In the 21st century, Horticulture has not been an easy career or business to succeed in.  Many, if not most, professionals are in the industry more for their love of growing plants than for the money. Long hours are the norm during peak production periods, and the work can be exhausting and stressful at times. There are definitely rewards, but it is passion for plants that fuels the industry.

One of the most drinkable American brewed beers

Tonight, I am raising a Pandemonium India Pale Ale (Short’s Brewing) and a few New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ales in salute to the owners, staff, and customers of Elzinga & Hoeksema Greenhouses, to all the horticulture companies and professionals no longer with us, and to those of us still making a living growing and selling plants.

2012, what a year.  Long-time assumptions about horticulture being “recession proof” have not held with the current economic slump — a global recession which is still rippling.  We seem to be on the upswing, but today it’s harder to start, grow, or maintain a business, in any industry.

At its core, horticulture is a rather crazy business to be in.  This is why it attracts such interesting people.

In most areas, spring retail plant sales are heavily dependent on shoppers turning out on weekends over a four to six week period.  Rainy days keep the shoppers away.  As does unseasonably cold weather.  And drought restrictions (much more common these days). It’s quite clear that sales are significantly affected by Mother Nature, even when plants are greenhouse-grown.

An impressive front garden in the Netherlands

We in the horticulture trade are truly blessed to work in such an open, sharing industry.  I am honored to have been able to visit so many growers, breeders, and suppliers in North America, let alone Costa Rica, Germany, Guatemala, Israel, and the Netherlands.  International travel opens a whole new world of understanding of the industry, and of gardening culture, which I’m humbled to have been able to enjoy.

Regardless of industry alliances and relationships, I have always felt extremely welcomed by my colleagues when I travel, and am always happy to return the favor.  I deeply respect many of the strong friendhips and relationships I have made working in this wonderful, crazy industry.

I’ve spent quite a bit of time thinking about and privately discussing the news of the most recent grower closing with friends and close colleagues.  One agreed to share these thoughts:

For many of us, horticulture is a labor of love passed on from prior generations, an urge to use our talents to do something different, or some deep inner longing to go back to our agrarian roots. While we could take our talents to another, more prestigious and high-paying industry, it comes down to the point that we are not doing this for money or prestige. We are doing what we do because we enjoy it, because we feel a sense of community and belonging, and of course for the love of plants!

 

Not many people can say that they are truly connected to their colleagues, competitors, and business associates, but we in the horticulture industry can. We know about each others’ hobbies, families, and goals for the future – and this is why the loss of one of our own is so striking.

 

Not one of us goes into business with the thought of failure. We are all fiercely independent and while each of us has to carve out a niche and living for our businesses, we must also be cognizant that at some point someone in this industry has mentored us, helped us, or given us some small bit of encouragement to keep going.

Well said.

It always saddens me when an industry business goes under or when a colleague leaves horticulture.  I mourn obscure and funky vegetable and native seed suppliers most of you never got to enjoy, retired professors, and the greenhouse growers and retail operations no longer with us.  I cherish many of the businesses that are still here and respect them all (certain multinational chemical companies excepted, of course.  ‘Nuff said.)

For horticulture students, new graduates, and “youngsters” in the industry (under 5 years experience), I will close my toast with some grandfatherly advice:

• Visit every public garden, grower, and trial garden that you can.  You can learn something from every grower and garden, no matter how small or different.
• Never be afraid to introduce yourself to someone in the industry, or to ask a “stupid” question.  There are no stupid questions.  There are, however, stupid answers, so don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know.”
• The horticulture industry will always need creative people with good plant knowledge and growing skills.  Those who can develop good leadership and people management skills, along with plant expertise, are invaluable.