June 18, 2008

Hopkinton, MA --Throughout its 86 year history, Weston Nurseries has hybridized and introduced many plants to the horticultural world and is best known for the introduction of many rhododendrons and azaleas, most notably the now world-renown Rhododendron 'PJM'. The nursery is also a pioneer in the development of summer flowering azaleas. Dating back to the 1940's, Ed Mezitt used these later-flowering plants in the Weston Nurseries breeding program. Fourteen summer flowering azaleas are registered with the American Rhododendron Society. Wayne and Peter Mezitt, 3rd and 4th generation members of this family-owned business, announce that one of the remaining unregistered azaleas introduced by Weston Nurseries will be named for Henry Schmidt, long-time horticulturist and Weston Nurseries employee.

A presentation to recognize this event will be held at the Weston Nurseries Garden Center on June 19, 2008 (details below).

Azalea description: Azalea 'Henry's Triumph'
This unique and spectacular Plum-leaf Azalea, a selection of the summer flowering prunifolium species, has been renamed for Henry Schmidt in recognition of his 40+ years of service at Weston Nurseries. Formerly called "Pink with Orange Eye", 'Henry's Triumph' is the latest to bloom each year of the Weston Summer Azaleas, flowering consistently in mid to late July in Hopkinton. Selected in the 1970's by Ed and Wayne Mezitt, this plant has been tested, propagated and grown for decades and proven to be a superior garden shrub for this region.

Clusters of pink flowers, each with a distinct orange eye cover the entire plant every July. Equally at home in full or part sun, 'Henry's Triumph' matures at 8 feet high and 5 feet wide after 15 years. Its dark green rounded leaves are pest-resistant, maintaining an attractive appearance all summer. Like the species it is entirely deciduous, dropping all foliage after hard freezes, and winter hardy to Zone 3. Except for its branch structure and buds, the plant visually disappears in the winter landscape, allowing background plants to be seen. This is an outstanding choice for adding summer color to any garden in New England.

Henry Schmidt biography:
Henry Schmidt has been an indispensable fixture at Weston Nurseries of Hopkinton for over 40 years. After graduating from the design and ornamental horticulture program at the University of Massachusetts in 1962, Henry initially honed his floral design skills at Bartlett Greenhouses in Sudbury, Ma. His employment at Weston Nurseries began in January 1966. Over time he was introduced to every aspect of the nursery business, including propagation, growing, harvesting, field maintenance, and ultimately, design and sales. He has been a key member of the Garden Center staff in a variety of roles spanning four generations of this family-owned business. He continues to be a leader in sales on a very talented, creative staff.

In addition, Henry now shares his knowledge and experience in greenhouse, floral, and landscape design as an instructor in the adult education programs at several area vocational high schools. Over the years he has worked on the major flower shows in Boston and Worcester, both as an exhibitor and a judge. He has planned and executed elaborate perennial gardens for private clients throughout New England. He has also been involved with a catering business, partnered in a florist shop, and his creativity is in great demand for weddings and other social events.

In his spare time Henry enjoys travel, the outdoors, and both cooking and fine dinning. His recipe for success and happiness - "love what you do, but continue to learn, evolve, and adapt."

Presentation:
Thursday, June 19, 2008
7:00 pm
Weston Nurseries Garden Center
93 East Main Street
Hopkinton, MA 01748

Media contact:
Wayne Mezitt
508-293-8014
waynem@WestonNurseries.com