You Love To Garden--Are You Ready To Turn Pro?
June 13th, 2009 in blogs
Billy Goodnick, contributor
13 users recommend
Roberta & Thor (aka G.O.T.) in their tropical oasis.
Photo: Billy Goodnick
I love hearing about people who are so consumed by their passions that they jam on the brakes, hang a “u-ee”, punch the gas and take off in a new direction. That’s what San Diego garden enthusiast Roberta Correia is doing.
Roberta is an old friend who I’d never met; at least not until I visited San Diego last weekend. Lin, my spousal support unit, and I were there visiting family and celebrating our 23rd wedding anniversary. [Travel hint: if you’re into brilliant Asian food, you MUST find Kafe Yen in the Pacific Beach neighborhood.]
 |
| The front of the Correia family's home sits at the top of a long stairway, peering through a grove of Sweetgum trees (Liquidambar styraciflua). Photo by Billy Goodnick. |
Since I was going to be in San Diego with Lin, I arranged a visit to Roberta’s garden. It’s strange when you’ve seen so many pictures of a place and then visit in person.
Roberta greeted me as an old friend, handed me a tasty glass of home-brewed iced tea and showed me around. The garden was immediately familiar and the cheery light green walls and white trim of the house softly radiated through a grove of densely planted sweetgum trees (Liquidambar styraciflua). But it was the back yard that got my pulse going.
First, a bit of background.
I met Roberta a couple of years ago while we were praising each other’s pics at Flickr.com, a photo-sharing website that lets users leave comments, pick faves, make “friends” and send e-mails. [See Roberta's flickr collection]
Roberta and I quickly formed a mutual admiration society. She had just bought a house on a steeply sloping lot and was slowly turning the ravaged fixer-upper into a tropical oasis. Her photos chronicled her garden’s makeover.
 |
| Given San Diego's Mediterranean climate, you can't get much more tropical looking plants than maroon castor bean, ornamental banana, angel's trumpet and the fine textured young Albizia julibrissin. Photo by Billy Goodnick. |
She and her hubby, Bruno—childhood sweethearts, I might add—are originally from Rio de Janeiro, which might explain the rear yard landscaping, overflowing with an eccentric collection of luscious, leafy plants. “I like leaves!” she enthused, as we toured the landscape, still a work in progress. “Flowers are nice, but I’m always attracted to foliage first.”
I’m not sure which was more fun—seeing the garden or meeting her son. Thor (Roberta wanted a name with some power; I’ve nicknamed him GOT for God of Thunder) is a Legomaniac who eagerly showed off his totally coolio stick-figure animation program on his Mac laptop. He seemed stoked to meet me, having seen some of my Garden Wise Guys TV program on-line. I’m not sure what an 8-year old boy gets from a public TV show about sustainable landscaping, but hey, there’s worse stuff on TV.
I could write a separate article about Roberta’s adventurous garden undertaking, with its exotic plants: black elephant ear, Brazilian banana tree, zinfandel-colored castor bean, tapioca tree and Cenozoic-era cycad palms. But that blog will have to wait.
 |
| The fireplace doubles as a retaining wall and center of evening activities. Photo by Billy Goodnick. |
The big news from my visit was that this professional economist, wife and mother had just enrolled in the horticulture program at Cuyamaca College, majoring in landscape design! That’s what I mean about pursuing your passion.
“This change of career was forced by the current economic situation,” Roberta confided. “If it weren’t for the downturn, I wouldn't have dared leave a promising career and a job I loved in the building industry to follow my dream!”
Her enthusiasm was palpable, reminding me of my decision 35 years ago to hang up my drumsticks, pull the plug on concert tours and recording, and dive headlong into the world of plants.
Recently, Roberta was discussing her situation with another enthusiastic gardener, who told her, "Once you find a job you're passionate about, you never have to ‘work’ again"!
There’s an enthusiastic “I can DO this” demeanor that pours from this dynamic woman and convinces me that she will soon be a force to be reckoned with. As we talked about all the ways she could connect with the landscape design profession, she was like a sponge, soaking up every idea. I could see mental bridges building as she used her economist’s mindset to plan her exciting new career path.
I know there are a lot of you reading this who identify with Roberta Correia. You might be working at a job that provides a paycheck, but no fulfillment. Or perhaps you have been let go. I’m in no position to tell you to take the leap—everyone’s tolerance of risk is different and you have to judge for yourself if Roberta’s new path would be right for you.
