Expert: Kindred Beisinger penname K D Elizabeth Beisinger - 12/5/2009

Question
Good Morning..Suddenly, I feel a calling to go into a career with plants.  I have been an herbalist for 30 years, vegetarian and have grown a garden here and there.......but mostly I have had office work during my life.
Now at 54, I feel I need to work in a garden nursery, or get a degree to teach about plants, or maybe be a plant-waterer person for business...or not sure where to go with this.
I am divorced and on spousal support and want to re-train myself in this field, but not sure what to major in...Botany?Horticulture? or do I even need a degree at all?
I am totally into ORGANIC gardening..and hate pesticides....
I honor all animal and plant life. I was probably Native American in a past life.
Well, anyway....Whatever you can do to direct me, is appreciated...(books, videos, colleges, people to talk too).Angie

Answer
Dear Angie,
There is a real upsurge of interest in gardening and herbs, these days.  As a minister, I firmly believe that G~D created plants for our use, either for nutrition or treatment or both.  As a Native American, I can attest to many of the herbal remedies and natural foods available that most do not even know about.  I have written two books on the subject of natural living.  One, was entitled, "Creation Therapy," and my last one, "Simply Abundant" which discusses life from a simpler, natural perspective.  My suggestion is to check with a local greenhouse or nursery.  The owner should be able to give you some information in your search, and possibly even some OJT.  A degree is not really needed, just a method, and success.  I grow and preserve most all of our food.  We are not vegetarians, but I have found a wonderful balance in letting the chickens scratch in the garden spot, which reduces bugs and certainly contributes fertilizer.  The milk goats are also wonderful sources of milk, cheese, etc. as well as fertilizer.  Natural is definitely the way to go and there are many opportunities out there.  I suggest you visit your local greenhouse, ask some questions and simply get started.  Even if it's just a small herb garden.  Develop your technique and share what you produce.  There will always be hungry people in this world looking for food and seeking ways to produce it.
I wish you well in your endeavor.
Kind Regards,
KD Liz
www.eingedi.us