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RE: [GWL]: Digest for Gardenwriters@topica.com, issue 236

In a message dated 10/31/01 7:35:00 AM Eastern Standard Time, Gardenwriters@topica.com writes:


I also encountered the same problem when I was searching for scoria rock.  I still have not found any so if anyone has some, please let me know.  My Worseyla would thank you! I also found that even our local (Fort Wayne) botanical garden staff is not familiar with many tropical plants.  I go there for advice and we end up spending hours searching through their library!  I wanted to know how to pollinate a Bird Of Paradise, how long it took to get one to bloom and what to do after it bloomed....the answer I received was "We grow one here and it's in bloom if you would like to see it.  I can't really tell you any of the other."  I don't know what you learn in horticulture but I would think these would be simple answers for someone who had sucessfully graduated. Please correct me if I am wrong. Sheri


10/31 Sherri, Try Fairchild Gardens in Miami, FL (www.ftg.org/) for info on bird-of-paradise as well as scoria rock sources. The place is fantastic, the volunteers, mostly old-timers, are knowledgeable.  Sometimes, these things take a little digging.  One of the super search engines such as google or northern light should be able to come up with lots of sites with information.
    As for knowledgeable graduates...The simple answer is No.  As someone who has taught many decades both full and part-time and still teaches 'Adult Ed' courses, I can say that the world of plants is huge and sometimes serious students are interested in only a small fraction. Then they are put into a situation job-wise where they need to know about other fractions.  Some spend time learning; others obviously don't.
    A good number are interested only in making money. Sometimes, that's all their bosses are also interested in doing.  Hence green meatballs instead of lovingly pruned evergreens; items pruned in the wrong season so no flowers are in evidence when they should be.  I could go on and on, however, you probably get the idea.  
    A big problem IMO is that the really good employers can't afford top salaries and pay almost at minimum wage scale. Over and over again I've known of consumers that balk at paying for quality work.
    Just this AM I made arrangements to have the leaves on our acre cleaned up -- can't face it this year -- by a reputable company.  After all arrangements had been made, I asked about prices, just so I'd be able to make a note of it and have enough in the old checkbook.  The receptionist apologized for their 'high prices.'  I assured her that IMO they were not high considering what I'd contracted for.
    Meanwhile, another local company owned by a couple with very little horticulture education cheated an organization for which I do maintenance coordination out of $850 last year.  In further evaluating their work, I find it is shoddy, employees break items, are juvenile and irresponsible.  If this outfit is not paid promptly, they tack a finance charge on to the bill.
    I could go on and on, but that's what it's like in the 'real world.'
    True plant persons of integrity with customers and clients who appreciate their knowledge and hard work are matches made in heaven.  They are far and few between.  Maybe that's where we as writers and teachers need to do a tough job for those who will listen to our talks and/or read our writings. Of course, there are always the 'mow-it-alls.'
    Enough, got to make some money to pay for my plants :+)
Georgene A. Bramlage
AKA Cercis
Zone 4 / 5
western MA
All gardeners know better than other gardeners.  Chinese proverb 

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