The second annual NYC-area Green Industry Intern Field Day,
affectionately referred to as “Hortie Hoopla!” resonated with quiet expectation the
morning of July 23 as the horticultural interns arrived at the New York Botanical
Garden (NYBG) to sign in for the day’s jam-packed event — billed from 10 am
till dusk.
(I just love that word – so filled with the joy of being
outdoors. It’s an unabashed nod toward nature’s rhythms vs. a more “Metro North
tempo” clocking in the day’s end at a rather precise sounding 8:37 pm. Don’t
you agree?)
outdoors. It’s an unabashed nod toward nature’s rhythms vs. a more “Metro North
tempo” clocking in the day’s end at a rather precise sounding 8:37 pm. Don’t
you agree?)
Chock-a-block with powerful botanical elements, the Green
Industry Field Day agenda was thoughtfully prepared by Charles M.
Yurgalevitch, Ph.D., Director, School of Professional Horticulture, (SOPH)
NYBG and his enthusiastic team.
Industry Field Day agenda was thoughtfully prepared by Charles M.
Yurgalevitch, Ph.D., Director, School of Professional Horticulture, (SOPH)
NYBG and his enthusiastic team.
(The government needs that Eric!)
 |
| NYBG’s Eric Lieberman does the heavy lifting #HortieHoopla |
Hortie Hoopla is Yurgalevitch’s brainchild. Years hence, you can bet that the great
nursery-people, plant explorers, designers, writers, public and private garden
executives, and leading plant breeders will be referencing the impact this
program had on their careers and their commitment to pursue a green industry
path to success.
nursery-people, plant explorers, designers, writers, public and private garden
executives, and leading plant breeders will be referencing the impact this
program had on their careers and their commitment to pursue a green industry
path to success.
The NYC Green Field Day program offered a mix of inspired
career stories, gardeners’ experiences and insightful guidance, together with lunch,
a career information session, hands-on, exciting and educational hort tours
accompanied by a stimulating Plant ID contest, followed by the BBQ, beer, fun
games, and networking in the Family Garden.
career stories, gardeners’ experiences and insightful guidance, together with lunch,
a career information session, hands-on, exciting and educational hort tours
accompanied by a stimulating Plant ID contest, followed by the BBQ, beer, fun
games, and networking in the Family Garden.
What was forecast as the first — and the only really hot,
humid day of what has been an otherwise delightful summer weather-wise -– the
morning air was already thick by the time I arrived at the Garden at 8:45. The GreenMarket was already up and buzzing;
had to grab a Red Jacket Tart Cherry drink (hard to get sometimes at my Union
Square GreenMarket).
humid day of what has been an otherwise delightful summer weather-wise -– the
morning air was already thick by the time I arrived at the Garden at 8:45. The GreenMarket was already up and buzzing;
had to grab a Red Jacket Tart Cherry drink (hard to get sometimes at my Union
Square GreenMarket).
Inside the cool lobby of the Ross Lecture Hall tables were
already lined up waiting for the event’s food and drink Sponsor representatives
and business supporters for the career sessions with Town & Gardens, Organic
Gardening Magazine, NYC Parks & Recreation, Central Park Conservancy,
Shemin Landscape Supply, GrowIt!
already lined up waiting for the event’s food and drink Sponsor representatives
and business supporters for the career sessions with Town & Gardens, Organic
Gardening Magazine, NYC Parks & Recreation, Central Park Conservancy,
Shemin Landscape Supply, GrowIt!
In addition to Town & Gardens, other food and drink
sponsors included, Landcraft Environments, and Verdant Gardens Design, along
with the NYBG bookshop.
sponsors included, Landcraft Environments, and Verdant Gardens Design, along
with the NYBG bookshop.
There, NYBG’s John Suskovich was setting up the Shop’s books
to sell – many were the books authored by the Hortie Hoopla’s illustrious
speakers.
to sell – many were the books authored by the Hortie Hoopla’s illustrious
speakers.
(John shared with me that he only had one left of my book
but would be ordering more of The Hamptons & Long Island Homegrown
Cookbook. Music to my ears.)
but would be ordering more of The Hamptons & Long Island Homegrown
Cookbook. Music to my ears.)
Why, speaker Ken Druse alone has produced more than 20
books! Druse is an award winning,
acclaimed garden writer, speaker, photographer, and host of the weekly program,
books! Druse is an award winning,
acclaimed garden writer, speaker, photographer, and host of the weekly program,
I adore all things Ken Druse- have most all of his books in
our home library and often proudly gift his books.
our home library and often proudly gift his books.
I often joke I’m a card-carrying member of the Druse fan
club.
club.
One of my most favorite books from the Druse collection is is Natural Companions: The Garden Lover’s Guide to Plant
Combinations
Combinations
It’s a gorgeous book – unique in its
presentation, and full of helpful plant pairings. Be sure to check out all of Druse’s books and
order for your home library – or to gift.
The make a great hostess gift, too.
Plus, Druse’s seminal feature article, The New
Generation Meet six young horticultists who are helping to shape how America
gardens for Organic Gardening magazine about the future of horticultural career professionals ignited the very concept for the creation of the Hortie Hoopla, helping to inspire Yurgalevitch’s vision for Green Industry Field Day. A match made in garden / heaven.
