Page 36 - MNLGA Free State Winter 2024_WEB

FEATURED MEMBER (Continued)
“Stanton was
more than just a
horticulturist; he was
a devoted steward
of nature, a teacher,
a mentor, and a
friend to many. His
enthusiasm for the
industry and tireless
dedication to sharing
his knowledge left a
mark on all who knew
him.”
Brett Karp
Griffin
36 WINTER 2024 • Free State News
devoted to his family. He built
his home on a one-acre plot in
Brookeville, and in 2000, he and
his wife Nancy acquired land that
would become the MacBride and Gill
Falcon Ridge Farm in Westminster.
Here, he cultivated a wide variety
of produce, often commenting
that his hands-on farming efforts
deepened his understanding of all
things agricultural. Known as “the
persimmon man” or “the apple man”
at the Olney Farmers Market, Stanton
became a well-known vendor and a
favorite among marketgoers.
The farm also became an outlet
for his creative side, adorned with
whimsical sculptures of dinosaurs,
insects, and other creatures he
crafted from plywood, metal, and
glass—each a testament to his
vibrant personality and love of life. countless professionals he inspired,
Hank Keegan, Master Gardener –
2017 and Montgomery College Class
of 2022 recalls his visits to the farm,
saying, “Visiting his farm was like
visiting the Garden of Eden. Although
I have just a small amount of
growing space, I grow almost all the
fruits Stanton taught us about. I will
always cherish his untiring passion,
expertise, and innovation.”
Stanton’s legacy is one of knowledge
shared, lives touched, and a
community enriched. “We have lost
a true lover of horticulture with an
immense knowledge base and the
gift to communicate and share his
gifts,” said Mark Dougherty.
“Stanton’s passion, energy,
and dedication to Maryland’s
Horticultural industry was
unmatched. We will never see
another Stanton Gill in our lifetime;
the mold has been broken. He will
greatly be missed by all, but his
memory will always be ingrained
in our industry.” said W. David
Thompson, Foxborough Nursery.
With Stanton’s passing, Maryland’s
horticulture community has lost an
unparalleled educator, connector,
and friend. His legacy lives on in the
the communities he united, and the
family he loved.
In his honor, the family is establishing
a scholarship for the Montgomery
College Environmental Horticulture
Program. Contributions can be made
at www.montgomerycollege.edu/
donate, selecting “Give to where the
need is greatest” and noting that the
gift is in memory of Stanton Gill. A
Photo credit: Sam Levitan