L - Josselyn Botanical Society discussion list of the University of Maine <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Tue, 29 Apr 2008 07:52:43 -0400
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Well having attended my second JBS meeting I came away excited, saddened and perplexed at the same time.
Had anyone ever told me I would contemplate buying a book on Macro lichens...I surely would have laughed.(I purchased the small $5 one to start and have been scouring the woods!).

I was sorry to hear of Sam Ristich's passing, it seemed everytime I had a chance to hear him speak, something came up. I met the Man once, at the first JBS meeting I attended.

I found the entire meeting to very upbeat though when you start describing the various forms of lichens my head hurts, as I'm still trying to learn the new botanical names for Asters of New England.


The talk on the plants of Acadia was interesting. Especially as I've so familiar with the plants through reading books and creating wish lists. The bush Strawberry I have enough,lol, love the plant and it has been growing in our yard for over 50 years.

My perplexion arrived as it always does when after the discussion of plants of Mt. Desert Island, I raised my hand and asked if there was anyone working to preserve these plants, ie..collect seed and propagate the plants. To which I was told that there was noone and that there didn't seem to be future plans to do so.

In my 23 years of studying horticulture and working in the industry and taking classes, this answer have never ceased to leave me with a feeling of confusion. The plants are rare or threatened, but all that is being done is that numbers of the plants are being written down that are left. 

Several of the plants were truly spectacular and many of the attendees ooohed and aaaahed. Including me. And given the opportunity I would love to have the chance of collecting seed and attempting to cultivate these plants.

But I realize with the state and national laws if I got caught taking seed, I could be fined or worse jailed. So I sit by with everyone else and look at the photos. Content with my Aster macrophylla, Yellow rattle box and common Lousewort.
Are there any nurseries to anyones knowledge that offer these plants? or other hard to find plants of the Northeast?
I made it to 'The Garden in the Woods' 2 years ago and was thrilled to purchase some rare plants and I have both of Bill Cullinas books on natives.

I would love to get further insight into this phenomena and further information.

Congratulations to all on a fantastic meeting and I shall endeavor not to be a stranger.

And the next time JBS has a summer meeting in Maine I shall be there.

Respectfully,

Mr. Kyle Fletcher Baker, 
Associates Degree, Horticulture
Maine Certified Nurseryman

*Please note changes to e-mail addresses as I'll be dropping aol.

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