Farewell message from the Editor

This issue marks exactly seventeen years since Hort Journal Australia began in July 2008. I have been the Editor from the beginning. However, it is now time for me to turn the page to a new chapter in my life. It is difficult to summarise my experience in this small editorial.

When I began, I was filled with a mix of excitement and nerves. I had no idea what lay ahead, and I could never have predicted the journey I have had. My time has been filled with challenges, growth, collaboration, fun, and above all, the opportunity to help shape the magazine and keep it going through many difficult times. 

I’ve had the pleasure of working with some extraordinary people and contributors to the magazine, each bringing their unique voice and vision to our pages. Thank you!

Working in the horticultural industry is a unique experience. It is filled with resilient and passionate individuals. Recently, when I attended the IPPS Conference in Cairns, we visited some nurseries that had been severely impacted by Mother Nature, wiping out their stock and giving their businesses a thorough thrashing. Their resilience is admirable, to put it mildly. They must love what they do to be able to get back up, dust themselves off and get on with it.  Their kindness has no limits, as they generously hosted guests and sponsored dinners. What remarkable people they are!  I have written more about that and the conference in this issue. I believe horticulture is more than a career; it’s a way of life. 

As I embark on new adventures, I do so with gratitude and optimism. The magazine is in the very capable hands of Gabrielle Stannus. I am confident that she will bring her vision and style to Hort Journal. You have all read her articles in the magazine for many years and have seen the effort, research and dedication she brings to the magazine. I’m excited to see how it continues to evolve and thrive under her leadership. Change, after all, is essential to growth. And while I’ll no longer be behind the editor’s desk, I remain an ardent supporter and reader.

I’m deeply proud of what we have accomplished, but beyond the content, it’s the people that I see year in and year out at conferences and expos that  I’ll miss most.

I cannot leave without making a few special mentions, particularly in my very early years, to those friends who supported me by submitting articles. Gary Leeson, Steve Falcioni, Angie Thomas, and Glenice Buck to name a few.

John Fitzsimmons, for your guidance. Thank you! Janet Hodgkiss, thank you for doing such a great job proofreading so many articles in a short timeframe when we are really under the pump. To all our contributors, I say a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you. Your contributions have been well-received and appreciated. Thanks Gabe, for your support and for having faith in me.

To all our readers, thank you for your support. Print media is not dead, thanks to you.

Once again, I hope you enjoy the read.

Karen Smith and your Hort Journal team