News obit: Jesse Israel, plant-lover and founder of popular garden center, dies

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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Jesse Israel, the founder of a popular nursery and garden center in Buncombe County, has died. He was 91.

Anyone who has tended a garden or purchased plants around town over the past 40 years is probably familiar with Jesse Israel and Sons Nursery and Garden Center located at the WNC Farmer’s Market. Israel started the business after returning from World War II.

Here’s more from Israel’s obituary:

After marriage, Betty and Jesse lived on the seven-generation farm in Candler. They established Jesse Israel and Sons Nursery in 1968. There he bacame immersed in the growing of plants and the natural world. In 1982, along with David and Lonnie, he opened Jesse Israel and Sons Nursery and Garden Center at the WNC Farmers’ Market in Asheville. Jesse continued to grow plants for the Garden Center with the help of daughter, Janet. He continued growing plants until his retirement in 1996. During retirement, his homegrown vegetables were shared with any friends and relatives.

Image link for Jesse Israel and Sons.

Thanks to loyal reader AW for the heads-up on this.