Greg Griffis, the senior horticulturist at Longwood Gardens who looks after its collection of more than 5,500 orchids, is also working toward a pastoral ministry, writes Stephanie Farr for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

During his years studying music education at West Chester University, Griffis dreamed of being a chorus teacher. However, when orchids caught his eye, he chose a different path.

But he often sings while tending to Longwood’s orchids.

“I have a tendency to sing while I water,” he said.

Griffis sees the garden’s orchid collection swell to more than 10,000 flowers during Longwood’s Orchid Extravaganza. That’s when the existing flowers are supplemented with imports from Taiwan, Hawaii, and other parts of the U.S.

Orchids are not his only love. While working at a wholesale orchid farm in Hawaii, he realized he was being called to the pastoral ministry. So, he returned to Chester County to join Longwood Gardens while studying for his master’s in divinity at Missio Seminary in Hatfield.

For him, the two go hand in hand.

“I think the spirit has equipped me with the sensitivity to listen to people and orchids as well,” he said.

Read more about Greg Griffis in the Philadelphia Inquirer here.

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