Doing Business in Your Bathrobe Day

That's today! Doing Business in Your Bathrobe Day started by Webmomz.com. This day "recognizes the hard work and dedication it takes to be an entrepreneur. It's a national holiday to call attention to the millions of home business owners who have waved good-bye to the corporate rat race and settled into a better quality of life. We felt it was high time to recognize the efforts and dreams of entrepreneurs." Webmomz cofounder, Kristie Tamsevicius, says, “It’s a national day to support entrepreneurs everywhere who are taking their work and paychecks into their own hands,”

I'm not a working mom, but I am entrepreneur and home business owner who took the leap just two short years ago. I love this idea. Not just because it is a day of solidarity, but also because it reflects how I spend a great deal of my work day.

My usual routine is to get up around 8am, feed the cat, make some tea, and hit the computer, about 10am I take a break to catch a bit of the Martha Stewart Show while getting dressed, brushing my teeth, and eating breakfast. Some days I work right on through Martha and up to lunch. At that point I've been in my robe and pjs for 5 hours of my work day, which is not unusual at all for me.

I force myself to take lunch about the sane time everyday be tying it to watching All My Children.(I was convinced that David is the Satin Slayer, but after Dixie's death, I'm not so sure.) Sometimes I don't get off the computer or phone until the last 10 minutes of the show, but at least I try to make 1-2pm my break period daily.Then its back to the computer until 7pm or so -- depending upon what deadlines are looming and what evening events I have planned. I'm usually in bed about Midnight.

Many days of course I have to go out to article interviews, photo shoots, meetings, and errands. And on weekends my hours are much earlier and go later depending upon what local garden events we are scheduled to attend. On those days I'm out of my bathrobe and into "real" clothes asap, though lately during this frigid February my wardrobe has started to slide into a lot of baggy sweaters and fleece so I don't feel too much of a shock at the change.

How about you? Wearing your bathrobe to work today?

Where Credit Is Due

One of our past EdibleHarvest columns from Washington Gardener Magazine was reprinted with permission in the February 2007 issue of Groundwork, a publication of the Landscape Contractors Association MD-DC-VA. (I'd link you to the direct article reprint online, but you must be one of their association members to access it.) We got the reprint credit, however they left off Cindy Brown of Green Spring Gardens, the author and photographer. She will get acknowledged in a correction in their next issue.

Foolproof Flower Photos

Our latest Washington Examiner article is now out. It is Garden Photography Tips straight from our photo contest judge's mouth. Yes, reading it WILL give you an advantage in next year's competition. Read it online (Feb 9 edition - page 60) or grab the print version at the red street boxes around town today - the article is on R4 (Real Estate section - page 4). It is also in the Baltimore Examiner edition online (Jan Feb 9 edition - page 78) or print version on R14 (Real Estate page 14).
Two quibbles:
~ In the DC version, why is this printed in black ink and not on one of the color spreads? At least was hoping it'd be in color online, if not in print. Oh well, gives folks more incentive to see the photos in their full glory in the magazine and at the art show. The Baltimore edition has it not only in color, but also squeezes in an extra photo (that is Rob Rudick's winning entry at left.
~ And why is Evelyn Jacobs name at the bottom of the side-bar indicating she authored it? That is just bewildering as her name was nowhere in the text submitted except in the separate photo captions.

A New Schedule Addition:
Washington Gardener Magazine and the Takoma Horticultural Club will have a table at The Takoma Park Green Building Conference - Tips to Go Green at Home - on Sunday, February 18th from 11 AM to 5 PM, at the Takoma Community Center. Most of the speakers at the event will address garden-related issues like cpmposting, rain barrels, etc. More details here. At our table we will have subscriptions, current and back issues, and other magazine goodies for sale. We will also have membership forms for the Takoma Horticultural Club and free garden seeds and Earth-friendly gardening tips.

Don't Smell the Roses!

It was a full-house last night at the Flower Confidential book talk with author Amy Stewart and I think we are were all mesmerized by Amy's "flower porn" and fascinating stories of the behind-the-scenes in cut flower production. Her cautionary tale of watching long-stem roses being plunged in chemicals for export to our markets and her advisory on NOT taking a bath in store-bought rose petals, had me alarmed enough to add that to my brain files under "things never to do" along with not putting them on wedding cakes, strewing them across your bed sheets, and using them for potpourri mix. And how many of us haven't gone up to these same flowers, stuck our noses in and taken a big, giant inhale -- little did we know we were just sucking in those toxins!?! Truth in labeling, anyone? Learn more in her new book, Flower Confidential.

