The Pacific Northwest Horticultural Conservancy, formed last year with the goal of purchasing and preserving the Heronswood gardens here in Kingston, has exceeded their primary fund-raising goal. The group sought $25,000 in private donations to match a challenge grant by an anonymous donor, administered through a “Friends of the Pacific Northwest Horticultural Conservancy Fund” established by the Kitsap Community Foundation. Fund-raising efforts surpassed this figure, raising $32,000 by the Dec. 31, 2006 deadline, according to PNHC chairwoman Lee Neff, which – with the matching funds – brings its capital to $57,000.

A volunteer organization composed of plant enthusiasts from many backgrounds, PNHC is dedicated to maintaining the world-class Heronswood gardens as a community-based, self-sustaining research and education site. The group is now concentrating on raising further acquisition funding, as well as creating a $2 million endowment for ongoing maintenance.

In late January, PNHC board members will travel to Pennsylvania to meet with Burpee president, George Ball. One topic under discussion will no doubt be Burpee’s asking price of $9.9 million for the gardens and 15-acre property.

The abrupt closing of Heronswood Nursery and its subsequent move to Pennsylvania last May by owner, W. Atlas Burpee & Co. rocked the horticultural community. The gardens and nursery were created 19 years ago by botanist and plant hunter, Dan Hinkley and architect, Robert Jones. Holding approximately 10,000 plant species, many rare, the high-profile gardens are considered by many to be a national treasure.

Pacific Northwest Horticultural Conservancy is a charitable organization dedicated to preserving the unique plant collection of the former Heronswood site. For more information or to donate, visit the PNHC Web site at www.weloveplants.org. Individuals and garden clubs from the Kitsap Peninsula are encouraged to contact the board of directors at info@pnhc.org or P.O. Box 1575 Kingston, 98346.