I meet many gardeners who come in with questions about very particular problems. A soggy patch that never seems to dry out. A shady spot that never sees the sun, or vice versa, a hot sunny spot that can fry an egg. Sometimes the gardening struggles are less identifiable, such as why something will not continue to grow, what is preventing the plant from re-blooming, and my personal nemesis, what is eating at my plant?
Usually, I can find at least one roundabout answer or suggestion to provide for my fellow Garden Rebels. Or at least I can provide them with our phone number, (971) 512-2688, where everyone can text questions and photos that the whole team can answer! The problem is that afterwards people start asking how I know so much.
Did I read a book that provided me with the general knowledge of all things gardening? Nope, but when you find it, let me know! Did I go to school for nursery business? No. Did I take a class? No. Do I have ages of personal experience? Technically, also no. Then the answer must be that I simply have a green thumb. I will be the first to admit this is not at all factual (I kill more than I revive; it is like a science experiment!). I have noticed that many of you feel the same lack of experience when it comes to gardening as a negative. You are hard on yourselves and feel that every gardening problem reflects your lack of skill. But let me put it into a different perspective.
In quite the opposite manner, if I am not a professional gardener, then by the same standards, I must be a professional writer. Did I read a book that provided me with the general knowledge of all things writing? Technically, yes! It was required reading for my degree (Writing 101). Did I go to school for writing? No, but my freshman English teacher ingrained in all of us the importance that writing could have on our future (my first ever B). Did I take a class? Yes. Then I took the exact same class in college for an “easy A.” Do I have ages of personal experience? Also, yes! Thanks to my second/third-grade teacher for introducing creative writing as part of our morning routine. Then the answer must be that I am a flawless writer. I will, again, be the first to admit, this is not even remotely factual (I rewrite more than I actually publish!)
Even beyond admitting my own errors. I have no answers or suggestions for those who wish to become writers. I would not even know the first place to suggest, considering my in-depth education on writing, I am just a struggling artist myself. Yet, I meet readers who compliment my storytelling. Ask about very specific moments in my life that I have referenced (even loosely!) They ask about my family, what pancake recipe my dad uses, and continuously encourage me to keep writing. So, how can I have studied so much in one aspect of my life, and yet have a career that is solely focused on the skill I have not practiced nearly as much? The secret is, I am a highly trained circus monkey, and in the grand scheme of things, writing is much like gardening.
The same skills are required. Patience, taking the time to plant and re-plant (or write and re-write). Tenacity, the determination it takes to practice and be a good writer (or gardener), IN ADDITION to all of the other skills that have already been honed. Finally, the ability to perform, I am a very strong believer in the “fake it until you make it” practice. My suggestion, for both areas of expertise, is to keep going.
Above all, trust your chosen ringleaders. Your parents, teachers, editors, and even your local Garden Rebels. They are key to your performance becoming a grand success.
