Dear Friends,
What’s going on, you may well ask, with this new name, this ‘Summersweet’ business? Is it still Perennial Pleasures? Is Rachel still there? Yes! I am still here, and intend to be for a good while yet, and there have been no substantive changes to the operation. Only the name has changed!
Why? It has been 45 years since, at age 22, I started this nursery, specifically to grow heirloom flowers. The name Perennial Pleasures Nursery was a perfect homage for this focus, and I love what has been built under that banner. I still adore the old plants and herbs, and their histories, but over the years my interests have evolved. Like a lot of people, the year of 2020 gave me time and cause for introspection and reexamination. Having this quiet time has brought focus on how this business can be even more true to my goals. My interests and concerns now direct more and more towards supporting the natural environment. Refreshing the business name signals my fresh enthusiasm and commitment for the work ahead. We are growing more native plants, spreading the word about how to support insect and birdlife through plantings and practices, and trying to run the entire business with greater ecological care. To reflect this shift, I have chosen the name Summersweet, the name of a fine native shrub, and one of my late father’s favorites. And in Vermont, as we all know, summer truly is the sweetest season. I intend this nursery to be a place where information and delight is shared, where education happens and, of course, where one can obtain beautiful plants.
Come and see us this year, and spend a pleasant day! Sincerely, Rachel
PS: Our new website is www.summersweetgardens.com
The new general email is sales@summersweetgardens.com