October/November 2009
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RE: October/November 2009 - 9/29/2009 10:55:15 AM
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pattycraft
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Bring it on, dear readers! We love hearing from you—what are we doing right? what could we do better? what do you want to see more of? less of?
And here's a hint of what's to come ... the december/january issue is a great big special issue with more than 100 pages of gardening goodness and wisdom! But first things first...tell us what you think about october/november
peace,
patty craft
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RE: October/November 2009 - 9/30/2009 12:45:07 PM
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Timothygrass
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Since this issue arrived in the mail on a rainy miserable afternoon, I had time to read it "cover to cover," and thought I'd give my feedback before a weekend of weeding.
It seems that with each issue there is more of a push to direct readers to the website (and away from the magazine, it seems), but the website is, quite frankly, not so great. I am a pretty regular contributor to the Forum, but I usually just skip through the opening pages of the website, since the flashing things, frenetic layout and mix of fonts makes me dizzy. For the sake of experiencing what I'm complaining about, I clicked on the link listed for "Simple Swiss Chard Recipes" on page 4. It produces no recipes! Instead I got an exact copy of the article I just read in the magazine, and offers to buy more downloads for $40.
Moving through the magazine, Carol Reese's column always provides good information; on the contrary, information about hardiness, growing conditions, etc., in the article about Kalanchoe beharensis simply got lost in the prose. The end result is that it's a drought-tolerant plant, but it doesn't grow outdoors anyway.
Plants We Love was redundant, since those same plants are discussed in the profile of Ozzie Johnson (who I happen to know and hugely respect.) Aren't there three other plants the editors could find to love this month?
"Hot Stuff," "Verse" and the recipe section seem very Martha-esque for a magazine devoted to horticulture. I read MSL, but for different reasons and content. If this is a magazine devoted to gardeners, why not focus on something that most gardeners are growing and/or are inundated with?
I was very disappointed with the article about Karen Ford's garden. After giving the graphic on the cover about circular gardening, I was really interested in seeing what was said. Again, beautiful pictures and prose, but very little "meat" for gardeners. I was flabbergasted that there wasn't a single clear photo of the circular beds. In addition, you clearly were writing about two knowledgeable gardeners/designers; why photos of the buffet, cheeseboard and dishes of olives?
Both articles about grasses, and the one about contour gardening were "on the money" and what I would expect from a quality gardening magazine.
The two profiles of nurseries were great, but seemed like a huge number of pages, when you begin the issue by acknowledging there are fewer pages in this issue. The same can be said of "North Hill Notes" ....great column, but did it need to be spread over three pages with the giant graphics?
Lastly, the frost article was great in my opinion. Beautiful photos and some real information for gardeners to use....
I'm a big fan of Horticulture magazine, but much of this issue seemed to have been taken from a home and lifestyle magazine than one for serious gardeners.
_____________________________
It's All About Passion!
www.achefinthegarden.blogspot.com
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RE: October/November 2009 - 10/5/2009 12:14:05 PM
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pattycraft
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Dear Readers,
In this digital age, we still get "letters" but most of them are through cyberspace. We use this opportunity here in the forum for you to share your opinions and to keep our fingers on the pulse of what's working and what's not in the print version of Horticulture.
We heard you loud and clear when you told us the Master Gardener reports weren't on target. We're providing regional information now through more Garden Visit features (again responding to the fact that these are among your favorites).
Yes, advertising is down in print (across the magazine industry) and we're thrilled to be hearing you MISS IT. (I've worked on plenty of magazines where readers abhorred the advertising pages, not realizing that advertising dollars often support editorial page counts.) We're sharing your desire for more advertising information in print with our advertisers.
And, yes, there is a concerted effort underway to remind Horticulture readers that we have a presence online. Our Website is always under scrutiny, and we need to know what works for you and what doesn't.
So bring on your constructive criticism and help us make your gardening resources the best they can be.
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts.
Peace,
Patty
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RE: October/November 2009 - 10/8/2009 7:59:01 PM
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gardengirl
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I still haven't recieved my copy, I'm starting to think someone else somewhere is reading it.
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gardengirl zone 4 MN
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RE: October/November 2009 - 10/9/2009 9:33:30 AM
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pattycraft
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Gardengirl - send an email to edit@hortmag.com with the words: Missing Issue in the subject line. Include your name and address where you receive the issue in the email and I'll forward to our customer service rep ASAP.
Thanks!
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RE: October/November 2009 - 10/9/2009 7:51:29 PM
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gardengirl
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Thanks Patty, I'll do that.
