An Observer & Difference Maker

by Danny Summers

We have talked before about how important it is to keep an attitude of Lifelong Learning and what we can call being An Observer. I often think about long-time Group friend and mentor, Ernest Wertheim and how he exemplified this idea. Even into his 80's and 90's Ernest was always An Observer to what was around him and what could be learned and improved upon. He was also one of the most positive and objective people I have ever met and he challenged us to think in new ways during every conversation.

Being forever a student or An Observer should apply to just about everything in our lives. I see it beginning as we first awake in the morning. Whether we are observing our health, the weather, our garden, or all the people and circumstances we experience throughout the day, each can provide an opportunity to be An Observer. And from this, we should consider ways we can be a positive influence.

The real benefit of being An Observer is to act on our observations, to be a Difference Maker. Being a Difference Maker can be applied to all areas but I think making a difference for people can make the biggest impact.

During the recent Cultivate'24, Bailey Nurseries hosted a 20th Anniversary Party for Endless Summer Hydrangeas. It is hard to believe it has been that long since Bailey Nurseries first were introduced us to this unique plant that changed the world of hydrangeas. But this is a story of being An Observer too...

It was September 11, 1998 and Bailey Nurseries invited Dr. Michael Dirr to be at the nursery and during the visit they did some walking of the fields, including those of hydrangeas. During the walk, Dirr noticed something very unique and said... "Why is this hydrangea still blooming." This one moment when he was An Observer, helped changed the world of hydrangeas.

Last week, I asked Mike to confirm the date and also any other details. He said, "I have the date on the slide as September 11, 1998. I was thinking about a name for the plant on the flight home and wrote Endless Summer on my yellow pad, a name which has now resonated worldwide. Who knew it would change the hydrangea market forever?"

Here's Mike describing walking the field that day... September 11, 1998:

But visualizing Dirr walking a field of plants as An Observer and recognizing something so unique is very much a part of his humble talent. He is also the first to talk about another plantsman in the same way. I remember seeing Mike alongside J.C. Raulston, Allan Armitage, Don Shadow, Tony Avent, Paul Cappiello and many others at The Southern Plant Conferences. They were super-charged by one another as each shared ideas and unique plant finds. The internal motivation to search for and learn about nature's uniqueness runs deep and is a contagious trait in our world of Horticulture!

I realize having a moment as Dirr had that day in that hydrangea field doesn't happen often. But we never know when we might have the unique opportunity to be a Difference Maker. It starts with being a student, having a Lifelong Learning attitude, and of course, being An Observer!

We know our Garden Centers provide an important experience for your audience. Helping them fulfill their needs for nature, plants, flowers and gardening experience in their lives means more than we will ever know.

Unlike so many businesses and industries that are just about selling widgets, you and your Center are different. You can be a Difference Maker for everyone you touch. This includes all of your audience, your team, and of course, your friends and family!

I hope we all will be not only An Observer but also a Difference Maker! Be sure to see the Quote of the Day below that helps support this message.