Everyone left the talk with a bunch of SCS-certified tulips courtesy of Sun Valley Floral Farms, who are profiled in Amy's book. I'm enjoying my bunch of pale pink beauties this morning and can't wait to see my own tulips blooming in my garden this spring. At the talk I let most everyone choose their own tulip color, you know that shades of pink went last. First choices were the oranges and dark purples, next in line were clear yellow, bright red, then finally the whites with the pinks left over at the end. Maybe it was just the mix of attendees there last night or the lighting of the room, but this would not have been my guess on which tulip colors were most popular! Given my preference, I'd probably gravitate to the pinks or whites myself.

We got a big promo help for the event by nice listings of our press release in the Northwest Current and Foggy Bottom Current. For those who live outside DC borders, The Current is the free weekly paper delivered throughout the city and gives all the local news.

If you attended last night, please leave comments about it this blog or at any of these:
http://takomagardener.typepad.com/tg/ (see "3-Way Blogger Meet-Up" post)
http://www.blog.amystewart.com/ (see "Snow in DC" post)
http://www.gardenrant.com/

If you missed Amy last night, she is at the US Botanic Garden this afternoon and at Olsson's Books in Crystal City tonight You can listen to Amy live today on the Diane Rehm radio show (WAMU 88.5FM American University) and she will also be in the CBS Sunday Morning Early Show on 2/11. Whew! And this is just the start of her two-month book tour!

PS We still have some spaces left on our Philadelphia Flower Show tour, so if you are jonesing for some more flower porn in this frigid weather, take a few minutes to download our registration form at http://www.chevalsgardentours.com/ and send it in today.

Voice Shouts "Washington Gardener!"

The Takoma Voice's February 2007 issue is now out and has our Seed Exchange wrap-up article on page 20 along with a few selected photos. You can view it online here or pick it up (free) at the many drop locations in Takoma Park, MD and the Takoma DC neighborhood. It is also on page 20 of their sister-paper, the Silver Spring Voice.
Also in this issue is an article on page 33 by Susan Harris on Amy Stewart's new book, Flower Confidential. As you may recall, Amy is in-town today and tomorrow promoting her book on a whirlwind tour. Tonight, we co-host a free book talk with her at the West End Library downtown. Breaking News: We have fresh eco-friendly tulips flown in today just for some lucky book talk attendees. I just got off the phone with Amy two minutes ago and despite snow, wind chill, and DC drivers, she is looking forward to seeing you all tonight.

Joy in Repetition

It is Groundhog Day! Not exactly something I usually celebrate or observe in any form, but this year I thought I'd use the example of the Bill Murray movie and give you all a little memory jog. Here are all our upcoming deadlines and events:

- February 7 - Flower Confidential Book Talk with Author Amy Stewart
- February 10 - Advertising and submission deadline for our March/April 07 issue of Washington Gardener Magazine
- February 12 - Advertising and submission deadline for our February 15 07 issue of Washington Gardener Enewsletter
- February 14 - Registration deadline for the Washington Gardener Philadelphia Flower Show Tour
- February 15 - Washington Gardener Enewsletter 2/15/07 issue is out
- March 1 - Washington Gardener Magazine March/April 07 issue is out
- March 7 - Washington Gardener Philadelphia Flower Show Tour
- March 8-11 - Washington Home & Garden Show - Booth #920
- March 18 - WUSATV9 Appearance
- March 23 - Washington Gardener Photo Contest Art Opening

In addition, look for Washington Gardener staff at these upcoming area garden events:
- February 19 Silver Spring Garden Club meeting "Green Roofs"
- February 21 Takoma Hort Club meeting "Starting Annuals and Vegetables From Seed"
- February 23 Green Matters Symposium, Wheaton, MD
- February 25 Friends of Brookside Gardens Silent Auction

I'm sure I'm forgetting several things, but this should keep your calendars busy for now.

