Stop and Smell the Jasmine

Mark Russell
Horticulture Director
Discovery Cove and Aquatica
Orlando, Florida

I always look forward to The Landscape Show as a great time to re-energize. What an outstanding opportunity to Meet wonderful people in our great industry – to Discover, new plants, supplies, materials and technology – and to Learn about everything going on from new industry certifications to increasing diseases threatening our palms.

But how do we take that energy and excitement back to our teams and businesses? Having the privilege of working in an incredibly fun environment at the Worlds of Discovery Parks in Orlando – SeaWorld, Discovery Cove and Aquatica, it’s easy to stay excited and energized. But sometimes we can all become so busy that we have trouble seeing beyond today’s to-do lists or our long-term goals.

Dale Carnegie, the great American author and trainer, referred to this when he said, “One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon--instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today.”

Perhaps we should purposely remind ourselves every now and then of the reasons we decide to wake up and go to work in this industry every day. When you stop and reflect for a while, the opportunity to work with our minds, our hands and our hearts in our beautiful natural world is very special! But why is that so? To someone on the outside, it may not seem special at all – in fact it may seem intolerable. What’s so great about working with shovels, rakes and pruning shears, doing dirty work in 95-degree heat day in and day out?

I believe it has everything to do with simply connecting with our natural world. Thomas Jefferson once said, “No occupation is so delightful to me as the culture of the earth, and no culture comparable to that of the garden.” Thomas Jefferson was a very distinguished individual, with a broad education. Among other things, he was our 3rd president, the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, an architect, statesman, author, inventor, archaeologist, paleontologist, founder of the University of Virginia and yes, a horticulturist. Of all of these, he declared the culture of the earth the most delightful occupation!

Apparently, many people agree that gardening is indeed delightful. In 1999, gardening was the third most popular hobby in America, at 15%, trailing only reading, at 27% and TV watching at 22%. TV Watching? Is that a hobby?! But why is it so satisfying and natural on the most basic level for folks like us to work the land? Could it be that humans have been gardening for so long that it is simply a part of our nature and instinct? Not only may it be the most delightful occupation, it may have been the very first occupation. Think for a moment about the elements of your work that are the most satisfying to you. In addition to working with earth and plants, isn’t it wonderful that the fruit of our labor often provides immediate visible results? Our industry also gives us the opportunity to use both sides of our brain, whether it is a creative, artistic landscape design, or analyzing and solving a complex landscape, nursery or business problem. We get to partner with nature, technology and other people on a daily basis. This is really a wonderful, enjoyable industry!

The poet Walt Whitman wrote, “Give me odorous at sunrise a garden of beautiful flowers where I can walk undisturbed.” I can really relate to this. I like to walk our parks every day, and sunrise is my favorite time to do this, especially at Discovery Cove. I feel the soft white sand under my feet – see the beautiful dolphin lagoons, the sun rising over graceful coconut palms, beautiful, lush foliage and flowers everywhere – hear the rhythmic sounds of the towering bamboo swaying in the breeze, the splashing and vocalizing of playful dolphins – and smell the fragrance of Jasmine sambac carried light and sweet across the beach. If one of our loquat trees has ripe fruit on it, all five senses may be engaged. Sometimes I just have to stop for a moment and soak it all in. Then it occurs to me that I’m getting paid to do this! Of course I can’t stand there all day and marvel at the natural beauty, but it provides a wonderful reminder that I do satisfying, important work in a beautiful world, with people who have a passion for horticulture that inspires me. It’s a great way to start the morning and helps tune my perspective for the rest of the day.

Next month when you visit The Landscape Show, take the time to rediscover how you got your start and why you’re still in this rewarding industry. The next time you feel stressed and are too caught up in the busyness of life or work, stop for a moment and smell the jasmine. If that doesn’t help, grab a shovel and go out and get your hands dirty. You’ll feel much better!