October 2009
This fall season has come full charge as temperatures have suddenly dropped and plants are adjusting to their new surroundings. Boisterous buds from Asters have begun to burst while Dahlias, Salvias, Gaillardias, and Persicarias continue to hang on until hard frosts topples their tops only to be cut back with a promise of a return next spring. The clear days of autumn bring forth extraordinary effects and plays on light as grasses sway in the cool breeze and deciduous foliage all around add to the riot of warm colors much needed in the cooling landscape.
The school year has started and a brand new audience presents itself to the Soest Garden. Looking out on a clear, bright day seeing just about every bench occupied with students is always gratifying. Seeing them observe and inquire about the plants is just like icing on the cake knowing that you're inspiring a future avid gardener.
During a recent Garden Writer's symposium in Raleigh, I attended a lecture on “Generation Y” and their impact and influence on the horticultural industry. It brought to light some glaring statistics that many in the industry should know. This “Gen Y” is comprised of those between the ages of 15-30 years old. This generation is about three times as large as the generation before (Generation X) and make up about 60 million people in the US (Second only to the “baby boomers” at 72 million). That 60 million makes up 25% of the current workforce and have the spending power of 150 billion dollars annually. More importantly, most “Gen Y”s are growing up with a far greater awareness for the environment; they make concerted steps to do their part in preserving our natural world. This generation has also proven to be adaptable and accepting of change as technology advances and they are more than willing to stay current on the latest improvements. The bottom line is: they have to see that resources are out there and easily accessible to them and professionals in the field should make the effort to mentor those who express an interest in gardening.
By having a garden like the Soest Perennial Display Garden, we're hoping to be doing our part for not only Gen Y, but for the entire population who can witness the change in the season and appreciate the remarkable diversity of plants we can grow in the Pacific Northwest.
Riz