Slowly, the wise voices of the garden are disappearing. I often wonder who is listening. Who is taking the time to sit at their knees, absorbing wisdom that will soon disappear? There is joy when listening to seasoned figures in the world of horticulture who have similar perspectives.
I rarely see more than a handful of young people attending in-person events such as trade shows and conferences. One thing for sure has become obvious – younger folks are not showing up. We have stories for every experience that taught us a lesson. These are lessons that helped us grow. Perhaps we learned things the hard way, which boosted our self-esteem. We can tell the stories we remember, that were handed down from our elders with joy.
However, where are our young people? Are they willing or even present to listen? Are they willing to experience doing things the old-fashioned way? Is it simply easier to look online, only to gain a mere snippet of the story? Remember back in the day when we had the ears of the elders or Encyclopedia Britannica as our resources? Simpler times demanded less computer time. There was a time when we found joy when we sat at the knee of our kinfolk.
I remember spending time in North and South Carolina during the summer months as a child. We visited relatives with my parents, aunts, and uncles. We looked forward to that week when we could be free to stay outdoors late. There was unspoken joy found in the silence of the night, under the star dotted sky. Asking the burning questions in our minds often required deep thought from the elders.
Many people in the South were not quick to answer, as all questions were important. The elders provided food for thought for anyone who might be listening. Many times, the collective conversations of the elders mentioned names and places we had never heard before. The people, places, or experiences stayed in their hearts and minds. These memories wait patiently, ready to enlighten the next generation. Many of these souls have gone on, and their stories, filled with wisdom, are slowly fading away.
When we do not reach back, much-needed information is slowly lost. It is important to emphasize listening to the younger generation. Knowledge is like a viable seed. Like a field in the spring, loosened up, open, and fertile, these young minds can allow these seeds to put down roots.
Age happens to all of us. It is important to document and make available the experiences a new generation will not experience. In my youth, I learned to milk a cow, proper composting techniques, and alternative pesticide measures. Returning garden debris to the soil as fertilizer, knowing when to water, and knowing when to prune are also skills I cherish. I learned these basic skills by listening to the elders along my life’s journey. There are many things to learn simply by sitting with the elders and asking questions. One thing I didn’t do was use my cell phone or computer. I merely listened to those who were willing to share and asked questions.
Who is listening to those voices in horticulture that are slowly slipping away? Are we instilling the importance of sitting at the knee of the elders, taking good notes, or recording their voices?
I write to share my perspective. As I become more seasoned, I look around when I tour gardens or attend garden-related events. It concerns me when I do not see the generation that can benefit from our experiences. Will they be ready when the time comes for simple basic skills from my familiar? I ask myself, have I shared good seeds with a young gardener lately? Did I receive their question and give them a well thought out answer?
As I look back on my journey, I remember holding Mr. Pearl Fryar’s hands and listening to the wisdom of his words. It is a day I will never forget as my grandsons played in the field and on the tractor. Slowly, he shared his story and encouraged me to continue sharing the joy of gardening. That was in 2014, and I am still paying attention to his words.
I am committed to sharing my knowledge and skills with anyone willing to listen. Are you?
Teri, Cottage in the Court
(NOT AI-GENERATED)
by 