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gardengirl zone 4 MN
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RE: October/November 2009 - 10/12/2009 10:11:59 AM
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cshep51
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I have to agree with Timothygrass on many of the issues. I was very disappointed about the circle garden. No pictures of it actually. I want to incorporate that into a new garden scheme, but needed some inspiration.
I would rather have the magazine in hand than be online anytime. It'll be difficult for me to make the "big" switch when magazines are only available online. I use my traveling time to catch up with my latest mags. I love the scent of magazines or books. Crazy, I know.
Keep listening. I'm sure you'll come to a happy medium.
_____________________________
cshep51
NW Louisiana zone 8a
"The love of gardening is a seed once sown that never dies." Gertrude Jekyll
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RE: October/November 2009 - 10/12/2009 11:00:32 AM
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pattycraft
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Hi cshep51!
You and many others wanted more visuals of the circular gardens. We realize now that an illustration of the gardens would have been far more effective. And it's this kind of input that helps us be more detail-oriented on future features.
Rest assured that while Horticulture is trying to build a strong online presence, there are no plans at this time to cease publication of the print issue. We realize that our readers love holding the magazine while they discover new ideas or hone their skills. We know that many readers keep years and years of issues to refer back to.
Thanks, everyone, for your input!
Peace on the garden path,
Patty
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RE: October/November 2009 - 10/12/2009 10:27:31 PM
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Flowerwoman
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Am I the only suscriber who would like to see a few pages dedicated to garden insects complete with pictures which include life cycles along with best methods of control?
I have been researching "beetles" lately. I have small black beetles in my lawn that have been trying to take up residence inside my garage and have even found some inside my house. I have sprayed around the house and put out lawn insecticide but after all I've done I still see a few lurking around the sidewalks. I also found grubs while planting new shrubs this fall. I am surprised that I have grubs, beetles, ants, etc., as I am very diligent about treating my lawn. Obviously in depth articles on these creatures would be helpful.
Is it just me or are there others who would welcome more in depth knowledge about these things?
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RE: October/November 2009 - 10/13/2009 5:42:26 AM
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pattycraft
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Hi Flowerwoman!
Pest in the garden ... hmm. We all have them. Perhaps that IS a topic for coverage in the mag? What do you others think?
In the meantime, you can get tons of expert advice on integrated pest management from your local extension office.
peace,
patty
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RE: October/November 2009 - 10/14/2009 3:47:49 PM
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Timothygrass
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Insects are not particularly my thing, but I would LOVE to see articles along those lines, that are geared to gardeners. There are more than enough "lifestyle" magazines available in print and online.
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It's All About Passion!
www.achefinthegarden.blogspot.com
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RE: October/November 2009 - 10/21/2009 6:59:12 PM
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prairie flower
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Patty -- I agree, articles on insects might be very interesting. If you do that, please approach it from an angle of integrated pest management, and that sprays are often the last resort. Too many people want to get rid of (i.e. kill) insects -- I use the term broadly -- just because they are insects, without knowing what they are and endangering beneficial insects in the process.
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Prairie Flower
KS Zone 5
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RE: October/November 2009 - 10/22/2009 10:09:11 AM
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cshep51
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The Extension Agent recently retired in my parish. They are not replacing him anytime soon due to budget cuts. What I'm doing is much like Flowerwoman and doing my own research. It's slow and sometimes painful. I have something attacking my lantana. A beetle (not Japanese). Can't seem to have camera and bug together at the same time. I'll keep working on it though. I would very much enjoy in depth information regarding insects. My employer would like to go strictly organic (YIKES!). And I'll keep you posted on the success or failure of that venture.
_____________________________
cshep51
NW Louisiana zone 8a
"The love of gardening is a seed once sown that never dies." Gertrude Jekyll
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RE: October/November 2009 - 10/28/2009 12:07:48 PM
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CSWI
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In response to question about an article on insects: yes, I would appreciate that kind of information. In addition to pictures, please include other information that would help diagnose infestations as well as ways to deal with them.
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RE: October/November 2009 - 10/28/2009 8:13:01 PM
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Laurel
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I must add my voice to the suggestions for articles about insects. Excellent idea! However, let's include all bugs whether good or bad and definitely a picture would be of great benefit.
I have to include this note: I know gardeners and non-gardeners who run for all sorts of killing equipment at the mere mention of wasps/yellow-jackets. They should not be hunted, but welcomed !!!! They serve 2 benfits in our gardens. 1 - they are pollinators 2 - they use other insects - albeit both good and bad ones - to feed their young. They are preditors of some of those other insects that you don't want in your garden. Yes, they can be annoying sometimes, but so are a lot of other things that gardeners accept.
Identification, Information and Knowledge are needed.
Laurel
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). Sometimes the parent eats the plant but they lay eggs on a more harmful insect - which is killed by being host to the eggs.