Out with 2024 and in with 2025

And just like that, it is December, often referred to as the silly season as so many try to squeeze a myriad of things in before Christmas Day. Landscapers are stressed as every client wants their projects completed for the big day, retail garden centres are run off their feet with last-minute shoppers, and we usually have many events to attend for those end-of-year celebrations. Christmas Day can be mayhem, and on Boxing Day, you can be forgiven for feeling like you have been squarely boxed and require a sneaky little nap here and there. Go for it, I say, you have earned it.

2024 has been an eventful year, to say the least. Many world events have been devastating and make you realise how lucky we are to live in a country without the type of conflict affecting many. Spare a thought for those affected and give generously if you can.

This time of year can be a challenging time for many reasons for many people. Australia also has its share of people who are down on their luck, and there are plenty of organisations we can volunteer to support or donate to. Our thoughts go out to the families of those industry people who passed away this year.

On a positive note, we must remember the joy and pleasure that our industry brings to the wider community. Whether it be growing plants, selling plants to consumers, or designing or installing a beautiful landscape, we are privileged to share our love of plants and nature, knowing there are many wonderful benefits to people’s health and well-being.

This is the perfect time to give a living gift and share our knowledge of the benefits of growing and nurturing plants.

We want to take the opportunity to say thank you to all those people who have helped and supported Hort Journal Australia over the past seventeen years. We were so delighted earlier this year to hear that so many people love to receive our magazine through an industry survey. We are still keeping our heads up above water and hope to continue for years to come.

Our advertisers cannot be thanked enough; without you, we would not have a magazine, and we urge our readers to support you in return.

Thanks again for our contributors. Many of you probably cringe when I remind you that your article is due. It is a big call to write monthly articles, and your efforts are not lost on me. Thank you so much; the feedback we hear from readers is a testament to your great work.

Finally, we wish you all the very best and hope you all manage to get some downtime over Christmas and New Year. Plants still need to be watered and fed!

As warnings about storms, floods, and fires arise on the news, please stay safe. 2025 is approaching, and we all look forward to good things to come. Don’t forget the Greenlife Industry Australia Conference in February, which will be in Brisbane. Put it in your diaries.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you and your families.

Karen Smith and your Hort Journal Team