PR ES I DEN T’S COLUM N
MARIE MCCONNELL Lake County Nursery
THE FIGHT TO STAY POSITIVE Have you noticed the negative vibe that surrounds everything these days? I’m sure you have. It doesn’t seem to matter if it’s in business or with your friends and family – hopefully, not in your personal life – but quite possibly. It is everywhere and it can be unbearable. Quite frankly, I am drained just turning on the TV anymore. The truth of the matter is, trying to stay positive in an increasingly negative world can be a very difficult task – but someone has to do it. Why not you? I am always looking for inspiration in all aspects of my life. Every day I ask myself, “How can I stay positive and help encourage others?” When I posed this question to myself, in what is now Take 5 of this month’s article, the first positive thought I had was how blessed we all are to have the opportunity to work in the Green Profession! We create beautiful spaces that are tranquil, colorful and promote the outdoors! Furthermore, we have the unique opportunity to be the inspiration in many of our client’s lives. So let’s start there.
From a nursery woman’s perspective, as February and March tend to be the Garden Show months, it isn’t beyond me to notice attendees enjoying the preview of what’s to come. And while spring truly is a wondrous time of year, this phenomenon begs me to ask, “Why not add more plants to the landscape that will encourage homeowners to go outside and explore in late winter?” A surprise of color such as Lenten Rose, Witchhazel, Crocus, Evergreens, or Snowdrops, might just do the trick. Also, utilizing plants that attract migratory birds can do wonders for a person’s demeanor on those chilly, continued on page 6 The Growing Concern | May 2018 | 3