Humble life and leadership lessons from a resilient gardener
In March 2019, Venezuela experienced a massive blackout that left millions of people without electricity for several days. Although the power was eventually restored, this event marked the beginning of a series of problems that plunged the country into an even deeper crisis. Electricity became unstable, fuel shortages emerged, and traveling long distances became nearly impossible. Amidst this chaos, where uncertainty and worries were growing, I felt the need to do something that would restore my sense of control and purpose, especially as this period marked the beginning of the political persecution orchestrated by the regime.
During those three days of blackout, in a moment of inspiration, I turned my attention to my garden. The backyard of my house, located on a moderately steep hill on the outskirts of Caracas, had been largely neglected. This garden could be accessed from the house on the third floor. As I looked at that space, I felt that I could transform it into a refuge, a place where I could channel my energy and bring something positive to life, even as adversity loomed around me.
The idea of creating a garden did not stem from a desire for beauty, but from a deep need to find balance and hope in an increasingly chaotic environment. With daily life affected by the complications around me, I thought it would be an ideal project to anchor myself, something I could see grow and develop as circumstances unfolded. So, determined to find a semblance of normalcy amid the disorder, I began working the soil.
The first step was to prepare the ground, an act that proved to be both physical and symbolic. I knew that for anything to grow, it needed a solid foundation, a base that could bear the weight of what would come next. I started with the basics: laying a foundation of Japanese grass over the 200 square meters of land. This act of preparation was not just about gardening; it was a reflection of my own need to establish a firm foundation in my life during a time of uncertainty.
As I dug into the earth and carefully spread the grass, I felt that I was establishing more than just the foundation of the garden. I was planting the hope that, despite the difficulties, something beautiful could emerge from the chaos.
I often think that each seed I planted afterward represented a small step toward resilience, a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there are ways to move forward and create something positive.
As the situation in the country continued to deteriorate, while dealing with the problems that became common for everyone, my garden became a project that offered me stability and purpose. It was not a quick or easy process; it was a task of patience and perseverance, of learning to adapt to the conditions of the land and finding solutions to the problems that arose. But with each small progress, with each new sprout that appeared, I felt that I was not only building a garden but also rebuilding my spirit.
So, when the COVID-19 pandemic began to unfold at the end of 2019, keeping people confined during 2020 and part of 2021, my garden became a symbol of resilience, a testament that even amidst chaos, we can create something that flourishes.
Planting hope: the avocado tree and the acacia
As the Japanese grass began to spread and cover the ground, and the garden began to take shape, I decided to add something more significant: an avocado tree. This tree, with its promise of future fruit, symbolized the hope that, despite the challenges, something lasting and valuable could grow from these efforts. I planted it halfway up the hill, in a place where it could receive enough sunlight and where its roots could grow strong. However, the top of the hill was still dominated by a majestic acacia. This tree, which had been there long before I began building my house, had an imposing presence. Its deep roots and wide canopy provided shade to much of the garden. The acacia was a constant reminder of the things in life that are immutable, the roots that remain firm despite the changes around them.
The coexistence of the young avocado tree and the acacia in my garden reflected a duality present in the reality around me: the new and the established, what needs time to grow and what has already taken deep root. The avocado represented the potential and growth that require time and care, while the acacia symbolized the stability and continuity that sustains everything.
This duality is a fundamental lesson the garden taught me. A full life requires both the hope of what is to come and the solidity of what is already there. I learned that resilience is not just the ability to withstand adversity, but also the ability to thrive in the midst of it, nurturing the new without forgetting what is already deeply rooted.
Diversity and design: establishing the flower lines
After laying the foundation with the Japanese grass and planting the avocado tree, I began to think about how to add color and diversity to the garden. I wanted this space to not only be a symbol of resilience but also a place of vibrant beauty, full of life and color. So, I decided to establish lines of flowers throughout the garden, creating a mosaic of colors that I hoped would not only brighten the view but also symbolize the richness and diversity of life itself.
I carefully planned which flowers to plant and where to place them. I decided to include zinnias (Zinnia elegans), known for their bright colors and ability to attract butterflies; lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), with its calming aroma and delicate purple flowers; marigolds (Tagetes erecta), with their golden color that seems to capture sunlight; paper flowers (Helichrysum bracteatum), which added a unique texture; portulacas (Portulaca grandiflora), which bloomed in the most unexpected places; ferry morse (Cosmos bipinnatus), whose resilience symbolized perseverance; vincas (Catharanthus roseus), which added a touch of color in the shadows; daisies (Bellis perennis), simple and cheerful; and mandevillas (Mandevilla spp.), whose climbing flowers added a touch of elegance to the ensemble.
Each of these flowers had its own character and needs. Some required full sun, while others thrived in the shade. Some needed constant watering, while others were more drought-resistant. As I cared for them, I quickly learned that, just like in life, each element of a garden (or a team, or a community) has its own role to play and its own conditions to thrive. Diversity is not just an ornament; it is essential for the resilience and beauty of the entire ensemble.
