Speech to the Kitsap Master Gardeners

Good afternoon, Master Gardeners of Kitsap County.

I would like to talk about something deeply meaningful—yet often overlooked. It's not about plants themselves, but rather about the knowledge that allows plants, gardens, and communities to thrive. It's about preserving wisdom that risks being lost forever amid rapid social and cultural transformations.

Consider this: Not long ago, a significant portion of the population possessed the skills to milk a goat, a sheep, or a cow—and then how to transform that milk into cheese or butter. Today, such knowledge has almost completely vanished in our society. It hasn't vanished because the information can't be found—any 4-H club or even an online video can teach you—but because society has collectively decided this knowledge is no longer valuable, relevant, or useful in general…

Gardening is facing the same precarious fate. With the pervasive distractions of screen addiction, environmental degradation, social divisions, and an alarming distrust of science, we risk losing the attention of the next generation and the ability to preserve, in personal ways, the rich tapestry of knowledge woven by generations before us. More tragically, we risk losing the awe, respect, and reverence for nature itself.

John Albers, founder of Vista Gardens, vividly recalled to me learning firsthand from his father and grandparents the essential art of growing and preserving vegetables—skills passed directly to him and his siblings through hands-on experience and heartfelt mentorship. These early lessons planted within him a lifelong passion for gardening, profoundly shaping his vision and life’s work.

This tradition of mentorship continues at Vista Gardens, exemplified by a young man, Sam Pratt, who, under John’s thoughtful guidance, discovered his own passion for gardening and especially for conifer trees. Today, Sam proudly operates one of North America’s premier nurseries specializing in conifers—Conifer Kingdom, located in Oregon—a testament to the enduring power of personal knowledge transfer and inspiration across generations.

As gardeners, we do not, in our gardens, create the world as it is, rather, we create a world as it could be. Bringing together plants from near and far, selected for their beauty and function. In doing this we draw upon knowledge and wisdom, intuition and instinct, and above all, an appreciation for natural beauty.

Historically, ornamental gardens often prioritized aesthetics over ecological health, leading to landscapes that, while visually pleasing, lacked environmental resilience.

Today, we recognize that true beauty in gardening emerges when form meets function—where aesthetic appeal aligns seamlessly with ecological integrity. By designing gardens that support biodiversity, conserve water, and enrich the soil, we create spaces that are not only visually stunning but also environmentally resilient. This paradigm shift challenges us to redefine beauty, finding it in the vibrant interplay of native plants, the presence of pollinators, and the seasonal rhythms of the natural world.

We must rely upon an intricate understanding of ecological functions, the resilience of living systems, and the profound importance of biodiversity to guide our choices.

Yet this delicate fabric of understanding can unravel swiftly. Knowledge—true, lived knowledge—is fragile. Critical information can fade away if deemed irrelevant or unnecessary.

Supporting local initiatives is pivotal in the endeavor to preserve and create a future that brings the wondrous beauty of life to all. Institutions like botanical gardens, nature preserves, and environmental education centers serve as living laboratories, demonstrating sustainable practices and fostering community engagement. They provide platforms for learning, inspiration, and the exchange of ideas, ensuring that the collective wisdom of our community is both preserved and expanded.

In our own community, Vista Gardens in Bremerton stands as a beacon of this mission. Dedicated to educating and inspiring the public about sustainable gardening practices, Vista Gardens exemplifies how education and inspiration are intertwined. Through educational offerings and hands-on experiences, we empower individuals to engage with nature, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation that transcends generations.

As Master Gardeners, your role must extend beyond nurturing plants and volunteering in gardens. It must extend into passionately preserving this wisdom, passing it hand-to-hand, heart-to-heart, to those who come after us. Books, databases, and digital archives alone won't suffice. True preservation demands human connection—shared experience and genuine inspiration.

I would like to leave you with this thought, a guiding principle that captures the essence of what we must strive toward:

Don't just plant for ecological function—plant for social function.

I challenge each of you to engage meaningfully with someone younger than yourself. Introduce them to gardening in a way that ignites their curiosity, stirs joy, and fosters understanding—not just of how to create beauty and resilience in landscapes, but why it matters. Show them the interconnectedness of nature and humanity, and demonstrate that protecting and nurturing our natural world is foundational to our survival and the legacy we leave behind.

Let us commit to preserving this knowledge through passionate mentorship and stewardship, ensuring the gardens of tomorrow thrive, enriched by the wisdom of generations past and present. Together we can ensure that the rich legacy of gardening wisdom continues to grow, nurturing both our landscapes and the communities that cherish them.

Thank you