When the Roadside Development program was initiated in Colorado, both Mr. Vail, the Highway engineer, and I, as landscape engineer, wanted Ray to take an active part as foreman and supervisor on the new jobs; a man was needed here who was familiar with nursery stock, including native plants, who could read blueprints with full understanding of what was planned, and who could deal with the public in many ways. Highway engineers are not always familiar with plants and their requirements. People adjoining roadside projects could not always see why they should cooperate in giving easements. Nursery contractors needed to be shown that the State Highways wanted to be fair and live up to specifications.
The new landscape supervisor soon showed that he could make friends with all, and gain their respect and understanding.
At times he had to carry out certain plans and specifications with his own crew. I remember one particular job in which he superintended the collecting, balling and burlapping of over a hundred rather large ponderosa pines in the midst of winter. They were planted just north of the Blakeland underpass: only one or two failed to survive the difficult ordeal. To this day they bear witness to his skill and know-how.
After the roadside program was discontinued, due to the war, Mr. Miller was wanted at various jobs where his skills, horticultural knowledge, and his enormous capacity for work were needed.
Not until recently was he willing to concede that a man approaching eighty ought not to attempt the physical labors of a younger man. Even then, he went on an arduous fishing trip after being an octogenarian!
To many of us, interested in horticulture, Ray Miller represents a symbol. If only we could train a hundred men in his attitude and pass on to them his knowledge of practical plant methods, we’d feel safer about the future of horticulture in the Rocky Mountain region. He has made a place in Denver and Colorado for himself, that will survive, and that will serve as an inspiration for all of us who strive for the best in horticulture.
COLORADO GARDEN SHOW
APRIL 1-10-14
DENVER COLISEUM
Preliminary plans and drawings for the Spring Garden Show have been accepted by the Show committee. From the preview of these plans it is easy to see that the residents of this area are in for a garden extravaganza second to none. The committee has accomplished the basic ground work for this spectacular show and is now ready to proceed with the additional planning and staging necessary to make it a reality in April.
Mrs. Nickels and Mrs. Honnen discuss plans on how the Garden Show will be arranged in the scale model of the Denver Coliseum.