Wayne (left) and Peter Mezitt

Horticulturalist and longtime Hopkinton resident Wayne Mezitt, who expanded Weston Nurseries and introduced hybrid species of plants to the region, died on July 18, his son Peter Mezitt announced Saturday.

Wayne Mezitt’s passion for plants sprouted in him at an early age. His grandfather started Weston Nurseries, where he worked beginning in 1966 after earning degrees at Cornell University. He was a 1960 Hopkinton High School graduate.

“He was a nationally renowned and influential horticulturist who dedicated his long career to making gardening more accessible to the average homeowner through improved plant varieties that do well in New England climates,” Peter Mezitt stated.

The elder Mezitt helped grow people’s interest in multiple ways. He mentored many of the region’s leading horticultural specialists.

Wayne Mezitt also contributed to and expanded the family business alongside his father and brother, Roger. In addition to the Hopkinton location, there also are Weston Nurseries locations in Lincoln, Hingham and Chelmsford, making it one of the most successful nurseries in the region. The Hopkinton location is the venue for many community celebrations, including the Rang-Holi Festival of Colors this past April and the annual Blooms, Brews & BBQs event.

Writing was his other love, his son recounted. Wayne Mezitt spent many hours writing accurate descriptions of native plants. This led to him contributing articles to The Boston Globe, Fine Gardening and Yankee Magazine as a member of the Garden Writers Association.

His experience led him to contributing a column to the Globe called “Ask the Garden Guy.” He continued writing this column until his illness prevented him from doing so.

Peter Mezitt explained that his father’s death was caused by babesiosis, one of three common tick-borne diseases in Massachusetts. It is carried by the black-legged tick, often referred to as deer tick. Wayne Mezitt had the disease for a month before he succumbed to it.

“Due to his illness, he was not able to write his weekly ‘Ask the Garden Guy’ article for the Boston Globe,” Peter Mezitt shared in a family statement. “However, we know that he would want us to share the latest article written during his absence, which covers ticks, tick-borne diseases, and how to reduce exposure.”

In 2023, Wayne Mezitt and his wife, Elizabeth, released a book, “For the Love of Gardening,” in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Weston Nurseries.

The octogenarian held positions within many well-known horticultural organizations locally and nationally over the years. He received many awards which recognized his contributions to horticulture, including most recently the Massachusetts Horticultural Society Gold Medal award and the Worcester County Horticultural Society’s Cary Award, both in 2023.

“Throughout this month-long ordeal, we all supported him, my mom and each other,” stated Peter Mezitt. “We are a close family and we have become even closer during these days. We will miss his sense of humor, optimistic approach to everything, and the values he stood for as a person.”

Wayne Mezitt was surrounded by his wife of 59 years and other family members when he passed, according to his obituary.

“It will be incredibly hard for quite some time to not have him around as he was a big part of our lives,” Peter continued. “We will miss him, and we will never forget the way he lived his life: full of zest and passion with everyone he interacted with. He taught us so much, and we will all carry a piece of him in our hearts.”

Wayne Mezitt’s obituary further describes his six-decade career and interests.

Following a private family service, visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 30, from 4-7 p.m. at Chesmore Funeral Home in Hopkinton, 57 Hayden Rowe Street. A celebration of life will be held in the near future.