George Bridge and My New Boxwoods

George Bridge is the owner of a most beautiful and unusual 20-acre nursery called Acorn Farm located in Laytonsville, MD.  George specializes in collecting rare, vintage, and mature landscape plant material, including shrubs, hedges, fruit and ornamental trees, and even woody vines.  And like any good antique dealer, he must search in earnest for his specimens.  George works with a network of finders who alert him when old plants become available for digging in places like demolition and building sites.  But, he also spends a good deal of time driving from state to state searching and knocking on doors to see if a property owner might sell their ancient tree, shrub, or hedge to him.  As you can imagine, George and his crew are experts at digging, moving, and nurturing these very large finds back at Acorn Farm.  You might also imagine that such old and rare plants are quite costly.  George sells to discerning clients who want gorgeous, mature plantings without having to wait for them to grow. You can visit his website at www.oldplants.com .

Here’s George Bridge standing with a boxwood delivery.  These boxwood are about 75 years old and are 10 feet tall.  This full tractor load of 10 enormous shrubs is just one delivery in what will ultimately be an enclosed boxwood room measuring 120 feet by 60 feet.  I can’t wait!!!

Comments

[Robb]

What a retreat this will be!

[Trish]

I'm getting anxious too! What will you put in your new "room"? I hope you will share a picture or two when all is complete.

I can't stop thinking about your mom since I heard she was in hospice care. I like her so much!
Trish

[Emmy]

I would be interested to learn if there are landscaping companies that specialize in the recycling of shrubs, trees, plants on properties that have been sold and are facing redevelopment.

Many times I see old growth trees simply bulldozed to make way for a parking lot or retail center.

[Amy Mowbray]

What a great business. I can't wait to see the boxwood room! I've never seen such large & beautiful boxwoods.

[Christine in NZ]

Thank you for the wonderful gardening tutorials. I've become a much better cook thanks to your resources and now I will try and become a little better at gardening. I just love your blog and have started to read everyday.

[Margie]

That is so cool, someone willing to save mature plants. We wish the best for all things oldish and beautiful. The relative terms beautiful and oldish.

[Andrew Ritchie]

Your 'boxwood box' is going to be extraordinary, I just know it!

I know you'll post photos.

I'm curious about the planting of old, large trees - a precarious process, no doubt, given how valuable these trees are (in terms of time and money.) One must do it correctly. I would love a description of the correct process.

The trees are so beautiful, by the way!

-Andrew
Ottawa, Canada

[Jon Mondrik]

Martha,
Every day starts with "what cool thing is Martha going to share with us today!" George Bridge and his Acorn Farm are absolutely wonderful. Only "Our Martha" would be able to find such an unique business. And to top it all off, you are able to take full advantage of Mr. Bridge's passion for saving mature and rare landscaping. Your Bedford place is transforming into
a dreamland. It must be exciting as well as challenging to have all that acreage to do the many things you have always wanted. I look forward to seeing the "christening" of your boxwood room . . . maybe with Oolong Tea and blueberry scones?
Take care Martha.
Jon

[Mischa]

What a great idea! (Both the business and your new room!) Boxwoods are so beautiful and timeless!

[Carolyn]

How cool will that be?!?!?!?

Carolyn

[rebekka]

I am so happy that with all you do, you still find time to blog! Thank you!

Rebekka
Maple Sugar Desserts