If you are a gardener, scouting for that near perfect spot to thrive can be difficult. Having a passion for beautiful gardens, plants, garden books, and…well, all things garden or garden related can make finding your place in a community difficult. When you want to write, teach, or share your vision of gardening so it reaches the masses, finding a practical place is key. As I asked around, it was recommended that I join The Association of Garden Writers, currently known as GardenComm.
As my daughters attended elementary and middle school, I researched Virginia Master Gardener courses. A stay at home Mom, I made time to take the Master Gardener classes to learn all I could about gardening. When I became a parent liaison for the science club, we installed a butterfly garden at Grafton Village Elementary school. I was known as the worm lady of Fredericksburg, Virginia, according to the Freelance Star. Proudly, as one of the founding farmers at the Eitt – CSA in Stafford County, I enjoyed gardening organically. From picking bugs off of the crops to laying news print from the Freelance Star between the rows as weed block, I devoured the knowledge of growing organically.
As a Master Gardner in training, I remember saving my money to buy Dr. Dirr’s Manual of Woody Ornamentals. At the time, as a part-time stay at home mom who just happened to also garden part-time, this book was a huge expense. The excitement of reading the words and identifying ornamental plant material was epic. I was so thrilled to acquire this book for my growing library. To this day, I am a true horticultural bookworm.
I am no longer the little girl whose dad did not allow her to play in the dirt. Learning Latin words was fun and I enjoyed it. Giving back to my community by volunteering as a Central Rappahannock Master Gardener was quite important.
Fast forward to a different life outside of Fredericksburg, Va. I wanted to reach out to people who could only imagine gardening. It was a defining moment. I decided to blog. Writing/blogging is a way to share gardening, garden travels, and finding the beauty that surrounds us naturally. I reflect on how much I have practiced gardening, read about gardening, visited garden centers, attended talks, and given talks. The conclusion – I have realized my passion. My experiences, in my voice, just might be unique.
As I write, travel, speak and share in my own voice and it continues to be quite freeing. The opportunity to network with like-minded passionate plants people has opened up a whole new world for me. I look at the authors on my bookshelf and I realize that I am in GREAT company (including Dr.Dirr) as a garden communicator. I am even considering writing a book. Why? This community inspires me. Sharing my thoughts on all things beautiful is a wonderful way of having my say.
If you want to be YOU-nique in this wonderful word of horticulture, networking, and experience opportunities otherwise unheard of, GardenComm just might be what you are looking for. The sense of belonging, the camaraderie, the genuine support I find in this garden of communicators is amazing. As with any organization, what you put into it can make the organization what you want it to be. I can proudly say…I am GARDENCOMM!
Meet the Author
A Native Washingtonian, garden communicator Teresa Speight has found a niche sharing the beauty of this earth via her blog https://www.cottageinthecourt.com, speaking engagements, Garden Experiences, and civic involvement. Former Sr. Gardener for the City of Fredericksburg, Virginia, Owner – Cottage In The Court Landscape Maintenance -specializing in Estate Gardens, Vice President/Communications Director of the Capitol Hill Garden Club as well as Region II Director for Gardencomm, finding and creating unique interpretations of all things beautiful is her passion.
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