From the Editor

Another growing season has passed. I have two main reasons for loving nursery work. First, I get to work with an extraordinary group of individuals; those relationships often transcend the work environment and some of my dearest friends are the same people with whom I share my love of nursery work. One of those good friends, John Harrington, a professor at New Mexico State University, was tragically killed this summer riding his bike home from his nursery. John and I worked together, on and off, for more years than either of us care to confess. He reviewed manuscripts for this journal and had agreed to come on as my “forestry” associate editor shortly before his passing. It makes me sad for so many reasons, and makes me appreciate more everyone else I’m still working with, especially my managing editor, Candace Akins. Without her, NPJ just wouldn’t happen. I also thank my associate editors, Diane Haase, Rick Hammer, James Muir, Deborah Rogers, Nancy Shaw, Daniela Shebitz, Steven E Smith, and Sandra Wilson. And, my thanks to all the reviewers who never really get the recognition they deserve: Chris Adams, James R Ault, Jim Borland, John Brissette, Robert Brzuszek, Michelle Cram, Bert Cregg, Danny Gustafson, Marshall Haferkamp, Stuart P Hardegree, John Harrington, Dave Haywood, Robert L James, Robert P Karrfalt, Mary H Meyer, Hector Perez, William D Pitman, Joe Scianna, Forrest S Smith, Ryan Stewart, Vic Vankus, Jeffrey Walck, Katherine Wilkin, Kim M Wilkinson, and Truman P Young. I must also say good-bye to Pamela Wilson at the University of Wisconsin Press; thank you for what you’ve done for NPJ.

The second reason I love nursery work is that this time each year, I get rid of my mistakes. Once the frost comes and the crop is done, whether it was good or bad, it no longer really matters because that crop is out the door. Next spring I can start fresh, let go of my past failures, look with hopeful anticipation toward growing that perfect crop, but knowing full well that some plants will probably still humble me in yet another new way. I’ll see you again in Spring 2012 with another issue of Native Plants Journal. Please tell your friends about us.