As the flowers began to grow and show their colors, the garden transformed into a space of joy and contemplation. Butterflies and bees became regular visitors, but nothing was as wonderful as the birds, especially the canaries and hummingbirds.
Beyond their appearance, this process of planting and caring for the flowers taught me valuable lessons about life and leadership. I learned that patience and attention to detail are key to making anything grow and thrive. We cannot simply plant something and expect it to flourish without more; we must nurture it, protect it, and adapt to its needs.
As the flowers matured and reached their peak bloom, I carefully collected the seeds. This harvesting process was not only an act of conservation but also an act of foresight. I knew that eventually, the short-cycle plants would wither, and instead of leaving those spaces empty, I could renew the garden using the same seeds I had collected and classified. This continuous cycle of planting, harvesting, and replanting, which I carried out over two years, symbolized the cycle of life itself, reminding me that with planning and effort, we can always regenerate what seemed lost.
Sorting the seeds was also a lesson in the importance of order and organization. Separating and storing them properly for future use taught me about preparation and long-term planning, not only in gardening but in all aspects of life. Knowing that I had those seeds saved gave me a sense of security and foresight, a constant reminder that, although circumstances change, there is always a way to start anew.
Additionally, fertilizing the soil with each planting was essential to ensure that the new plants had the nutrients they needed to thrive. This process of enriching the soil taught me about the importance of nurturing our roots, whether personal, professional, or communal. Just like plants, we need a fertile environment, rich in support and resources, to grow healthily and resiliently.
The garden, with its diversity of flowers, became a symbol of what is possible when we combine patience, care, and a focus on diversity. It taught me that, just like a well-planned and cared-for garden, our lives and projects can flourish when we nurture each part with the attention and respect it deserves. Ultimately, the garden was not just a place of beauty but also a reflection of life itself: a reminder that, with proper care, even in the most difficult circumstances, it is possible to create something truly beautiful.
Creating special spaces: hibiscus, lilies, and bamboo orchids
As the garden took shape and the flower lines filled every corner with color and life, I began to reflect on how to add elements that would not only beautify the space but also become visual and emotional reference points. I wanted to create areas within the garden that stood out for their imposing presence and provided a sense of uniqueness. So, I decided to create small spaces dedicated to plants that, by their nature, required special care and that, over time, would become the heart of the garden.
I added giant hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), whose large and showy flowers promised to steal the show. I also distributed bulbs of lilies (Lilium spp.) of various colors, some of which were spider lilies (Hymenocallis littoralis), and bamboo orchids (Dendrobium spp.) on the hill’s edges, knowing that their elegant flowers would add a touch of grace and sophistication that would contrast and complement the vitality of the rest of the garden. Additionally, in some special corners, I planted desert roses (Adenium obesum), known for their ability to bloom in adverse conditions, and which added a touch of exoticism and resilience to the ensemble. The hibiscus, with its explosion of color and constant need for attention, became a symbol for me of those projects in life that require a more careful and intentional approach. These plants could not thrive without meticulous care, and I knew that if I gave them the necessary dedication, the reward would be a display of beauty that would far surpass the effort invested.
The lilies, which bloom twice a year, were planted strategically on the hill’s edges. These bulbs, small and seemingly insignificant at first, held within them the potential to fill the most prominent areas of the garden with color during two crucial moments of the year. Planting lilies taught me about patience and foresight: the understanding that some investments—whether in the garden, in life, or in business—take time to flourish, but when they do, they can completely transform the landscape.
The bamboo orchids, also with a flowering cycle of twice a year, added a special dimension to the garden. These orchids, known for their resilience and beauty, require a specific environment and constant care to thrive. Their presence in the garden symbolized for me the importance of creating spaces dedicated to special care, where the exceptional can flourish under the right conditions. Just as orchids need meticulous attention to reveal their beauty, in life and in business, it is crucial to identify those areas or projects that require additional time and resources to reach their full potential.
The process of caring for these larger and more demanding plants taught me valuable lessons about prioritization and effective resource management. Not all plants in a garden can receive the same amount of attention; some require more water, more shade, more protection. Similarly, in life and in business, we must learn to discern which areas demand greater focus and effort, and be willing to provide them with what they need to thrive. It is not about neglecting everything else, but about understanding that for the whole to prosper, some parts need special care.
As the hibiscus began to display their vibrant flowers, the lilies delicately emerged from the ground, and the bamboo orchids bloomed along their stems, I felt a deep satisfaction. These special elements not only added spectacular beauty to the garden but also established a perfect balance between the grand and the discreet, between the exuberant and the subtle. This balance is crucial in any project: we need elements that capture attention, that inspire and motivate, but also those that, though less obvious, provide the stability and continuity necessary for long-term success.
Ultimately, these special spaces in the garden taught me the importance of dedication and intention in everything we do. Just like plants that require extra care, in life and in business, we must be willing to identify and nurture those aspects with the greatest potential for growth and success. Although this may require more effort, the reward, like the flowers that finally emerge, will be a reflection of our commitment and vision.