But you won’t know unless you try. Talk to people in the green world. Enroll in an adult education class. Soberly list the risks and benefits. And if you decide to dip your little toe in the big green pond, know that others have succeeded in following their dreams.
I’d love some feedback from readers who have taken the plunge, or those who are excited by the prospect of “going pro”. That’s what the comment section below is for.
I intend to keep up our connection and provide whatever advice and guidance I can for Roberta. The world needs impassioned, bright plant people like her.
 |
| This sweet little bed faces north along the side property line. With our without flowers, it provides variety and interest year round. The round leaf Ligularia is a survivor of the prior garden, nursed back to health by Roberta. Photo by Billy Goodnick. |
|
| Colocasia esculenta 'Black Magic' and Kalanchoe blossfeldiana create foliar contrast. Photo by Billy Goodnick. |
 |
| The simple color scheme of the house makes a perfect foil for the complex foliage colors of the garden. It was a perfect place to sip an ice tea and view the garden. Photo by Billy Goodnick. |
 |
| Nicotiana brings a splash of floral color rising beside the exotic brown-bract shrimp plant (Justicia brandegeana). The big leave of a sego palm (Cycas revoluta) brings a touch of the exotic to the background at the right of the frame. Photo by Billy Goodnick. |
 |
| Roberta's "one-of-each-itis" is brought under control by using only terra cota pots. Front and center is one of my faves: Kalanchoe luciae, Paddle Plant. Photo by Billy Goodnick. |
 |
| The narrow beds along the side of the house receive their due attention. This young angel's trumpet (Brugmansia species) fills the night air with a sweet fragrance that attracts nocturnal moths. Photo by Billy Goodnick. |
 |
| Not every plant in the yard fits the tropical category. A simple combo of yarrow and dusty miller lend a more traditional feel. Photo by Billy Goodnick. |
About this column
Enter the world of sustainable gardening with Billy Goodnick's "Cool Green Gardens" blog. Billy lives in Santa Barbara, CA, and delivers a West Coast perspective on landscape design that will translate into your own backyard. Check out CGG for great ideas on reducing your impact on the environment and creating a landscape that is an extension of your home.Billy Goodnick, a landscape architect, educator and writer, shares the wisdom he has gathered from thirty-five years of retail nursery sales, landscaping, designing and teaching. He'll challenge your assumptions while putting a smile on your face with his off-the-wall humor.
Whether you're seeking to fine-tune your existing garden or are starting with a clean slate, Cool Green Gardens is your go-to resource for sustainable ideas, innovation and inspiration.
Gardening Products
-
Fullflow Shut Off Valve
$9.95 
-
Praying Mantis Eggs
$17.5
-
Great Horned Owl Sentry
$12.95
-
58-inch Metal Stand
$7.95
-
Gnat Guard
$16.95
-
Garden Labeler
$59.95
See More Products
Comments (18)
There should be an active SD chapter. Check them out! They also have social dinner meetings monthly where you can network and meet others in the field, local educators, vendors, etc. Good place to make all kinds of contacts.
Trade shows are another networking spot. The Calif Assn of Nursery Professionals (aka C.A.N. in the old days)sponsors one in San Mateo (the "NorCal" show), and one in Pomona, usually early in spring, Jan-Feb. Also the national 'Hort Pro' assn. org has a Las Vegas show, a big one!
Best of luck and good wishes. Posted: 10:12 am on August 4th
Thanks for your optimistic comment about making lemon chiffon pie when life hands you just plain lemons. I'm in the same boat, being laid off from a 22 year career as landscape architect for Santa Barbara, then within days, having door after door open for me. One of the doors was this wonderful opportunity writing for Fine Gardening.
I try to embrace the philosophy that in life, "pain is inevitable but suffering is optional." It's all a matter of perspective.
I'd love to hear more as you progress in your horticultural education and see where you land. Stay in touch. Who knows, you might be my next superstar profile! Posted: 12:29 pm on July 29th
I understand what some of the designers here are talking about when they "warn" that design is largely hardscape work. I come from a construction background. I think what Roberta sees is the trap many designers fall into. It becomes so easy to just plunk down whatever is the current trend in plants. Here in San Diego county, we're going through a Day Lily phase, as opposed to the Agapanthus/Bird of Paradise phase of several years ago. Once Roberta finishes her education and goes into the workforce, if she's the one experimenting with different colors and textures from the "current trend", she'll garner plenty of attention and land more than enough work to keep busy with. Posted: 8:58 am on July 9th
Hope to see your business in the Fine Gardening Link soon. Posted: 6:55 pm on June 25th
I love showing my garden to friends, but I had never expected it would turn into a story for Fine Gardening!
