Change is afoot at Greenhouse Canada and as the publication’s new editor, I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you a little bit about myself.
I was born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario. I still live there with my husband and two wonderful and very energetic children, our senior cat and slightly younger dog. I am a beginner backyard gardener and household horticulturalist. My favourite plants are my various oxalis, my beloved lemon tree (from which I’ve grown THREE lemons in 2.5 years!) and pretty much anything that blooms in early spring – those first signs of life after our dreary winters are truly awe-inspiring.
Professionally, I’ve been a journalist in the news media for the past 16 years. I’ve worked in some very busy newsrooms, helping produce stories about many different subjects, issues and people.
While the first few weeks as Greenhouse Canada’s new editor have been a bit of a whirlwind, I’ve had the pleasure to meet some of you and attend my first industry event at Mel Sawaya’s Hydrangea workshop in April. While much of the technical discussion around hydrangea cultivation went over my head, I was struck by the spirit of camaraderie and collegiality of the group of close to 60 industry professionals in attendance.
As renowned hydrangea innovator, Sjaak van Schie, visiting from the Netherlands, fielded questions from the group, the presentation quickly evolved into a conversation about best practices and how everyone in the room can improve outcomes and save money. Several attendees that I spoke to following the discussion told this community, which involves all aspects of the greenhouse industry, feels like family, and that attending events like this feels like a reunion. That sense of community and the collective belief that we’re all in this together can be such a rarity in today’s world. It is inspiring to witness. I left news media in search of an opportunity where my skills could be used to help others do better, be better and feel valued. What I experienced at Mr. Sawaya’s assured me that I find myself in the right place. In my mind, whether it’s by putting food on a table or making the world a more beautiful place, helping you, the greenhouse community and its associated businesses and people, makes the world a better place.
In the near future, I hope to cross paths with many of you at Grower Day on June 20 in St. Catharines, or at Cultivate ’23 in Columbus, Ohio. If the opportunity arises, let’s talk about your insights, observations and concerns about the industry. Or even better, let’s talk about what’s working for you or others you know, and let’s find ways to share and celebrate that success.
I may be new to the world of greenhouses, but I am an eager student, and I am passionate about facilitating the conversations that will help us all navigate the
challenges ahead.
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