BRATTLEBORO — John Miller from the Old Schoolhouse Plantery passed away a couple of weeks ago.
John was one of the gems of the Brattleboro Farmers' Market!
Though he grew extraordinary exotic plants for homes, I interacted with him primarily around his vegetables, which were also extraordinary.
If you never had the opportunity to eat vegetables John grew, I'm sorry for you. They had such amazing flavor! He used to say it was his soil that gave them the flavor, but I think it was equally the love and enthusiasm he invested in growing them that made them so delicious.
It would take me a whole page to address the many unusual and delicious varieties of everyday vegetables that John knew about and grew, from “gaulic collards” to Bolivian cucumbers to yacón. (I think he is singlehandedly responsible for introducing yacón to Brattleboro gardeners.)
It was astonishing that one man could have so many different magnificent vegetables! There seemed to be dozens of them, each one unique and special and each one with a sign detailing where it came from, what was special about it, and how it was better than the common version - and it was!
The flavor of his romanesco surpassed any I've ever eaten. And in the winter market, he sold “kalettes,” which were halfway between purple kale and a brussels sprout. They were amazing!
At the time I met John, I was just beginning a garden on leaded soil in downtown Brattleboro. John introduced me to hügelkultur and celebrated with me the huge explosion of life it eventually became.
We used to get into “Vermont arguments,” where I felt he had undercharged me and he insisted I had paid him too much. One time he even brought a wooden nickel to the winter market that he said I had dropped at his stand at the summer market!
I will remember his vast knowledge and enthusiasm for plants and growing, especially his love for South American plants. I will remember his generosity, his willingness to share his knowledge and experience, and especially the fabulous taste of his creations.
Dear John, thank you for being an example of a full human being living a robust life. You seem to me to be someone who would fit right into heaven! May your experience there be as delicious as you delivered!