I have worked as a project manager in residential development for many years, and as a plant lover, it was very frustrating to see the same ho-hum plants specified over and over again.
It always felt like some landscape architects were so worried to make the hardscaping part work out - grading, irrigation, access, sidewalks, etc - that plants were left for the last minute as an "accessory".
A whole lot of people come to me and say "gosh, I kill every plant I buy!". I don't believe that's true. It just takes a mentor to show them how to get started, to point them in the right direction, be it by selecting the right plant for the right place, or teaching one how to care for existing plants.
I am very honored to have Billy as a mentor and I have been learning a lot from him. Once you you have that glimpse of clarity that tells you "Follow your dream!", there is no going back! Posted: 8:24 pm on June 22nd
identified species, but when got tired of the dull
commonplace installations in Puero Rico, became a
Creative Horticultural Critic with a endemismotrasnochado.blogspot.com/, now read in over
thirty five countries, in five continents. Posted: 11:49 am on June 22nd
This is a wonderful turn to see, and it's nice to read about. I made the plunge from landscape crew leader/supervisor for a full service nursery about 15 yrs ago, when I moved from Bend Oregon to Sandpoint N.Idaho, and have never looked back.
Roberta will find there is much joy in bringing people beauty right outside their doors, or when they look out any window. Many of my clients become gardeners, even without the intent at the time we meet... It's wonderful to see that transformation.
A hint for Roberta, with her beautiful grounds... Open them up to prospective and return clients, and/or get on the local annual garden tour. My partner and I run a small nursery with sales on weekends, and we open up the 6 acres of gardens when we do sales, and this often ends up with new clients doing design work, or even a full install. The point being that prospective clients see your work, and gets their juices flowing...
Once again, GO Roberta! We're with you! Posted: 12:29 pm on June 19th
As Susan Cohan succinctly said, plants are the least of it.
Truth be told, if you look at the body of work from successful designers you'll notice a common thread: that many are in their middle ages when they start producing their finest work.
This is because it takes years of education, internships and putting in dedicated long hours under other professional landscape designers before they can really understand what is required to design and build a successful project.
Ask me what I did today on the job and I'll tell you it had nothing to do with plants. Grading, drainage, pipe and steel sizes, hydroment additives vs. polymer mixes, transformers and cable run and size.
Realities of this job.
Posted: 9:23 pm on June 15th
What a very excellent post and story. Nice that you and Roberta got to meet face to face. And even nice that you got along so well.
I also love BOTH of your stories regarding the pursuit of your gardening passion.
In fact I would like to encourage you BOTH to SHARE your story on our site (ahamoment.com). It's sponsored by Mutual of Omaha and we collect inspirational stories of all kinds. I think people would really get a lot out of hearing from you.
Take a look and see what you think. And again, THANKS for the post. Great stuff.
Have a great day.
-Mike
mike@ahamoment.com
Posted: 11:47 pm on June 14th
I've given talks on operating a garden design business to students in the past, and invariably some contact me looking for more information, which I'm always happy to give. I would advise Roberta to connect with local garden designers, who can give her a solid idea of the opportunities and challenges in her area.
Good luck, Roberta! Posted: 2:09 pm on June 14th
What that made me realize was that all the hippie-dippy, be kind to Mother Earth, no-chem, low-water usage, grow-yer-own ideals were actually viable - and that their time has finally come to be the mainstream. Not only were the ideas viable, but now have university studies to back them up.
As a result, I became a gardening coach and am having the time of my life watching the lights come on in peoples' eyes as they 'get it'... Posted: 10:08 pm on June 13th
This leads me to why I agree with verdancedesign and Interleafer - the jobs that seem to be available right now are the smaller ones. Being into the softscaping side, the creativity, the challenges of smaller scope balancing color, texture, volume, and being able to incorporate the customer's needs while tying everything together esthetically is a joy. Also, with the smaller gardens, even the ones that are primarily native and zone adapted plants can lead to additional income with regular maintenance.
Posted: 9:34 pm on June 13th