Generation Meet six young horticultists who are helping to shape how America
gardens for Organic Gardening magazine about the future of horticultural career professionals ignited the very concept for the creation of the Hortie Hoopla, helping to inspire Yurgalevitch’s vision for Green Industry Field Day. A match made in garden / heaven.
This year’s Organic
Gardening magazine follow up feature,
Next
Generation 2.0 The American Garden Scene is Blooming describes four
different “young professionals” and the overwhelming success of the series.
Gardening magazine follow up feature,
Next
Generation 2.0 The American Garden Scene is Blooming describes four
different “young professionals” and the overwhelming success of the series.
The feature’s head note overview describes how: “The Week
the magazine came out (last year), some of the profiled people launched a
Facebook group called Emergent: A Group for Growing Professionals. The group quickly reached more than a 1,000
members…”
the magazine came out (last year), some of the profiled people launched a
Facebook group called Emergent: A Group for Growing Professionals. The group quickly reached more than a 1,000
members…”
Druse and the horticulture mentors had clearly tapped a
nerve; they were onto something.
nerve; they were onto something.
This was a hort revolution of a different source.
Not your Sissinghurst kind of gardener. This was power
gardening for a world of environmental change and climate chaos and urban
farming and – wowsy excitement.
gardening for a world of environmental change and climate chaos and urban
farming and – wowsy excitement.
Later I asked Druse how he came to identify the candidates
for the articles. After all, there truly is an ocean of unrecognized hort
talent that abounds in our country. How
does he locate the best ones to feature?
for the articles. After all, there truly is an ocean of unrecognized hort
talent that abounds in our country. How
does he locate the best ones to feature?
Not a surprise to learn it takes extensive research to come
up with his top-tier selections. Druse
said he looks for hort professionals under 30 years of age (seems daunting
already) who impress him as “lively” and that he thinks will have an impact on
the profession in the years to come.”
up with his top-tier selections. Druse
said he looks for hort professionals under 30 years of age (seems daunting
already) who impress him as “lively” and that he thinks will have an impact on
the profession in the years to come.”
Following the search, he winnows the list with interviews,
then comes the writing and editing.
then comes the writing and editing.
Druse also noted it’s especially challenging to find female
candidates and ones from diverse parts of the country.
candidates and ones from diverse parts of the country.
A big salute to Druse for his steadfast commitment to
seeking out these hard-to-locate hort pros.
seeking out these hard-to-locate hort pros.
And here’s hoping the horticulture profession’s top dogs
double down its outreach to attract not only women and those from all pockets
of the country but to diverse and minority populations, too.
double down its outreach to attract not only women and those from all pockets
of the country but to diverse and minority populations, too.
Knowing Druse’s pioneering commitment and the “planting” of
his flag in the “land of future hort,” I couldn’t wait to hear Druse’s talk.
his flag in the “land of future hort,” I couldn’t wait to hear Druse’s talk.
His presentations always prove to be full of imagery, thought-provoking
ideas and not inconsequentially – talked about for long after.
ideas and not inconsequentially – talked about for long after.
I anticipated his Hortie talk with keen zeal.
On my way in to the Ross Lecture Hall, I saw Druse and
another man on the empty stage – scoping out the space. As I was picking up a
book to look through at the NYBG table, I learned from Suskevich that the book; Plant Breeding for the Home Gardener was written by the keynoter Joseph Tychonievich.
another man on the empty stage – scoping out the space. As I was picking up a
book to look through at the NYBG table, I learned from Suskevich that the book; Plant Breeding for the Home Gardener was written by the keynoter Joseph Tychonievich.
Just then Druse and Tychonievich walked into the lobby
together, following their stage walk- through.
together, following their stage walk- through.
Tychonievich was a featured New Generation in Druse’s Organic Gardening article, showcased as
“The Hybridizer.”
“The Hybridizer.”
Read the article and I double dare you not to want to gift
an heirloom plant for that someone special in your life. Isn’t an heirloom rose, tomato, or lily or
whatever you select to give more enduring and unique than any gift you can
think of?
an heirloom plant for that someone special in your life. Isn’t an heirloom rose, tomato, or lily or
whatever you select to give more enduring and unique than any gift you can
think of?
I will be writing more about this heirloom breeding idea!
After the appropriate horticulture hugs and handshakes, I
was able to garner Tychonievich’s autograph and ask him about his entrée into
the world of plants before becoming an author and speaker.
was able to garner Tychonievich’s autograph and ask him about his entrée into
the world of plants before becoming an author and speaker.
 |
| Hortie Hoopla Keynoter & Author, Joseph Tychonievich |
He told me his enchanting story.
He is almost the Joseph & Joseph (as in Julia &
Julia) of the publishing world. If we swap out plants for cooking and insert a
Tom name…
Julia) of the publishing world. If we swap out plants for cooking and insert a
Tom name…
See, Joseph has the hort pedigree: he is a nursery manager
at Arrowhead Alpines in his native Michigan, studied plant breeding and genetics
at Michigan State and Ohio State universities. And he writes the “Greensparrow
Gardens” blog.
at Arrowhead Alpines in his native Michigan, studied plant breeding and genetics
at Michigan State and Ohio State universities. And he writes the “Greensparrow
Gardens” blog.
