READERreactions

Reader Contest

For our April 2022 Washington Gardener Reader Contest, we are giving away a copy of Black Flora: Profiles of Inspiring Black Flower Farmers + Florists by Teresa J. Speight (BLOOM Imprint, $24.95). There is a rich, beautiful, complex, and diverse narrative being told by African Americans and other persons of color in the floral marketplace. It is long past time to recognize their excellence and contributions to cut flower farming and floristry. Garden writer, podcaster, and blogger Teresa J. Speight of Cottage in the Court shares her interviews and profiles with leading pioneers and explores their lives rooted in the floral world. To enter to win the book, send an email by 5:00pm on April 30 to WashingtonGardener Magazine@gmail.com with “Black Flora” in the Subject line and in the body of the email. Tell us what your favorite article was in this issue and why. Please include your full name and mailing address. Winners will be announced and notified on/ about May 1. o

Your Ad Here

Are you trying to reach thousands of gardeners in the greater DC region/MidAtlantic area? Washington Gardener Magazine goes out in the middle of every month. Contact KathyJentz@gmail.com or call 301.588.6894 for ad rates (starting from $200). The ad deadline is the 5th of each month. Please submit your ad directly to: KathyJentz@gmail.com.

Plant a Row for the Hungry (PAR) is an easy program to participate in and really does not take any extra resources than what you may have in your garden. In normal times, about 35 million people wonder where their next meal will come from. Most of these are children. That’s where PAR steps in. PAR is such a simple program: It urges gardeners to Plant A Row (or a container) dedicated to feeding the hungry, and then take the harvest to someplace or someone that needs it. Once you have donated, send an email to KathyJentz@gmail.com with the total (in pounds and ounces) of what you gave. That is all there is to it. Easy. Effective. Adaptable and Helpful.

Thoughts on Past Issues

My favorite article in the March 2022 Washington Gardener was about Bonnetta Adeeb. It was so interesting to read about her background and what she’s trying to accomplish in her community in Maryland. I wish this was going on all over the DMV! My favorite quote: “My dream is simple: I dream that when you walk down the street and look into people’s yards, you see vegetables. I want to see growing edible plants become reinstituted as what people do. I want to see that everybody has a garden.” ~ Dawn Szelc, Sterling, VA

My favorite article in the March 2022 Washington Gardener was the one on tufted titmice. I feed the birds and birdwatch but there were things in the article I did not know. I really like titmice (and chickadees) and enjoy learning more about them. It is nice that the magazine has a variety of articles. ~ Dorothy Cichra, Silver Spring, MD

Okay, this is silly, but my favorite article in the Washington Gardener is usually the “Things To Do this Month,” closely followed by the monthly reader contest...Washington Gardener is always one of the highlights of my month. ~ Janet Benini, Washington, DC

I especially liked reading the Aucuba article in the December 2021 Washington Gardener. At first glance, it reminded me of a houseplant that I had. I wish that it grew in my plant zone. It would really brighten up one of my drab areas. ~ Ed Yemola, Drums, PA

My favorite article in the December 2021 Washington Gardener was about the two new award-winning tomatoes because I like growing edibles. Finding new varieties is such a treat each year that adds adventure to my garden. ~ Edward Constable, Washington, DC

Without a doubt, my favorite recent article showcased the winners in the annual photo contest. We have so many superb photographers in the area, and their talent shows in the diverse offeriings. A delight as usual. ~ Anne Hardman, Silver Spring, MD o