Dr. Beattie's Legacy

Dr. David Beattie was a professor of Horticulture at The Pennsylvania State University where he taught Plant Propagation for many years. Before retirement, he founded and became the Director of Penn State's Center for Green Roof Research. As a side venture, he owned and operated American Astilbes, a small perennial nursery located on Lower George's Valley Road in Potters Mills, PA. It was this nursery, American Astilbes, that he sold to us and what is now known as Young American Growers. He started American Astilbes to answer one of the most frequently asked gardening questions --- "What can I plant that will flower in the shade?" To answer this question, he developed a speciality in the propagation and selection of Astilbe and passed down what he knew to us. Dr. Beattie was not only our professor but also a friend, mentor, supporter and critic. He carefully, kindly and even sometimes (had to) forcefully lead us through our first few years of business. He passed away in the Spring of 2008 and we miss him very much. We were fortunate to have met him as his influence in our life has shaped everything that we've become. Also, Saturday mornings have never really been the same without hearing his rendition of the laugh of the guys on Car Talk!