So when he wrote a blog posting and got an email from Tom
Fischer at Timber Press asking if he’d like to write a book, he did what anyone
would do: he ran around the house waving his arms and screaming over and over,
“I just got a book deal! I’m gonna be an author!!”
Fischer at Timber Press asking if he’d like to write a book, he did what anyone
would do: he ran around the house waving his arms and screaming over and over,
“I just got a book deal! I’m gonna be an author!!”
See the Julia connection now?
Is a film not far behind??
This fairy dust call from a major publisher just doesn’t
happen. It’s a myth, a unicorn kind of narrative told to up and comers…
happen. It’s a myth, a unicorn kind of narrative told to up and comers…
But it did happen to Joseph.
His book, Plant
Breeding for the Home Gardener was published by Timber Press in 2013 and
he’s working on his second book about Rock Gardens.
Breeding for the Home Gardener was published by Timber Press in 2013 and
he’s working on his second book about Rock Gardens.
I promptly suggested he needed to visit the NYBG Rock Garden
– it’s truly one of my most favorites at the Garden. Surely sprites, or a unicorn might be spotted
there…
– it’s truly one of my most favorites at the Garden. Surely sprites, or a unicorn might be spotted
there…
Before heading off to forage for some good coffee for Druse
and me, I saw the Director of the SOPH, Yurgalevitch, carefully managing the
morning’s preparations.
and me, I saw the Director of the SOPH, Yurgalevitch, carefully managing the
morning’s preparations.
 |
| L to R: Tychonievich, Sabine Stenzenbach, Charles Yurgalevitch, Ken Druse |
According to Director Yurgalevitch, Hortie Hoopla II was a day to inspire, to introduce to educate, and
to unwind.
to unwind.
He also said “This year’s attendance exceeded our expectations.”
The event was oversubscribed. “For
reasons of food, drink and the tours, we were was supposed to max out at 130 total
attendees.”
The event was oversubscribed. “For
reasons of food, drink and the tours, we were was supposed to max out at 130 total
attendees.”
However, Yurgalevitch said later, he could not turn away the
Hort Interns – and so the day attracted a total of 160 of which 120 were
interns!
Hort Interns – and so the day attracted a total of 160 of which 120 were
interns!
The day was a Grand Slam home run success by anyone’s
count.
count.
The Stories:
After a warm welcome and overview provided by Yurgalevitch, Each told a brief, inspiring
and commencement-like talk about their journey from hot intern to successful
horticulturist.
and commencement-like talk about their journey from hot intern to successful
horticulturist.
 |
| NYBG’s Yurgalevitch Welcome & Overview |
he
then introduced a succession of five successful, career horticulturists —
chosen expressly because they launched their professional career paths as hort
interns.
Ladies first:
Lynden B. Miller, public garden designer in New York City, director
of The Conservatory Garden in Central Park, and author of the best selling, Parks, Plants, and People:
Beautifying the Urban Landscape
of The Conservatory Garden in Central Park, and author of the best selling, Parks, Plants, and People:
Beautifying the Urban Landscape
was the
first speaker.
Full confession: Lynden is one of my hort idols and I’ve long
admired her artful approach to garden design, along with her pragmatic
recognition for public garden maintenance even in times of budget constraints.
Good public gardens are nothing less than an investment in
living art and better communities.
living art and better communities.
Miller cited Beatrix Farrand, a pioneer in landscape design
and presently, one of the featured women of the Garden’s seasonal exhibit: “Groundbreakers:
Great American Gardens & The Women Who Designed Them.”
and presently, one of the featured women of the Garden’s seasonal exhibit: “Groundbreakers:
Great American Gardens & The Women Who Designed Them.”
Don’t
miss the artful nod to Farrand’s work in the Enid A Haupt Conservatory.
miss the artful nod to Farrand’s work in the Enid A Haupt Conservatory.
Speaking with a dedicated passion, Miller described being “moved”
by public spaces – by the power of well-planted places. She talked about how these places “bring
people and nature together.”
by public spaces – by the power of well-planted places. She talked about how these places “bring
people and nature together.”
Miller further explained how a city’s public spaces provide both
spiritual and economic benefits, citing the High Line and Bryant Park as just
two popular examples.
spiritual and economic benefits, citing the High Line and Bryant Park as just
two popular examples.
She encouraged the interns to search for areas that are the
“soul of the City” – and to develop them.
“soul of the City” – and to develop them.
“Go for it,” Miller cheered the interns.
Next speaker up was Annie Novak, co-founder of Eagle Street Rooftop Farm and
Manager of NYBG’s Edible Academy. Not unlike Facebook’s super successful
COO and best-selling author, Sheryl Sandberg; Annie encouraged the interns to
“Lean-In” to their mentor.
Novak spoke to the point that “How we share gardens with
other people is our way of living. It’s
our Nest Egg.”
other people is our way of living. It’s
our Nest Egg.”
She explained horticulture can be solitary – even if you are
working in a public space. “So enjoy your times with the public. Enjoy your
visitors,” Novak directed the interns.
working in a public space. “So enjoy your times with the public. Enjoy your
visitors,” Novak directed the interns.
