L.E. Cooke Blog

Saturday, 22 August 2009 03:00

Farwest Show

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Mike Spratley and I finished the Farwest Trade Show last Thursday through today (Saturday).  As usual, met a lot of old friends and made a few new ones.  I decided you did not need a photo of us standing in our booth so I didn't take one.  As for the show, it was the first time I have been disappointed in this show - it clearly reflected the economy.  What I missed most was all…
Monday, 17 August 2009 03:00

A Garden or a Garden Center?

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Today I was again dumbfounded by a hidden gem of a nursery, far from the normal flow of traffic. Singing Tree Gardens was supposed to be closed today but I thought I would drive by to take a look anyway.  Fortunately, the gate was open waiting for a service company and I drove in.  Otherwise I could not see the nursery from the road because of a long, winding driveway.  I am thankful that Don…
Saturday, 15 August 2009 03:00

Success in Small Communities

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Making Your Presence Known Teaser photo: We have a number of customers along the scenic Sonoma and Mendocino coastline.  I had to see  how how some of these small communities of 300 to 600 people can support two to four nurseries each. Each one has their own story.  Here are just two. Tony Ventrella tells me how his Gualala Nursery on the northern outskirts of Gualala seemed to be nearly invisible to the motorists accelerating…
Wednesday, 12 August 2009 03:00

On the Road Again

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Tomorrow I start a 12 day sales trip which will include assisting Mike at the Farwest Trade Show in Portland. My camera begged me to take the scenic route. So I am calling on customers from Clear Lake, Highway 1 up to Fort Bragg, Highway 101 also known as the Redwood Highway from Healdsburg through the upper Oregon coast. It will be an incredibly scenic trip. The camera will sneak out of the bag occasionally,…
Friday, 14 August 2009 03:00

Labor of Love - the Making of a Business.

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 First the teaser photo: On this 12 day trip I figured I might take a few snapshots of customer sites along the way and share them.  Day 1 started yesterday at 2:30 AM with a 6 hour drive and then 9 visits.  No time for photos.  Today started much later but 10 busy visits and a few photos.  The dilemma: how do I not offend some by not showing their sites along with the others? …
Tuesday, 04 August 2009 03:00

Persimmon Fruit Drop

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Homeowners often call their local nursery with a question:  Why does my Persimmon Tree drop its fruit at an immature stage? Juvenile Persimmons   On a mature tree, first choice is often excess nitrogen/fertilizers.  Second is over watering.  Most often I see the problem with Persimmons planted in a lawn where both happen.  A third option is not enough sun - planted in too much shade. More indepth information can be found at these links:…
Monday, 31 August 2009 03:00

The Benefits of Trees

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Frequently we receive requests from nurseries and other people trying to quantify the value of trees in the landscape or to the environment.  Those of us in the industry know how hugely important trees are for the environment and the local economy.  But how do you quantify it - especially if you are talking to your local governmental authority that controls the budget for their urban forests or state legislatures trying to solve their budget…
Thursday, 16 July 2009 03:00

Tweet Tweet

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Our Twitter is now up and fully functioning. It automatically posts up new blogs as well as new article additions to the website. Don't forget that we can post to it as well, which means that I can keep you guys up to date on the latest happenings with the website and the LECooke facility. To visit our Twitter, just click the leaf on the right hand side of the page that has a blue…
Monday, 13 July 2009 03:00

Tropic Gold Apricot - Loaded!

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I had to show you this tree absolutely loaded with fruit!  It looked like a weeping tree 2 weeks ago.  For not thinning anything, the fruit was nice sized too. Tropic GoldTM produces medium to large, excellent tasting apricots in late June to early July. As you can see they are yellow with orange cheek.   Fruit is firm and juicy.  Good for fresh eating, canning and dehydrating.  It is self fertile. A good apricot for…
Saturday, 04 July 2009 03:00

4th of July Favorites

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For those of us in the U.S., the 4th of July is a special day.  Besides the obvious historical significance, many look forward to this day for the special treats.  Kids love the fireworks (and parents worry about their shingle roofs).  Hot dogs and home made ice cream are at the top of many favorites. I have one more special remembrance on this day and because of it look forward all year to the 4th…
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