Native Son: Goodbye

Dear Neil,

Been thinking about this letter for a long time … still, my words seem as evasive as dragonflies.

First and foremost, thank you. Thank you for the opportunities, the wise counsel, and your friendship. Thank you for the garden show, a few TV spots, the home landscaping school, and publishing my articles. And thank you for not publishing a few articles.

Thank you for the excuse (“I gotta write e-gardens! Ahhh!!!) to travel around the Lone Star State and meet home gardeners, Texas Master Gardeners, and other crazy people. You and they have led me on a most amazing journey for the last 27 years.

But now I am embarking on a new journey … to Oregon, no less. Drove by a lovely home in a little town southwest of Portland … wedged into a grove of 140+ foot-tall trees. I lost my mind, signed on the line … and still feel fine … so I am a-packin’ away today!

Peace & Love,
Steven

PS— Don’t worry, I will send you photos of what Hostas are actually supposed to look like.

About Steven
Steven Chamblee is a regular contributor to Neil Sperry’s e-gardens newsletter. Steven can be reached at stevenchamblee@yahoo.com.

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P.S. from Neil…
Dear Steven,
I can’t say that this comes as a surprise, because you and Patti shared your dreams with us several weeks ago. I know she grew up in Oregon, and having visited that beautiful state on several occasions, I know how it tugs at a horticulturist’s heart. You are the best.

To my readers…
Steven has been like a brother to me for those many years. He’s one of the finest plant men I’ve known here in Texas, and there have been dozens of times that I’ve asked his wise help in identifying Texas natives. The guy stole Patti right out of my office, but I have to say it has been heart-warming to see their relationship blossom into marriage. They are two wonderful friends.

My closing comment should come as a relief to Steven’s Texas-based fan club (including me): Hopefully you saw that last line that he…”is a regular contributor to Neil Sperry’s e-gardens newsletter.”

He’ll be back!

Just a few parting photos from Steven. All taken at Chandor Gardens.