It was time for the
Gentlemen:
Gentlemen:
Uli Lorimer, is a former intern and gardener at Wave Hill,
now Curator of the Native Flora Garden at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and one
of the curators and gardeners I am honored to have worked with. His knowledge is vast, his ability to
communicate his love of plants and the environment, along with his boundless
curiosity, appeals to visitors, Martha Stewart, or a Board member, and it makes
him ever so valuable to our world of horticulture. And to the Hortie Hoopla’s message of
communicating the values of Hort.
now Curator of the Native Flora Garden at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and one
of the curators and gardeners I am honored to have worked with. His knowledge is vast, his ability to
communicate his love of plants and the environment, along with his boundless
curiosity, appeals to visitors, Martha Stewart, or a Board member, and it makes
him ever so valuable to our world of horticulture. And to the Hortie Hoopla’s message of
communicating the values of Hort.
Lorimer told the intern audience about growing up in Germany
and with his grandmother’s urging, began what would become a lifelong garden
habit: keeping a notebook. Throughout
his life – from college to the National Arboretum to Wave Hill, he’s kept a
garden notebook, chronicling plants he likes and doesn’t like. Same goes for
garden experiences. . He encouraged the
interns to do likewise. He added that a
career in horticulture and botany is never boring. “The natural world is just
so exciting!”
and with his grandmother’s urging, began what would become a lifelong garden
habit: keeping a notebook. Throughout
his life – from college to the National Arboretum to Wave Hill, he’s kept a
garden notebook, chronicling plants he likes and doesn’t like. Same goes for
garden experiences. . He encouraged the
interns to do likewise. He added that a
career in horticulture and botany is never boring. “The natural world is just
so exciting!”
Nick Storrs, former intern at the Last Resort Farm, now the
Urban Farm Manager at Randall’s Island Park Alliance is also a very poised
speaker. I’ve had the pleasure of
learning from Nick: on-site at Randall’s Island Urban Farm, at the Food Tech
Conference where he led a panel that featured their efforts to grow rice – the
first-ever – in New York City.
Urban Farm Manager at Randall’s Island Park Alliance is also a very poised
speaker. I’ve had the pleasure of
learning from Nick: on-site at Randall’s Island Urban Farm, at the Food Tech
Conference where he led a panel that featured their efforts to grow rice – the
first-ever – in New York City.
Storrs’ talk employed a very effective way of rendering
practical advice: by saying not only what he did do but those things “he wished
he’d done.”
practical advice: by saying not only what he did do but those things “he wished
he’d done.”
This way, he could share not only those things that worked
for him on the road to success; he was able to provide wisdom gleaned from his
experiences – those things he hadn’t done for any number of reasons but that
the interns might look to do if the opportunity presented itself.
for him on the road to success; he was able to provide wisdom gleaned from his
experiences – those things he hadn’t done for any number of reasons but that
the interns might look to do if the opportunity presented itself.
How many of us wish we’d done something different in our
professional careers?
professional careers?
Well, this was a smart and modest way to communicate how to
build on opportunities.
build on opportunities.
Storrs told the audience of growing up on 100 acres in New
Hampshire; how he learned to manage ecosystems to support people.
Hampshire; how he learned to manage ecosystems to support people.
He urged the interns to think about their financials early
on, to look for people to work for who inspire and are non-judgmental. He shared an example.
on, to look for people to work for who inspire and are non-judgmental. He shared an example.
“Three years ago I was graciously given the opportunity to
work for two people I very much respect: Phyllis Odyssey and EunYoung Sebazco”
– who helped push him to help grow rice in New York on the Randall’s Island
Farm – “to play with ways to grow rice.”
work for two people I very much respect: Phyllis Odyssey and EunYoung Sebazco”
– who helped push him to help grow rice in New York on the Randall’s Island
Farm – “to play with ways to grow rice.”
He explained it’s been a “powerful and invigorating”
experience.
experience.
The next speaker, Brenden Armstrong, was also a featured
Hortie–to-watch in Organic Gardening’s
“Next Generation” feature. Armstrong is a
2012 graduate School of Professional Horticulture, did a summer fellowship at
Cornell, and is pursuing his BS at KSU.
Hortie–to-watch in Organic Gardening’s
“Next Generation” feature. Armstrong is a
2012 graduate School of Professional Horticulture, did a summer fellowship at
Cornell, and is pursuing his BS at KSU.
Armstrong talked about working on a chestnut orchard, his
love of keeping busy with new things as he did researching while at Cornell. Overall, his advice is to continue to
learn. “The more you learn, the better
prepared for challenges you will be.” He
still seemed to marvel at where the Organic
Gardening feature has led him on his hort career path.
love of keeping busy with new things as he did researching while at Cornell. Overall, his advice is to continue to
learn. “The more you learn, the better
prepared for challenges you will be.” He
still seemed to marvel at where the Organic
Gardening feature has led him on his hort career path.
“Look for learning opportunities outside of your field,” he
urged the interns. “Change someone’s
life.”
urged the interns. “Change someone’s
life.”
It was now time for the featured speaker, Ken Druse.
Druse has a measured, authoritative speaking style that
seemed to generate a palpable sense of professional pride and bonding within
the intern audience.
seemed to generate a palpable sense of professional pride and bonding within
the intern audience.
