getting into gardens
I won’t lie to you. Finding “your thing” can be intimidating. When I first explored gardening as a passion (which I later developed into my career), I was really afraid of the fact that I didn’t know everything. But, as I continue to learn about the entire world of horticulture, I have realized that this field is a much larger entity than what I once knew. Horticulture isn't just about growing plants; it's a deeply rewarding and multifaceted field that allows you to explore your passion for greenery, conservation, community, and sustainability. Here are a few steps to dipping your toes in the lovely, lush world of horticulture.
Cultivate Your Passion
The first step in any journey is to ignite your passion. Horticulture is all about nurturing, growing, and caring for the living world around you. I suggest starting with a small garden or even a few potted plants on your balcony or window sill. Get your hands dirty, observe your plants, and learn about their needs and characteristics. Your passion will grow as you get curious and witness the wonders of nature up close.
Education and Knowledge
Horticulture is a science as much as it is an art. To delve deeper, consider formal education in horticulture. Many botanic gardens (even colleges) offer horticultural programs that cover a wide range of topics, from plant biology and soil science to pest management and landscape design. If a full-time program isn't feasible, there are also online courses and local gardening clubs and workshops that can provide valuable knowledge. Like I have mentioned before, everyone is learning. No matter if you think you’ve got it all figured out, there is always something new to learn.
Hands-On Experience
Education alone isn't enough. To truly understand horticulture, you must get your hands dirty. Work at a local nursery, botanical garden, or community garden to gain practical experience. Learning from experienced gardeners and horticulturists will teach you essential skills and techniques that books can't provide.
Specialize and Explore
Horticulture is a vast field with numerous branches. Decide what area of horticulture interests you the most. Do you want to focus on ornamental gardening, sustainable agriculture, or urban landscaping? Specializing will help you refine your skills and build a career path tailored to your interests.
Networking
One of my favorite organizations and job posting sites for horticulture is Metro Hort Group. Joining horticultural societies, online forums, and attending gardening events is an excellent way to connect with like-minded individuals. Networking can provide you with valuable insights, job opportunities, and a supportive community to share your experiences and knowledge.
As a horticulturist, you have the power to make a positive impact on the environment. Embrace sustainable gardening practices, conserve native plants, and contribute to efforts to protect local ecosystems. Horticulture is a fulfilling and dynamic field that offers endless opportunities for personal and professional growth. Whether you dream of having a lush garden at home, a career in landscaping, or contributing to ecological conservation, horticulture can be your gateway to a more connected, sustainable, and beautiful world. So, grab your gardening tools, and let your journey into horticulture begin!