Deadline Extended - Procrastinators Sigh in Relief

Registration for the Washington Gardener 1st Annual Philadelphia Flower Show Tour on March 7 has been extended through February 14. We still have some spaces on our coach and if need by, will start a waiting list or add a second bus (uh, coach). Full details and registration form are posted at: http://www.chevalsgardentours.com/

I Now Don the Art Exhibit Curator + Gazette Article Link

Today's Gazette has a great article on our Seed Exchange. In the Silver Spring edition it is on page A8. Freelancer Rachel Mauro came to the event and did a nice write up on it. No photos, but we can remedy that next year. No link online -- maybe it takes a day or so for the content to go up, but I've searched every which way and the piece is not there yet. If I ever find it, I'll update this with a link asap. Basically, Rachel did a nice summary of the day's events including a good plug for the photo contest and upcoming art show. UPDATE: The Gazette article link is now up here.

Pictured here is another of our Washington Gardener Photo Contest Winners. This one is by Patricia Deege. I thought it was appropriate considering the weather forecast for white stuff tomorrow. Our judge, Josh, said one of the best things about this photo was the cropping out of the sky - and he's right, if I took this photo, that is exactly what I would have done a big band of blank gray sky above and certainly not as high quality scene-framing, separation, and focus. And yes, low-res online veiwing just does not do it justice.

Speaking of which, as a newbie art exhibit curator I'm now challenged with figuring out what sizing and framing to designate for this show. I'm obviously thinking "keep it simple" with black wood frames and white mats so the stunning color photos can stand on their own. However, the sizing is tough as some images were square and will not crop easily to 8x10 or 11x14 -- nor would I want the winners to have to adjust their images in a way that might impact them. Though how do size them for consistency? I'll ask around and visit a few photo galleries to see what they do. Then there is the issue of pricing - for those that want to sell. What is fair market value? Do we get a sales commission cut? I'd at least like to make back the cost of the framing and opening reception party as well as event marketing. And if none sell? Well, I did not go into this photo contest with the expectation of a show in any case.

And The Winners Are...

The winners of the first annual Washington Gardener Photo Contest were announced at the Washington Gardener Seed Exchange last Saturday in a presentation by our judge, Josh Taylor of Archiphoto Workshops. There were many 'oohs' and 'aahs' as Josh first showed the entries he had narrowed down to his first cut of about 60 images. This was done as a moving montage to music. Then he presented our 17 winners and described why each was chosen and what minor tweaks they might have done to possible take them to the next winning level. As a garden photographer myself, I found that portion of the talk most educational and enlightening. I have so much more to learn!

If you missed this presentation, note that Josh will be presenting a garden photo workshop this June to the Silver Spring Garden Club. He has been asked to show the contest montage and winners again as part of his talk there. They meet the 3rd Monday of the month at 8:00 pm in the Brookside Gardens Visitor Center, Wheaton, MD. It is free to attend.

The winning photos will also be published in the March/April 07 issue of Washington Gardener Magazine along with additional details on the entrants and their images. You can subscribe to the magazine for just $18 a year and receive that issue in the mail. Or purchase the single issue directly from us for $4.99 (postage included) when it comes out on March 1. Or buy it for the same price ($4.99 plus tax) at local Borders, Barnes & Noble, or B. Dalton book stores after March 3.

Finally, you will be able to view the winning images IN PERSON at an art show! The opening reception is Friday, March 23 from 7-9 pm at the Adams Bank Lobby in the World Building on Georgia Avenue in downtown Silver Spring, MD. You are all invited. If you miss that evening, come by and view the photos anytime during the normal bank hours. They will be up through May 25. We expect a good deal of press coverage of this art show, so be looking out in the local papers. We will, of course, send you another invitation closer to the event date with full details.

Yes, we WILL be having a 2nd Annual Washington Gardener Photo Contest, so start gathering your images now and throughout this year. We will keep most all the entry rules the same as this year, but are looking at adding a few more categories. (Suggestions are welcome!) We will again accept the entries during the first three weeks of January with the winners announced at the annual Washington Gardener Seed Exchange, which next year will be January 26, 2008.

One of the Honorable Mention winners in the "Small Wonders" category is pictured above. It was taken by Evelyn Jacobs and is brreath-taking. Obviously, a low-res, blog-friendly version of the image does not do it justice.

The complete the list of winners will be posted to the Contest page of our web site shortly. Congratulations to them all! We had such a marvelous crop of entrants that were truly daunting and inspiring. I was awed by the level of talent out there.

