The Life in Business: Quindembo Bamboo Nursery

Peter Berg and Susan Ruskin came to Hawai‘i in 1987 specifically to start a bamboo nursery.

“We located the nursery in Waimea, because it is near the beach and we foolishly imagined we’d have lots of time to hang out. We seem to have missed the implication of the word ‘nursery’ (as in thousands of screaming infants) until it was too late,” laughs Susan.

They spent the next 18 years importing non-invasive bamboo plants from various locales throughout the world.

“All of our imports went through State of Hawai‘i plant quarantine” explains Peter. “Most all of the bamboo species now available in Hawai‘i are a result of this importation.

Originally, the couple imagined that they would be producing plants for lumber and shoot production. “Though there was lots of talk, there was little action. Instead, we primarily provide fast and beautiful privacy screening for people who don’t want to see their neighbors—both private residential and resort. We sell to many landscape architects and landscape installers as well as private parties. People also buy our plants for quick and extremely effective windbreaks,” explain Peter and Susan.

Both have had eclectic careers. Peter worked as a musician, playing in a variety of Bay Area bands. He also spent several years doing archaeology for the State of California. Susan had a vintage guitar store in Greenwich Village before moving to California. She worked at the Marine Mammal Center in Marin, California, and was a digital music producer for RCA.

The name Quindembo is a music term, meaning a mixture of many things—a multi-cultural chop suey or gumbo. It is used commonly in Latin music to describe a mixture of cultures and music that came together and created a new style.

Quindembo has survived several trials since its establishment. A major storm in 1994 blew away the greenhouse and all their ready-for-sale plants. Then a major fire in November of 2010 destroyed all their equipment, supplies, water lines, as well as some $200,000 worth of retail-ready plants.

Yet, they have survived to establish their reputation as bamboo experts.

“We have the largest and best selection of non-invasive bamboos in Hawai’i. We make really good plants. We know what we’re doing. When Disney was shopping for plants for the new Disney resort, they chose us. We are coqui and fire-ant free. We ship to all islands.”

Quindembo Bamboo Nursery
Dryside Waimea and Kapa’au
808.885.4968
Sales@bamboonursery.com
BambooNursery.com