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Re: Promoting the trade

As someone who is both a GW and a designer/installer, I may have a different perspective. In the NYC area there's a plethora of people doing this kind of work. From my perch in continuing ed at the NYBG I see young people (20-somethings) choosing this as a first career and older people (not OLD!) making career changes.

My guess is that a combination of things makes the work appealing: a chance to be your own boss, to do work that's both physical and mentally creative, to be outside, to create a thing of beauty. Primarily I'd say it appeals to independent types who are willing to accept some risk in their professional lives (seasonal ups and downs, no employee benefits). Maybe NYC attracts a disproportionate number of people like this.

It's not for everyone, but I think there will always be some who don't want to sit indoors, in front of a computer screen, wearing a suit, asking for permission to take a three day weekend.

Ellen Zachos

On Feb 18, 2005, at 10:01 AM, Dan Clost wrote:

Hi all,
This is slightly off topic for our writing list but I feel it does relate to the industry which provides many of us with our income.
Occasionally, we've discussed some of the problems with nursery employees who don't seem to know about the products they are selling, whether it be plants, biocides, hard goods, etc. Although I haven't seen it here, another favourite topic in print relates to selecting a designer and/or installer. Both areas of discussion come replete with many caveats about unskilled workers,  getting references, less than altruistic motives of plant sellers etc.
In my area of the continent, Eastern Ontario, it is very difficult to attract new people into the gardening/landscaping industry. Long hours, physically and mentally demanding work, poor pay when compared to alternatives, seasonality and so on combine to produce a less-than attractive allure.  Several trade and government organisations are trying to interest bright young folks who want to make this a career. It's a tough sell.
 
What is happening in your parts of the country to make horticulture an attractive vocation for our young people?
 
From what I gather in many of the posts, we, as a group of writers, feel it is part of our mandate to educate consumers about all aspects of gardening. Do we also have the obligation to promote the working end of the trade? 
 
What can/should we do, as garden writers, to elevate the profile?
 
Dan
 
Dan Clost's Greenscapes
The Good Earth columnist
dan.clost@sympatico.ca
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