Jeff Shimonski was the director of horticulture for Jungle Island
in Miami, Fla. for 39 years. He retired from that position in 2014
and now works as a consultant in tropical arboriculture and
horticulture, sustainable site development and management,
IPM, and urban forestry. He also continues to write about
horticulture for a variety of publications, including the Biscayne
Times, for which he's written 72 columns.
"Ever since I started working professionally in horticulture,
I always wanted to write articles for newspapers, magazines
and journals," said Shimonski. "It was a big thrill for me to get
published for the first time in an international journal."
I remember that thrill, too. I've been freelance writing since
1998 and freelance editing since 2005. I can relate to both sides
of the editor's desk. I've been the writer whose submissions are
rejected, and I've been the editor who had to do some polite
rejecting. I have some thoughts to share based on my familiarity
with both sides of the exchange.
But first, why consider this? You may be motivated to write for
the sheer pleasure and gratification of it, for a little extra money,
to develop your writing ability, or to help promote your business.
Sharing your expertise in a lively way is an effective form of
marketing yourself and/or your company.
Advice for Writing about
Horticulture
■ By Michelle Sutton
10 October 2014 Landscape and Irrigation www.landscapeirrigation.com
industry insights
Landscapers at the Keyboard
High-quality photos will help you sell your story idea. (Above) Flame tree Delonix regia by Jeff Shimonski and (opposite page) yellowwood Cladrastis kentukea by Michelle Sutton
