Page 10 - Free State Winter 2022 - Website Version

THIS BUSINESS OF OURS (Continued)

worked out okay in the end,
but it was less fun at times.
Susan, John’s daughter is
now working with Terry and
are making changes and
doing things. I had already
seen more field planting
than before, and more
container area brought in
to production. Last week,
when I was there, Terry was
showing me their used poly
houses they had bought
and installed. He was
excited. He firmly said the
houses would be used only
for winter potting of liners
and stepping up container
material. As I have long
Above: Halifax Garden Gazebo
Left: Harbor
Below: European Weeping Beech Damage

Bambi barrier

been a proponent of winter potting, I was both impressed
and glad. They may hit some rough spots, but I am sure
they have a good future ahead.
Another transition that is occurring is at Brusca Nursery
near Sudlersville, MD. This sadly is occurring from a
tragedy. Richard Brusca was killed in an accident leaving
his daughter Lisa to take over completely. She was
already involved in the day-to-day operation both in the
office and the sales yard. It’s possible for a man or woman
to run a nursery the size of that by themselves. But it could
be a really stressful, too. She also got help for the field and
container end of the business. Lisa had envisioned some
of the changes being made there in the container portion
and sales area of the operation in advance of Richard’s
death. She said to me, “It was time to make some
changes, you always need to look ahead.” What changes
she has made have been practical and well thought out.
In conclusion, if you have younger family members in your
operation, is it ever too early to start the process toward

10 WINTER 2022 • Free State News