“I like to work,” says Mr. Kulik, an Assistant Gardener. “Working is good for you.” He roams the garden’s 52 acres with the energy of a much younger man, checking on the progress of the colorful azaleas and tulips. “I like to do it all — the planting and the pruning. We also grind up all the branches we trim to make wood chips.” One of his favorite projects is the recently restored Japanese Hill and Pond Garden.

Despite his age, his mind is sharp and there’s a strong bounce in his stride. He remembers a long list of celebrities who have visited the garden throughout the years since he started his career there in 1952 — Danny Kaye, Buddy Hackett, Julie Andrews, and Jayne Mansfield. “Jayne Mansfield came with her two dogs,” he said. Mr. Kulik recalls that when he started at the garden there was no union. “We had this director who would sneak around to see if we were working.” It took a four-week strike to win union representation.

“This is a good union. My shop steward here is Louis Provost, and he’s always been a big help,” says Mr. Kulik, who is looking forward to his raise under the new contract.

What is the secret to Robbie Kulik’s longevity and his positive attitude? “To work and enjoy life, that’s the secret,” he says.

When will he retire? Mr. Kulik doesn’t know. “They ask me about that,” he answers, sounding as if he hasn’t given it much thought.

Whenever Robbie Kulik finally does decide to hang up his well-worn tools, he will be sorely missed around the beautiful gardens that he has helped create and maintain for nearly five decades.