Be Joyful Podcast Interview

Inspiring Others to Find a More Joyful Path

I was recently interviewed on the ‘Be Joyful’ podcast - Jean Cameron Hill asked some insightful questions about my life in the landscape business. She asked me how I started out 50 years ago when there were hardly any women in the field. Also what advice do I have for others who want to be in this crazy profession of landscape design/ horticulture.

Listen to Episode Here

Here is a summary of what we discussed:

Early years and unusual college experiences 

• Kid from the NY boroughs, growing up in a concrete jungle

• Always fascinated with plants and building

• Attended Friends World College, created myown studies - learn by doing 

• Lived in Kyoto, Japan and transfixed by Japanese gardens 

  

• Japanese architect boss said “you’re not an architect, you’re a landscape architect.”

• Studied landscape architecture at University of Hawaii - the only woman in my class 

  

What was next endeavor? 

• Wanted hands-on training and worked at Mohonk Mountain House in NY

• Worked for a French master gardener there

• Learned professional European horticulture in the field

  

Started a biz

• Rented one room from a small tree company which grew into a large enterprise - Sav a Tree

• Learned from Sav a Tree boss how to develop the right mindset for running a business

• Your thoughts and attitudes are key to success. Set sites high enough 

• Goal was to create beautiful outdoor settings 

Now

• I believe that serene outdoor environments uplift people. I explain how to create these environments in my books - Spirit of Stone, Flowertopia, Gardentopia, Heaven in a Garden

  

• I have a substack page and am going to give on line classes

My advice the “brass ring” for success?

• Being talented in your specific field is not enough. Get business systems in place!

• Work with people you align with

• Make yourself known

• Make time for yourself, even something as simple as a walk 

• It’s ok to be the only woman in the room 

• You have to love what you do - your passion I will be the key to your success. 

  

  This interview was a unique way to synthesize my thoughts about being successful in a service oriented design business. I also got to share some of my long history in the profession. But I neglected to mention working and living in New Orleans and Kenya and teaching at Columbia and more…oh well.

  Thanks for subscribing to Gardentopia! Let me know what you think-