Sharing Secrets

By Debra Bushweit Galliani and Joe Galliani

Three years ago, when we began our tenure as co-editors of the Southern California Horticulture Society’s membership newsletter, we were looking for ways to make the publication more interactive. One of our board members, Kathy Musial, came up with the idea of posing a different question to the membership each month.  We realized this was a perfect solution and a way to tap into the incredible wealth of knowledge our members possess.

“Sharing Secrets” debuted as a new column in our December 2005 issue.  We now publish “Sharing Secrets” responses in each month’s newsletter and also pose the next question for members to think about. We invite them to email their answers and suggestions to us or fill out an index card at our monthly meetings.

We’ve been delighted with the ongoing response we’ve had and decided to publish the highlights on our website. Click on the Date to open a PDF (Adobe Reader may be required). Enjoy!

2008

  • February 2008 – Question: “What has your experience been growing fruit trees?”
  • March 2008 – Question: “What got you interested in gardening or growing plants?”
  • April 2008 – Question: (continued) “What got you interested in gardening or growing plants?”
  • May 2008 – Question: “What satisfying garden plants require little maintenance & what care do you give them?”
  • June 2008 – Question: “How do you protect your vegetable crops from critters?”
  • July 2008 – Question: “How do you protect your vegetable crops from critters?”
  • September 2008 – Question: “What plants do you grow or have you grown from seed and why?”
  • October 2008 – Question: “What is one of the worst things that happened in your garden and what did you do about it?”
  • November 2009 – Question: “When designing an area for privacy, what plants and materials do you use?”
  • December 2008–January 2009 – Question: “In your experience, what plants attract hummingbirds?’

2007

  • January 2007 – Question: “What are your favorite gifts for gardeners?”
  • February 2007 – Question: “What is your tip for growing healthy roses and/or what roses do you recommend growing and why?”
  • March 2007 – Question: “What are your favorite garden tools and equipment?” (see also October 2007)
  • April 2007 – Question: “What are some of your favorite nurseries – near or far?” (See also April, June and August 2006)
  • May 2007 – Question: “What classes or workshops do you or would you like to attend?”
  • June 2007 – Question: “How do you manage, suppress or avoid weeds in your garden?”
  • July 2007 – Question: “What are your favorite mail-order seed companies or nurseries for plants? Why? What are their
    specialties?”
  • August 2007 – Question: “Tell us about your favorite tree or plant.” (See also October 2007)
  • September 2007 – Question: “If you could see one plant in its natural habitat, what would it be and why?”
  • October 2007 – Question: More answers to past questions
  • November 2007 – Question: “What tomato varieties that you have grown are your favorites?”
  • December 2007 – Question: “Where do you find reliable information on plants?”

2006

  • January 2006 – Question: “How do you deal with a slope?”
  • February 2006 – Question: “What are some of your favorite plants in winter and why?”
  • March 2006 – Question: “How do you keep cats out of your yard?”
  • April 2006 – Question: “What are some of your favorite nurseries – near or far?” (See also June and August 2006, and April 2007)
  • May 2006 – Question: “How have you dealt with particular pest problems in your garden?”
  • June 2006 – Question: Favorite nurseries continued
  • July 2006 – Question: “What are some of your favorite garden-related books and why?” (See also August 2006)
  • August 2006 – Question: Favorite books and nurseries continued
  • September 2006 – Question: “What plant has become a pest in your garden and in what way?” (See also October 2007)
  • October 2006 – Question: “How have you been getting your plants through the heat waves?”
  • December 2006 – Question: “Where are some of your favorite public gardens and why do you like them?”

2005

  • December 2005 – Question: “Is there any hope for controlling Argentine ants?” (see also October 2007)