FSA’s annual winterberry sale is fruitful in more ways than one. A solid history and a cooperative effort combine to ensure its success. The story begins in the 1950’s, with Secrest Curator Ollie Diller’s passion for winterberry hollies and the resulting Secrest winterberry collection. In late fall and winter the berry branches lit up the landscape, and were cut and enjoyed in the arboretum. In the early 2000’s Secrest Operations Manager Joe Cochran saw an economic opportunity in Secrest’s extensive winterberry beds and an annual fundraiser was born, growing into a thriving seasonal endeavor. Over the years less desirable cultivars have been culled—those that are more susceptible to disease and whose color doesn’t meet a true-red standard. In today’s Secrest winterberry beds, Winter Red and Cacapon are the primary cultivars. They grow fast and are durable, holding their large berries over time—important for production and customer satisfaction.
What goes into that bag of beautiful winterberry branches? Secrest maintains the half acre of winterberry plants, irrigating new plants, controlling weeds, and pruning as needed. The plants are large, 6-8’ by 6-8’, and are grown in rows spaced 9 feet apart for good air circulation and ease of care and harvest. In late November the Secrest staff harvests the branches and FSA members and Master Gardeners arrive to weigh and bag them. (The branches are sold in two-pound bundles.) Meanwhile, customers, both retail and wholesale, have placed their orders. The arboretum nursery is a busy spot on pickup day, and within a few short hours the annual harvest of winterberry is in the hands of happy customers, with visions of wreaths and swags and urns and….
Watch for the Secrest winterberry and mixed greens order forms in your email inbox in mid-October.
–Karen Edginton, Master Gardener Volunteer