DEI …Not a Plant - a Practice
In today’s world, the letters DEI are a part of the conversation on how to level the playing field or open doors for all. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, or DEI is relevant in all industries, including horticulture.
When you think about the art of gardening, a fair amount of gardens already have a DEI plan. When we look at the forest, it is the perfect example of how nature encourages plant material to intermingle. Each tree, shrub, or plant has a place or serves a purpose in the beauty of the space. In this diverse setting, there are dominant species which are complemented by the understory forms of plant material. Admit it, the forest in it’s diverse glory is a beautiful place…in any season.
As the dominant species naturally phase themselves out with age or are removed by human intervention, the understory plant material often becomes stronger and able to thrive. As conditions evolve, the face of the woodlands changes — yet remains beautiful
In the world of horticulture, many times in the midst of all things beautiful, there is a lack of visible diversity. Some would make a blanket statement and simply say there is a lack of diversity across the spectrum. That is simply not the case. The problem is perception. Here are a few ideas to consider as we begin to re-seed the playing field.
No one believes there is diversity on all levels within the world of horticulture if you observe from outside the garden gates. When attending public events, does your team reflect the audience you are trying to attract? Is someone bi-lingual? Are women given the opportunity to show what they know? Are you reaching a younger demographic that can carry the messaging of your products to their generation — in a way uniquely their own? Let’s face it, everybody learns and often hears messaging differently.
Are equitable opportunities shared throughout your business? Have you extended the opportunity for a younger staffer to shadow a seasoned colleague to learn the ropes first-hand? Has an opportunity to get to know who the players are and form relationships been presented? Has an honest effort been made to remove as many barriers as possible for the next interested party to confidently take over when the time comes? When opportunities for advancement become open, are all employees being fairly considered? Just a few questions to make you think and consider how a valued, dependable, interested employee might have long-term dreams as well. Sometimes our best assets are within reach, but often overlooked. Investing in your employees is a wise business practice. It is the best way to groom from within with someone who knows the existing culture.
Finally, inclusion is such a wonderful word. Merriam Webster breaks it down quite nicely. My favorite is #4 — the act or practice of including and accommodating people who have historically been excluded (as because of their race, gender, sexuality, or ability).
When opportunities are presented that have not commonly been offered or expected, it can be compared to saying, “I see you and you are a valued part of my business.” When a valued employee is given the opportunity to be considered an integral part of the big picture, a sense of belonging is often magnified.
At MANTS a few years ago, a presentation was made where opportunities were shared for continuing education, as well as work equity for minorities in horticulture. Then the word of horticulture had to pivot due to the pandemic. In my opinion, as we pivoted, more people took the time to increase their skills, venture into other professions, while others chose to retire. Some had to retire because there was no plan in place to continue the business they had nurtured for years. Had there been a DEI plan in place utilizing their existing employees, some of these small business would have survived.
Allow me to offer a few ideas that ae easy to incorporate as we look to the next season in horticulture:
Look within your businesses to see who might be a great candidate for in-house training. Often minority employees may not speak up for fear of being minimized due to lack of education or prior training. Sometimes this might require a one on one conversation. Having an open door policy allows each employee to at least start the conversation.
Considering a garden excursion? Identify under-known or gardens off the beaten path — and even those rare gems in minority communities. Bringing to light the importance of horticultural sites within these communities adds a sense of belonging within the community. Consider adopting a street, a block or a playground. Showing up, shows a commitment to beautification of these areas. It also creates an opportunity to educate a new generation of gardeners, and embrace the experience of seasoned community members, if done the right way.
Need a place to start? Visit the Anne Spencer House and Garden Museum. Recognized and listed as a Virginia Landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. How many homes and gardens of African Americans of note can you name?
Community gardens are great. They help build bridge generational, gender, multicultural differences and other gaps within the community. Consider growing flowers in addition to food as a way to practice mental well being. Tending to a patch of flowers not only beautifies, but is a way to heal and comfort the mind. In many communities simple day to day living is a struggle. Incorporating beautiful spaces in down trodden communities can be the beginning of an uplifting experience.
Invest in sponsoring a rising student who might be interested in any of the science curriculums. Consider partnering with a local school to educate how nature is the perfect example of a DEI plan. There is no other place where the importance of diversity, providing an equitable environment for growth, and the practice of inclusivity happens naturally.
Consider starting a garden club. Yes a garden club. It is the perfect place to gather with like minded individuals to share the love of gardening. Sometimes it is more comfortable meeting in a space where you can identify with others who look like you. Don’t stop there however. Commit to gathering or partnering on projects with others clubs that are open to diversity. If you really think about it…most gardens already have a DIE plan in place — whether intentional or not.
As we look forward to the next season, are you willing to try some of these simple steps to incorporate a DEI plan for the future?
