Talking about plants can sometimes bring up strong emotions with hot-button garden topics like chemical use, organic gardening, or invasive weeds. How do you navigate these conversations as a Master Gardener Volunteer?
Dandelions can be innocuous weeds that feed pollinators, or hated invaders of crisp, green lawns. Is one approach worse than another? Or is it just a difference of opinion?
Everyone you work with will have a different opinion, approach, and philosophy to gardening and life. Understand there will be differences, which is not inherently bad. Our jobs as Master Gardener Volunteers is to understand these differences exist, and to approach each individual and situation with an open-mind.
We rely on research-based information because it is not formed of opinions. The research that drives science tells us what is true based on what we know now. When we use Integrated Pest Management, we share this information - and allow the gardener to use what best matches their approach to the garden.
It's easy to say that you should be non-biased in your answers, sharing only fact-based information when solving plant problems. But, that would be ignoring the fact that we're humans with opinions and emotions of our own.
Before working with the public, make sure you're aware of your own opinions and feelings on hot-button garden issues. What do you tend to get passionate about, and what opinions do you carry about these topics?
Be aware of what brings up strong emotions in yourself, and be prepared to provide research-based, scientific information even if those resources differ from your own opinions. When people are looking to you for advice as a Master Gardener Volunteer, they're looking for facts based on scientific research.
If someone reacts strongly to your suggestions or disagrees with something you, the Master Gardener Volunteer Program, or the University of Minnesota is doing, use these tips to manage the situation and conversation.