About me

When I was young,I had a dream of seeing the entire USA. I figured out that if I became an over-the-road driver, I could get paid while traveling. What started as a free tour became a way of life.

As an owner-operator, I drove throughout the lower 48 and occasionally into Canada. The scenery was spectacular. I saw the desert in bloom, the grass-lands of the high plains, and the gardens of Main Street. Moss-covered trees and rocks made their impression even at 55 mph. I was always taking mental pictures for a future garden.

After more than twenty years on the road, I was ready to retire from trucking. I didn’t have a clear idea of what I wanted to do next, except to get used to being stationary. We bought a new house and I ‘planted’ myself at home.

Soon after—to get me out of the house—my wife suggested I join the local Master Gardener program. That was just what I needed to recapture my images from the road.

I’ve gardened in Zones 6b and 5b, so this new setting in 7a offered a milder climate, but also came with dry sandy soil. And when we bought the new house, I didn’t factor in the 50 very tall, deciduous trees—lots of shade, not to mention the leaves!

That first year I learned from trial and error how to adjust to the new environment. I went on to work as a plant specialist at a garden center.

I’m now a state Certified Nursery Professional, answering gardeners’ questions every day. I enjoy helping people create the beautiful gardens they envision.

You most likely have some shady area that would be enhanced by shade plants, shade perennials and shrubs. I hope you enjoy easy shade gardening as much as I do.

Robert Heiner

PS, One more thing before I go. I love to share things I find interesting with my friends. Take a look at this I think it's exciting!







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