photo
SHARE | PRINT | TEXT SIZE: ＋ － | RSS
A series in which SGI members discuss their approach to their profession

In the Garden

John Keeble Pettigrew, 52, was born in Wicklow, Ireland, and earned certification in horticulture and landscape design from the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin. After continuing his studies in Ireland, he moved to Bali, Indonesia, where he currently serves as the director of a landscape design company.




Innocenzo D'Alessio, 60, was born in Sonnino, Italy. He studied at an agricultural college in Piacenza, and lived in Iraq, where he worked for a government project. In the 1980s, he moved to Tenerife in the Canary Islands, where he is currently pursuing his career as a landscape gardener.



How did you become involved in this field?

John: As a young kid growing up in rural Ireland I spent most of my free time in the garden; the house where we lived had a lovely large natural garden with some beautiful old trees. I spent the afternoons with my friends exploring the gardens and having adventures in our own little jungle there. This outdoor life definitely influenced my direction in life.

In 1988, I visited Bali for the first time and was fascinated with the tropical paradise island and the people. I decided to settle there, and for the first few years it was very difficult as I had very little money. My Buddhist practice was a great support as I tried to carve out a living in those early days.

Later, many hotels were built and many more exclusive resorts followed. My landscape design company (Design In Nature) was very fortunate to have opportunities to design many of the larger hotel resorts on the island.

Innocenzo: Ever since I was a child I have always felt close to nature, thanks to the influence of my parents. Eventually it has become my field of work. My interest in gardening developed when I lived in Iraq for seven years. I managed a project to grow greenhouse vegetables to help feed the population. That's when I realized the importance of gardening, but it was in the Canary Islands where I felt really connected to nature and decided to make it my profession.

I moved to the Canary Islands because of the war in Iraq in the 1980s. It was then that I heard about the SGI and started to practice Buddhism. I decided to do what I really wanted to, which was to be close to nature.

What aspect of landscape gardening do you find most rewarding?

Innocenzo: There are many aspects that I find rewarding, but the most important is to be able to exercise my creativity and to help sensitize people to the importance of nature, beyond simply the appearance of the garden.

John: I find landscape design the most rewarding. I love the challenge of making every garden I design different and unique from the last one and allowing each design to portray its own special quality.

In the early days, I would spend hours drawing out the landscape design plans and coloring them in. These days I have three landscape designers who sketch up computerized drawings and images, but I still do the original sketches by hand.

How do you measure success in your field?

John: For me, client satisfaction is the best way to measure success.

The great thing about gardens is that they are always developing and maturing over time, so you are planning for the future. With proper maintenance and care, they will become more and more beautiful over time and come to display their own unique qualities. It is a great joy for me to revisit some of my gardens years after they have been completed, and see how they have developed.

Innocenzo: Success for me is the satisfaction of developing the full and unique characteristics of plants and vegetables--the rich flavor of a tomato that has been grown naturally without the use of chemicals, or the smell of a flower--and discovering how to do this in ways that are more respectful of nature. I try not to use chemicals such as herbicides and pesticides, as I think they upset the balance of nature.

How does your Buddhist practice influence your approach to your work?

Innocenzo: My Buddhist practice helps me meet the challenges of everyday life. My work is a reflection of how I feel inside; it is not something separate from me.

It is through our interactions with others and with the environment that our lives develop, and Buddhist discussion meetings and SGI President Ikeda's writings have helped me develop strength and improve my attitude and behavior toward others and the environment. From the example of Daisaku Ikeda, I learned the value of deeply respecting all people and have begun to reflect that spirit of respect in my life.

I really appreciate Nichiren's teaching that wherever we are is the Buddha land. This helps me remember that I am responsible for my life and my circumstances, and to find the strength to face challenges. By studying Buddhism, I've realized the real value of life. And by respecting nature I am respecting my own life, which is the most precious gift.

John: My attitude of trying to give my very best to achieve the highest results in my work is definitely an influence from my Buddhist practice. This has been cultivated over the years. The effort you put into anything in life will reap the benefits--it's simple cause and effect!

Also, the concept of turning poison into medicine has been central to my life and work--taking the areas of our life that cause suffering to not only ourselves but others, and through abundant prayer followed by action, turning these into benefit for our growth and development.

I used to become so sensitive if someone was critical of my gardens. It used to cause me sleepless nights, and dark areas of doubt and fear of failure would emerge. But over time you realize that it doesn't matter: you won't be able to please everyone all the time. The most important thing is that you give it your best and learn from criticism, and move on. This becomes very liberating!

How important is it for people to have a connection with nature, and has your understanding of nature changed through your job?

John: I think at this point in time it is very important to have respect for nature and the environment. If we can all, in our own individual way, try to do our bit for the benefit of our planet, the world will be a better place.

A garden in Bali designed by John Pettigrew

Through my job I think that I have learned to respect nature more by adopting greener ideas and incorporating these into our designs through using only organic fertilizers during planting and aftercare, adopting natural methods for insect problems, using greener systems for septic tanks or designing wetland systems, rainwater harvesting and so on.

Innocenzo: Over time and because of industrialization, people have unfortunately lost the awareness of being part of nature. I am in favor of progress, if it is done in a respectful way. I feel very saddened by the shortsighted view of nature as a resource to benefit people today, rather than something that we have to preserve for the enjoyment of our grandchildren.

I think, though, that because we have caused these problems, we also have the ability to solve them. This is why it is so important for us to understand the relationship between human beings and nature.

Mr. Ikeda has quoted these words of the Spanish philosopher Ortega y Gasset: "I am myself plus my circumstance, and if I do not save it, I cannot save myself."

I feel very fortunate that in my small way through my job I can contribute to the harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature.

TOP