A Garden Writer’s Identity Crisis—I was embarrassed to say what I did

By Mary-Kate Mackey

“So, what kind of writing do you do?”

A few years ago, I was attending my first American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) conference in New York. My fellow journalist had just asked the question I dreaded. She and I were sorting through a box of colorful ribbons that could be added to our name tags, describing various types of writing. Mine was not among them. I looked down at the patterned hotel carpet and mumbled, “I’m a garden writer.”

And the inevitable question came back, “What’s that?”

GWA at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show

By Pat Munts

The winter this year in Eastern Washington has been long and hard. The snow started early in December. As we approached the end of February, it was still here and still coming down. Beyond the semicircle of bare pavement in front of my garage is a foot of snow and slippery ice, burying everything. I am trapped in my little circle of bare concrete, desperately needing to get out in the garden and see green plants and warm dirt!

GWA at NYBG’s Orchid Show

By Kirk Brown

Reasons to join GWA are spread like a blanket of snow across the United States in January and February! Connect meetings are happening all over the country at a variety of venues and international events.

On Thursday February 16, 2017 the sun wasn’t out but the temperature was pushing into the middle 50’s as Sara and I drove across the George Washington Bridge to attend the press preview of “The Orchid Show: Thailand” at the New York Botanical Garden. This year’s theme was dedicated to the kaleidoscopic array of species native to and cultivated in Thailand.

Drums for the Doldrums

By Steven Biggs

As I walked my youngest son, Keaton, to the local drum shop to sign up for lessons I thought, “The noise will drive me bonkers.” He was already whacking a big bongo drum and shaking maracas as I filled out a form and paid.

Sitting outside the studio for the first couple of drum lessons, I thought, “Wow, that’s loud.” But I also caught my feet and hands moving to the beat. Not long after that I took my kids, Keaton, Quinn, and Emma, to a drum workshop to fuel Keaton’s excitement. I also came home with drums on the brain. All that talk of texture, layers, and colour really intrigued me.