As I was reviewing photos of some of my past landscape design and installation work I couldn’t help but reflect on how fortunate I am to enjoy my chosen career as a professional landscape designer.   You see, I previously spent eighteen years of my life in several different positions in the corporate world and have also owned various businesses.  The ten year career I now find myself enjoying is no doubt where I should have been all along!   

To be able to make a living doing what one enjoys is a great joy. 

I truly enjoy the working relationship I am able to develop with most of my clients and value that I am able to listen to and implement the desires of my clients in order to create the garden or landscape of their dreams. There simply is no way to compare the landscapes I create today with the corporate financial reports I was previously paid to create.  I look at my present position in life as that of a creator and am constantly searching for a “benefactor” that will pay me to create a wonderful landscape for them.  I compare my professional position to that of a classical musical composer of many years ago who were always searching for a patron who would pay them to create a piece of music.   

Not only am I thankful for my career in the landscape design industry but I am also very thankful and grateful for APLD and the many designers I have been fortunate to meet and now can call my friends from around the US and abroad.  Belonging to and becoming an active member in a professional organization such as APLD is priceless.  One just does not know or understand the value of becoming involved in a professional organization until one experiences it for himself. 

The career path I have chosen not only makes me happy each day but it also makes me feel good knowing that this type of career can last for many more years.   I can never be turned into a statistic to be “let go” during a downsizing maneuver.  I truly am in charge of my own destiny.  I visualize myself continuing to learn and be productive in this line of work as I grow gracefully old. 

Another aspect of this line of work that I truly enjoy is that no one person knows all there is to know about landscape design or horticulture.  I remember what Michelangelo said at the age of 87: “I am still learning”.  And as Socrates once stated:” The wise man knows that he knows nothing.”   Each day is a new day in which I learn something new relating to the green industry and it is never, ever boring! 

As I serve APLD and its members during 2006 as President-Elect I would like to challenge each of the designers who read my narrative to get more involved with APLD,   begin to enjoy new friendships, and continue your professional education. Steal the time to look at the list of the different committees listed on the APLD website and find one to serve on. Volunteer some time to assist the APLD State or Regional Chapter or plan on creating a new chapter to serve the members in your area. If you will spend the time to serve the green industry I can guarantee you will never regret the decision or feel like you’ve wasted your time or energy.   

        
Although I have been talking about myself as the APLD monthly featured member I hope I have been able to make you see that each designer who reads my narrative is in a truly wonderful position as a “creative” and you are truly in charge of your own destiny.  My hope is that you value and understand how fortunate you are to be doing what you do.  Best wishes!