Who we are, what we do

From an early age our trees are grown with careful consideration given to their structure. Each tree, whether a dwarf maple, a dissectum, receives the care needed to fully express its nature. We stake, prune and fertilize to encourage a character of maturity in a smaller tree. We have a diverse inventory of the maples and we are constantly seeking out the newest additions to the maple world worthy of introduction. The maples are my true passion and the best of trees for the small garden. The conifers and flowering deciduous trees are an expanding inventory. We are excited to offer these as another facet to the small garden and continue to research and add new cultivars as they become available.

One of the joys of gardening is creating the entire picture and then watching as it grows and the mature garden emerges. Where the trees are called the bones of the garden, the companion plants fill out and compliment them throughout the year. We are offering a collection of plants carefully selected to add seasonal interest to the small garden and container. We will provide suggested plantings that we enjoy, however; I encourage you to create your own garden knowing all of the plants offered here are small to maintain proportion in your garden, non-invasive and culturally suited to fit into your container or small garden.

Essence of the tree is born of a love of the trees and a life committed to gardening. From 1981 to 1999 I worked in landscaping in Northern California and Northeastern Florida and enjoyed the incredible creative opportunities that come from this business. These years were spent learning the diverse palette the plants provide, their association with one another, both culturally and aesthetically, and our relationship with them in our living spaces.

In 1999 I purchased a beautiful piece of land in Potter Valley, California and joined the family business, Mountain Maples. As the grower at the nursery, I was able to work with one of the largest collections of Japanese Maples in production; I fell in love with the trees. After my mother’s death in October 2006 I ran Mountain Maples for nine months until my mother’s husband, Don, was ready to take over. This is when Essence of the tree was born.

I am committed to continuing the work I began with my mother, Nancy Fiers. She continues to provide me with guidance and inspiration. Researching new introductions to the maple world as well as maintaining the integrity of the names through a comprehensive knowledge of the cultivars is our primary work. We will continue to expand our understanding of the cultural needs of the trees and the unique characteristics of the cultivars sharing the knowledge with the gardening community.

Will Emerson is the brilliant, patient webmaster who created the website as we see it now. Will and my mother, Nancy Fiers created the original website for Mountain Maples with the first “tree finder”. He and I began working closely together in 2006 when my mother passed away. The skill, vision and commitment that Will brought to this project have been vital to the creation of Essence of the tree. In addition to the ease of use and depth of resources made available by Will’s extensive programming skills, many of the beautiful photographs you see on the website were taken by Will.

Joining us in 2006, Debbie Coe brought her incredible skills as an office manager. Debbie has all the passion for the trees, a strong background in gardening (ask her about her garden!) as well as agricultural experience in the wine industry. Her work in the preparation of the web site has been invaluable. From her work with the photographs, the inventory and all the pieces that together form the web site; we could not have brought this to you without her help. Debbie and I are shoulder to shoulder in the office. When you call either Debbie or I will be available to answer your questions.

Kimber Selvidge showed up ready to work and has been vital to the health and development of all the plants. Without her rescue efforts prior to the hard freeze in April we would have no inventory. She is a committed gardener and you will see her at our shows as well as benefit from her skill in the nursery with the trees.

Kim Lyly, a self proclaimed maple-nut and dear friend, has been working with the maples since 2004. Her knowledge of the perennials has helped us to choose the companions plants for the trees. She has taught us about propagation of the perinneals and as the manager of the nursery at Mendocino Community College will be providing us with rooted cuttings of maples for Bonsai.

The community of Potter Valley and the Maple community as well have been an incredible support and we wouldn’t be here without them. Barbara, an incredible businesswoman and great friend who listened to all of my questions and ideas and told me I already had the answers. Sal, whose passion for the trees and belief in my work left no room for doubt. Trish, whose understanding of grief, as well as bookkeeping, made it possible for me to carry on with my work. Jan and Kevin, the best growers of Japanese Maples in the industry, providing inspiration and priceless friends. My husband, Michael, who during the snowstorm that collapsed the shade houses put on his snow gear and told me there was work to be done, my comfort and strength during these trials.

The trees have become my passion, my comfort and my inspiration. After many years of working with the trees I find myself focusing on the individual, each tree being a perfect expression of its nature. The trees in my outdoor living spaces are my most intimate. They live in containers on my patio and I find myself enjoying the seasonal transitions on a daily basis. From the quiet stillness of dormancy to the subtle stirrings of early spring and on through the year they have become companions to me. I look forward to the opportunity to bring the trees to you and hope they will enrich your life as they have mine.