Bluebird Nursery Recognized for Impact

CLARKSON—Bluebird Nursery, Inc. received an award from the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum at a reception December 6 in Lincoln. The President’s Citation recognizes outstanding contributions toward horticulture and impact both regionally and nationally.

Arboretum Board President Nance Harris said it’s hard to fully estimate the impact the nursery has had. The family-owned business was started in 1958 by Harlan and Shirley Hamernik and is now run by sons Tom, Chuck and Mike. It’s a major source of employment in its hometown of Clarkson and the surrounding region. Their wholesale division has shipped millions of perennials, herbs, grasses and wildflowers to garden centers, landscapers, mail order firms, botanic gardens, parks and zoos throughout the U.S. and Canada.

“Horticulture in the state wouldn’t be the same without their amazingly diverse plant selection and the education and inspiration they have provided to generations of gardeners and gardens,” Harris said. “This award recognizes the huge impact the business has had and the “plants and beauty they’ve added to our gardens.”

For more information about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum and other awards and projects visit plantnebraska.org.