Jim Schmidt: 1946 - 2009
A devoted family man and authority in the nursery industry, Jim Schmidt passed away unexpectedly on December 30th, 2009. He leaves behind his wife, Linda, his daughter, Linsey, and his son, Eric, who continues to expand upon the legacy of Japanese Maples that Jim built in his almost 40 years in the business.
Don Schmidt Nursery is located on 200 acres in Boring, Oregon and has been family owned and operated since 1939. We specialize in Japanese Maples, Dogwood and Flowering Cherry varieties. Our stock is grown on a six-to-ten-year growth cycle from seedlings or by grafting, and is cultivated using dry land farming techniques to produce a plant capable of withstanding higher levels of environmental stress.
Dry land farming is a system of farming where the hardiness and vigor of the tree is enhanced using sustainable farming practices. Fields are cultivated every eight to ten days to break up soil and allow moisture to wick up to the plant roots. Hard trimming of the plant then pushes top growth, which in turn stimulates root growth. The absence of additional water retards weeds and limits the amount of herbicide necessary for quality maintenance. This also reduces insect and disease pressures on the plant, and allows us to reduce chemical dependence.
This sustainable farming method allows the plant to grow at its natural rate and to go dormant at the appropriate time ensuring a hardier plant. Selective trimming is used to improve plant structure as the overall appearance of the tree is a priority for Don Schmidt Nursery.
All plants are hand-balled in burlap by experienced professionals to ensure a quality package ready to sell to the end customer. Hand digging allows for more trees per shipment, reducing freight costs.
We at Don Schmidt Nursery appreciate your business and look forward to serving you in the future. Please check out our tremendous selection of Japanese Maples and Dogwoods. Tours of the nursery are available Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Spring and early fall are the best times to experience the full spectrum of the foliage and structures.
Tours can be scheduled by calling 503-668-4659.
