Optimism despite concerns about economy, world issues

John Wise describes himself as "barely making it." And he's OK with that. "I'm an optimist," said Wise, a horticulture teacher. It's one of many jobs he has, he explains. He propagates and sells rare and other plants and consults on garden-design projects. "I've been this way for 30 years, on the edge for 30 years. My wife is a starving artist. And horticulture in Virginia does not pay. You have to love to be in the business." Read more: