Why I celebrate past, present, and future women in horticulture

There is still much to be said, debated, and addressed about advancing equality for women in the workplace and in the horticulture industry. I applaud those who are pushing for it and bringing it to people's awareness. I admire those who lobby for equal pay, equal opportunities, and empowerment for women in the workplace. I'm grateful for their efforts on behalf of women everywhere. These are important issues I hope future generations of women will one day not have to deal with in their professions. However, at the beginning of this week that is a celebration of women in horticulture, I choose to leave it to people far more eloquent with the written word than me to make those arguments and move people to action.

Instead, I choose to celebrate women in horticulture. Those who own companies, run companies, provide leadership, educate, breed plants, walk the greenhouses, work the crazy springtime hours, stick cuttings, water, scout, spray, ship, package, weed, move pots, advise, consult, market, write, sell, and more to add to our industry's success. Their contributions, and their impact, should never go unrecognized, and although many work quietly in the background, they are no less deserving of recognition for their efforts.

I choose to celebrate past women of horticulture who didn't let societal pressures hold them back and who managed to stand out in a field dominated by men. Horticulturist Gertrude Jekyll, botanist Jane Colden, herbalist Harriet Tubman, environmentalist Lady Bird Johnson, landscape designer Jenny Foster Butchart, and plant doctor Cynthia Westcott are just a few of these ladies that come to mind.

I choose to celebrate the many women in this industry who I interact with as the editor of Greenhouse Grower. They are so willing to share their knowledge with others. They are incredibly talented and accomplished in their field. They write or help with articles, speak, participate in webinars, advise, and on and on. They often do it without asking for anything in return.

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Source: Greenhouse Grower