Thats John on a pruning ladder... in the giant sized bonsai nursery.  Okay its called Notaki or something, but I can't remember what it was called, and to 99% of americans, its giant bonsai.

We took the coolest field trip to Shin Boku nursery in Wentworth NH (don't ask ---it is truly the middle of nowhere - anyone who went there would know Sutton certainly isn't the middle of nowhere).  Our guide, Palmer has been pruning these specimen trees for 15- 25 years.  There are some really incredible trees...but with my champagne tastes, I couldn't find one I wanted for under $10,000.  Then we went over to his other nursery which seems to be the source for the Shin Boku trees.  Baker Valley Nursery had very large shrubs and trees which are much older than the ones you typically find at nurseries.  In some cases thats a good thing, but if you are buying just for your house, unless its an extremely slow growing shrub or tree (Japanese Maples, John!) it doesn't pay to spend extra for something that is that much older.  Well, unless money is no object.

The selection of shrubs and trees was wonderful.  Because Wentworth is so far north in the middle of nowhere, most of the stuff had survived 50 degree below zero temperatures, according to Palmer.  So their plant list is a"cold hardy" cheat sheet.  It is also a good Japanese garden plant "cheat sheet", because all the plants are appropriate for that style of garden and able to be pruned in a manner consistent with Japanese garden styles.  

Back to the picture.  John and I both want this very expensive pruning ladder.  It is very stable, and it looks really cool and professional.  I don't know the price yet but the coincidence is I have a pruning job coming up  --- tax write off???

Shin-bokunursery.com