DATE:   9/24/98
WRITER: Tim Davis, Extension agent, Richland County,
                   (803) 929-6030

Gardening Can Be a Lifelong Gift

     This time of year, as school is starting, I am always prone to
reflecting about my many teachers. I think not only of the teachers
from the classroom, but of those from life. 
     There was Mr. Plumb in fourth grade, and Dr. Henson in
freshman biology, who was also one of my undergraduate advisors.
Both were the meanest men alive, and each has had major influences
on my life.
     Mr. Plumb, well, let's say he was the first teacher that
didn't let me just daydream in class. Fourth grade was very
traumatic. Dr. Henson taught me critical thinking, a curse for
which I may never forgive him.
     My Grandpa, too, had a tremendous influence on me. He was a
man that loved the out-of-doors. He grew up on a farm in Michigan;
farming was in his blood. He taught me many things in the time we
had together. He gave me a gift, and sent me a journey that may
never end.
     I have been talking to many passionate gardeners in the last
months. They all have different interests, vocations, educations,
and personalities. They like different types of gardens: vegetable,
ornamental, and tropical. Some like to attract wildlife like   
butterflies and birds. Some prefer the formal English style
gardens. 
     But among them all, there is a common denominator: Each can
point to someone that taught them to love the garden: not just to
garden, but to love gardening with a passion.
     For me there has been a long succession of teachers and
mentors through the years. The love has changed and taken different
forms.
     Right now, I love observing what nature can do. How will this
tree that I prune grow next year? How many of the grasshoppers that
I throw into the web will the garden spider eat? I can be
enthralled for hours just watching some ants trying to haul the
caterpillar they killed back to their colony, and thrilled when I
see a "critter" everybody else missed.
     From my time working in the garden I have learned many things.
Work ethic, observation, responsibility, and patience. As with any
other gift or learning experience, there is a corresponding
responsibility.
     If you have a passion for gardening you too have a
responsibility. What is it? You must pass it on, as it was passed
to you.
     You must pass on what you know, but more importantly, you must
pass on what you feel. Knowledge alone is just work. Knowledge with
passion is joy mixed with sweat.
     Want to teach? Nieces, nephews, children, grandchildren,
neighbors, and schools are all anxiously awaiting someone to show
them the way.
     Want to learn? Again, there are many opportunities. First, it
is never too late to start. Second, don't look for the person with
knowledge alone, look for the knowledge with passion. "Yard of the
month" means nothing if it is done purely for recognition, and not
for the love of the work.
     There are many programs available in your community that can
help you learn the basics of gardening. One of the best sources is
Clemson Extension and the Master Gardener program. For information
on the programs available in your area, contact your county
Extension office.
     Remember, in gardening, the journey is more important than the
destination.
     I end with a warning. If you enter into such an education and
catch the bug, the learning never stops, the work never ends, and
the responsibility to pass it on will come into your hands. That's
a pretty good deal, I think!
                 ******************************
     If you have gardening questions or comments, write to
Agricultural News and Publications, A-101 Poole Agricultural
Center, Box 340311, Clemson University, Clemson, S.C. 29634-0311. 
                            END