Greg Griffis: Orchid Grower at Longwood Gardens

For some people, an interest in plants comes from being exposed at a young age, but for people like Greg Griffis, plants became a passion a little later in life.

“I grew up in a family that did a lot of gardening, but I had no specific interest in plants per se until college when a friend introduced me to orchids.” 

Greg, the orchid grower at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, has developed not only a deeper understanding of the plants in his care but also just a passion for the way they grow.

One of Greg’s favorite things about being in the orchid house is hearing the reactions of visitors as they walk around. He knows he’s done his job well when he hears the exclamations from guests.

While in Hawaii working at a wholesale orchid farm, a group called Youth With A Mission visited his church. They prayed that God would make clear His path for Greg. 

From this prayer, he felt he was being called into pastoral ministry, so he began to pursue his master’s in divinity in early 2015. His faith is definitely a part of his work with the orchids.

As he said in an article from the Philadelphia Inquirer, there is a big connection between orchid growing and the mission field.

“The fingerprints of the creativity of God are totally evident in orchids…I think the spirit has equipped me with the sensitivity…to listen to people and orchids as well.”

For more information about Longwood Gardens, visit their website and follow them on Instagram.

This episode was filmed by Adrian Ferguson.