GLEN SAINT MARY NURSERY MEETING
JUNE 15, 2002

On June 15, 2002 twenty-six members and guests arrived at the Glen Saint Mary Nursery in Glen Saint Mary, Florida. We were greeted by our hosts, Lin and Magi Taber, who were most gracious and extended Southern hospitality at its finest.

Mr. Taber’s grandfather, George L. Taber, began the Glen Saint Mary Nursery in 1882. In 1910 he had
included Bambusa in his catalog so we know that many of the plants had their start at that time.

After a short get-acquainted session in the original office of the nursery, we were treated to a tram ride through the nursery grounds to see literally hundreds of clumping bamboos including Bambusa multiplex, B. m. Alphonse Karr, and B. m. Silver Stripe. There was also quite a bit of Pseudosasa japonica, numerous groves of Phyllostachys aurea, a grove of Phyllostachys nigra “Black” and a huge expanse of Pleioblastus viridistriatus “Dwarf Greenstripe.”

Following the main tour, we were greeted by the entrepreneur Taber grandchildren who had set up an old-fashioned lemonade stand with delicious lemonade.

In addition to the nursery facilities and the bamboo groves, we enjoyed seeing the Taber’s home and hearing about some of its history as well.

Mrs. Taber prepared a delicious lunch, which we all enjoyed immensely on the porches and breezeway (dog trot) of their beautiful home. Dessert included yummy homemade cookies, made fresh that morning by Mr. Taber’s mother.

Marler Spence attended and picked up several plants from various members to be auctioned at the ABS Annual Meeting Auction in October.

The Chapter welcomed new members, Dennis & Edith Martin of Live Oak, Florida, who joined at the meeting.

The Chapter also thanks Bill Howes and Richard Waldron for the bamboo walking cane presented on behalf of the Chapter to Mrs. Taber (Mr. Taber’s mother).

The Glen Saint Mary Nursery Tour was a day we’ll all remember. The bamboo was impressive and the hospitality unsurpassed. Those of you who did not attend REALLY missed a treat!

Lin Taber our host shows the early arrivals his new saw mill.

One of the original buildings at the nursery (over 100 years old).

Lin and Magi Taber started our day with a very good presentation on the history of the nursery.

This documenmt is prominently displayed on the mantel of the office.

This culm has been hanging in this location for almost 100 years.

Off to view over 600 acres of nursery.

Lin used his bulldozer to cut road through the bamboo for our tour.

Robby and Alex check out a grove of P. aurea.

Richard Waldron shows the internode length of a clump of B. multiplex.

A clump of B. multiplex.

There were no pines when the bamboo was planted by Len's Grandfather.

On a break during the tour Lin and Magi's grandchildren provided fresh lemonaide. They did a brisk business.

Marler collecting plants for the ABS annual auction in October.

Len's Mother and Magi Taber met and greeded us for lunch and a tour of the house built by Len's grandfather. Len's Mother (over 90 years young made the desert for the lunch.).

Everybody seemed to have a great time.
Hope you can join us at our next meeting.