John Coleman retired as a chemical engineer and moved from Houston to Kerrville in 1981. He and his wife purchased and operated The Greenery, a nursery, for many years. It was during this time that John began to write a gardening column for the Kerrville Daily Times. His extensive knowledge of landscaping, trees, and native plants was a welcomed resource for everyone living in the Hill Country.  John's newspaper column was noticed by a very over-worked and under-staffed County Extension Agent, Eddie Holland. With a little cajoling, Holland convinced  John to help with the many horticulture questions coming into the office, and while John proved to be a great help, it quickly became apparent even more assistance was needed.