The first Sam Stokes began the first nursery in forest Hill in 1902. Over the past 120 years, much has changed in our world. The nursery business innovations have changed from steaming soil to automated timers and planters. The first Sam could not imagine a world where his great-great-great granddaughter left a 17-year career to take photos, post on Facebook, and pay bills on the internet. 

I would like to think he could imagine the blog, though. One thing has always been abundantly clear to me about my family. We value memory. There are more old photos in my house of people I cannot identify than I can could. But my people had a camera, and they used it. I’ve listened to many a lecture, whether it’s about something in the industry, the history of the area, or a James Michener book. I’ve looked at the little marvels left on the property over the past century- perfectly cut levees to control the water flow that even the fancy laser can’t argue with.

I don’t have a memory that isn’t somehow tied to this homestead or this nursery. I remember the hot soil after it was steamed. I remember sowing cucumber seeds for my grandparents. I remember their old money box when I use our portable credit card terminal. I remember that customers could see their wash line from the driveway. I remember that between my Dad and Pappy, they were “the book”, though the shelves were also full. I remember the way my MawMaw engaged every customer while Pappy sat back with the one-liners. I remember when they sold their last plants. 

I remember when my parents opened the retail part of Sam Stokes Nursery. I remember the day when we realized it was a different animal that we anticipated. I remember being massively pregnant, and Michael telling Dad that he wanted to come home- whatever that meant. I remember when Mom and Dad said “Take it, and keep it going.” Because they remembered Pappy saying, “I want someone here growing plants.” I remember the day when I realized that I could love my job, but they didn’t love me back. I remembered that there was a job at home too, where they did.