Native Here keeps over 150 specimen plants in the nursery, plants that help the customers see the size, form, and potential of the little plants they take home and nurture. Sometimes the species grown as specimens in the nursery are quite uncommon in nature or are difficult to grow. These are sometimes used as “nurse” plants, a valuable source of seeds and cuttings that allow us to share these beautiful species with customers without risk of depleting wild populations. In this way, our specimen plants are a highly valued resource. Some specimen plants have been with us for many years and are much in need of refreshing—giving the tops and roots a trim, refurbishing soil and pots. This is best done as a two-person job.
We are also looking for someone with root pruning experience to teach other team members how to do this vital but uncommon step and guide the overall process until everyone involved has learned how to do all the steps.
Here’s what we’re looking for:
Specimen Plant Repotter
Location: Native Here Nursery
Qualifications: Ability to work outdoors, on your feet, at the nursery, several hours per month. This is some of the heaviest work at the nursery—hauling 15-gallon pots to a work area, pruning and shaping, refilling with fresh soil, and replacing in their original location.
Responsibilities: All work is at the nursery. The production manager will advise you about specimen plants most in need of attention. An expert will train you on pruning roots and top growth, including the best time of year for these tasks.
Time commitment: 3-4 hours per month, or more if available. Best to start during regular nursery hours, Tuesdays 12-3, Fridays 9-12, Saturdays 10-2, but once trained you can work at other hours.
Whom to contact: Lesley Hunt, outreach@ebcnps.org
