My first blog. I have been convinced that writing a regular blog is worthwhile to the tropical/exotic plant trade, Stokes Tropicals and myself. So I’m willing to embark on this adventure into blogging. First a little bit about me, a little bit about Stokes Tropicals. And a little bit about what can be expected in future.
I am a 3rd generation plant geek. My grandfather Sam Stokes started the first plant nursery in Louisiana in the early 1900’s in Lecompte, La. I have one of his early plant catalogs which I will share offerings (and prices) surprise, surprise, with you in future. My father and several uncles were also in the nursery business. My daughter, son and grandchildren are now involved to varying degrees in nursery business. So that adds up to 5 generations. I think. Enough on this subject for now – it’s obvious plants are in our blood.
I grew up and worked in the nursery business and later became a landscape contractor and always had a special love for exotic, tropical, and strange plants that I had never seen or heard of before. This attraction led me to form Stokes Tropicals in 1995 because there were no color picture catalogs, no detailed descriptions, and very few common names for these wonderful plants. And there was no mention of these plants on the web, which was in its infancy. So one thing led to another. I put together a small full-color catalog with good descriptions and common names that one could pronounce and spell as opposed to the Latin/Greek tongue twisted scientific names. Then I started a website and got on the internet. Both catalog and website were enthusiastically received. So both marketing channels have been expanded and our print catalogs and website have been met with great reviews and nice acclaim, which I humbly appreciate. I have tried to promote tropical, exotic, rare plants and plants in general. Much more can be and is being done, and I eagerly look forward to the future of a greener, better, more educated, more discerning plant world.
Lastly my future blogs will be posted irregularly weekly or biweekly between travels, photo ventures, garden visits and tours, nursery business, lectures, conventions, and personal gardening. I look forward to the ride with trepidation and enthusiasm. I will keep pushing the envelope and keep looking for new and better tropicals.