Where do we go when we are in search of a retreat? What can we count on when everything else around us seems to be in disarray?

My hope is that we long to be embraced by some form of nature.

Take for instance the wonder of a starlit night.

As we move out of doors, lift our heads skyward and connect once again with the steadfastness of Orion, we sense the peacefulness of such dependability.

There's something comforting about being able to count on the collective centuries of Orion's place in the world.

Now, this might be a stretch, but in this moment can we hear the tender words of Whitman…

“I believe a leaf of grass is no less than the journey-work of the stars.”

That as the sky touches the earth and encounters a single blade of grass, that this too is significant, in its own way.

So as our feet, and our hands, and our labors, and our fears, and our uncertainties and our hopes all interact with the earth, we in essence mingle with the stars.

Is that possible? Do we as a horticultural professional believe this, or is this notion left just for the crazies and the romantics?

My reason for even bringing this up is that now more than ever, we need to find a way to reconnect with all the natural things around us that we can count on.

One of the fundamental laws of nature is: nature brings order out of chaos. And with all the social disorder we now face, we need natural touchstones of certainty to remind us of a very relevant component that is inherent within our industry.

Our collective success won't come by the “rat race” of the day, the measurements of the month, or the ongoing labor issues of the past decades.

What our buyer is going to want more than anything else we can offer is ORDER. Help me find order. Offer me something that can be counted upon, remind me of my connected-ness to a greater good.

Reinforce my faith by introducing me to plants that are reliable, and will perform as promised. Help me enjoy the pleasures of simply watching something wonderful grow.

For within the daily chaos of all that is uncontrollable, bring me back to the natural order of a garden. Offer me the opportunity to be one of the “crazies” that can approach the world with the confidence of such natural order. Amidst it all, give me a place to mingle with the miracle of stars, and simple blades of grass.

We can do that.