The Young Gardener 
By John Johnson, Massachusetts* 
OL'R profession is characterized by unliounded pos- 
sil:)ilities, and something of mutual interest at our 
society's meetings ought never be wanting. The 
literary committee needs the co-operation of all members, 
and if when called upon, each member would pledge 
himself, "Yes," instead of answering or feeling negative 
in this matter, then much of interest and benefit would 
accrue. 
Of the rising generation myself, I am naturally in- 
terested in the welfare of those of my own class, and 
have chosen accordingly these few remarks. Young men 
— the enviable and universal reputation established by 
some of the older members of this Lenox Horticultural 
Society is of more than passing interest. Just after lo- 
cating in Pittsfield last fall I wrote an old boss in Eng- 
land to the effect that I had now settled in Berkshire 
county, Mass. He replied to my letter as follows : "The 
names Berkshire and Lenox are familiar to me as being 
associated with horticultural giants. Is this the same 
Berkshire you wrote of? It must be." 
He thus put the question and himself answered in the 
affirmative. Here then is it exemplified that Lenox is 
no strange name to gardeners across the brin\-, and here, 
too, will the young man find an opportunity for develop- 
ment such as few other districts present. 
I would not, however, lead anyone to assume that the 
fact of his having worked in any one or more of these 
gardens guaranteed efficiency. Such influence, in British 
gardens, possesses material advantages. There a young 
fellow's capabilities are estimated by the amount of in- 
fluential power at his command, rather than by his knowl- 
edge of the craft. In democratic America men in our 
profession rest on their merit, and right here, I repeat, 
is an environment of unbounded opportunity for any 
voung man. to learn advanced gardening and the rudi- 
nncnts of estate management. 
Men of the rising generation, in my opinion, are son^e- 
times prone to await the magic impulse of what might bi; 
called "luck." Having become specialists in one branch 
perhaps, and this usually under glass, wc patiently and 
with complacency rest our oars on the precedent that a 
"knowledge of 'mums, or roses, or carnations, is the nec- 
essary and absolute qualification of an u|i-to-date gar- 
dener. Unfortunately the head rnen in their endeavor 
to procure efficient helj) encourage this attitude to some 
•exteiTt. Almost invariably in filling a berth they give pref- 
erence to the young man who previously held a similar 
position. Thus instead of helping the rising generation 
to become proficient, all-round gardeners, they do in some 
measure promote an undesirable state of affairs. 
Nevertheless, there are few head men who would deny 
an ambitious and conscientious young man an oppor- 
tunity for development. So, that reducing the question 
to a normal basis it must be admitted that the whole sit- 
uation is in the hands of the individual most concerned 
— the young gardener. Let me then, young friends, 
■emphasize the fact that just as the strength of a chain 
lies in its weakest link, so a man's character, his general 
knowledge, and initiative power are judged by the weak- 
est points. 
If then, we choose to hibernate in the greenhouse as 
floriculturists alone, becoming oblivious to the three co- 
ordinate branches of horticulture, pomology, vegetable 
culture, and landscape gardening, we naturally fail as 
] ractical gardeners. By landscape gardening I mean 
more particularly the planning and planting of herba- 
ceous borders, shrubberies and the like, as to perspective 
* Extracts I'rom a paper read before Lenox, Mass., Horticultviral Societ.v. 
and the employment of suitable varieties. These are 
suijjccts worthy of our attention and if circumstances for 
the time being prevent our gaining practical knowledge, 
nothing hinders us from taking a lively interest in out- 
door gardening and of at least becoming fairly conver- 
sant on matters pertaining to this department. 
However, one ounce of practice is worth a pound of 
theory and I therefore advocate practical treatment of 
the subject. 
Forget the greenhouse for a year or two during your 
career as an assistant. We put millstones about our 
necks when we confine our energies to one branch of 
gardening. 
The chip of conceit will sometimes lodge on the 
shoulder of the young grower whose 'mums, roses, or 
carnations win honor for his chief at the local show. 
Young fellows often overlook the fact that previously, 
maybe for years and years, this same head gardener has 
won for himself similar honors and is, therefore, justi- 
fiably entitled to his enviable reputation'. We know of 
some old so-and-so happily situated and who, in ouv 
estmiation, knoweth not the first thing about potting a 
'mum ! Thus, unbridled our ideas flaunt. How easy to 
overlook the fact that this same old so-and-so has years 
ago outgrown, so to speak, elementary gardening, and 
is now responsible for results of an order practically un- 
known to us of less ripe experience. That which is often 
upi)crmost in a young gardener's mind might be less in- 
teresting to the head man, and probably remote in the 
mirid of an employer. 
Satisfied that we must now get out of the rut, our 
l:est intentions will stagger if they do not entirely suc- 
cumb to an illusory dread of ridicule. We seem to be 
endowed with a natural timidity when confronted by 
an edifying proposition and quite heedless of the old 
saying. "He who fears ridicule is at the mercy of every 
fool." Nothing would give one greater joy than to hav; 
at these meetings each young member voluntarily give 
of his experience something to stimulate enthusiasm and 
evoke criticism. There is nothing derogatory in being 
criticised. Take notice, those who expose themselves 
to, and can merit criticism, are generally doing something 
of the worth wdiile order. 
Let us then revolutionize our standard of prepared- 
ness. Apathy on our part cannot be too strongly con- 
demned, and while the rut is hard to steer clear of, well- 
directed energy will pull us through. 
Dont forget that some of the old school hail from 
^Missouri and my advice just now is, ''When you feel in 
earnest, sieze the very minute, if there's anything you 
can do, or think you can, begin it." 
Not all young men lack the inventive, but Oh ! — so 
manv hate to get busv." 
Of Interest to Estate Owners 
The National Association of Gardeners maintains a Service Bureau 
whicli is at the disposal of all who may require the services of efficient 
gardeners in their various capacities. 
The association seeks the co-operatinn of estate owners In its efforts 
to secure opportunities for tliose eu^a.ired in the profession of jrarden- 
ing who are seeking to advance themselves. It makes no charge for 
services rendered. It endeavors to supply men qualified to assume the 
responsibilities tlie position may call for. 
Through this service the National Association of Gardeners aims to 
bring the Country Estate Owner and the truly efficient men engaged 
in the profession in closer relation to each other, that the interest in 
ornamental horticulture and its greater development in this country 
may thereby be elevated. 
Make your requirements known to 
M. C. EBEL, Sec'y, National Association of Gardeners, Madison. N. J. 
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