The Man with the Green Arm

Of the many themes that endure from generation to generation in the de Büren family, love of the natural world is an important one. While my family were large land owners for many generations, the scholarly study of the natural world started in earnest with Baron Albert de Büren. He studied botany at Thaer's school of agriculture near Berlin in the early 19th century. His son Henri, would follow in his footsteps and also study botany at the same school in Prussia. This love and knowledge of the natural world would be passed down from father to son, and so it is no surprise that my father is so talented when it comes to horticulture. The label of "Green Thumb" does not do him justice.

As a boy I was less enthused about his zeal for flowers and trees as my job was seemly only to haul clippings to the curb. Over time however, I to have developed my own love for nature, and I appreciate how hard he has worked to turn the barren rocky soil around our family home into a lush eden. As spring is my favorite time of year, and when I believe the garden is at its most stunning, I wanted to share some images with you here. Enjoy.