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About Cool Conifers
Cool Conifers is inspired both by
our passion for growing and collecting rare conifers and our desire to share
them with you. We pride ourselves on selling plants you can't find at your local
big box retailer or garden center. If you truly want something special in your
garden, you've certainly come to the right place. We love conifers for the way
they add year-round beauty with their diversity and vibrant colors. Plus, many
are slow growing and require little maintenance.
About Us
Our family business began in the 1930's when Phil's father started a produce
business. That business quickly expanded to include the sale of flowers, the
establishment of a nursery stock, and landscaping services. In the 1960's the
business started using rare plants in landscapes and in the 1970's started a
nursery to grow these plants. As the business grew, a larger farm was purchased
in the 1980's to expand the stock for customers. This current nursery is nestled
in the beautiful Musconetcong river valley where our trees are continually
nurtured by its fertile soil. Our family has enjoyed living here, on River
Valley Nursery, for the past 15 years. We appreciate the beauty of this place as
we care for these plants.
Phil began working for the family
business when he was 12. As the business developed, he mastered the art of
landscape design and grew in his adoration for the practical beauty these rare
plants add to landscapes. Phil has earned several awards for his expert skill in
landscaping and agriculture. He is a three-time winner of the Governor's Trophy
for displays featured at the New Jersey Flower and Garden Show. Numerous times,
he has been awarded the People's Choice Award at this same event. Moreover, he
has recently been honored with an award from the Soil and Water Conservation of
NJ. With his knowledge of Alpine gardening, Phil wants to share the benefits of
placing slow growing, low maintenance plants with other gardeners like you.
Our Family
Phil and Rhonda Bellon have been married for over 30 years and are new
grandparents! They moved the family to the Musconetcong Valley 15 years ago to
manage the nursery. They have three grown children: Bryan, Erica and David.
Bryan is a graduate of Temple University with a major in film. He presently
manages the nursery and is the photographer for this website. David is currently
working on a BA in Chemistry at Rutgers University. He spends many weekends and
summer days working on the nursery. Erica is a graduate of East Stroudsburg
University and presently works as a registered nurse. She is married and has 1
child.
Our family also includes three hard working dogs. Jake is a yellow lab who works
in the fields and thinks he acts as a supervisor. Lindty, a chocolate lab, is
known for her cheerful spirit and loyal character. Mini, our Jack Russell, is
more independent. She sets off to do her own work exploring holes and darting
under plants. All of these dogs spend their time as fellow field workers and put
in many long, hard hours.
