Why GardenComm?
Our best assets are our members. From book authors to bloggers, educators to nationally recognized speakers, from photographers to artists, radio hosts to YouTube stars, our members are as diverse as the industry they represent. Hear from GardenComm members about why they are a member.
Do you have a GardenComm story to share? Contact us as info@gardencomm.org.
Ryan McEnaney
Public Relations & Communications Specialist
Bailey Nurseries, St. Paul, MN
"As a wholesale grower of plant material that maintains a strong focus on innovation and new plant introductions, being a part of GardenComm is an absolute must. I have built necessary professional relationships, which often turn into wonderful personal relationships, that are key to achieving our marketing goals. As a member of GardenComm, we have access to the writers who act as a conduit between us as a grower and the end consumer. GardenComm does an excellent job of providing opportunities to showcase our company and our products, as well as building fun and engaging networking events that support both our objectives and the writers' needs."
C.L. Fornari
Author & Speaker
Host of radio shows on WXTK and WRKO
“Anyone who loves plants and wants to share their passion with others belongs in GardenComm. My skills as a garden communicator have improved because of my involvement with this organization, and I’ve gotten several good-paying jobs from GardenComm connections.”
Jessica Walliser
Columinst & Author
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Pittsburgh, PA
“I joined GardenComm in 2000. Since then, the organization has been integral in helping me make several key connections with important industry professionals. The educational opportunities presented at both the regional and national meetings are unparalleled in the field of garden communications.”
Eva Monheim
Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture & Horticulture
Temple University, Glenside, PA
“Opportunity, travel, education and friendships are four reasons why I belong to GardenComm. There is no other organization that I know of that provides better connectivity between people, places and plants.”
Ann McCormick
“Herb ‘n Cowgirl” Author
Homegrown Herb Garden, Fort Worth, TX
“My first venture into the world of GardenComm was the 2004 Long Island Conference. I discovered the most open, friendly, and sharing group of professionals I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Experienced writers, media personalities, and photographers were happy to talk to a novice such as myself. They cheerfully provided insight into the business, gave tips on how to tackle problems I was facing, and generally encouraged me to move forward in garden communications. Attending the annual conferences is now one of the highlights of my year. “
Shawna Lee Coronado
Author and Blogger
ShawnaCoronado.com, Warrenville, IL
“Since joining GardenComm, I have used the legal assistance area of the website, consulted with the lawyer personally, and feel that this service is a great help to my garden writing business. I also like the organization’s connection to Plant a Row for the Hungry and feel it is a marvelous idea for all garden writer members to promote food sharing to our readers.”
Noelle Smith Johnson
Horticulturist & Blogger
AZPlantLady.com, Chandler, AZ
"I approached my first GardenComm conference with a mixture of excitement and some trepidation. The reasons for me attending the symposium included the opportunity to learn from the educational sessions, meet other writers learning from their experiences and visiting beautiful gardens. At the First-Timer and Mentor Reception, I was greeted by friendly mentors and met a number of first-timers like myself who I formed friendships with – including an Aussie who lives and gardens 9,667 miles away from me, yet shares a very similar climate to mine, in fact we decided to write a book together! I found the educational sessions extremely informative and I was able to take much of what I learned and apply it to my writing and business. The garden tours were a visual feast and full of inspiration. Talking to growers and vendors at the tradeshow was fun learning about the newest garden trends and plants. I must admit that I came home with several plants in my suitcase. After attending my first GardenComm conference, I can hardly wait for the next one!"
Andrea Whitely
Garden Consultant
Andrea Whitely Garden Consultant, Floreat Western, Austrailia
"One of my oldest friends lives in Broome on a million acre cattle station and she turned 50 last year and celebrated with a trip to NYC to support a mutual friend who had been invited to show her hats at NY Fashion Week-the first Australian milliner to be invited and so my friend said 'come with me to NYC' and so I said to my husband-'what do you think, darling?' (I too was celebrating my 50th year) and he said...only if you can find a garden conference at the same time (probably thinking no way would I find one).. and you wouldn't believe my luck but there it was after a quick search of the internet, the 67th GardenComm Conference in Pasadena - what luck! So, without hesitation, the travel agent was contacted and the trip was booked. Sometimes in life there is a pathway all mapped out you just need to find the signs-this was one. I am a garden consultant which means I design gardens, implement new gardens, renovate old gardens and have a small maintenance business. I also write for a magazine (have written for many over the years), have had a successful call-in radio program and do public speaking from time to time. Pizza with the lot in terms a career in gardening you might say, so what do you think the odds would be of travelling all the way across the world and sitting next to a lady on a bus that almost does exactly the same thing, in the same climate."