Quackin Grass Nursery

Hello Everyone,

They’re back… we weren’t supposed to be back. The only back to be seen should have been mine disappearing into the mists of retirement. I do know that “mists of retirement” is not a “thing”. I’m neither entirely daft nor dim although there are those who whisper behind my back. Neither were we to edit another seasonal catalog nor enforce one more opening or closing. But now, with a crazy late opening day, we are once again selling plants. Why? (The other day I found myself on the ground supported by my mud-covered calves crying out to the universe, “why? WHY??…” I gathered my self and stood up. Brushing myself off, exposed and naked of dignity I looked this way and that in hopes that no one saw… we’ll call it “a fine art sculpture”. The why of it is this: Two separate parties wanted to purchase both this property and the business upon it. Both parties and I talked cordially over a period of months for much of the winter. I answered all questions honestly, as best I could. It was clear that the nexus of our connections was couched deeply in our respective devotion to the green world and specifically our love of plants. Both parties came to me in early March. within days of each other. After a couple of months of gracious discussions within six days of each other both parties informed me that neither had the capital to be able to foster the purchase. We parted, each of us disappointed, but we parted friends. And that was that.

Employees are are an essential foundational support in any small business. A meeting with QGN’s remaining skeletal crew determined the fate of QGN. That force of a powerful few agreed to continue the work of the nursery. So very many potted plants are here still, all requiring scheduled attention and maintenance. Many are rare and unusual as most of you know, a few are as rare as hen’s teeth. QGN also offers a number of unique clones taken from our exclusive named introductions with representatives in the categories of trees, shrubs and herbaceous perennials. My employees need to be paid. That is the reason why we must sell plants all over again. Stepping away after meeting’s end my walk had seemingly a bit of bounce… well, at least in my mind’s eye there was a pronounced bounce. The reality: I’m not very bouncy these days.

The website had gone dormant with the end of sales at the end of 2024. The catalog embedded in the website was designated to become a library filled with plant descriptions, pics and cultural information. This was a project that could and would fill a portion of my free time with structure once retired. Also, two companies essential to the functioning and flow of sales had been unplugged, both had been severed from the back door of our website because we had closed our proverbial doors to sales. Let me tell you that renewing these two essential players was a project filled with endless strings of fiery hoops that needed to be traversed. Did I mention I’m not so bouncy as I once was?

My right hand at QGN, Karen, has agreed to adopt more responsibility. She is smart and capable having brought her own brand of analysis and sensibility to overseeing the farm’s many needs. As I gradually step away from my traditional role Karen has filled the vacuum and will be stepping up more and more. She has proven her management skills. She also knows that I will have her back. If she needs advice – a propagation detail, the best procedure to switch from winter irrigation to the spring growing season irrigation in the two larger greenhouses, where do we place this group of plants which require afternoon shade during the growing season; whatever the question may be I’ll be there. She can contact me day and night as her personal sounding board. She may need emotional support in a trying moment. She may be faced with a number of possible paths before her but unsure of what may be the best direction I’ll point a finger. What! No, not that one. Geez, people... Welcome to QGN 2.0. I have heard this little voice in the back of my not so bouncy head whispering, “Welcome to QGN 2.uh oh.

Please note: we can neither accept over-the-telephone orders nor orders sent via email. If for security reasons you refuse to enter your credit card's numbers then click on the "pay by check" option found in the payment section of the order process. If you do so you will automatically receive a copy of your order which you may print for your records if you wish. We will be issued a copy also. This is very helpful in keeping the process moving forward. Then snail mail a check or a money order to us.at:

Quackin' Grass Nursery

16 Laurel Hill Road

Brooklyn, CT 06234

Another tricky point (let's use Phlox as the example). If the site will not allow you to add in the number of pots that you would like it is because the Phlox is nearly sold out and you will have purchased the last available plant. Also, if we determine a single lot of a species or cultivar is too small/weak for sale this lot may come available possibly in autumn; if not in an autumn shipping window then likely the following spring.

That's all for the moment. I do hope your summer is treating you well. It's ba-ack, Wayne (and Karen)