What GWA Members are Thankful for

By Carol Michel

What are garden communicators thankful for? Quite a bit! I recently asked garden writers on Facebook to tell me what they are thankful for. Their responses re-affirmed the many benefits we all get from being part of this community of writers, journalists, photographers, and gardeners who enjoy sharing about gardening with the world. Read for yourself:

Annelle Ammons:  “I’m thankful for all the great GWA friends I’ve made this year who remind me all the time that I’m not alone on this crazy plant journey I’ve embarked upon.”

Deb Wiley: “I’m grateful I get to learn so much about the life of plants, soil, and climate, as well as the psychology of gardening and its benefits. In other words, I get to learn more about LIFE!”

Lisa Eldered Steinkopf:  “I am grateful to all the GWA friends who I could talk to as I wrote my first book and am still talking to about book signings and appearances and all that those entail. I am so appreciative of their willingness to guide me and for their knowledge and experience. Thank you to all of you and you know who you are!”

Diane Blazek: “Our two non-profit organizations, All-America Selections and National Garden Bureau were founded 85 and 97 years ago respectively, on the premise that garden communicators are THE link to the home consumer. Those garden communicators are the best avenue for getting good information out to current and potential gardeners. So I am thankful for all the many garden communicators we have worked with over the past 97 years!”

Chris Link: “I’m thankful for all of the amazing people I’ve met through GWA. Not only do I learn a LOT from everyone, but a lot of people have been gracious enough to help us spread the word about our new business, plantaddicts.com! If it wasn’t for this association, I do not think we would have tried to launch this business. So thank you so much!”

Mary-Kate Mackey:  “I am thankful to GWA for allowing me to present my quick writing techniques and fast fixes to a wonderful group of folks who grab the ideas and go. Those first workshops were the basis of what went on to become the book, Write Better Right Now–The Reluctant Writer’s Guide to Confident Communication and Self-assured Style.”

Tracy Blevins: “We are thankful for all the many ways we have connected with others through our passion for growing plants and sharing that with others. That led us to becoming members of GWA soon after launching Plantsmap.com: Connecting People With Plants. I have met many people over the years that share this passion and we are thankful to help spread the word of other places and people that are growing an appreciation for a greener world with others. Thank you!”

Jessica Walliser: “I am thankful to have a job that allows me to work from home while we raise our young son. Freelancing isn’t for everyone, but it’s the perfect gig for someone with a young family. I’m also thankful to have found so many mentors, friends, and kindred spirits within the GWA community, all of whom support each other in a million different ways.”

Maria Zampini:  “I’m grateful that so many GWA colleagues are ready and willing to trial new plant varieties. And in return, if they perform well, are willing to help spread the word within their sphere of influence not only once, but over time as the plants grow, mature and continue to bring joy and beauty to their garden or landscape.”

Peggy Riccio: “I am grateful and thankful for the revitalized GWA which now offers Power Circles, webinars, more meetings, and many more ways to connect with others and to learn the craft.”

Debra Knapke:  “I am grateful for this beautiful home called Earth and all the lessons “she” has taught me about living with nature and not against; well, as much as possible.”

Katie Elzer-Peters: “I’m thankful for all y’all! You keep me on my toes.”

Patrick Ryan: “I’m thankful for the friendships and the inspiration from the great workshops and keynotes. I enjoy the trips, seeing new public gardens and gardens where people live. And I get to play music with some great people!”

Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp: “I’m thankful to GWA for opening a new career path for me, providing opportunity for education and income, friendships, beautiful gardens…my livelihood is garden communications. I’m eternally grateful.”

CL. Fornari: My blog recently featured a thank you note to my November gardens. This is a quote: “Thanks for once again coming to the party. Even if you got a bit loud, or celebrated so well that you became sick. Even if you brought a few uninvited, weedy guests with you. I’m even grateful for those party crashers who came so well dressed that I allowed them to stay. Thanks for getting along with all the others and for putting up with the sometimes less-than-ideal environment. You didn’t let the odd cool nights or dry periods dampen your spirits and for that I’m grateful. You’re always so willing to party on, even when the refreshments aren’t quite plentiful enough”

And I’m thankful for all the garden communicators who made this one of the easiest posts to write for GWA Grows.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Meet the Author

Carol Michel is an award winning freelance writer and the author of Potted and Pruned: Living a Gardening Life. She blogs about gardening regularly at www.maydreamsgardens.com.