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Referred to as “the Indiana Jones of seeds” by The New York Times Magazine, Jere Gettle began traveling the world as a young man, collecting seeds of rare fruits and vegetables.

His work led him to establish the Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company he runs with his wife Emilee in Mansfield, Mo.

Because the two have a passion for cultivating fruits and vegetables and collecting rare seeds, they decided share their knowledge in The Heirloom Life Gardener, a book they wrote with Meghan Sutherland.

Landscaper strong on faith

Big trees mark each month

Rare seed collectors share advice on growing heirlooms

Raw gourds

(Photo courtesy of the Virginia Lovers’ Gourd Society)

Edwin Edler, 45, enjoys helping others inspired by his faith and lawn-care business.

Several years ago, Edler had a successful career as a nuclear electrician. But a motorcycle accident in 2005 left the Virginia. native a paraplegic.

Edwin Edler

Limbs stretched out like octopus tentacles, an old Bur Oak tree stands along the edge of a country road in Boone, Mo.

This Midwestern tree holds the title “co-champion,” largest of its species, on the National Register of Big Trees.

Bur Oak in Boone, Mo. (Photo courtesy of The Davey Tree Expert Company).

Gail Ratliffe planted a few gourd seeds several years ago.

Now, Ratliffe creates artwork using raw gourds and  joined the Virginia Gourd Festival

The Virginia Gourd Festival is an annual event with crafts and gourd enthusiasts.

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Festival exhibits gourd art

The Heirloom Life Gardener is available at most major retail bookstores (Cover photo courtesy of Jere and Emilee Gettle).