by Jeanne Malmgren
Some of you may know Craig Huegel, a legendary name in Florida native plants. He’s the author of many gardening and landscaping books, all focusing on native plants. In cooperation with the Florida Native Plant Society, he published definitive guides to native shrubs, trees, and groundcovers in the Sunshine State. For many years he managed a green jewel of a preserve within Florida’s most urban county, and now serves as director of the University of South Florida Botanical Gardens. He also blogs about the process of turning his small sun-scorched yard into a haven for birds, pollinators and other wildlife. I’ve known Craig for decades and profiled him in my newsletter; you can read it here.
Craig’s life partner, Jane Mussey, has been gravely ill for months, hospitalized with a mystery illness that evidently stemmed from a reaction to her cancer treatments. She cannot breathe or swallow on her own. Craig has been faithfully by her side through it all and wants to bring her home, but they’re facing mounting medical expenses and the end of her Medicare coverage. Craig set up a GoFundMe account and any amount you might feel moved to contribute would be welcome. Thank you!
