One of the most influential individuals in this region departed from the horticultural world last Saturday. John Trexler was the Founding Executive Director of Worcester Horticultural Society’s Tower Hill Botanic Garden. Joining the Society at age 33, John led the way on creating THBG’s 50-Year Master Plan and was instrumental in developing the relationships that helped fund the first 30 years of its growth. John’s passion for nature and uncommon candor in connecting people sharing similar interests were unsurpassed. His personal characteristics, combined with his horticultural knowledge and dedicated vision, enabled him to successfully oversee the transformation of a barren, hilltop Boylston farm into one of the most remarkable horticultural showplaces in New England.
John retired from THBG in 2012, serving nearly 28 years. At that time the Worcester Telegram & Gazette published an album of photos depicting his rewarding career with fascinating insights into his accomplishments.
I, along with many others, will genuinely miss John’s wry wit, charm, tenacity and forthright approach to life, providing insights about why horticulture is such a key factor in helping all of us appreciate what’s truly important in our daily lives.
Wayne Mezitt is a 3rd generation nurseryman, a Massachusetts Certified Horticulturist, now chairman of Weston Nurseries of Hopkinton, Chelmsford & Hingham MA, and owner of “Hort-Sense”, a horticultural advisory business. He currently serves in various capacities on several horticulturally-related organizations, including the Massachusetts Horticultural Society at The Gardens at Elm Bank in Wellesley MA, and chairman for the Massachusetts Invasive Plant Advisory Group (MIPAG).
