Heidi wrote:

I'm just curious as to how many folks see value in subscribing to
gardening magazines. I have subscribed to two of the biggies for a
little over a year now. There are some beautiful pictures, however
often the plants in large vignettes are not identified. One magazine
always highlights some rich couple's gardens, the ones done by
professional landscapers, and the ones that you really need to have some
$$$ to afford. Well, it is nice to see these photos, but I'd like to
see some pictures of gardeners more like me. A few more practical
gardens. The other magazine has too many articles and ads for garden
furniture. For either, when a plant is identified, I find it is not
something carried in the local nurseries where I live.

Do you all think they are worth it? Anyone else get annoyed that the
featured gardens always show some wealthy couple lounging around in
pricey furniture, next to their outdoor shower, which is being fed by
their faux waterfall, etc...


Dunno what mags you guy's have over there.. Here in the UK we can get
the reasonably good BBC gardening mag..

The RHS does a more Horticultural biased mag as part of their
subscription (I think it may be included in the International verison
check the website)

I've also found Organic Gardening (both the original US version and the
UK equivalent (different publisher same title) well worth the cash..)

For specific plants though, I do tend to use smaller specialist
nurseries where I know I am more likley to get specific advice..
Plants tend to have their own specialist publications to go with them..

If you're really into bamboos, theres mag on them! Likewise if you're
into Passiflora etc etc.. Someone soemwhere will be keen and these are
the places to seek out ideas and information..
A lot of the garden centres in the UK are just 'design shops' and match
many of the glossy mags. Rather than being into any serious
plantsmanship or gardening that is.. Whatever floats your boat!

//
Jim