Forrest Keeling Nursery is more than a nursery. Our team has devoted the past seven decades to better learn ways our natural environment works and how to best support and protect it. In fact, our vision is reflected in our corporate mission statement: ‘restoring earth’s ecosystems one tree at a time’.
Our dedication to this mission is reflected in our emphasis on production of native species and our dedication to sustainability in every aspect of our plant production.
We specialize in native plants and offer over 250 different species of native trees and shrubs, and more than 100 species of native perennials and grasses. Our passion for native plants began in the aftermath of the devastating freeze of ’91 and floods of ’93.
We saw that it was the native plant species that survived, both in our nursery stock and those left in the wild by receding waters. Those native plants are also known to retain soil with their deep roots and nurture wildlife with their fruit, nectar and cover. Native plants and their positive impact on the environment became the foundation for the evolution of Forrest Keeling Nursery to a champion for conservation, restoration and agroforestry.
Yes. Much more than a nursery.
Commitment to our mission is also clear in each step of our patented 12-step RPM production process. We begin with careful collection and propagation of regionally sourced seed, and then propagate that seed in our unique soil medium rich with 21 species of mycorrhizae plus diverse microorganisms. Next, our RPM plants go through prime seedling selection, root pruning and receive a final dose of one-year’s slow-release fertilizer before shipping. Each step ensures your RPM plants are extra special and destined to grow stronger, healthier and up to two times faster than traditionally produced plants.
Equally important, our special soil media carried with each RPM-produced plant was found to improve its planting site’s soil for water and nutrient absorption and overall vitality going forward. Healthy soil nurtures the correct balance of native woodies and perennials, which in turn supports a diverse and appropriate hierarchy of microorganisms, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.
When you plant Forrest Keeling’s RPM-produced plants, you join us in restoring earth’s ecosystems one tree at a time’.
For more information please visit www.ForrestKeeling.com or come on out to see us at 88 Forrest Keeling Lane, Elsberry, MO. You give us a call to at 800-FKN-2401.