Gainesborough Farm

by Dave Leonard
Posted September  2004

Since 1987, Dave Leonard’s crew has been promoting tree health at Gainsborough Farm located along Scenic Route 60 near Versailles, Kentucky. We are fortunate to be surrounded by so many beautiful thoroughbred farms in Central Kentucky but Gainsborough stands out not only for its well-tended landscape but also its promotion within our community of tree education, health and research. Doug Chenault is Gainsborough’s head horticulturalist. We asked him to share information about the farm and why their trees are so important.
 

Q: How long have you been with Gainsborough Farm?
DC: Since 1993!

Q: Can you tell us how and why you became interested in horticulture?
DC: I have always cared about the aesthetics of trees. When you plant them and take care of them they reward you with their beauty.

Q: Why does Gainsborough take tree health so seriously?
DC: Allen Kershaw, our farm manager, recognizes that it takes a great deal of care to have a good looking product and that it requires ongoing attention.

Q: What are some of the more “uncommon” species of trees at Gainsborough?
DC: We have Oriental Spruce, Desert Golden Ash, American Hollies from Rutgers University for Jersey Knight and Jersey Princess.

Q. Gainsborough is actively involved in promoting tree education. Can you tell us about AABGA?
DC: In 2002 we approached the American Association of Botanical Gardens and Arboreta and began opening the farm to U of K and other groups/organizations for tours. The AABGA is dedicated to promoting people’s appreciation and understanding of the irreplaceable value of plants.

Q: Why use certified arborists?
DC: While we employ ten full-time employees who work year round with our trees, we use certified arborists for higher intensity levels of tree work including hazardous trees.
 

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