Baldassare Mineo has been in love with gardening since the tender age of eight. Going on to train as an architect at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo did not diminish that first love. He has been the managing owner of Siskiyou Rare Plant Nusery in Medford, Oregon since 1978 and has helped solidify its standing as the premier alpine and rock gardening nursery in the United States, a reputation that extends abroad. Baldassare makes his home at his nursery and has overseen the development of an extensive display garden complete with ponds, waterfall, and a large rock and crevice garden. He is an active member of the North American Rock Garden Society and many other plant-related organizations, and is well known as a lecturer at horticultural meetings where his slide shows are always in demand. He is also a regular contributor to Horticulture. Beautiful plant photography and splendid botanical illustrations round out his horticultural credentials.