In recognition of Green Career Week, we took a moment to spotlight the passionate team members at Mitchell’s Nursery in King, North Carolina. We asked our crew to share their backgrounds, inspirations, and insights into their green careers. What follows is a glimpse into the journeys of those who have dedicated themselves to the world of plants.
What Inspired You to Pursue a Career in Plants?
Inspiration for joining the green industry comes from many places, and for the Mitchell’s Nursery team, it was nature itself. Lorie shared that her love of being outside led her to pursue a green career. For Jay, working at a nursery in Raleigh during college solidified a passion for the green world. Jen discovered a natural talent for connecting with plants, which felt more rewarding than other work she had tried.
Kacie took a different approach, realizing early in her career that she preferred the company of plants over people. Lisanne found her love for the outdoors while working here at Mitchell’s. For Scott, growing plants was a special activity he shared with his mother, and it has since become a way to honor her memory after her passing in 2020. Linda was looking for a customer service job, and being surrounded by plants reminded her of her father, leading her to embrace this role. Meanwhile, Kevin stumbled upon the opportunity while searching for maintenance work, and Jim was drawn in by childhood memories of rooting azalea cuttings with his dad. Finally, Judy credits her grandmother for instilling her love of working with plants, starting with hands-on lessons.
A Day in the Life at the Nursery
What is a typical day at Mitchell’s Nursery like? The team’s answers were as diverse as their roles. For Lorie, a day often involves growing trees and shrubs, while Kacie spends her time planting and watering potted plants. Lisanne splits her time between customer service, moving plants, and caring for them.
Jay and Judy agree that there is no such thing as a “typical day.” Every day presents new challenges, whether maintaining irrigation systems, handling unpredictable weather, or managing seasonal shifts. Scott balances office work—emails, social media, and marketing materials—with helping out in the nursery when deliveries arrive. Jen sees every day as a chance to adapt to changing conditions, highlighting that adaptability is essential in this ever-evolving field.
Essential Skills for a Green Career
The team’s responses provided a wealth of advice for aspiring horticulturists. A common theme emerged: adaptability is crucial in a green career. Flexibility is a core skill, whether it’s adjusting to the weather or learning the specific needs of each plant. Kevin and Linda highlighted that manual labor, an appreciation for the outdoors, and physical fitness are also necessary.
Kacie emphasized the importance of loving the outdoors and “getting dirty,” while Scott pointed out that plants have specific needs that require daily attention and careful observation. Jen added that having a natural affinity for life—both plants and the environment—helps one thrive in this industry.
Staying Updated on Trends and Practices
Plant science is a constantly evolving field, and staying informed is critical. The Mitchell’s Nursery team uses a variety of resources to stay updated. Lorie turns to the internet for research while Jay reads articles and attends trade shows. Jen follows Mitchell’s Nursery on social media, reads county extension publications, and frequently asks Judy Mitchell for guidance.
Scott and Lisanne keep up through industry emails, YouTube videos, and articles about new plants, while Kevin and Jim rely on hands-on learning opportunities and local community connections. For Judy, industry newsletters and webinars provide the latest information. We all believe that learning never stops in this line of work.
Overcoming Challenges in the Green Industry
The green industry presents unique challenges, most often tied to nature itself. Lorie and Kacie agreed that the weather is one of their biggest challenges. To overcome these hurdles, Lorie turns to grit and prayers, while Kacie finds motivation in her love for the outdoors.
Jay faces the challenge of ensuring that plants are ready for sales season by keeping a meticulous schedule, often planning weeks ahead. For Lisanne and Judy, the unpredictable nature of working outside can be exhausting and requires a lot of patience. Kevin also pointed out that managing various projects and adapting to different expectations are crucial skills for navigating this career.
Memorable Moments and Achievements
One of Lorie’s proudest achievements is her 10-year tenure at Mitchell’s Nursery, which includes overcoming cancer. Kacie takes pride in a soil mix experiment for poinsettias, while Lisanne’s memorable moments involve interacting with the wildlife that visits the nursery. Jen has enjoyed teaching classes and giving tours, which helped her develop her communication skills.
Scott reflects on the broader mission of working in the green industry, describing it as creating new life for the surrounding community. Kevin considers the construction of the new greenhouse a significant milestone, and Judy remembers building the first greenhouses in 1996 as a landmark moment. Jim notes the transition from focusing solely on trees and shrubs to growing greenhouse plants, which began with poinsettias in 1996.
Advice for Students Interested in Green Careers
Our team has some thoughtful advice if you’re interested in a green career. Lorie suggests starting small by growing food at home. Jay encourages young people to work part-time in the industry to see if it’s a good fit. Jen believes that clarity comes through trying different roles, and Kacie urges students to learn about holistic medicine and the natural world’s healing properties.
Lisanne suggests “planting a seed and finding out” if this path is right for you—exploration is key. Scott points out that staying in school is important, as the green industry needs professionals from many fields. Linda and Judy emphasize the importance of internships or volunteer work to gain real-world experience before diving in. For Kevin, students should focus on achieving physical skills; for Jim, growing, selling, and marketing are essential aspects that students should explore.
The team at Mitchell’s Nursery is as vibrant and diverse as the plants we nurture. From growing trees and shrubs to connecting with customers, each member uniquely makes the nursery thrive. Our collective experiences and insights are a testament to the passion and adaptability required for a successful career in the green industry. This career connects us with nature and allows us to grow one plant at a time.