What hort intern wouldn’t feel honored to be a part of a
long and respected tradition hearing Druse describe how “plants & gardens
were venerated – how plant explorers were revered.”
long and respected tradition hearing Druse describe how “plants & gardens
were venerated – how plant explorers were revered.”
Druse also employs humor to make his points.
Jake the “body gardener” is a YouTube character (and a real
one, I came to find out – not an attempt at parody!)
one, I came to find out – not an attempt at parody!)
Jake is an extreme visual – a poster-child of the all-too-ubiquitous
“Mow, Blow, and Go” hapless claim to that of a “landscaper” foisted on
unsuspecting homeowners.
“Mow, Blow, and Go” hapless claim to that of a “landscaper” foisted on
unsuspecting homeowners.
 |
| Jake… |
Jake’s video channel that gives “advice” on easy plant and
lawn care.
lawn care.
It’s not good or sound advice, mind you.
The point Druse is making here is that all too often,
horticulture is “dumbed down” and as professionals, we need to fight this
perception and work to better inform the population as to the value of true
horticulture and best practices.
horticulture is “dumbed down” and as professionals, we need to fight this
perception and work to better inform the population as to the value of true
horticulture and best practices.
At the same time, Druse elevates the interns’ dedication to
higher hort education and to take aim at those who desecrate our profession and
unparalleled historical traditions and their impact.
higher hort education and to take aim at those who desecrate our profession and
unparalleled historical traditions and their impact.
Druse points out even prominent hort “experts” sometimes
extoll the “easy” aspect to gardening over the respectful artful pursuit of
well-designed gardens and plant choices, plant preservation, and enduring
gardens that are part of our cultural hort patrimony.
extoll the “easy” aspect to gardening over the respectful artful pursuit of
well-designed gardens and plant choices, plant preservation, and enduring
gardens that are part of our cultural hort patrimony.
Druse notes HGTV showcases landscapes that “take no time.”
To this, Druse dramatically says, “Noooo! Landscapes and horticulture do take
time! It’s Not easy!”
time! It’s Not easy!”
You could almost feel the audience revving to a standing
ovation.
ovation.
“It’s what we do!” he emphasizes, giving heightened
credibility to the hort professionals.
credibility to the hort professionals.
At that moment, the hort interns all became Druse fans, too!
To further amplify the notion that the general population is
too far removed from the world of plants and the need for the hort profession
to step up and communicate about our intrinsic connection to flora and the
environment, Druse went on to tell about an incident he recently witnessed in
Bryant Park where a mother scolded her child: “We do not touch nature.”
too far removed from the world of plants and the need for the hort profession
to step up and communicate about our intrinsic connection to flora and the
environment, Druse went on to tell about an incident he recently witnessed in
Bryant Park where a mother scolded her child: “We do not touch nature.”
(Think how much that kid’s connection to nature will be
diminished. He’s gonna’ miss so much of
life…)
diminished. He’s gonna’ miss so much of
life…)
When Druse checked his watch for the length of his talk at
one point, he saw he was just about out of time. But when he attempted to
“skip” through a chunk of the presentation, a spontaneous disapproving roar from
the audience erupted.
one point, he saw he was just about out of time. But when he attempted to
“skip” through a chunk of the presentation, a spontaneous disapproving roar from
the audience erupted.
Therefore, Druse dutifully accommodated and continued his
talk – much to everyone’s delight.
talk – much to everyone’s delight.
We loved his inclusion of Fibonacci – why I just love even
saying “Fibonacci!”
saying “Fibonacci!”
“We’d be dead without plants.” Druse said, pointedly.
Eventually it was time for Keynoter Tychonievich.
He is a good speaker: full of enthusiasm, hands-on,
relatable experience, and an outgoing visionary trajectory that allows him to
offer an authentic, “all-in” experience that sparked the Hortie interns and
resonated as a beacon.
relatable experience, and an outgoing visionary trajectory that allows him to
offer an authentic, “all-in” experience that sparked the Hortie interns and
resonated as a beacon.
Tychonievich talked about his earliest experiences in
horticulture: being a part of the Grow It Society, getting into gardening at
age five (take that “Plant
Blindness” naysayers).
horticulture: being a part of the Grow It Society, getting into gardening at
age five (take that “Plant
Blindness” naysayers).
“I wanted to be a florist back then – it was the only job I
knew that had plants and flowers,” he joked.
knew that had plants and flowers,” he joked.
Tychonievich reiterated an earlier point that he too looks
for learning opportunities galore in every nook of horticulture. “There’s a value in unexpected
opportunities,” he noted. He also recommended looking for feedback: online or
face-to-face in the garden or nursery. “Learning is huge! Have fun.”
for learning opportunities galore in every nook of horticulture. “There’s a value in unexpected
opportunities,” he noted. He also recommended looking for feedback: online or
face-to-face in the garden or nursery. “Learning is huge! Have fun.”
He explained how he has fun “educating” using stories about
plant genetics.
plant genetics.
Tychonievich showed his Michigan State-colored corn that
captured locals’ imaginations better than all the science lectures could hope
to.
captured locals’ imaginations better than all the science lectures could hope
to.
He urged the hort audience to better communicate about the fascinating
world of plants and what plants can do, what the future of horticulture can be
– and perhaps most important, “Where we want to take it.”
world of plants and what plants can do, what the future of horticulture can be
– and perhaps most important, “Where we want to take it.”
