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This year there have been new and old superheroes on the big screen. Heroes can be loud and flashy, or quiet and almost camouflaged in the background.
Frank Muzzi is one of the more quiet heroes for me. Muzzi was significant in building Palo Alto’s Byxbee Park, which is on top of a former landfill. Frank made 1 million cubic yards of compost to cover that landfill and create a park on top of it. He still manages the care and maintenance of the landfill and the park.
Another hero of mine was the now-deceased Howard Oliver. Howard was a geologist for U.S. Geological Survey but in his spare time he grew camellias, rhododendrons, azaleas and magnolias. Planted on his Sharon Heights property, Howard had more of these flowers than most people ever see in a lifetime. He went up into the Santa Cruz mountains, found an unknown Azalea with yellow flowers and named it after his wife “Mrs. Betty Oliver.” How’s that for romantic?
There are certain characteristics and a way of doing things in the garden that most gardening heroes share. Here’s a list of some characteristics that I think make a good classic gardener. These tips are for all of us to aspire to and maybe for young gardeners to learn early.
The classic gardener wears gardener clothes, including boots and hats. These are a good quality clothes and last a long time. Often brown or green, they keep a gardener comfortable while working in the soil.
The classic gardener uses good quality, preferably handmade tools. Handmade tools are expensive and difficult to find. Good quality commercially made tools are not that hard to find and usually pay for themselves quickly.
The classic gardener keeps a tidy tool shed. Everything in its place. Tools clean and dry and hung up.
The classic gardener is on time, professionally, personally, socially and seasonally.
The classic gardener has a personal philosophy, sometimes deep.
The classic gardener follows the campsite rule: leave a place better than how it is found.
The classic gardener doesn’t mind working alone, or with others. Has a good sense of humor.
The classic gardener keeps a journal.
The classic gardener takes on a job, does it correctly, finishes it on time and doesn’t brag about it.
The classic gardener leaves a legacy and a good example.
Jack Mckinnon is a garden coach,he can be reached at 650-455-0687, or check out his website JackTheGardenCoach.com
