Evans Chigounis – Roots, Rhythm, and Leadership in Organic Living

Evans Chigounis has spent a lifetime growing things – plants, communities, and creative expression. His path winds through gardens, workshops, art studios, and drum circles. But beneath the variety is a clear theme – Evans builds environments where life can thrive.

This is the story of how a kid from Clifton, New Jersey, surrounded by fruit trees and grapevines, became a respected voice in horticulture, organic gardening, and community music.

Early influences that shaped a career in organic work

Evans grew up on a one-acre property overflowing with “organic fruit trees, grapevines, vegetables, flowers, and herbs.” It wasn’t just a backyard. It was a living classroom.

“I didn’t know it then, but I was already learning horticulture before I even knew the word,” he says.

He spent afternoons playing street hockey, exploring the garden rows, and helping his family maintain the land. The mix of sport, nature, and hands-on work built the discipline and curiosity that would shape his career later.

His interest grew into study. Evans read books on biology, agriculture, permaculture, and horticulture. He even took related classes at community college. But the most important lessons came from being outdoors and observing how things grow.

From garden center to lifelong work in horticulture

Evans’ first job was at a garden center in high school. Most teens stock shelves or bag groceries. He was learning soil mixes, seasonal cycles, pests, and plant care.

“That first job told me I belonged in this field,” he says. “I loved it right away.”

He stayed with the industry for decades. He worked as a nursery professional, landscaper, gardener, and even spent time in the horticulture department at the Kansas City Zoo in 2017, a role that blended his knowledge of plants with environmental education.

“It was one of the most interesting places I ever worked,” he recalls. “Every plant mattered to the animals living near it.”

Even today, Evans continues working in the nursery and horticulture world, helping homeowners, businesses, and community spaces grow greener, healthier landscapes.

A creative detour: Art, illustration, and graphic work

Evans has never been a one-track thinker. Alongside his horticulture work, he explored his artistic side. After high school, he took illustration classes at Bergen Community College. This led him into a new field during the early days of digital graphics.

He spent 13 years in pre-press and became a Mac retoucher. The work demanded precision, something Evans had already learned from pruning trees and prepping garden beds.

“Art and horticulture aren’t that different,” he explains. “Both require patience and attention to detail.” This mix of skills made him adaptable, a trait that would define his future.

A rhythm that spread across communities

Evans grew up playing music with his brother, mostly drums and percussion. What started as teenage garage sessions eventually became one of his most meaningful contributions to his community.

He is now a well-known Drum Circle facilitator across the country. He teaches percussion, leads workshops, plays Native American flute, and builds connections through rhythm.

“Music brings people together fast,” he says. “It gives strangers something to share.”

Today, he volunteers as the facilitator of the Asbury Drum & Dance community drum circle in Asbury Park, New Jersey. The group brings people of all ages together to play, dance, and connect. His website, Evans Chigounis, showcases his work.

He also plays at benefits like Drums from Heaven, a long-running event dedicated to helping families in need.

Leadership through service and community impact

Evans’ leadership doesn’t come from titles. It comes from service.

In his early 20s, he coached for the Special Olympics in Clifton, New Jersey. He also assisted the town’s director of recreation with events for special-needs children and adults. Later, he volunteered with the Morris County cleanup of the Passaic River, helping remove large amounts of debris.

“These were some of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” Evans says. “It felt good to give back.”

Even today, he continues to lead through generosity – donating time, teaching music, offering guidance, and helping communities stay connected.

A career built on growth, resilience, and reinvention

Evans has held work in carpentry, graphic arts, horticulture, and community arts. He even experimented with a small organic basil business in the early ’80s. “I was ahead of my time,” he jokes.

But the common thread is simple, Evans builds things – plants, art, rhythm, community.

His leadership shows up in his willingness to adapt, explore new skills, and stay committed to the things that bring people together.

“I’ve always followed what felt honest,” he says. “If it helps people or helps something grow, I know I’m on the right path.”

Looking ahead: A life rooted in creativity and connection

Today, Evans continues to work in the nursery industry, host drum circles, sell and teach Native American flutes, and run workshops on percussion and organic gardening. He carries forward the spirit of the land where he grew up – full of life, color, and possibility.

His story is proof that careers don’t have to be linear. They can be a garden – messy, beautiful, winding, and full of growth.

“I’m grateful for every path I’ve taken,” he says. “Each one taught me something I could use to help others.”

And that, more than anything, defines his leadership.