Re: Code of Ethics

**A*@aol.com**

Well,    about a code of ethics, I'd like to see less promotion of specific 
nurseries and suppliers without a lengthy disclaimer to reduce the effect.  
The average consumer thinks that if something is in print it is 
unquestionable.  I'd like to see thorough descriptions and explanations about 
the kinds of knowledge that a DIY gardener needs to be successful.  These 
articles should be regular items and the cycle should be rather long.  A once 
over lightly treatment of basics of soil texture, structure, fertility and 
plants's needs for elements produces annual renewal of misunderstanding, 
confusion, and a disinclination to pay attention to additional such writings. 

Retailers are awakening to the need for informed, patient staff.  Retailers 
have begun to realize this builds repeat business.  A little conversation 
between the onetime writer and his editor to consider whether a small clearly 
presented concept is wanted or a puff piece.  I have thought that a regional 
publication around here is only interested in exhorting readers to go forth 
and spend money in the vain hope that their dreams will come true.  I 
subscribe to the Journal of the International Society of Arboriculture even 
though it costs more than twice as much as The Garden the journal of the 
Royal Horticultural Society.  They both have thorough articles on narrow 
topics.  The ISA Journal a bit more thorough and narrowly focused.   From 
contact with countless people who don't have much knowledge, but tons of 
desire, I understand that the person in the back yard doesn't usually want 
another Powys Castle, rather a simple 15 inch container for the current year. 
 However, those people can be lured along when a regular column refers back 
to previous editions.  The growing medium is important and many of the same 
considerations apply whether in the ground or a container.

However if a garden writer is only intending to entertain the reader, and 
other considerations are totally ignorable; why should an association of 
garden writers have any concern for ethics?

Barbara Emeneau
apismno@aol.com
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