Hello Garden enthusiasts.

Let’s discuss the field I love very much, the landscape field.

Many folks do not know this, but the landscape field is more than just mowing lawns and blowing leaves.

If you love this field, I suggest you take as many college courses pertaining to the field as possible.

Here are a few: botany, soil science, landscape horticulture, agronomy, arborist, viticulture and landscape architecture.

After graduating from college, I knew there was a lot more to learn. I continued reading and watching shows pertaining to the field.

Like a doctor, your education never ends, it’s ongoing.

Most of my career was being a landscape director/manager. Before that, I spent many hours digging holes and trenches, breaking rock with a jackhammer, driving a tractor doing tree work and design work (which I love).

In my later years, before retirement, my responsibility was continuing landscape architecture and arborist work, and holding the title as a Landscape Maintenance Director. Being a maintenance director was definitely like being a plant doctor.

I was often called the “Plant Wizard.” I would diagnose pesticides, fungicides and fertility issues. I also taught and educated our landscape crew, as well as my clients.

I don’t pretend to know everything and this is why I believe in continuing education.

I give credit to my father, who grew up on a farm. He taught me to work hard, but also work smart. Love and treat your plants and trees like your immediate family.

So next time you do garden work, think about what I just said. Plants love to be loved and taken care of, just like we do.