In the midst of the vibrant colors and fragrant scents of the West TN Farmers’ Market located in downtown Jackson, Jerry Cull stands out not only for his plants, but for his engaging stories.
At 83 years old, Cull is the owner of God’s Nature Nursery, a small plant nursery he operates out of Bethel Springs, TN. While some may presume this to be simply a side hustle, for Cull, it is much more. It is a tangible representation of a long-time passion that is now flourishing.
Cull’s journey with plants began long before he opened up God’s Nature Nursery. He fondly reminisced about the time he spent gardening as a young child, recalling that he always wanted to do this full time.
“I went to school and they asked me what do you want to do?” Cull said. “And I told them… Well, I like plants!”
This connection to nature and gardening was never just something Cull saw as simply a hobby — it was a calling that persisted throughout his entire life. Cull explained how plants were always the answer to the “What do you want to do for a living?” questions he received growing up. Similar conversations began to happen years later when he married his wife in 1979. Though she has been supportive of his long-time passion and even assists him in tending to their three trees at the nursery, their perspectives on the topic differ.
When asked if his wife ever accompanies him on his trips to the market, his response was simple:
“No, but she has threatened to!”
Cull’s reflections on his wife led to another interesting aspect of his work- the flirtatious attention he has received from singles at the market who admire more than Cull’s one-of-a-kind blue hibiscus.
Cull spoke about often finding himself in humorous situations, especially when it comes to his wedding ring — or rather, his lack of one. Cull laughed as he explained that while at the market, he does not wear his wedding ring because of his hands-on work with the dirt and plants. This has lead to some misunderstandings regarding his relationship status.
“They think I’m single, and I’m not single. I have to tell them that!” Cull said.
While these conversations are a lighthearted part of Cull’s experience as the owner of his nursery, the job as a whole is no small feat. Cull spoke candidly about the physical demands of his work, particularly during the winter months.
Located about 35 miles south of Jackson in the small community of Bethel Springs lies Cull’s nursery, which operates out of four containers. Cull explained that there are many different kinds of nurseries, but that God’s Nature Nursery is a container nursery. This allows for an easier management experience of the plants, but does not mean that the job is without its own challenges.
Cull emphasized that the labor required for the job goes beyond simple plant management and also demands a significant amount of physical effort, particularly when it comes time to cover his four containers in preparation for the winter months.
“My wife helps me. But this year, I got somebody else to help me too,” Cull said.
Cull’s passion for gardening and consistency with the physical labor it entails demonstrates not only his commitment to his craft, but also a life well lived, full of purpose and resilience.
In addition to his role as the owner of God’s Nature Nursery, Cull serves as a pastor at Woodville Baptist Church, which presents him with a different kind of challenge at times when it comes to his commitment to keeping Sunday sacred.
“Many of my customers want to buy and sell on Sundays,” Cull explained. “I have to say no.” He struggles at times with the conflict between his strong faith and his passion for his business.
This decision to uphold his values when it comes to the Sabbath is a way that he remains faithful to his beliefs as a business owner. Despite any challenges he has faced, Cull has found much joy in his work.
When asked about his favorite part of the job, Cull did not skip a beat in providing an honest answer:
“Selling is my favorite part.”
Cull’s passion for gardening and his commitment to his faith intertwine beautifully. As he continues to nurture his nursery and pursue more sales, Cull represents a spirit of resilience and is representative of the joy that comes from pursuing one’s calling in life, despite any obstacles or differing opinions from others. With each plant sold and engaging story shared, he fosters connections with his customers and reminds them of the beauty and purpose found in both gardening and faith.
In a world that often rushes by, Jerry Cull of God’s Nature Nursery stands as a testament to the power of dedication and the joy that life has in store.
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