After graduating from Temple University with a degree in Ornamental Horticulture, I was faced with the same questions most college graduates face, “what do I do now?”. I accepted a position with W. Atlee Burpee, in Buck County, Pennsylvania in the Research and Product Development department. After six years, I was heavily involved with PR and private consulting, and left Burpee to pursue other opportunities. Farthest from my mind was returning to Burpee five years later as the Brand and Product Manager for their Heronswood Nursery division dealing strictly with perennials.

I have been involved with the Garden Writers of America as a Freelance Writer and Photographer for over 7 years, being afforded the opportunity to appear on Good Morning America, You Bet Your Garden with Mike McGrath, Garden Journeys among others as an independent horticultural expert.

Half the battle of garden photography is finding worthwhile garden and floral scenes to capture. Luckily, the Philadelphia region has some of the best public and private gardens anywhere in the world. That fact alone has made being a Garden Photographer much easier.

Quite obviously I have find great comfort in the garden, but more recently the “harvest” from the garden. One of my consulting positions peaked my interest in Enology and Viticulture which eventually led to an interest in Pomology and brewing of pome fruit based alcoholic beverages.

I am currently studying the use of Asiama triloba grafted cultivars as a commercial fruit production crop in the Eastern United States. If you are unfamiliar with the issues surrounding cultivation and fresh market harvest, please refer to the University of Kentucky Fruit Research Department which is the only University conducting studies on any significant level. More information on my studies will be available on BlackDogNursery.com, a speciality fruit production nursery.

~Colby