The uniqueness of desert roses
As I explained, amidst all the color and life I had cultivated in my garden, I created nine slightly isolated spaces for a special plant: desert roses (Adenium obesum). These plants, known for their resilience and ability to bloom in adverse conditions, added a unique dimension to the garden. I chose them for their singular beauty and what they represented: the ability to thrive even in the most challenging environments.
The desert roses I planted varied in color, ranging from pure white to deep bluish-black. Each of these plants, with its robust form and intensely colored flowers, added something unique to the garden. Although they were not the main focus, their presence could not be overlooked. These plants, with their exotic appearance and resilient nature, reminded me that in life, some things require a different approach, a special space where they can develop on their own terms.
The process of planting and caring for these desert roses taught me about the importance of individuality and particularity in any project or environment. In a garden full of vibrant, fast-growing flowers, the desert roses, with their slower pace and innate resilience, stood out for their uniqueness. This contrast made me reflect on how, in life and in business, it is sometimes necessary to create separate spaces for those elements that do not follow the same rules or rhythms as the rest.
The variety of colors in the desert roses also symbolized the diversity of experiences and perspectives we can find in life. Each color represented a different aspect of resilience and adaptation: white as a symbol of new beginnings, pink as an expression of beauty and softness in adversity, and bluish-black as a reflection of the depth and strength found in the darkest challenges.
As I cared for these plants, I learned that not all aspects of life can be treated the same way. Some things require a more delicate, specific approach, and the ability to recognize this is essential for effective leadership and management. The desert roses, with their unique beauty and ability to thrive in isolation, taught me about the importance of respecting and valuing individuality, both in people and in projects.
The desert roses, with their ability to bloom up to three times a year, added surprising resilience to the garden. These plants, with their robustness and unique beauty, reminded me that even in the most challenging circumstances, it is possible to bloom repeatedly if the right conditions are provided. The desert roses represented the idea that, with the right preparation and care, one can overcome challenges and bloom continuously, even in adverse environments.
As the desert roses bloomed, I felt that my garden was complete. I had not only created a space of color and life but also a place where the unique and diverse could thrive. This garden on the hill, with its lines of flowers, its majestic acacia and its desert roses had become a reflection of life itself: a testament that, with proper care, even the most unique can find its place and bloom.
Lessons from the garden: final reflections on resilience and growth
I think my garden in Caracas was an exercise in resilience and adaptability. Just like the plants I nurtured and saw bloom, I also learned to thrive in the midst of adversity. Gardening taught me that, even when circumstances change, it is always possible to cultivate hope and create beauty with the right care and attention to detail.
As the garden began to bloom, my twin daughters, who were four years old at the time, joined the process. They would constantly go up to the garden, exploring every corner, inspecting each space in particular. Watching them explore with curiosity and wonder, seeing how the flowers grew, added a layer of joy and meaning to the project. Their small hands touched the leaves, their eyes sparkled at the discovery of a new bud, and their enthusiasm reminded me of the purity of the act of creating life and beauty. Their involvement not only strengthened my connection to the garden but also taught me about the importance of involving others in our projects, especially the younger ones, so they can learn and grow alongside us.
The garden became a space for reflection and learning, a place where I could apply the lessons of nature to my life and work. I learned that, just like in a garden, in life and in business it is essential to prepare the ground, take care of every detail, and be willing to adapt to new conditions in order to flourish.
The most profound lesson of all is that, just like in a garden, in life and in business, it is essential to prepare the ground, take care of every detail, and be willing to adapt to new conditions in order to flourish. No matter how difficult the circumstances, there is always a place where hopes can bloom, and with patience and perseverance, that place can be wherever you decide to create it.
The garden also taught me about the importance of diversity. Each plant, each flower, brought something unique to the ensemble, and together they created a more balanced and resilient ecosystem. Similarly, in life and in business, surrounding ourselves with people with different perspectives, skills, and experiences enriches us and better prepares us to face challenges. Diversity is not just an ornament; it is essential for resilience and long-term success.
As I reflected on my garden and the lessons I had learned, I realized that gardening was not just a hobby; it was a metaphor for life itself. Each plant, each flower, represented a different aspect of life: patience, perseverance, adaptation, diversity, long-term planning. And just like in gardening, in life, success is not measured only by immediate results but by the process of growth and learning along the way.
In July 2021, when the final throes of the pandemic allowed flights from Venezuela to reopen, political persecution left me no choice but to leave my homeland, abandoning everything I had built.
As I flew with my family, ready to start anew in a completely unfamiliar environment, a fleeting thought crossed my mind about the garden of my home. I remembered that resilience is not just the ability to withstand adversity, but also the ability to grow and thrive in the midst of it.
Today, only three years later, I have no doubt that with the right care, patience, and willingness to adapt to new circumstances, it is possible to create something beautiful, even in the most difficult conditions. And just like in gardening, in life, there is always a place where hopes can bloom if we are willing to cultivate them with love and dedication.
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