Homegrown Anniversary

In 2003, I started writing a column I called “Homegrown” for The Gazette, as an outlet for my gardening obsession.

The column has since been printed in various places online and in the newspaper, so I'm grateful to all of you who have followed along, as Homegrown marks its 10th anniversary this year.

I also owe a great debt of gratitude to our Linn County master gardeners, who are the masterminds behind many of the columns, along with other guest columnists.

We've covered plant care; insects; composting; herbs; houseplants and a multitude of other gardening topics.

As the New Year begins, I'd like to hear how you'd like to see Homegrown grow into the future.

Are there gardening problems or ideas for columns you'd like to see explored?

Do you attend local events after seeing them listed in this column?

Are you a Homegrown Facebook friend? Would you like to see the Facebook contests continue?

Do you read the full Homegrown columns online? We don't have the space limitations online that we have in print, so often you can find photos, links and more information at www.TheGazette.com/Life.

If you have ideas for topics or comments you'd like to pass along, you have several options:

- Post it on Homegrown's Facebook page. If you're not a Facebook friend, click “like” on the home/garden page with the pink malva flowers.

- Write “Homegrown” in the subject line and send an email to me at: Cindy.Hadish@sourcemedia.net

- Call (319) 398-8428 or send a letter to Cindy Hadish, c/o The Gazette, 500 Third Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52406.

Thank you for being a part of Iowa's Homegrown community!