“We don’t need a big tulip display to capture our audiences’
attention.”
attention.”
Celebrity Chefs and Horticulture
Tychonievich compared horticulture to the gourmet food
industry to make a few points.
industry to make a few points.
“We need to have that same sense of excitement as celebrity chefs
bring to the world of cooking and food.
bring to the world of cooking and food.
Also, “The gourmet food industry doesn’t promote junk food,”
he said.
he said.
In the same way, hort professionals shouldn’t “dumb down” or
promote the common, monoculture of plant selection and breeding that is
becoming all too common.
“Forget the Knockout Roses. Or ‘trashy annuals.’”
promote the common, monoculture of plant selection and breeding that is
becoming all too common.
“Forget the Knockout Roses. Or ‘trashy annuals.’”
Leave those kinds of plants to the uninformed, he suggested.
In the same way as a foodie culture, customers frequent restaurants
to try new things – both tasting and for the experience, he related.
to try new things – both tasting and for the experience, he related.
“Visitors to botanic gardens, public gardens, parks or
nurseries should be exposed to plants in the same way. Offer them the heirlooms, the exotic.”
nurseries should be exposed to plants in the same way. Offer them the heirlooms, the exotic.”
We need “Gourmet Gardening,” he urged.
From my own sweet spot where the world of gardens kisses the edible food world – after all,
that’s how my book came about – I wanted to explore the nexus of culinary and
garden art: to share how growing inspired ingredients allows chefs to create seasonal,
local cuisine — I would add that today’s top chefs and food thought leaders
are increasingly turning to learning more about sustainable agriculture to
improve soils and taste and yield.
that’s how my book came about – I wanted to explore the nexus of culinary and
garden art: to share how growing inspired ingredients allows chefs to create seasonal,
local cuisine — I would add that today’s top chefs and food thought leaders
are increasingly turning to learning more about sustainable agriculture to
improve soils and taste and yield.
Look no further than to Blue Hill’s Chef Dan Barber, Chef
Tom Colicchio, or Chef Ferran Adrià.
Tom Colicchio, or Chef Ferran Adrià.
Perhaps the horticulturists and the chefs can come together
at the dining table and share talents and passions in a meaningful way… Next
year, NYBG?
at the dining table and share talents and passions in a meaningful way… Next
year, NYBG?
“Take your customers to an environmental level,” recommended
Tychonievich.
Tychonievich.
He cited Ikea as an example of an inspiring business model
because they set up display compositions where the customer can “see”
themselves in the kitchen or living room or whatever room they are selling.
because they set up display compositions where the customer can “see”
themselves in the kitchen or living room or whatever room they are selling.
So too, Chanticleer Gardens, for example, inspires its
visitors to imagine their garden room compositions at home, he explained.
visitors to imagine their garden room compositions at home, he explained.
I’d add that NYBG inspires too, in its many display gardens,
especially the perennial garden and the Ladies’ Border.
especially the perennial garden and the Ladies’ Border.
Hitting full stride, Tychonievich went on to suggest we need
more fun in the garden.
more fun in the garden.
“As horticulturists, we need a way to connect to our gardens
and enjoy a social aspect of the garden experience. Beyond the garden clubs.”
and enjoy a social aspect of the garden experience. Beyond the garden clubs.”
He named a kind of Meet-Up for garden enthusiasts that got
its start in Austin: Bloggers Fling.
its start in Austin: Bloggers Fling.
“We need more events like this,” he suggested.
“Thank God for the Internet” he continued. “Here, all is possible. No one needs to ask permission – we can just
do it!”
do it!”
“The internet is a
powerful online world.”
powerful online world.”
The message was to connect to other hort professionals — to
those who share the passion, the curiosity, the vision and ultimately, the
ability to remake our world of gardens, plants, and horticulture.
those who share the passion, the curiosity, the vision and ultimately, the
ability to remake our world of gardens, plants, and horticulture.
The morning was but a passing pfft and it was already time
for the break and lunch.
for the break and lunch.
Lunch & Garden Chat
The interns stopped to talk to the sponsors and business
supporters before and after the delicious lunch provided by the Garden.
supporters before and after the delicious lunch provided by the Garden.
The companies hoped to talk and woo the interns much like a
job fair or a networked recruiting event.
job fair or a networked recruiting event.
The Hort-based businesses manning tables were eager to talk
to the Hort Interns about career opportunities and new technologies geared just
for them.
to the Hort Interns about career opportunities and new technologies geared just
for them.
For example, while just baby steps away from it’s
beta-incubation stage, the GrowIt! Garden Socially App was enthusiastically
presented by its horticultural professional developers as a product targeting
Millennials and tapping into the need to give power to horticulture and plant
geek lovers.
beta-incubation stage, the GrowIt! Garden Socially App was enthusiastically
presented by its horticultural professional developers as a product targeting
Millennials and tapping into the need to give power to horticulture and plant
geek lovers.
Talk about Pay Dirt!
GrowIt! was also offering three, $500 scholarships.
Scholarship winners will be chosen from Hort students or
those engaged in a related field who use a smart phone (is that redundant?!) and
who contribute at least 30 uploads to the App.
