I like to dig in the dirt. As the descendent of a long line of gardeners, I recall childhood experiences of helping my parents and grandparents with their kitchen gardens. For, in my family, it is acceptable for a child to have soiled clothes and dirty hands.
Later, after I married and started to garden at my new home, believe it or not, many plants were transferred from my childhood garden. Then, as the space expanded, I solicited roots, clippings and newly separated perennials from friends, family and acquaintances. Still, while my garden definitely illustrated a gardener’s gene, I had no formal training. So, after identifying educational opportunities, I first attended the Virginia Master Garden program, and began a journey into formal training.
Adding to my skill set, I attended landscape design courses taught by hands-on professionals at a local Botanical Garden. Then, to further expand my knowledge, I researched and attended numerous industry workshops and seminars.
Recently, a friend observed, “You’ve turned an avocation into a vocation!”
For a few seconds, I questioned her observation and then, agreed. No longer, is my effort to ‘dig in the dirt’ simply the result of a part-time effort. It has moved into the vocational world. Parallel to my journey into formal training, I've shared landscape/garden knowledge with others.
I've written feature articles and provided columns for garden magazines. Recognized as an “asks the expert” columnist, I taught adult educational seminars on the topic of creating eco-friendly landscapes; and presently, participate in all of these activities plus design landscapes that consider energy efficient and earth-friendly features. Nevertheless, the further I venture into the world of gardening, the more I questioned its impact on the surrounding environment. For, gardening and eco-friendly gardening are not necessarily the same activities.
Recent survey statistics released by the National Garden Bureau identified of the 12 eco-friendly items surveyed only 3 are viewed as somewhat successfully observed by homeowner/backyard gardeners. It appears that as a Nation, we have participated in a “Green Revolution” for more than 50 years but as a whole, continue to fail. So, obviously, it takes more than simply a “love of all things green” to make it work.
On one hand, avocations are a passionate interest but developing it occurs through the encouragement of others. Instead of stumbling through your effort as a passionate participant, let knowledge become your mentor. Educate yourself and then, incorporate what you learn into daily experiences. Remain open to new and different ideas and share them.
The future holds a unique opportunity: the opportunity to not just be the caretaker of a garden space but be a person who cares! A person who sets the Climate, nor merely adjusts to a preexisting one; creates an encouraging Attitude, not practices ambivalence; is Receptive to people without losing sight of personal needs; and demonstrates Empathy for others while keeping problems in perspective.
Become known as an eco-expert. Influence environmental safe practices and be one of the people who have positive impact on a survey that measures safe garden practices. Write articles for a civic newsletter or volunteer to speak during a community meeting.
More importantly, influence the next generation of gardeners. Create a space in which it is alright for a child to experience dirty hands and soiled clothes. As a parent or grandparent, plant the seeds that enable another generation of people who turn their avocation into a vocation.
Fall is a great time to dig in the dirt. What are you doing to ensure gardening – digging in the dirt – is eco-friendly?
Bookmark/Search this post with:
COMMENTS