Seed Exchange 2007 Wrap-Up

I have lots to do to wrap-up this year's successful Seed Exchange. On my to-do list: totaling the attendee numbers (my current rough count was 50+ registrants); tallying the evaluations; sending out thank yous to our speakers, sponsors, and volunteers; unpacking/repacking all the supplies and extra goody bags; sending out a wrap-up story and photos to the local press; etc.

This year we made a few improvements and changes that I think we'll keep for future years, including: setting the seed swap tables up in a middle row instead of against the wall which improved traffic flow and adding a "show 'n tell" period where people could talk about their seeds, other local garden groups and events, ask garden questions, etc.

Lessons learned this year:
1. Probably not going to work with the USNA again for the foreseeable future - being canceled on without warning just 5 days prior to the event took about 10 years off my life - at least all worked out for the better in the end and the Montgomery College location was a perfect solution for us.
2. Save the most sought after Door Prize items for last - though it is hard to predict which are the most coveted as that is highly subjective. Was it the gorgeous Seedheads book from Timber Press, the David Austin Roses, the hellebores from Sunshine Farm, the $100 gift certificate to Garden District, the Juneberry bush from Edible Landscaping, the worm tea from GlobalWorming, or one of the other 20+ items? All seem equally great to me.
3. Add a children's fee and maybe a few activities for the youngsters. Last year, for our first annual event, no one brought kids nor did they even ask to do so. This year, several asked and brought children prompting me to add a discount children's fee on the spot. Of course, this little fellow (pictured above) got in free-of-charge and was a perfect angel, allowing his parent's to enjoy the talks and peruse the seed selections at their leisure.
4. We had to cater it ourselves due to the venue change and loss of FONA food sponsorship. We had a more substantial food selection than last year's -- from the healthy (whole fruit and granola bars) to the filling (cheese crackers, cookie packs, and pecan rolls). All food was purchased as prepackaged and individually wrapped portions for sanitation and storage purposes. We hit the quantity right on the head. Next year, we may add more on the healthy end of the spectrum and perhaps look for another outside food sponsor.

Some early feedback:
~ Great Show on Saturday. - Peter
~ Good job, Kathy. It was a fun event! - Judy
~ Kathy, just wanted to commend you on the seed exchange. All the hardwork you put into it was very evident. I thought it was a great event!Congrats! - Cindy

Next year's Seed Exchange is 1/26/08 -- remember National Seed Swap Day is the last Saturday in January. Keep that in your date book!

Psst! Get the Inside Scoop on the Cut Flower Industry!

The Four Seasons Garden Club and Washington Gardener Magazine are co-hosting a book talk by author Amy Stewart: Flower Confidential. It will take place Wednesday, February 7, from 6:30-8:45 pm at the West End Neighborhood Library, 1101 24th Street NW WDC ~ near the Foggy Bottom metro. This event is absolutely free and is open to all.
You may be familiar with Amy through the blog she shares with three other highly-opinionated garden writers, GardenRant, or her previous garden books, The Earth Moved and From the Ground Up. When Amy said she was coming to DC on her publicity tour for this book, I jumped at the chance to arrange for her to give a talk to a local garden club. I knew this would be a win-win-win situation all around. Plus, I finally get to meet her in person and dish the dirt as it were. Here is a little bit about her book from her publicity materials:
Flower Confidential is an around-the-world, behind-the-scenes look at the flower industry and how it has sought--for better and worse--to achieve perfection.
Does it matter that a bouquet of roses travels halfway around the world before it arrives at your supermarket or florist? Or that growers force tulips to bloom in December? Are we being tricked when a scientist engineers a lily that doesn’t shed pollen?
For over a century, hybridizers, geneticists, farmers, and florists around the world have worked to invent, manufacture, and sell flowers that are bigger, brighter, and sturdier than anything nature could provide. Almost any flower, in any color, is for sale at any time of the year.
Amy Stewart travels the globe to take us inside this dazzling world. She tracks down scientists intent on developing the first genetically modified blue rose; an eccentric horticultural legend who created the world’s most popular lily (the ‘Star Gazer’); a breeder of gerberas of every color imaginable; and an Ecuadorian farmer growing exquisite, high-end organic roses that are the floral equivalent of a Tiffany diamond. She sees firsthand how flowers are grown and harvested on farms in Latin America, California, and Holland. (It isn’t always pretty.)
The library meeting room where we will gather fits 150 people total and we anticipate a very good turnout. Get there early to get a good seat!