Winning candidates will be based on quality and variety of plants
provided to the Grow It! App.
those engaged in a related field who use a smart phone (is that redundant?!) and
who contribute at least 30 uploads to the App.
Winning candidates will be based on quality and variety of plants
provided to the Grow It! App.
I’ll write a separate review of the GrowIt! App in a
forthcoming Garden Glamour blog. Meanwhile, download the Free App. It’s fun and
informative.
forthcoming Garden Glamour blog. Meanwhile, download the Free App. It’s fun and
informative.
It was a swell al fresco lunch of sandwiches, beverages, and
conversation where interns and hort leaders chatted about their gardens and
park work.
conversation where interns and hort leaders chatted about their gardens and
park work.
 |
| Lynden Miller & BBG’s Mark Fischer |
I got to speak with my tablemates who hailed from Ohio and
were working at Battery Park.
were working at Battery Park.
I learned one had been a turf manager at a
country club in Bronxville but wanted to cycle out of the turf area into plants. The other intern was gaining experience in
the gardens that will contribute to his work as a landscape architect when he
completes his studies.
country club in Bronxville but wanted to cycle out of the turf area into plants. The other intern was gaining experience in
the gardens that will contribute to his work as a landscape architect when he
completes his studies.
He showed me a series of photos on a recently-completed
water garden and native plant walk. He’s
got the chops!
water garden and native plant walk. He’s
got the chops!
All through lunch, Organic
Gardening magazine interviewed the horticulture professionals for an
upcoming online video segment.
Gardening magazine interviewed the horticulture professionals for an
upcoming online video segment.
When it was time for my on-camera interview I was a bit
stumped — not knowing what it was really all about.
stumped — not knowing what it was really all about.
But the interviewer was very good and asked about my
background before the interview. This
way she said she could direct appropriate hort and garden questions to ask.
background before the interview. This
way she said she could direct appropriate hort and garden questions to ask.
Now all I had to worry about was the bad hair day.
Those record-high temps and humidity contributed to a less
then happy coif!
then happy coif!
The interview went well enough according to her feedback…
The Garden Tours
This was not a day for all talk and no action!
There were separate tours running concurrently. A Garden curator and/or senior hort executive
expertly directed each tour.
expertly directed each tour.
The Hortie Hoopla II
afternoon was a portfolio of NYBG tours including, the Enid A. Haupt
Conservatory and Perennial Garden and the Ladies’ Border, Native Plant Garden
and Thain Family Forest, and LuEsther T. Mertz Library, William and Lynda
Steere Herbarium
afternoon was a portfolio of NYBG tours including, the Enid A. Haupt
Conservatory and Perennial Garden and the Ladies’ Border, Native Plant Garden
and Thain Family Forest, and LuEsther T. Mertz Library, William and Lynda
Steere Herbarium
I readily admit I’m way too smitten with the plants,
blossoms, and garden design compositions.
blossoms, and garden design compositions.
But just like the tech geek I was when working in consumer
electronics, I’m equally taken with the engine room – or the back of the
operation.
electronics, I’m equally taken with the engine room – or the back of the
operation.
The Library and Rare Book Room are must stops on your next
garden visit — there is just sooo much history and art there.
garden visit — there is just sooo much history and art there.
I’ll post more about these tours in an upcoming Garden
Glamour post.
Glamour post.
 |
| Hort interns visit the Herbarium |
A highlight of the Garden tours has to be Marc Hachadourian. Marc is the Director of The NYBG’s Nolen
Greenhouses for Living Collections, and knows how to mix his encyclopedic
knowledge of the plants, botany, taxonomy with a fun, practical, plant sense to
make the tour one you don’t want to end.
Greenhouses for Living Collections, and knows how to mix his encyclopedic
knowledge of the plants, botany, taxonomy with a fun, practical, plant sense to
make the tour one you don’t want to end.
 |
| NYBG’s Marc Hachadourian leads Hortie Hoopla tour of the Conservatory |
Throughout the tours, the interns appeared as awed as the
Green Professionals were.
Green Professionals were.
 |
| Wave Hill’s Director of Horticulture, Louis Bauer |
I could sense
the interns increasing pride in their chosen career.
It wasn’t just the crazy, pretty, clever plants.
the interns increasing pride in their chosen career.
It wasn’t just the crazy, pretty, clever plants.
It was also the diversity of career options.
In a world of Doctor, Lawyer…reality show — and even within the world of hort where
gardener (or florist) may have been fueling their horticulture passion, here
they saw hort professionals, growing, breeding, curating, preserving, writing,
and managing — that heretofore they just hadn’t experienced.
gardener (or florist) may have been fueling their horticulture passion, here
they saw hort professionals, growing, breeding, curating, preserving, writing,
and managing — that heretofore they just hadn’t experienced.
The world suddenly was their oyster. Or orchid!
The interns were also working on the Plant ID Contest throughout
the tours, which was a fun way to add an extra dimension to the tour – plus a chance
to win prizes at the BBQ dinner.
the tours, which was a fun way to add an extra dimension to the tour – plus a chance
to win prizes at the BBQ dinner.
Garden Caper
This is an aside or a sidebar experience…
Getting to the dinner held in the Ruth Rea Howell Family
Garden from the main building proved to be a bit of an adventure. And not the rewarding plant adventurer kind.
