Jack started influencing my career from its beginning, when first visiting Hidden Lake Gardens along with other MSU Campus Park and Planning staff in the late 1970s. Being fresh out of school and having no real work experience, Jack’s welcoming and respectful demeanor made every trip to HLG a special event. While making me feel important, his kindness disguised a pouring of information into my head. Technical plant data, recipes for artful expression, and techniques on how to professionally engage with others seeped into me without knowing. Although one of my most impactful mentors, he is more appreciated as a friend.
Jack’s artful talent goes far beyond bonsai. His pruning of any plant always results in an expression of how nature would want it done. Chub Harper described it best when he saw a need for a conifer in his collection to be pruned – he wanted it “Wikleized”. And who else can create a peaceful view by simply rotating a rock to rest in its most comfortable position? When given several rocks to arrange, the results are stunning.
Jack apparently learned the magic of simplicity long before I knew him and applied it to his work and lifestyle. This is clear in his bonsai collection, which will be internationally appreciated by future generations for many years to come. Yet, his teaching style is so simplistic, learning just happens by being around him. I’m grateful to be among the crowd who benefited from him in this way. Happy birthday, Jack!!
Sam Lovall, Landscape Architect