An editor’s letter for a Vox magazine issue on Jun. 23, 2011 featuring a profile on prize-winning gardeners and a meteorologist
It doesn’t have a great view, but my balcony is useful. Last summer, my first garden consisted of three potted plants on my terrace: tomatoes, strawberries and daisies. The strawberries didn’t make it, but those tomatoes and daisies were my prized possessions. I actually wrote a blog post, posted a Facebook status and emailed my family about the tomatoes once because I was worried they had a disease. When they pulled through, I rejoiced.
This year, I added to my family of plants. In addition to last year’s trio (the strawberries are actually bearing fruit this time around), I added lettuce and multiple herbs. It’s not an award-worthy garden, but I’m proud of it.
The Arts department story this week (Page 7 plus an online gallery) profiles Sam and Betty Mackey, a couple who does have a prize-winning garden. Their yard earned them the Columbia Garden Club’s June Yard of the Month award. I relate to their devotion to gardening. Betty says she notices tiny changes in all of her plants, such as a new bloom. When I notice a new fruit or bud, grab my iPhone and snap a photo.
Another great reason to have a balcony in Missouri in the summer is thunderstorms. Sitting outside and watching a storm roll in is one of my favorite pastimes, As a native Oklahoman, I have an obsession with extreme weather, especially storms.
Chester Lampkin, this week’s subject in A Conversation With, (Page 18 and extended online) has more than just a fascination with weather — he had a passion for it at a young age. Now he makes a living out of that childhood love as a weatherman at KRCG. His Q&A includes his thoughts on 2011’s extreme weather and what it’s like to report during a tornado.
Click here to view magazine page as a PDF.