Garden from the main building proved to be a bit of an adventure. And not the rewarding plant adventurer kind.
Finishing up our tour of the Groundbreakers’ exhibit in the
Library, it was me, Ken Druse and a Planting Fields intern, Alexandria Bogo who
found ourselves together, determining how to get to the dinner party in the
Edible Landscape from the Watson building.
Library, it was me, Ken Druse and a Planting Fields intern, Alexandria Bogo who
found ourselves together, determining how to get to the dinner party in the
Edible Landscape from the Watson building.
See, the Family Garden is clear on the other side of the 250-acre
Botanical Garden.
Botanical Garden.
So despite priding ourselves on our hardy outdoor styles, we
were reluctantly reduced to realizing we didn’t want to walk…
were reluctantly reduced to realizing we didn’t want to walk…
Just then, it seemed the Calvary arrived. In the form of the Garden’s Tram – that takes
visitors on a pre-programmed tour of the Garden.
visitors on a pre-programmed tour of the Garden.
We were happy enough for the lift.
But as we meandered past the Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden –
the driver headed in the opposite direction – heading off to where? The Conifer
Collection?
the driver headed in the opposite direction – heading off to where? The Conifer
Collection?
I wasn’t sure.
So I stood up (I’m short ) and called out to the driver to
please stop. The tram is like an
elephant daisy-chain and we were far to the rear of the pachyderm-like cart so
he didn’t hear me.
please stop. The tram is like an
elephant daisy-chain and we were far to the rear of the pachyderm-like cart so
he didn’t hear me.
I tried to be louder.
No go.
No go.
I thought we might be on this Gilligan’s Island tour for far
longer than we had time for, so therefore I asked my travel mates if they
wanted to jump off.
longer than we had time for, so therefore I asked my travel mates if they
wanted to jump off.
I know, I know…
But we did.
Then, no sooner did we hit terra firma than the driver
brought the entire tram to a halt.
brought the entire tram to a halt.
Mercifully, he didn’t seem the least disturbed. Rather he said he’d drop us at our
destination in five minutes.
destination in five minutes.
True to his word, we were soon walking through the raisedbeds of the Global Gardens found in the Family Garden and I was pointing out my
favorite, The Korean Garden. The family
who tended this garden was always most kind to me…
Dinner in the Garden
Even if it had been a scorcher of a day, it was all cool and
happy by the time we arrived and the party had already blossomed.
happy by the time we arrived and the party had already blossomed.
It was as magical as fireflies in June.
The tableau was a sensory palette of colorful flowers,
spirited laughter, poofs of BBQ clouds and a tablescape set with fresh,
homegrown food.
spirited laughter, poofs of BBQ clouds and a tablescape set with fresh,
homegrown food.
Plus there was craft beer gifted from the Bronx Brewery!
Along with other beverages, including wine,
soda, and water…
soda, and water…
The most important ingredient? The networking.
 |
| Yurgalevitch & Planting Field Intern Alexandria Bogo |
In a profession that we lament is all too often mostly a
solitary one, even when part of a team, here was a chance for the best,
brightest, and ambitiously-aspiring, to effectively share ideas, experiences
and dreams with one another.
solitary one, even when part of a team, here was a chance for the best,
brightest, and ambitiously-aspiring, to effectively share ideas, experiences
and dreams with one another.
And we know how this movie ends – the key players
collaborate and support one another, great ideas are born and success happens.
collaborate and support one another, great ideas are born and success happens.
Over a bite to eat I had the chance to talk to a few ladies
from the Eagle Street Rooftop Farm and learned of their impressions of the day
(all good) and their hopes of a future in hort along with hort’s future. They spoke of their desire to do small-scale
agriculture, food production, food justice and access, education, and
sustainability. Wow.
from the Eagle Street Rooftop Farm and learned of their impressions of the day
(all good) and their hopes of a future in hort along with hort’s future. They spoke of their desire to do small-scale
agriculture, food production, food justice and access, education, and
sustainability. Wow.
Then as I was leaving, I heard one intern from Parks &
Recreation say to her associates while serving up her dinner plate: “I’m just sooo happy right now.”
Recreation say to her associates while serving up her dinner plate: “I’m just sooo happy right now.”
How great is that?
Put a fork in it. The Hortie
Hoopla II was yet another success.
Hoopla II was yet another success.
I left to walk to the train while the event continued its lovely,
happy setting.
happy setting.
Cheers!
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All are top-tier experts, leaders in our horticulture,
garden, and local communities. Their craft
contributes to a better, prettier, tastier, and more sustainable
lifestyle.
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contributes to a better, prettier, tastier, and more sustainable
lifestyle.
They are investing in the next generation of green professionals
— Please support them with your patronage.
— Please support them with your patronage.
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3 Comments
Nice photos. Which flowers in the first pic with them? Good luck to your garden design and to your book.
Thank you so much @Calogero Sorry I am just seeing this now… lots of garden design work 🙂 and Homegrown book work too.
I'm not sure about the white flowers you ask about. In the first pic in photo gallery near the end of the news post, I see pink astilble. Then there is the Oak Leaf Hydrangea in a following pic. Does that help?? LMK if I can be more specific. Happy Gardening.
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