Roughly a year ago, I took my current
position as Nursery Manager at Arrowhead Alpines. It has been quite
an experience – a wonderful, exciting, mind-expanding experience.
Here are some of the things I've learned:
1. I don't know anything about plants
Or rather, I don't know even a tiny
percentage of what I wish I knew. As a home gardener, all I really
needed to know was how different plants performed in my garden. Just
one climate, one soil type. And from an aesthetic point of view, all
I needed to know was if I thought a plant was pretty. In the mail
order nursery business, I need to know how a plant grows in the
ground, how it grows in a pot, how well is ships, how it can be
propagated, and how it will perform anywhere in the contiguous United
States. I find myself saying “I don't know” a lot more these
days. Will this grow in deep south? Is this hardy in zone 3? I don't
know! I've only gardened in zone 5! I'm also learning a huge amount,
and wonderfully, often when I have to say “I don't know” to
people, they go off, find the answer, and then send me an e-mail
sharing what they have learned. Which brings me to the next lesson:
2. Most people are awesome
We've got a lot of great customers. I
love checking my e-mail and finding notes from people who are happy
with the plants they got or sharing information we can use, offering
to give us a bit of something super cool and rare. People recommend
us to their friends, write about us on their blogs, want to know how
Brigitta is coping with Bob's death, and want to help. It is amazing.
I love you people. That being said, however....
3. A few people are CRAZY
There was the guy
last spring who drove through the nursery and off past all the buildings into the middle of
the back field looking for the main office, who then, when Brigitta
chased him down and got him back to the actual nursery, accused us of
false advertising because we didn't carry all the plants mentioned in
some random article in Fine Gardening magazine that we did not
write. O_o Or the folks that order the miniature rock garden
plants we specialize in and then complain that they too small (sort
of the point, people...) It can be a little
maddening. But mostly, I just have to laugh. And luckily, 99% of our
customers are, as I said, absolutely wonderful.
4. I still like
plants. And gardening.
There is always
that fear that when your hobby becomes your job, it will suck the joy
out of it. I'm very happy to say that hasn't happened. Quite the
contrary, I think I'm even more plant obsessed than I was before, if
that is possible.
Those are the
things that come to mind... Anything you are wondering about the life
of a nursery person? Ask in the comments and I'll try to give you an
answer.
10 comments:
Glad you are enjoying it! I feel the same way you do about not knowing anything about plants. I'm in awe of the depth of knowledge that some people have but for everything I learn I forget 10 of the old things I knew!
Retail nursery life was not for me but I am glad you are enjoying yourself.
I make a habit of eavesdropping on people in nurseries, especially when a staff member has been asked a question. Not everyone is as willing to say "I don't know" as you are. More should though, rather than faking their way through it.
Do you get many people asking for plants by some obscure common name? Or are your customers a little more discerning and know what they're after by it's botanical name?
I started working at a garden center/nursery last April. I share many of your sentiments. These things became most apparent to me by month three- I wrote about the experience in my blog: http://www.hortus5.com/journal/an-education-from-sunup-to-sundown.html
The garden center business is not a plant business, it’s a people business.
People first, plants second.
Nature is incredible.
You can’t ponder a plants relationship to this earth without contemplating your own.
Gardening and plants connect us, ground us, and teach us about continuity.
A big smile can camouflage how dirty your clothes are.
Danger Garden,
Mostly our customers ask by latin names, but there was one last spring who came asking for a "toothsome" She was sure she'd read about them in Fine Gardening Magazine... eventually we figured out she meant toothwort (cardamine).
Just started a small perennials nursery last year. I agree with Mario - a garden business is a people business, but that is the real joy of it - making people happy with your plants in their gardens.
Hi Joseph, I'm close to 20 years in the nursery business now, and I'm still learning, and still seeing customers as varied as plants. Just keep smiling through it all, keep your spirits up, and you will get through anything. Even the toughest customers don't know what to do when you are genuine, try your best, keep smiling, and never let them get you down. I think that's all that's kept me going this long :) Good luck!
Happy one year anniversary, Joseph! Just think about all that you've accomplished in just one year! A new job, a book! Pretty awesome!
I enjoy planting plants and forex trading. To make profitable deals, I chose the best forex trading platform . It is important that the trading terminal function without technical failures, including when liquidity grows.
I'm glad you're finding it enjoyable! Regarding my lack of botanical knowledge, I share your sentiments. Also I find Professional Essay Writing Service. Some people have knowledge that amazes me, yet for every new thing I learn, I forget ten things I already knew!
Reflecting on one year as a nurseryman, I can say it’s been an incredibly rewarding journey! The daily hands-on work, the joy of seeing plants thrive, and the satisfaction of helping customers find exactly what they need have made this year unforgettable. It's amazing to witness the growth and transformation in the nursery and in my own skills. What are your thoughts or experiences with nursery work? Share your stories and insights! And for business owners, consider using our GBP profile service to enhance your online presence and attract more customers.
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