Native Plant Fran

Fran Chismar, the self-proclaimed Sultan of Sales at Pinelands Nursery, is a walking encyclopedia of native plants with a knack for turning every conversation into a plant lecture—whether you asked for it or not. With 35 years in the nursery industry, Fran’s passion for native plants is matched only by his love for talking about them, often to anyone (or anything) within earshot. Fran's social skills might be a bit like an overgrown garden—wild and unpredictable—but his expertise is meticulously cultivated. Whether he's discussing the latest native plant trends or interviewing one of his heroes in the field of ecology, Fran's exuberance and humor make him a memorable character in every field he touches.